Wisconsin to receive funding for weatherization training center

The U.S. Department of Energy has announced that the Wisconsin Energy Conservation Corp. has been selected to receive more than $250,000 in funding under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to expand Wisconsin’s weatherization training programs and establish a new weatherization training center in Madison. This award is one of 34 projects in 27 states that have been selected to receive $29 million in total Recovery Act funding. These projects will provide green job training for local workers in energy efficiency retrofitting and weatherization services.

This approximately $320,000 cost-shared project will enhance Wisconsin’s existing training program by creating additional hands-on and interactive training opportunities, according to the Department of Energy. Leveraging the state’s existing energy efficiency resources, the project will focus on consistent training for all residential retrofitters, promote and integrate energy-efficiency diagnostic and installation technologies to make buildings more efficient and affordable, and improve the overall quality of work performed on existing homes.

NPS Corp. assisting in Gulf Region cleanup

NPS Corp., a Green Bay manufacturer of industrial and marine spill control products, is part of the clean-up effort of the massive oil spill in the Gulf Region.

“We have ramped up our production capacity 24-7 to supply the region with the products that they desperately need,” says NPS Corp. President Andrew F. Hetzel Jr. “It is a very gratifying feeling knowing that you really can make a difference with the products that you provide to the market.”

NPS manufactures what is commonly known as an absorbent boom, a product that surrounds and absorbs spilled oil. In addition to absorbent booms, NPS is also supplying oil absorbent pads and other products to assist in the massive spill.

MAIL CALL

To the Editor,
I was pleased to read “Manufacturing resurgence can lead Wisconsin’s recovery,” by Michael Klonsinski, in the March issue.
It’s true that many manufacturers have worked hard and made smart moves to get through tough times—reinventing their business models, expanding their capabilities, penetrating new markets, etc.

But I have to wonder: Does anybody outside the walls of those facilities know about these successes?

If Wisconsin manufacturers truly are going to lead the state’s recovery, then it’s time for these companies to stand out and be more assertive about telling their great stories. It isn’t enough to have forged a competitive edge in a difficult market. You need to exploit that advantage through clear and consistent communications.

We’re talking about more than a quickly forgotten press release. It takes a multifaceted effort, on the web, in the media, in direct marketing and more. Share a fresh, powerful and relevant message that will help you earn new business and meet your strategic objectives.

This effort is essential for manufacturers to realize their full potential for success. It’s also critical to the economic vitality of the entire state. After all, if enough companies start communicating good news more aggressively — new technologies, greater productivity, smarter strategies, etc. — it will collectively add up to a whole new perception of Wisconsin manufacturing.

Andy Narrai, Chief Operating Officer
Scheibel Halaska, Milwaukee

To the Editor,
Contrary to many reports, banks are lending to qualified small businesses. Many business owners are obtaining the capital they need to fund operations through the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) loan programs, which are designed to provide eligible businesses with competitive financing alternatives to conventional loan terms. All types of businesses, ranging from well-established companies to start-up ventures, are qualifying for assistance through the SBA.  Most importantly, the SBA is open for business and fully funded.

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 included specific SBA provisions geared toward ensuring access to capital for small businesses. These provisions have been instrumental in keeping credit flowing during a time when conventional sources of credit have deteriorated. Specifically, Section 501 of the Recovery Act provided for “waiver” (payment by U.S. Treasury) of the one-time, up-front borrower loan guaranty fee.  Even though this temporary benefit expired on May 31, 2010, Congress will be taking-up legislation that if ratified and signed by President Obama, would once again provide fee relief for SBA borrowers. More than 500 Associated Bank SBA borrowers have saved more than $1 million in loan fees since Feb. 17, 2009 as a result of the SBA benefits included in the Recovery Act.  

This singular benefit of the Recovery Act has allowed businesses to retain a substantial amount of working capital that is then available for redeployment within the enterprise. Keeping credit flowing is critical to local companies for retaining and creating jobs, purchasing goods and services, and paying federal, state and local taxes. I’m pleased to report that Associated Bank’s SBA borrowers have self-reported that our SBA lending efforts have created and retained more than 4,000 jobs between February 2009 and April 2010.

The SBA is an important resource in helping small businesses to innovate and grow. I encourage interested business owners to contact their local participating SBA lender to learn more about how an SBA financing solution might address their specific credit needs.

Jeffrey S. Sheffler
Vice President, Government Guaranteed Lending Program Manager
Associated Bank, N.A.

MOVERS

>> Nelson Schmidt Inc., a marketing communications agency, has added Kim Anderberg as account supervisor and William Alexander as creative director to the agency’s Madison office.

>> Jenna Clevers has joined the legal team of Davis & Kuelthau’s Green Bay office.

>> Roundhouse Marketing Services Inc. has named Irving Chung as its first chief marketing officer.

>> Community Living Solutions has added Rick Schaalma as project manager.

BUSINESS BRIEFS

STATEWIDE: A new partnership between the WiSys Technology Foundation and UW-Madison’s Office of Corporate Relations is supporting the development of entrepreneurship courses by WiSys. The first phase of the educational program, which will be delivered as a Web-based course, is expected to be completed by early 2011. WiSys and OCR also expect to organize a Kauffman Entrepreneur-ship Workshop as part of the Wisconsin Science & Technology Symposium (WSTS), an annual scientific conference organized by WiSys to showcase technology breakthroughs achieved in the comprehensive campuses. The WSTS 2010 symposium is scheduled for July 22-23 on the UW-Green Bay campus. This new program is funded through a five-year grant from the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation of Kansas City to “transform the way colleges and universities prepare students for success in the American economy.”

MADISON: The move to merge Summit Credit Union and State Central Credit Union has garnered approval from the State Central Credit Union membership as well as regulatory approval from the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions and the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA). The merger is anticipated to become effective June 30, 2010; systems and products will be converted on Sept. 1, 2010.  >> Tri-North Builders has launched a new division, Nova Retail Group. This new division was added to fill the need in the construction industry for someone to provide full service support in all stages of the design and construction process and is based in Portsmouth, N.H.

MILWAUKEE: Jefferson Wells, a global provider of risk advisory, tax, and finance and accounting-related services, has established an alliance with Baker Tilly Mexico, an independent member of the Baker Tilly International network. The alliance agreement, completed on March 1, 2010, marks Jefferson Wells’ fifth expansion in twelve months and is its first into Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean. >> M&I Bank was recently recognized by the Wisconsin Small Business Administration (SBA) as the 504 Loan Program Lender of the Year. This is the fifth consecutive year that M&I Bank has received the award.