One of Milwaukee’s leading industries has a new partner. The joint venture of two brewing giants, Miller, and Coors, is now two years old. So what has the MillerCoors corporate vision  meant for Milwaukee? We learn more about that in this edition of Business Profile. MillerCoors Milwaukee Brewery Vice President Andrew Moschea gives us an inside look.  During the tour he speaks with WisconsinEye host Mark Siegrist, and videographer Paul Schmidt, about how the local operation has become more efficient, green, and team oriented.  

In this edition of Business Profile, WisconsinEye visited Alterra Coffee Roasters in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.  Alterra specializes in organic and fair trade coffees, roasted at their Humboldt Blvd location in Milwaukee.  The same location houses Alterra’s bakery, and serves as a café.  Alterra’s co-owner and co-founder, Lincoln Fowler, and host Mark Siegrist, toured the facility, and spoke about Alterra’s green practices, employee relations, and relationships with the community. 

On any given nice weather weekend tens of thousands of people camp out in Wisconsin.  WisconsinEye contributor Jason Fischer visited Wilderness Campground near Montello to learn more about the state’s private campground industry.  Wisconsin Association of Campground Owners Executive Director Lori Severson explained how members of the organization are serving the marketplace with different offerings and business plans.  Bob Weiss, the owner of Wilderness Campground, discussed current trends in camping and how campgrounds are adapting to the demands of today’s campers.  The Wisconsin Association of Campground Owners publishes an annual directory of private campgrounds in Wisconsin.  It is available online at wisconsincampgrounds.com.

In a business profile interview on June 15, 2010, WisconsinEye's Mark Siegrist spoke with Don Smiley, President/CEO, Milwaukee World Festival, Inc. Smiley is in charge of Summerfest, Milwaukee's popular music festival that incorporates various musical artists and genres. Summerfest kicks off June 24 and will last until July 4, 2010.

Milwaukee Brewers Executive Vice President for Business Operations, Rick Schlesinger, sat down with WisconsinEye's Mark Siegrist to discuss the business of baseball and his personal insight into managing the daily operations of the Milwaukee Brewers franchise.

WisconsinEye contributor Jason Fischer toured the Mazomanie Heritage Kitchen and Market, one of several food business incubators in operation or in development in Wisconsin.   Owner Dan Viste explained why he decided to open the facility and how it operates.  Anne Pfeiffer, agricultural innovation specialist with UW-Extension, said the facilities and the technical assistance they offer are helping farmers and food entrepreneurs develop new products.  Amy Brown, one of the users of the Mazomanie Heritage Kitchen and Market, explained how the resources have helped her grow her business, Cookies In the Breakroom LLC.   For more information on food business incubators in Wisconsin, visit:  fyi.uwex.edu/aic.

Film Wisconsin is a public/private partnership non-profit organization working to create a thriving motion picture, television production, and video game industry in the state. Functioning as the film commission for the state of Wisconsin Film Wisconsin advocates for the industry in the global marketplace, provides information and resources on the industry, and is a technical assistance organization for individuals and organizations engaged in all aspects of production including video gaming and new media. Business Profile host Jason Fischer interviewed Dave Fantle of the Film Wisconsin board at his office in Milwaukee. Fantle said Film Wisconsin is hoping to work with legislators and the next governor to bring back more attractive incentives for the film industry. A generous support program started in 2008 was replaced in the current state budget with a much smaller grant program.

The Wisconsin Manufacturing Extension Partnership (WMEP) is a private, nonprofit consulting organization committed to the growth and success of Wisconsin manufacturers. During the past five years, WMEP-assisted manufacturers reported economic impact of $977 million with 7,965 jobs created/retained. WMEP receives financial support from the state Department of Commerce, and partners with many public and private organizations. Executive Director Mike Klonsinski visited the WisconsinEye studios March 12, 2010. WisconsinEye contributor Jason Fischer asked him about the state of the manufacturing sector in Wisconsin and WMEP’s efforts to bring Next Generation Manufacturing best practices to Wisconsin firms. Mary Isbister, president of GenMet in Mequon, discussed how her company has benefited from the services offered by WMEP. 

WisconsinEye contributor Jason Fischer visited Marquette University’s GasDay Laboratory, a business and educational venture that has been developing  and refining natural gas demand forecasting models since 1993. Business manager Tom Quinn, developer Ron Brown, and researcher George Corliss talked about the program’s history, components, applications, and future. Two student employees discussed their experiences working with utilities around the country. With 22 customers in 21 states, GasDay forecasts about 20 percent of the nation’s natural gas usage. The project has helped utilities save millions of dollars by helping them better manage their natural gas transactions. 

The Automobile Dealers Association of Mega Milwaukee (ADAMM) presents the annual Greater Milwaukee Auto Show. WisconsinEye visited the 2010 edition of the auto show to talk with members of ADAMM about the state of the automotive retail industry in Wisconsin. ADAMM President Jim Tolkan told Business Profile host Jason Fischer that recent sales figures show the market may be emerging from its slumber. He says the health of the sector will continue to depend on the health of the overall economy. Greg Hobbs of David Hobbs Honda in Glendale explained what dealers are doing to boost sales and attract customers. Interviews with representatives from General Motors and Toyota are also included in this program. Scott Settlemire of General Motors discussed new vehicle production, including alternative fuel technology and what manufacturers are doing to boost fuel economy in new models. Curt McAllister of Toyota addressed recent product recalls and how manufacturers prepare for auto shows. The Greater Milwaukee Auto Show is staged every year at the Midwest Airlines Center in downtown Milwaukee.

Based in Stoddard, Whole Trees Architecture and Construction is a design/build firm that uses forest thinnings as a building material for agricultural, residential, and commercial applications. Roald Gundersen developed the techniques in 1991. He partnered with Amelia Baxter in 2007 to create Wholes Trees Architecture and Construction. Business Profile host Jason Fischer interviewed Gundersen at the WisconsinEye studios in Madison.  This program features discussions on the history of the company, its building vision and methods, and its community supported forestry program. Gundersen shared photos of some of his projects to help viewers better understand how he uses local, natural resources.

This episode of Business Profile featured a Wisconsin-based e-business. Bobbi Lemanski and Kim Ziehr own Raisin Boat, which operates the Web site RaisinBoat.com. The stamp retail and rental business is operated out of their homes in the Madison area.  It caters to people involved in scrapbooking, card making and other crafts. Lemanski and Ziehr joined Business Profile host Jason Fischer at the WisconsinEye studios for a wide-ranging interview on their business plan, including advice for others who may be considering an e-commerce venture.

Based in Madison, a Really Big Life is a life and business coaching firm.  Owner Elisabeth L. Norton joined Business Profile host Jason Fischer at the WisconsinEye studios in Madison to talk about the field of life and business coaching and the services she offers to clients.  Norton also runs the Rainbird Foundation, which is working to create a world safe for children.  She is planning a 1000 Mile Journey Walk in downtown Madison this April.  She is hoping to draw 1,000 or more people to walk a mile around the State Capitol as a fundraiser for child abuse prevention efforts.  Future plans include 1000 Mile Journey Walks in other cities across America and the world. 

Gorst Valley Hops is working to reintroduce hops in Wisconsin. The mission of the business is to provide farmers with a high-value crop that they can produce on small acreage within a system that returns the majority of the value of the crop back to the grower.  In this program recorded at the WisconsinEye studios in Madison, James Altwies, the company’s director and horticulturist, and Christine Molling, the company's outreach specialist, joined Jason Fischer, WisconsinEye’s Business Profile host, to discuss the history of hops production in Wisconsin, the way the crop is grown, and how the Gorst Valley Hops concept, including how the business assists farmers in the start-up, processing, and distribution of the crop.  To learn more about the company, visit gorstvalleyhops.com. Gorst Valley Hops is based near Mazomanie, with a processing facility in Middleton.

WisconsinEye toured the Majestic Cinema in Brookfield with Carlo Petrick, communications manager for Marcus Theatres. Petrick discussed the latest in movie theater amenities and technology with Business Profile host Jason Fischer. Marcus Theatres is based in Milwaukee. Petrick outlined the company's history and growth. He also explained how movie theaters are trying to compete with other out-of-home entertainment options and venues.

The Haiti Project is a program operated by the Diocese of Milwaukee. It is part of the outreach ministry of the Episcopal Church in Wisconsin. Since 1986 volunteers from all faiths have been sharing their technical skills, money, and time helping the people of Haiti. The group works primarily in the small, rural village of Jeannette. Business Profile host Jason Fischer interviewed project coordinator Jan Byrd about how Americans can help rebuild Haiti after the recent earthquake. The Haiti Project is accepting monetary donations. The group is also selling Haitian coffee and other goods produced in the country to raise money. You can donate and learn about the various items for sale online at www.haitiproject.org.

Business Profile host Jason Fischer interviewed Wisconsin School of Business Dean Michael Knetter at the 2010 Wisconsin Economic Forecast Luncheon at Monona Terrace in Madison.  Knetter is predicting a period of slow recovery for the state's economy.  He also discussed which sectors may perform better than others in 2010.

CityDictionary.com is a Web site that dishes up local culture and language for various cities.  Based in Madison, it allows users to define a city in their own words.  The entries range from local slang and nicknames to events, restaurants, neighborhoods, food, people and more.  Co-founder Thomas Carmona stopped by the WisconsinEye studios in Madison to talk with Business Profile host Jason Fischer. Carmona described how CityDictionary.com has become the place to find insider information that you won't necessarily find in a tour book, on a map, or in the yellow pages.

Based in Brookfield, the Wisconsin Innkeepers Association is a non-profit trade association consisting of approximately 1,000 hotels, motels, resorts, inns and bed & breakfasts around Wisconsin. WisconsinEye contributor Jason Fischer interviewed WIA President & CEO Trisha A. Pugal in her office on December 28, 2009. Pugal commented on the state of the lodging industry in Wisconsin and how properties are riding out the ups and downs of the economy. She also explained how laws and regulations impact the lodging industry. Pugal says the WIA is concerned about local governments raising room taxes to pay for things not associated with tourism promotion. She also said the WIA is still fighting to allow lodging operators to designate some sleeping rooms as "smoking rooms." The statewide smoking ban that takes effect in 2010 would require all sleeping rooms to be smoke-free. Pugal also commented that some WIA members have closed their pools and hot tubs because of the cost and other issues related to complying with the federal Virginia Graeme Baker Act, which requires new drains to cut the risk of swimmers and other users from becoming entrapped and killed by drain suction. The WIA is moving forward with plans to change its name in 2010 to the Wisconsin Hotel and Lodging Association.

WisconsinEye visited the Credit Union House in downtown Madison to interview Brett A. Thompson, president and CEO of the Wisconsin Credit Union League. Thompson told WisconsinEye contributor Jason Fischer about credit unions in the state, including how they operate, services, and differences between credit unions and banks. Thompson also commented on the regulatory environment for financial institutions, including recently passed and pending legislation at the federal and state level. The credit union movement started in 1909. Thompson explained the role organizations in Wisconsin have had in the development and growth of credit unions. Around 2.2 million Wisconsin residents belong to credit unions.

Wisconsin Farm Report host Pam Jahnke joined WisconsinEye contributor Jason Fischer for a discussion on Wisconsin's agribusiness sector. A farm broadcaster for over 20 years, Jahnke also works her family farm in Oconto County. She commented on the state of the industry, including how growers and producers are riding out the latest ups and downs in the markets, the challenges facing farm families in Wisconsin, and the future of the agribusiness in Wisconsin. Based in Madison at WTDY-AM and WWQM-FM, Jahnke's Wisconsin Farm Report is heard daily on radio stations around the state. The interview took place at the WisconsinEye studios in Madison. It is part of a series of programs highlighting Wisconsin businesses and organizations.

FluGen CEO/President Paul Radspinner joined WisconsinEye contributor Jason Fischer at the WisconsinEye studios in Madison. FluGen is an emerging leader in the development, production, and delivery of influenza vaccines and related infectious disease products. This program focuses on the latest developments in the production, delivery, and treatment of the seasonal and H1N1 flu viruses. This is part of a series of shows featuring Wisconsin business leaders and companies.

WisconsinEye contributor Jason Fischer interviewed Todd Sauey, president and CEO of Columbia ParCar. Based in Reedsburg, Columbia ParCar produces a variety of electric vehicles for individuals, companies, and municipalities. This interview covers a wide-range of topics including: electric vehicle technology, uses of electric vehicles, and the future of the electric vehicle industry.

WisconsinEye's Janine Schenborn visited the Blatz Cafe in Milwaukee on July 20, 2009. Marketing & P.R. Director Phillip Laper discussed how the cafe was started, the challenges of operating the business, and his vision of the future for the Blatz Cafe.

Jason Stein, reporter for the Wisconsin State Journal, hosted a discussion on Wisconsin's economic forecast. Guests included Kurt Bauer, President of the Wisconsin Bankers Association; Bill Malkasian, President of Wisconsin Realtors Association; Roger Cliff, Chief Administrative Officer of Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation; and Steve Brenton, President of Wisconsin Hospitals Assocation. The discussion took place in WisconsinEye's Madison studio on January 16, 2009, as part of a series of Business Profile programming.

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University of Wisconsin-Madison Professor of Computer Science Guri Sohi discussed the university’s computer sciences department, which he formerly chaired, with WisconsinEye contributor John Powell. Sohi talked about the department’s impact on the state and the future of computer sciences in general. The interview took place in WisconsinEye’s Madison Studio on July 18, 2008.

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As part of WisconsinEye’s Business Profile series, we spent the day in the Wisconsin Dells visiting with members of the business community. Hosted by John Blandino, WisconsinEye was checking in to see if the floods of June 9th had affected this summer’s business in any way. Blandino interviewed Joe Eck, Owner of the Wilderness Hotel and Golf Resort; Romy Synder, Director of the Wisconsin Dells Visitor and Convention Bureau; Tim Gantz, President of Noah’s Ark Water Park, Dan Gavinski, General Manager of the Original Wisconsin Ducks and a few others.

Jim Bradley, president of Home Savings Bank and co-founder of Dane Buy Local, discussed the benefits of buying local to the environment and the community with WisconsinEye Public Policy Producer Craig Sauer. Bradley was interviewed from WisconsinEye’s Madison studio on June 26, 2008.

Spot Filmworks Founder and Director Michael Graf discussed Wisconsin’s film industry with WisconsinEye Public Policy Producer Craig Sauer in the network’s Madison studio on June 23, 2008.

Peter Schoenke, president of RotoWire.com, discussed the creation and upkeep of his business with WisconsinEye host Tyler Mickelson on June 17, 2008 at the RotoWire.com office.

University of Wisconsin-Madison Professor Anne Miner explains the new Entrepreneurial Residential Learning Community debuting in the fall of 2008. Hosted by Tyler Mickelson at WisconsinEye studios on June 12, 2008.

Joshua Morby, executive director of the Wisconsin Bio Industry Alliance, discussed a recent radio ad campaign in Wisconsin to promote ethanol in Wisconsin and the task of promoting ethanol as an energy option in Wisconsin. Morby was interviewed by WisconsinEye Public Policy Producer Craig Sauer in the station’s Madison Studio on June 11, 2008.

On June 6, 2008, WisconsinEYE's Fred Woskoff interviewed Jim Rankin, President and CEO of Air Wisconsin Airlines Corporation. They discussed the effects of fuel on the airline industry and the Regional Airline model. The interview took place in Appleton, WI.

Kurt Bauer, president and CEO of the Wisconsin Bankers Association, discussed the news that state bankers are reporting lower profits with WisconsinEye contributor John Powell on June 4, 2008. Bauer also discussed what that says about the state economy in the interview from WisconsinEye’s Madison studio.

Deven McGlenn, the CEO of the biotech company NeoClone, and Tom Still, president of the Wisconsin Technology Council, discussed Wisconsin’s presence at the Bio Industry Organization 2008 International Convention, which runs from June 17-20 in San Diego. The conference is a major international event which the state hopes to show off its biotech prowess. McGlenn and Still were interviewed by WisconsinEye contributor John Powell in the station’s Madison Studio on June 4, 2008.

Forward Janesville President John Beckord discussed the impact of the planned closing of GM’s Janesville Assembly Plant on June 3, 2008. The interview, conducted by WisconsinEye Public Policy Producer Craig Sauer was conducted in Forward Janesville’s offices.

Jeff Vohs, General Manager of the Beloit Snappers, discussed his job as GM of a Minor League Baseball team. Vohs also discussed the economic impact the team brings to Beloit in the interview with host Tyler Mickelson at Pohlman Field in Beloit, WI on June 2, 2008.

WisconsinEye contributor John Powell hosted this discussion of Wisconsin Department of Commerce’s International Trade Team on May 16, 2008. The team traveled throughout the state the week of May 12-16 meeting with industry representatives in interested in growing their export businesses.

Kathryne McGowan, Vice President of Marketing, Sales and Service with Physicians Plus Insurance Corporation discussed the Madison-based company’s volunteerism program, which allows employees to do public service work on company time. McGowan discussed the program and the impact it has had on the company with WisconsinEye Public Policy Producer Craig Sauer on May 15, 2008 in WisconsinEye’s Madison studio.

WisconsinEye Contributor John Powell interviewed Tom Still, president to fthe Wisconsin Technology Council from WisconsinEye's Madison Studio on May 5, 2008. Still discussed the role of the Wisconsin Technology Council as well as the status and future of the state’s technology-based business sector.

Eliot Butler, President of the Great Dane Pub and Brewing Company in Madison, discussed the growth of the craft brewing industry in Wisconsin and across the county in this interview with WisconsinEye Public Policy Producer Craig Sauer. The interview took place in WisconsinEye’s Madison Studio on April 30, 2008.

James Olson, a spokesman for the National Funeral Directors Association and the owner of Lippert-Olson Funeral Home in Sheboygan, discussed the state of the funeral home business in Wisconsin on April 30, 2008. Olson also discussed a trend toward environmentally-friendly funerals and the changing face of the industry, which he says includes more women and minorities. Olson was interviewed by WisconsinEye Public Policy Producer Craig Sauer from WisconsinEye’s Madison Studio.