April 20, 2011

MADISON – University of Wisconsin Chancellor Biddy Martin joined Wisconsin legislative leaders at the Wisconsin Business Council (WBC) General Membership Meeting on Tuesday in Madison.

WBC members heard the Chancellor address the proposed changes to the UW System and the New Badger Partnership. Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald, Assembly Speaker Jeff Fitzgerald, Assembly Minority Leader Peter Barca and Senate Minority Leader Mark Miller also addressed the group.

Approximately 40 Wisconsin Business Council members and staff attended the meeting, which featured a wide-ranging discussion of issues including challenges for K-12 education, the university system, the state budget and the political tone and landscape.

“The event was a great success,” said WBC Executive Director Brian Taffora. “It gave our members another opportunity to talk about ways that business can partner with our state government to help build a robust and thriving economy in Wisconsin.”

January 13, 2011

MADISON – Brian Taffora, Vice President of Government Relations and Operations for the Wisconsin Business Council (WBC), issued this statement on Thursday regarding Governor Walker’s proposal to reorganize the Wisconsin Department of Commerce:

“There is no question that creating new jobs and growing our economy is of the utmost importance for Wisconsin, as our state continues to struggle from the lingering effects of the nationwide recession. There is also no question that the State of Wisconsin has a significant role to play in attracting and retaining quality jobs.

“Governor Walker’s proposal to partially privatize the state Department of Commerce is promising, as several of our panelists suggested at a recent WBC symposium on the ‘Be Bold Wisconsin’ report that was released last year. Over the coming weeks, we hope to hear more details about the Governor’s plan and his strategy for implementation in order to fully evaluate the benefits and drawbacks of this significant change.

“We look forward to working together with Governor Walker and leadership in the State Legislature to improve Wisconsin’s business climate and promote economic development across the state.”

November 4, 2010

MADISON – Brian Taffora, Vice President of Government Relations and Operations for the Wisconsin Business Council, released this statement today following the results of the November 2 elections:

“We look forward to the opportunity to work with Governor-Elect Walker, along with Republican and Democratic leadership in both the Assembly and Senate, to grow our state economy over the next few years.

“We are currently reviewing a number of potential initiatives and economic development plans that have been discussed in recent months. Our main focus will continue to be improving Wisconsin’s business climate and focusing on economic development, taxes and regulations, infrastructure, education and workforce development.

“Currently, the Wisconsin Business Council is in the final stages of merging our operation with Competitive Wisconsin to form a new organization called Better Wisconsin Council. In the near future, we will be prepared to offer Governor-elect Walker and the new leadership in the State Legislature a package of ideas for the special session on jobs to help move Wisconsin forward. We will also be prepared to fully engage in the legislative process to ensure that these important initiatives become law.

“We plan on keeping the public and the media informed about developments regarding Better Wisconsin Council and our economic proposals in the coming weeks.”

August 11, 2010

MILWAUKEE – William A. Strauss, Economic Advisory and Senior Economist at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, will speak at the Wisconsin Business Council’s next symposium on August 24th at the We Energies Public Service Building Auditorium in Milwaukee. The symposium, titled “Manufacturing and the Future of Wisconsin Commerce,” will focus on steps the Wisconsin Department of Commerce can take to grow the economy with an emphasis on retaining a strong manufacturing industry in the state.

Strauss joined the Chicago Fed in 1982. His chief responsibilities include analyzing the current performance of both the Midwest economy and the manufacturing sector for use in monetary policy. He also produces the monthly Chicago Fed Midwest Manufacturing Index and organizes the Bank’s annual Economic Outlook Symposium and annual Auto Outlook Symposium.

Strauss will provide an overview of the manufacturing industry in the Midwest, and discuss the challenges and potential for the industry in the future.

June 30, 2010

MADISON – The Wisconsin Business Council (WBC) on Wednesday applauded member organization MillerCoors for its sustainability efforts, which are highlighted in a new report released by the company this week, titled “Great Beer, Great Responsibility.”

The report details company performance in five areas over the course of 2009: alcohol responsibility, environmental sustainability, sustainable supply chain, people and communities, and ethics and transparency. Among the company’s key accomplishments were:

• Reducing total energy consumption by 3.6%
• Reducing landfill waste by 20%
• Reducing packaging materials by approximately 11 million pounds
• Expanding the Miller Lite Free Rides program, which provides safe transportation to those who need it on major holidays
• Allocating 7.4% of its total yearly expenditures to diverse suppliers

“This report demonstrates exactly why MillerCoors continues to be a national leader in corporate responsibility,” said Phillip Prange, President and CEO of the Wisconsin Business Council. “By taking voluntary steps to reduce its environmental impact and support the communities in which its products are sold, MillerCoors is able to grow its business successfully and conscientiously.”

To view the complete report, please visit www.greatbeergreatresponsibility.com.

State ranks 21st per capita nationwide; best since 1961

April 12, 2010

MADISON – The Wisconsin Business Council on Monday lauded a new report by the Wisconsin Department of Revenue that showed the state and local tax burden at its lowest level since 1961 in a ranking of all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

Wisconsin ranked 15th in state and local taxes per $1,000 of personal income and 21st per capita, the state’s lowest ranking since its general sales tax was adopted nearly 50 years ago.

“These rankings are great news for Wisconsin, and it shows we’re on the right track toward making our state more competitive in attracting the best businesses and people,” said Phillip Prange, President and CEO of the Wisconsin Business Council. “We’d like to congratulate the Governor, the current Democratic leadership, and the past Republican leadership on this achievement and thank them for their efforts.”

Another recent report, prepared by Ernst and Young for the Council on State Taxation, ranked the tax burden on Wisconsin’s state and local businesses 30th in the nation, meaning Wisconsin has a better tax environment for businesses than most of the country.

“We look forward to working with leaders from both parties to build on this success and help grow Wisconsin’s economy and create new jobs,” Prange said.

To view the complete report from the Department of Revenue, please click here. To view the full report for the Council on State Taxation, please click here.