Counsell joins Brewers’ front office
The Milwaukee Brewers today announced that Craig Counsell has retired as a player and has been named special assistant to general manager Doug Melvin.
Counsell, a Whitefish Bay native, will be introduced in his new position today at a 1:30 p.m. press conference.
“We are pleased to have Craig join our organization in a very significant role,” said Melvin. “His knowledge of how to play the game along with his work ethic and passion to see the Brewers succeed will now be utilized and welcomed by our front office.”
Counsell, 41, completed his 15th Major League season as a player in 2011. He owns a career .255 batting average in 1,623 games with Colorado, Florida, Los Angeles, Arizona and Milwaukee.
“I am excited to begin a new challenge in baseball,” Counsell said. “I look forward to contributing in any way I can to the success of an organization that has been a special part my life for many years.”
Counsell follows in the footsteps of his father, John, who also worked in the Brewers front office.
Hanson Dodge promotes executives
Milwaukee-based Hanson Dodge Creative (HDC), America’s leading active lifestyle agency, announced the expansions of the roles of key executives Tim Dodge and Sara Meaney.
The strategic initiatives are intended to increase the agency’s focus on innovation and growth.
Dodge, HDC president and chief financial officer, will now have an expanded role as chief innovation officer and will be charged with seeking opportunities through new technologies and strategic partnerships.
Meaney, formerly partner and vice president of public relations and social media, has been promoted to president of strategy and growth. In her new role, Meaney will oversee the agency’s strategy and business development with ultimate responsibility for agency growth and client services.
“As one of America’s leading agencies, our clients need us to stay on the cusp of new technology and innovation to help them compete,” said HDC founder and chief executive officer Ken Hanson. “Tim’s work with some of the world’s top brands has led to new approaches to help clients grow their business, approaches that are not possible within the traditional client-agency model. This restructuring will enable Tim to focus his keen ability to develop breakthrough strategies for clients.”
Dodge said, “We’ve never fit the mold of a traditional agency. By being progressive and open-minded about how we work with clients, I’m confident we can develop unique partnerships and approaches that will enable our clients to dominate their categories.”
In discussing Meaney’s promotion, Hanson pointed to her significant market experience and thought leadership in the social media and overall branding marketplace as key. In addition to her previous role overseeing the agency’s social media and public relations practice – an area that saw more than 100 percent growth last year – Meaney has led HDC through several successful new business pursuits.
Meaney will be one of the featured panelists at the Northern Trust Economic Trends Breakfast to be presented by BizTimes Media on Friday, Jan. 20.
Young takes helm at Whitewater University Technology Park
Entrepreneur Robert Young has been named executive director of the Whitewater University Technology Park.
The park, on the city’s east side, is a business incubator for entrepreneurs and high tech startup companies. The first building, the Innovation Center, opened in 2011 and is nearly 70 percent occupied.
"Robert Young understands the important role the Whitewater University Technology Park will play in job creation and economic development for our region," said Richard Telfer, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater chancellor. "As an accomplished entrepreneur, he has the vision to help the park grow and provide tenants with the tools they need to be successful."
Young helped create three start-up enterprises, including two medical companies and one clean technology company. Most recently, he served as managing director of Paradigm Sensors, a clean tech startup based in Milwaukee. He has also worked for AT&T, VAI, Sensor Devices, Biochem International and Johnson & Johnson Medical.
"It is impressive that the city and university are collaborating to give entrepreneurs both the space and resources the need to start businesses," Young said. "The Innovation Center is a source of intellectual capital, with the potential to create many jobs and business that stay in Wisconsin."
"Robert Young brings a tapestry of talents to the Whitewater University Technology Park," said Ronald "Bud" Gayhart, director of UW-Whitewater’s Center for Innovation and Business Development. "He brings the energy of an entrepreneur, experience of a business leader, rigor of a military officer, and the humility necessary to direct the center into the second stage of growth. We are fortunate to have someone of Robert’s caliber associated with our technology incubator."
Hispanic chamber to honor ManpowerGroup
ManpowerGroup will be honored as the 2011 Corporation of the Year by the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Wisconsin (HCCW) when the organization conducts its 22nd annual gala on Saturday, Jan. 21, at the Potawatomi Casino Expo Center.
Milwaukee-based ManpowerGroup was selected for the honor for several reasons: championing job training and workforce development initiatives; leading the charge for increased diversity on corporate boards and/or executive levels; providing flexibility and encouraging employee participation with the HCCW along with other key Hispanic initiatives; espousing genuine commitment and firm belief in our urban community’s strengths, its development and progress; and numerous years of corporate philanthropy and charitable leadership.
The chamber also will honor two Hispanic-owned businesses: Luna Jewelry & Repair LLC, owned by Francisco “Frank” Sandino Jr.; and V.A. Cleaning Services, owned by Vicente and Lilian Alvarez.
State Sen. Alberta Darling and Rep. Jason Fields will receive the 2011 Government Advocates Awards from the chamber.
The HCCW’s annual CW18/My24 Mi Comunidad Award will go to Manni Marquez, executive director of the Clarke Square Neighborhood Initiative.
The distinguished guests of the event will include: Archbishop Jerome Listecki; U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson; Congresswoman Gwendolyn Moore; Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele; Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett; Milwaukee County District Attorney John Chisholm; Rep. JoCasta Zamarripa; and Philip Arreola of the U.S. Department of Justice and the HCCW/Philip Arreola Scholarship Program.
Former television news director Jill Geisler of The Poynter Institute will serve as the emcee of the program.
The event will be hosted by HCCW president and chief executive officer Maria Monreal Cameron.
The following have been elected to serve three-year terms on the HCCW board of directors: Joaquin Altoro of Associated Bank; Frank Becerra of BITS & Associates LLC; George Franco of National Financial Corp.; Nancy Hernandez of Abrazo Multicultural Marketing & Communications; attorney Peter Ramirez of von Briesen & Roper S.C.; and Eric Serrano of Strategic Employee Benefit Services, a division of Northwestern Mutual Financial Network.
The HCCW executive board includes: David Aragon, chairman, SITE Personnel; Nancy Hernandez, vice chair, Abrazo Multicultural Marketing & Communications; Frank Becerra, treasurer, BITS & Associates; Enrique Acevedo, secretary, Acevedo PV Services LLC.
The event celebrates the positive influence of the chamber and community development. The general public is invited, and black tie is optional.
For additional information, visit www.hccw.org.
