Economic Development

Milwaukee-based Park Bank has named Tahir Hassan chief information officer, a newly created position in which Hassan will guide the bank's information technology vision and strategy as well as enhance service experience for bank customers through technology.

Anchor Bancorp Wisconsin Inc., the parent company of AnchorBank fsb, has launched an initial public offering of 371,959 shares of common stock.

Effingham, Ill.-based Midland States Bank is adding to its presence in the Milwaukee market with a Wauwatosa commercial loan production office.

Elgin, Ill-based The Middleby Corp. plans to acquire Milwaukee-based U-Line Corp., the companies announced today.

Rosemont, Ill.-based Wintrust Financial Corp. plans to acquire Delavan-based Delavan Bancshares Inc. for $38 million.

The Urban Economic Development Association of Wisconsin plans to hold its 13th annual Community Development Summit on Thursday, Oct. 16, with what the organization pegs as an interactive lab format.

Wisconsin entrepreneurs looking to jumpstart their businesses are invited to take part at the first-ever Small Business Academy, which will take place on Wednesday, Oct. 22, from 8 a.m. to noon at the Potawatomi Hotel & Conference Center in Milwaukee.

Vangard Group LLC will get $850,000 in tax credits to convert the Germania Building at 135 W. Wells St. in downtown MIlwuakee into 70 “affordable” apartments, Lt. Governor Rebecca Kleefish announced Monday.

Wisconsin entrepreneurs looking to jumpstart their businesses are invited to take part at the first-ever Small Business Academy, which will take place from on Wednesday, Oct. 22, from 8 a.m. to noon at the Potawatomi Hotel & Conference Center in Milwaukee.

After a turbulent start to 2014, the National Retail Federation announced today it expects sales in November and December (excluding autos, gas and restaurant sales) to increase a healthy 4.1 percent to $616.9 billion, higher than 2013’s actual 3.1 percent increase during that same time frame.