Economic Development

Business confidence in future growth prospects turned downward in 2012's fourth quarter, according to the latest Business Outlook Survey conducted by the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce.

Consumer sentiment jumped again in this month to its highest level in five years, according to the latest gauge by the University of Michigan-Thomson Reuters.

Associated Bank has announced three new additions to its leadership team in Milwaukee.

Marcus Hotels & Resorts, a division of Milwaukee-based Marcus Corp., is teaming with Carey Watermark Investors Inc. (CWI) and The Arden Group to acquire the Westin Atlanta Perimeter North in a joint venture.

West Bend-based Westbury Bank closed on Columbus Day, Oct. 8, while more than 150 employees took part in a company-wide volunteer day for the third consecutive year. Their volunteer efforts will be contributed to preparations for Washington County's Animated Holiday Lights Show, “Enchantment in the Park.”

A.O. Smith Corp. has declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of $.20 per share for Common Stock and Class A Common Stock.

APS Healthcare announced it will lay off 133 employees in Brookfield as a result of the acquisition of the company by Universal American Corp.

UnitedHealth Group Inc. announced it is buying most of Brazilian insurer and hospital operator Amil Participacoes SA for $4.9 billion.

Milwaukee-based mutual and hedge fund service provider UMB Fund Services Inc. has grown its Investment Managers Series Trust to more than $3 billion in net assets.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed 83 points today to 13,658, its highest point in five years, with the news that the U.S. unemployment rate fell to 7.8 percent in September, dropping below 8 percent for the first time since January of 2009.