Economic Development

Milwaukee-based Robert W. Baird & Co. Inc. has named Terry Maxwell its new chief financial officer, effective March 10.

Gov. Scott Walker has appointed Ray Allen secretary of the Department of Financial Institutions, which regulates state-chartered banks, savings and loan associations, savings banks, credit unions and some operations of the securities industry.

Racine-based SC Johnson has acquired HomeBrands A.S. from Unilever CR, spol. s r.o., the Czech subsidiary of multinational consumer product manufacturer Unilever N.V.

American Appraisal Associates Inc. notified state officials that it is laying off 32 employees in its downtown Milwaukee office at 411 E. Wisconsin Ave.

Owen Sullivan has joined Baird Capital, the direct private investment arm of Milwaukee-based Robert W. Baird & Co. Inc., as an operating partner.

Milwaukee-based footwear designer and marketer Weyco Group Inc. has announced fourth quarter and full year results.

Israeli company Kornit Digital Ltd., which has its U.S. offices in Mequon, has filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for an initial public offering of its ordinary shares.

In 2014, Wisconsin's Legislature modified Wisconsin's 529 college savings plans EdVest and TOMORROW'S SCHOLAR.

Wisconsin's banks reported combined net income of $937 million in 2014, down from $1 billion in 2013, according to the new Quarterly Banking Profile released by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp.

Businesses in southeastern Wisconsin finished 2014 in strong fashion and are forecasting gains in revenues, profits and hiring in 2015.