Ideas

As the second half of the year begins, bankers don't have the rosiest outlook on the state's economy.

After a prolonged, brutal and sometimes painful winter, southeastern Wisconsin businesses have begun a summer surge that is expected to gather steam and recover some lost ground in the second half of the year.

David Urban, former director of investor relations at Johnson Controls Inc., has launched his own investor relations consulting firm, Strategic IR Advisors LLC.

Milwaukee-based Baird Financial Group has closed on its acquisition of Seattle investment firm McAdams Wright Ragen Inc. The company is now a wholly-owned subsidiary of Baird Financial Group, the holding company of Robert W. Baird & Co. Inc.

Tom Hille, CFP, private wealth advisor with Ameriprise Financial, will host a seminar on Social Security planning and retirement...

All employees, including the managers, at Waukesha-based InvestorsBank will retain their positions following the acquisition of the bank by Fond du Lac-based American Bank.

Waukesha State Bank has hired Rob Kurudza as bank manager for its Muskego office.

As Milwaukee's chief executive, Mayor Tom Barrett has made it a priority to ensure that small businesses receive the tools they need to prosper and grow. Small businesses are undoubtedly a central force in our economy's ability to thrive. However, finding resources important to achieving success can be a challenge with the many obstacles that often arise in today's economic climate.

Tom Cardella, president and beer merchant at MillerCoors' craft arm, Tenth and Blake Beer Co., plans to retire at the end of the year.

Quinpario Acquisition Corp. has completed its acquisition of Milwaukee-based Jason Inc. The company has changed its name to Jason Industries Inc. and will retain its Milwaukee headquarters.