Ideas

James Ropella, senior vice president and chief financial officer of First Business Financial Services Inc., announced he plans to retire in the fourth quarter.

Milwaukee-based Robert W. Baird & Co. Inc. reported a record year for its investment banking arm in 2013.

Brookfield-based information security consulting firm 403 Labs will merge with Naperville, Ill.-based Sikich LLP.

Cudahy-based Roadrunner Transportation Systems Inc. announced that it has acquired Rich Logistics, a provider of truckload and expedited services based in Little Rock, Ark.

Associated Bank has been expanding its revamped training program, Associated University, based on a prototype location in Milwaukee.

The old adage that politics makes strange bedfellows seems to be less and less appropriate these days. On most major issues, especially those that require revenue or affect the level of government spending, it is hard to discover even a hint of flirting going on.

Jim Collins’ immortal business bestseller, Good to Great, created a revolution in many businesses and an explosion in book sales. The book was adopted, adapted, taught, and implemented. In many instances, companies did go from good to great – or at least from good to very good.

Important issues and the latest trends for the manufacturing sector will be examined next week when the Wisconsin Manufacturing Extension Partnership hosts the 17th annual “Manufacturing Matters!” conference at the Hyatt Regency hotel in downtown Milwaukee.

The Wisconsin State Assembly passed legislation Thursday night authorizing the sale of certain underused public school buildings in the Milwaukee Public Schools District.