Ideas

According to ManpowerGroup's 2012 Talent Shortage Survey results, 49 percent of U.S. employers struggle to fill mission-critical positions. Skilled trades, engineering and IT positions continue to rank among the top 10 most difficult jobs to fill.

Oak Creek-based Nucor Cold Finish Wisconsin recently was named the 2012 Business of the Year by the South Suburban Chamber.

Menasha Packaging Company LLC's Folding Carton Group is expanding its capabilities with a $6 million capital investment that will enable it to be more flexible and responsive when supporting the brand merchandising objectives of its customers.

Milwaukee-based Rexnord Corp. announced that its board of directors has initiated a review of its strategic alternatives that could include the sale of the company.

SABMiller plc and Molson Coors Brewing Company reported that Chicago-based MillerCoors LLC posted an 18.6 percent increase in net income to $1.19 billion in 2012. Underlying net income for the year was up 9.5 percent.

Waukesha-based Generac Holdings Inc. continues to grow and reported a 28 percent increase in fourth quarter net sales to $342 million. For all of 2012 net sales were $1.176 billion, up 48.5 percent compared to 2011.

America can turn a slow recovery into a strong comeback, one that grows our economy and firmly reestablishes our country as a powerhouse of ideas and production. One of the keys — and what will determine the winners and losers of an exciting new era — is our willingness and ability to lead the next “big waves” of productivity.

Johnson Outdoors Inc. will conduct its annual shareholder meeting on Thursday, Feb. 28, beginning at 10 a.m. at the company's global headquarters, 555 Main St. in Racine.

Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker’s plan to reject additional federal Medicaid funding for the state’s BadgerCare program is drawing mixed reviews, mostly divided along party lines.

Terry Lutz, former owner and president of Signicast, has written an autobiography and history of the Hartford-based investment casting company.