Ideas

Menomonee Falls-based Actuant Corp. reported a fiscal fourth quarter net loss of $16.5 million, or 23 cents per share, compared with a net profit of $41.4 million, or 55 cents per share, in the same period a year ago.
The company's quarterly net sales grew to $405.3 million from $403.4 million a year earlier.

Wisconsin Public Service Corp. (WPS), a subsidiary of Integrys Energy Group, announced it has agreed to buy Fox Energy Company LLC. The $440 million purchase includes $390 million for the Fox Energy Center, a 593-megawatt combined cycle generating facility in Kaukauna, and $50 million for the early termination of the existing tolling agreement between the entities.

Generac Holdings Inc., a Waukesha-based designer and manufacturer of generators and other engine powered products, announced it expects strong financial results for the third quarter of 2012, and as a result is raising its outlook for full-year 2012.

I often ponder what to write about. Thank you to the, “I expect respect first,” guy.

H ave you ever come across a solution to a problem that was so simple you almost rejected the solution out of hand because it was just too simple? "Surely there's more to it than just that," you reasoned!

What is your company's vision statement? Can you recite it at a moment's notice? Does it inspire you?

Credibility is the currency most people want. Like dollars in the bank, credibility can be spent in the company store. When you need to get buy-in on a new idea, others are more willing to get behind it. When a new position is available, your name can be advanced as a candidate others can safely support. If you disagree with a decision made by senior management, they are more willing to listen to your argument.

The electronics that are installed in a car or truck have cables that need to be fastened to the undercarriage. Data centers, being built in ever-growing numbers, need wire and cable bundling and enclosures.

As the economic and political situations seem to become more uncertain, Wisconsin companies are wondering about the near-term outlook.

Believe it or not, 2012 will soon be coming to a close and the new year provides business owners with an opportunity to take a fresh look at their company retirement plans.