Ideas

Associated Banc-Corp has hired Randall J. Erickson as executive vice president, general counsel and corporate secretary for the corporation, Associated Bank, National Association and Associated Trust Company, National Association.

Wisconsin has many soldiers bravely serving our country all over the world. When they return, it is time for us to serve them.

As social media and its effects permeate the workplace, one recent phenomenon is continuing to attract attention: employers asking job applicants and existing employees for their social media passwords in order to delve into their personal backgrounds.

I've been reading "The Great Workplace: How to Build It, How to Keep It and Why It Matters," by...

Qualifying! It's probably the most under-valued and under-performed activity in sales. If almost any sales organization were to double its effectiveness at qualifying – which is painfully easy to achieve – it would deliver at least 10 percent to its bottom line overnight.

A panel of accomplished female business leaders will share their insights at the 2012 BizTimes Women in Business Breakfast, which also will feature the presentation of the BizTimes Woman Executive of the Year to Gail Lione.

"Are you looking to cleanse your soul? BizTimes executive editor Steve Jagler asked.

"As a matter of fact, I am," I responded.

Management expert Bob Nelson, Ph.D., thinks that rewarding your employees is even more crucial in a tough economy and tight job market. The economic needs of the United States are changing and adaptable, and innovative workers will help America remain competitive.

The Wisconsin Manufacturing Extension Partnership will host its Manufacturing Matters! conference on May 9, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the Frontier Airlines Center in Milwaukee.