Ideas

The Midwestern economic indicators tracked by the Federal Reserve District in Chicago improved in January and early February, according to the Fed's Beige Book.

Mergers & Acquisitions

M&I Wealth Management, a part of BMO Financial Group, announced the appointment of Mark Fenlon as regional president of the Midwest Central States, Private Client Group.

Tom Goris Jr., managing partner of Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance subsidiary Cornerstone Financial Group, will leave the Milwaukee office on June 1 and will accept a similar position in the Chicago market.

Brass Ring Capital has completed fundraising for its second private equity fund, called RCP Fund II.

Financial resources

Milwaukee-based Weyco Group Inc. reported fourth quarter net earnings of $5.5 million, or 50 cents per share, up from $5.1 million, or 45 cents per share, in the same period a year ago.

I believe the attempt to radically change the makeup and selection of the Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC) District Board of Directors has nothing to do with education or job training and everything to do with politics and race.

Quad/Graphics Inc. reported a fourth quarter net loss of $6.8 million, or 15 cents per share, compared with net income of $26.5 million, or 55 cents per share, in the same period a year ago.

With 20 percent of our state's employees working in manufacturing, Wisconsin boasts the highest concentration of manufacturing jobs in the country. We also have the most to win or lose if we don't collectively address the ongoing need for a robust, skilled workforce.