Ideas

This week a business management book review caught my eye. In the first paragraph the reviewer expressed his dislike for most books written by CEOs and books proclaiming, for example, “Three Easy Steps to Becoming a Fortune 500 Company.” I resonated with these sentiments and kept reading the review in “The Economist.”

The late Rodney King once asked, “Why can't we just get along”?

Are you in a market where the biggest players control the majority of the market and the remaining 25 percent is split between wide varieties of companies like yours?

The problem with health insurance costs began in the early 1980s when the line item became the fastest-increasing cost. It's still spiraling out of control.

Debra Usinger, a passionate supporter of Milwaukee's downtown who dedicated her time and talents to numerous groups, was posthumously recognized by the Common Council's Community and Economic Development Committee.
Mayor Tom Barrett participated in the presentation.

A.O. Smith Corp., a Milwaukee-based water technology company, announced second quarter net earnings of $35.0 million, or 75 cents per share, up from $28.6 million, or 62 cents per share, in the same period a year ago.

Kenosha-based Snap-on Inc. reported second quarter net earnings of $76.4 million, or $1.30 per diluted share, up from $66.9 million, or $1.14 per share, excluding an $18.0 million arbitration gain a year ago.

Artaflex Inc. of Ontario, Canada, has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Menomonee Falls-based MTI International Inc.

Erik Buell Racing LLC of East Troy will receive $20 million in new investments that will help the company expand production of EBR brand sport motorcycles and create about 200 new jobs.

Milwaukee-based Badger Meter Inc. reported second quarter net earnings of $7.4 million, down from $7.8 million a year ago.