Ideas

The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee is in the midst of an exciting renaissance.

The number of Americans who applied last week for initial unemployment claims rose to the highest level since January, partly because some employees of school districts can file claims during spring break, the U.S. Labor Department reported today.

Wisconsin banks have increased their small business lending by $16.9 million since receiving capital through Small Business Lending Fund (SBLF), according to a new report by the U.S. Department of the Treasury.

From early literacy materials for the youngest patrons to special programs, computer training, job search support, and much more, Wisconsin libraries — public, school, academic, and special — are social centers that enrich the daily lives of residents. They welcome all ages to a world of lifelong learning.

The number of home sales in the four-county metro Milwaukee area increased by 26.5 percent in March, compared to March of 2011, the ninth month in a row of double-digit year-over-year home sale increases, according to the Greater Milwaukee Association of Realtors (GMAR).

Economic indicators for metro Milwaukee rebounded in February from a weak January performance, according to the latest monthly report by the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce (MMAC).

Four venerable Wisconsin business executives will be inducted into the Wisconsin Business Hall of Fame by Junior Achievement during a ceremony on Thursday, April 19, at the Pfister Hotel in Milwaukee.

Todd Kreitzman has been hired as an investment representative at First Bank Financial Centre in Oconomowoc.

Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Co. Inc. will conduct its annual meeting at its downtown Milwaukee headquarters on Wednesday, May 23, at 8 a.m.

The number of new businesses formed in Wisconsin in the first quarter increased by 12.2 percent compared with the same period in 2011, according to data released by the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions (DFI).