Ideas

As I sit here deciding whether or not to buy the New iPad from Apple, I was wondering, "Does Wisconsin have an Apple?"

It's early, and we don't want to jinx it. We've still got a long way to go. There certainly are variables that could intercede, and there surely will be speed bumps along the way.

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.

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.

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.

Joy Global Inc.'s first-quarter earnings rose 39 percent, as the Milwaukee-based mining equipment manufacturer predicted its recent acquisitions will help offset falling demand for equipment from U.S. coal mines.

Quad/Graphics Inc. announced it has completed the previously announced sale of its Canadian operations to Transcontinental Inc.

Bank of Montreal beat analysts' estimates as its first-quarter profits soared 34 percent after its takeover of Milwaukee-based Marshall & Ilsley Corp.

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.