Ideas

Racine-based Modine Manufacturing Inc. reported fiscal second quarter net earnings of $1.4 million, or 3 cents per share, compared to a net loss of $16.7 million, or 36 cents per share, in the same period a year ago.

Johnson Controls Inc. reported record fiscal fourth quarter net income of $538 million, or 78 cents per share, up from $449 million, or 66 cents per share, in the same period a year ago.

First Business Financial Services Inc., the Madison-based parent company of First Business Bank-Milwaukee, reported third quarter net income of $2.2 million, or 83 cents per share, up from $969,000, or 38 cents per share, for the third quarter of 2010.

Financial resources

Bank Mutual has added three new employees, including a recently created leadership position.

U.S. gross domestic product for the July-through-September period expanded 2.5 percent, nearly double the 1.3 percent rate of growth in the second quarter and much faster than the first quarter’s tepid increase of 0.4 percent.

Germantown-based Lightning Pick Technologies was recently acquired by Matthews International Corporation, a Pittsburgh memorials and graphics imaging manufacturer.

Recently I spoke to a group of HR Leaders at the statewide SHRM Conference in Madison about attracting, leading and retaining Gen Y employees. I'm intrigued by the number of leaders who, as we talk about the differences in the emerging workforce, well, they just kind of shake their heads in disapproval. This is fairly common.

Most who know me would not call me a cold, heartless, task-driven S.O.B. In fact, I always end up solidly in the "amiable" quadrant on those personality tests. So what I'm about to say goes against my very constitution.

The phrase "work/life balance" is a misnomer. Attempting to achieve equal balance is unrealistic. However, striving to live a fulfilling life is possible with targeted focus and relentless effort.