Viewpoints

Home sales in the four county metro Milwaukee area continue a stead rise.

Seider Heating & Plumbing of Milwaukee and Waukesha has purchased Mohrhusen & Associates in Menomonee Falls.

BMO Harris Bank announced that it has hired Ross Kohl to lead its Small Business Administration loan program efforts in Wisconsin, Arizona, St. Louis and Kansas.

Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker has announced several key economic development initiatives aimed at improving the business climate and encouraging entrepreneurship and innovation.

Milwaukee-based Mortgage Guaranty Insurance Corp. (MGIC), the principal subsidiary of MGIC Investment Corp., announced that James Karpowicz, CFA, senior vice president, chief investment officer and treasurer, will retire, effective March 1.

A great deal of positive chatter about Wisconsin's economy in 2013 is coming out of the state's banking sector.

Regal Beloit Corp. announced it has completed the acquisition of the RAM motor business previously owned by Schneider Electric.

Anchor BanCorp Wisconsin Inc., the Madison-based parent company of Anchor Bank, announced a fiscal third quarter net loss of $15.1 million, or 71 cents per share, compared with a net loss of $15.3 million, or 72 cents per share, in the same period a year earlier.

Gus Hernandez Jr. has been appointed senior vice president and commercial banking manager for Johnson Bank's Milwaukee region.

Menasha Packaging Company LLC's Folding Carton Group is expanding its capabilities with a $6 million capital investment that will enable it to be more flexible and responsive when supporting the brand merchandising objectives of its customers.