Viewpoints

Milwaukee-based Robert W. Baird & Co. Inc. announced that Jon Langenfeld has been promoted to head of global equities with overall responsibility for Baird’s equity research, sales and trading operations.

First Business Financial Services Inc. the Madison-based parent company of First Business Bank and First Business Bank -Milwaukee, reported strong fourth quarter and record full year earnings, reflecting successful execution on initiatives to grow loans and in-market deposits, invest in fee-generating capabilities and improve asset quality.

The U.S. economy shrank in the fourth quarter for the first time since 2009, hurt by the largest cut in defense spending in 40 years, fewer exports and sluggish growth in company stockpiles.

Waukesha-based Generac Power Systems Inc. announced it is looking for qualified applicants to fill approximately 100 permanent manufacturing, professional and technical positions jobs at its Jefferson and Whitewater facilities.

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Chancellor Mike Lovell has cooked up a recipe that he predicts will transform the “innovation ecosystem” and economy of southeast Wisconsin.

Milwaukee-based Harley-Davidson Inc. reported that its fourth quarter motorcycle sales increased 7.5 percent worldwide during the fourth quarter of 2012.

Menomonee Falls-based ZBB Energy Corp. announced it has entered into a strategic relationship with BPC Engineering of Moscow, Russia.

The Milwaukee-area manufacturing sector's growth slowed in January, according to the latest report by the Institute for Supply Management-Milwaukee.

Firefighters battled an eight-alarm fire at the Echo Lake Foods plant at 33102 S Honey Lake Road in Burlington Wednesday and Thursday.

Modine Manufacturing Company a fiscal third quarter net loss of $8.7 million, or 19 cents per share, compared with net income of $9.0 million, or 19 cents per share, in the same period a year ago.