Viewpoints

Chicago-based Cole Taylor Bank has hired two new employees at its Franklin commercial banking office as part of a southeast Wisconsin expansion.

The Riverwest Investment Cooperative has started a microlending program in cooperation with the Wisconsin Women's Business Initiative Corporation.

Harley-Davidson Motor Co. was honored as the Menomonee Falls Chamber of Commerce Inc. Business of the Year at the organization's annual banquet on Thursday, Jan., 24, at Davians Banquet and Conference Center.

Lower demand from customers in the pressure pumping sector of the North American oil and gas industries put a dent in the second quarter profits for Racine-based Twin Disc Inc.

Wauwatosa-based Briggs & Stratton Corp. reported that its fiscal second quarter net sales increased 2 percent to $439.1 million.

Exhibit Systems has moved from Menomonee Falls to a larger production and office facility in Brookfield.

Briggs & Stratton Corp. chairman, president and chief executive officer Todd Teske was re-elected chairman of Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce, the state's chamber of commerce and largest business association, in a vote of the WMC Board.

Strattec Security Corp. reported fiscal second quarter net income of $2.4 million, or 70 cents per share, up from $1.5 million, or 47 cents per share, for the same period a year ago.

Many manufacturers struggle to maintain their competitive positions in regional and global markets that are changing faster than ever.

Glendale-based Johnson Controls Inc. has promoted two employees to senior executive positions.