Viewpoints

This year’s Red Kettle Campaign has begun, the annual Christmas fundraiser that helps The Salvation Army collect money to meet human needs in local communities across the country. Each year’s campaign brings heightened media attention to The Salvation Army, particularly regarding its beliefs and practices.

Mequon-based Charter Manufacturing Company announced it has acquired Dura-Bar and Dura-Bar Metal Services as part of its stock purchase of Illinois-based Wells Manufacturing Company.

Anyone who is involved in manufacturing at any level in Wisconsin must have heard of these topics of discussion recently: skills gap; workforce development; skilled trades; or lastly, “Man, I can't find any good craftsman.”

Badger Magnetics Inc. is expanding its Milwaukee plant at 7939 W. Tower Ave.

Milwaukee-based Briggs & Stratton Corp. announced it has acquired Companhia Caetano Branco of Brazil for a total consideration of approximately $57 million in cash.

Milwaukee-based Joy Global Inc. reported fourth quarter income from continuing operations of $212 million, or $1.99 per share, up from $195 million, or $1.83 per share, in the same period a year ago.

Businesses in Milwaukee and Waukesha Counties are slightly more optimistic about 2013 than they were heading into 2012, according to the First Business Economic Survey released last week by First Business Bank-Milwaukee.

The Port of Milwaukee has extended its foreign trade zone to a wider area of southeastern Wisconsin through an alternative site framework.

Glendale-based Johnson Controls has filed an appeal of the sale of A123 Systems Inc. to Chinese automotive parts company Wanxiang.

Like so many around the world, the unspeakable events in Newtown, CT literally brought tears to my eyes. Even as I write this, my gut is in a knot and my head is pounding like a snare drum. How could something so unimaginable occur? What kind of monster could commit such a heinous act? And the biggest question on everyone's mind....Why?