BizTimes Milwaukee

Shortly after John Paul II became pope, he was interviewed by an Italian journalist, Vittorio Messori. That interview became the best-selling book, "Crossing the Threshold of Hope."

During difficult economic times, customers plead for price reductions or extended terms, but beware … not all pleas are created equal.

You're the owner or senior manager of a small- to medium-sized privately-held business. One day, an employee asks you:

As local companies seek ways to increase market share, revenues and profits, more and more companies are finding customers outside the Milwaukee 7 region and re-investing those revenues at home.

The Brewers Community Foundation recently announced that its 50/50 Raffle for the 2011 season has surpassed $1 million in gross revenue.

We live in interesting times. Man and nature are in turmoil; revolutions, terrorism, economic and nuclear meltdowns are mirrored by earthquakes, hurricanes, tornados and volcanoes.

Most vendors have occasionally accepted a business check in payment for a customer's personal goods or services. This practice is typically common among contractors furnishing residential services (remodeling, roofing, landscaping, painting, etc.) to clients who are also business owners.

There's a lot more demand from buyers in the local mergers and acquisitions market than there are companies willing to sell, and experts don't expect that trend to change anytime soon.

Recent volatility and ongoing uncertainties have left several financial experts defensive or bearish about the stock market in the fourth quarter, while others remain more bullish about the slow-moving economic recovery.

Marquette University President Scott Pilarz Age: 52 Education: Ph.D., English - The City University of New...