Magazines
Read the latest issues of BizTimes magazine for in-depth coverage of Milwaukee business news.
Workforce developers: Area businesses step up to improve education system
Gus Ramirez embarked on one of the most ambitious projects of his philanthropic career earlier this year when he pledged to make a $60 million investment in improving education in Milwaukee with the development of a new K-12 school on the city's south side.
Concerned about the future workforce of his company, Waukesha-based HUSCO International Inc., and fed up with the performance of Milwaukee Public Schools, Ramirez made a bold proposal to play a more direct role in improving education in Milwaukee.
His proposed school, Augustine Prep, has garnered as much criticism from public school advocates, teachers' unions and charter school competitors as it has support from those who understand his vision. Much of the criticism stems from competition among schools to draw students and, with them, public funds.
“I believe this is something God wants to happen and He's given me enough nudges, opened up enough doors, created enough options for us to be successful that I think He's had a hand in this process,” said Ramirez, who serves as executive chairman of HUSCO. “If I didn't feel that, we wouldn't be doing it.”
Concerned about the future workforce of his company, Waukesha-based HUSCO International Inc., and fed up with the performance of Milwaukee Public Schools, Ramirez made a bold proposal to play a more direct role in improving education in Milwaukee.
His proposed school, Augustine Prep, has garnered as much criticism from public school advocates, teachers' unions and charter school competitors as it has support from those who understand his vision. Much of the criticism stems from competition among schools to draw students and, with them, public funds.
“I believe this is something God wants to happen and He's given me enough nudges, opened up enough doors, created enough options for us to be successful that I think He's had a hand in this process,” said Ramirez, who serves as executive chairman of HUSCO. “If I didn't feel that, we wouldn't be doing it.”
Education Briefs
Startup Milwaukee exits 96Square, launches next class of The Commons Startup Milwaukee has passed on the management of its...
Franklin Business Park companies teaming up with MATC on training program
Companies in the Franklin Business Park and Milwaukee Area Technical College are in the planning stages of establishing an employee training program that is slated to start in late 2015 or early 2016.
The objective of the program is for MATC faculty to come to the business park and teach a variety of classes to employees of participating companies. Employees would receive in-demand training in a convenient location, and the collaboration of businesses would make the classes more affordable.
The objective of the program is for MATC faculty to come to the business park and teach a variety of classes to employees of participating companies. Employees would receive in-demand training in a convenient location, and the collaboration of businesses would make the classes more affordable.
Tailored Label boosts productivity through unique cross-training program
Tailored Label Products Inc. has developed its own method for strengthening employees’ skillsets, improving workplace efficiency and fostering teamwork.
Called the 3x3 cross-training program, it is a system in which employees are trained to become proficient in at least three different positions, and each job can be performed by at least three employees.
Such tasks include running a printing press, ink mixing and color matching, laminating, or working in shipping, receiving, or in the warehouse.
“What we want is for every employee to have at least three pieces of equipment or processes that they are rock stars at,” said Jeff Kerlin, president and chief operating officer of the Menomonee Falls-based label manufacturer.
Called the 3x3 cross-training program, it is a system in which employees are trained to become proficient in at least three different positions, and each job can be performed by at least three employees.
Such tasks include running a printing press, ink mixing and color matching, laminating, or working in shipping, receiving, or in the warehouse.
“What we want is for every employee to have at least three pieces of equipment or processes that they are rock stars at,” said Jeff Kerlin, president and chief operating officer of the Menomonee Falls-based label manufacturer.
Lubar Center for Entrepreneurship aims to complement Milwaukee startup community
The Lubar Center for Entrepreneurship at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, made possible by a recent $10 million gift from Sheldon and Marianne Lubar, aims to provide entrepreneurship education for both students and the wider community.
Among the goals of the center, which will be housed in a new 28,000-square-foot building to be constructed at the corner of Kenwood Boulevard and Maryland Avenue on the UWM campus, is to improve the success rate of small businesses in Milwaukee and shed its image as a low-ranked city for startups, Sheldon Lubar said.
Among the goals of the center, which will be housed in a new 28,000-square-foot building to be constructed at the corner of Kenwood Boulevard and Maryland Avenue on the UWM campus, is to improve the success rate of small businesses in Milwaukee and shed its image as a low-ranked city for startups, Sheldon Lubar said.
- Advertisement -
Connect with the power within: How our ego helps or hinders us at work
Editor's note: This article is an excerpt from Susan K. Wehrley's new book, “EGO at Work!,” which is coming out in September.
Ego and leadership: Do you know any OE types?
“It's all about Charlie,” my colleague muttered, as we waited for him once again for a meeting. “He never thinks about anyone else's schedule. His is always more important – and he'll let you know it.”
Fifteen minutes later, with a few quick jokes and a dazzling smile, he swept into the room. Before long he was on his email, and then stepped out to take a call.
What's going on here?
Fifteen minutes later, with a few quick jokes and a dazzling smile, he swept into the room. Before long he was on his email, and then stepped out to take a call.
What's going on here?
Art of the vendor deal: How to negotiate with your suppliers
Editor's note: The following article is an excerpt from a book that Cary Silverstein is co-writing with psychologist Larry Waldman, Ph.D. titled “Overcoming Negotiaphobia,” the book will lay out strategies and tactics for negotiating with your children, your spouse, your parents and in business at various times in your life. The book is expected to be published this fall.
