One of the hottest tactics in social media among small businesses is the social coupon. Groupon and Living Social are the largest sites nationally. The OnMilwaukee.com Deal of the Day and DealsByGolly.com are newer entrants on the Milwaukee scene.

The cost of health care in Milwaukee, which was significantly higher than other similar cities a few years ago, is falling in line with the rest of the Midwest, according to a new report.

Jim Holmes Managing shareholder Vrakas/Blum 445 S. Moorland Road, Suite 400, Brookfield, WI 53005 www.v-b.com Industry:...

$86.2 million The state of Wisconsin already has received $86.2 million in funding from the Patient Protection...

Maxon Industries Inc. 3204 W. Mill Road, Milwaukee Industry: Concrete placing equipment for large municipal projects...

In the book "Faster Cheaper Better, The 9 Levers for Transforming How Work Gets Done," authors Michael Hammer and Lisa Hershman demonstrate how applying the right leadership and instilling the right culture and governance in a company can cut down on delays, drive out costs and effectively transform the organization.

Ascension Health and Columbia St. Mary's Health System announced that Mark Taylor has been named president and chief executive officer of Columbia St. Mary's Health System in Milwaukee, succeeding Leo Brideau, who has accepted a senior executive position with Ascension Health.

Sue Bartfield, president of Blue Star Creative in Milwaukee, started kayaking 12 years ago on a whim.

"A friend of mine said we should try it, and so one day we did and now I'm hooked," she said.

Recent news stories regarding the municipal bond market and its impending fiscal crisis have been unnerving and intimidating to many investors. While this is a difficult time for municipalities, the alarming viewpoints in the media are often overblown.

Non-profit urban farm organization Growing Power Inc. plans to build a five-story building at 5500 W. Silver Spring Dr., Milwaukee, for classrooms, offices, food and fish growing space, a demo kitchen, a retail food outlet and food processing space. Growing Power and its president and chief executive officer, Will Allen, have received national attention for Allen's efforts to create sustainable urban farms that provide healthy food for lower income individuals in areas, such as inner city neighborhoods, that have a lack of grocery stores. The organization works to provide neighborhood-based sustainable agricultural education.

Road Trip Savings N112 W16510 Mequon Road, Germantown Innovation: Universal discount tag for local businesses www.roadtripsavings.com...

A BizTimes reader recently asked about the difference in the way transportation policies and decisions are made in China vs. the United States. The issue came up as a reaction to Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker's decision to reject the $810 million in federal funds that would have built high-speed rail to connect Madison and Milwaukee.