Panel will discuss social media strategies for businesses
The Greater Brookfield Chamber of Commerce will present its Brookfield Business Education Program, “Social Media – Why You Need It and How to Make it Work for Your Business.”
The event will be held at the University of Phoenix, Milwaukee Campus, 20075 Watertower Blvd, Brookfield, on Tuesday, May 17, from 8 to 9:30 a.m.
The panelists leading the discussion will include: Alysha Schert of BizTimes Milwaukee; Alicia Cardenas of AmeriSign & Graphics; Deeatra Kajfosz of Nalani Services Inc.; and Phil Gerbyshak of Turning Minds.
The panelists will discuss why businesses should be involved with social media and how to determine what is best for their companies. The focus will be on strategies for LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook.
Admission to the program is $10 for chamber members and $20 for non-members. Advance registration with payment is required. For additional information, call (262) 786-1886.
Harris to leave Creative Alliance Milwaukee
Creative Alliance Milwaukee, formerly known as the Cultural Alliance of Greater Milwaukee, has announced that Christine Harris is stepping down as executive director of the organization and will launch her own consulting business.
Harris will change changing roles with the organization effective Friday, June 10.
After reviving the Cultural Alliance in 2008 and successfully leading the organization through a yearlong research initiative and the transition to the Creative Alliance, Harris has decided to leave the post and has agreed to remain as a consulting advisor to the organization until the end of the year to assist the organization with strategic planning and direction.
There will be no executive director replacement at this time.
Jill Morin, executive officer of Kahler Slater, and CAM board co-chair, said, “Christine has great insight into the needs of Milwaukee’s creative industries. We are thrilled that she will continue to lend her expertise to our organization as Creative Alliance Milwaukee continues to grow and evolve to best serve Milwaukee’s creative community.”
Harris said, “I want to stay closely connected to the strategic direction of Creative Alliance Milwaukee and this is the right time for me to pursue my business venture. I am excited about what is happening in the creative industries around the country and I am looking forward to contributing my talents to this growing field.”
Creative Alliance Milwaukee also announced its board of directors to serve three-year term. They are: Morin and Mike Jones, vice president of MillerCoors, will serve as co-chairs. Other board members include; Dean Amhaus, executive director of the Milwaukee Water Council, immediate past chair; Paul Mathews, president and chief executive officer of the Marcus Center, treasurer; Falamak Nourzad, principal of Continuum Architects + Planners, secretary; and Mary Roberts, president of Buzz Monkeys.
In addition, Creative Alliance Milwaukee has decided to form a community stakeholder Advisory Council. The purpose of the council will be to ensure access to all of the creative industry voices, and to review how the Alliance can best serve the creative industries cluster. This will lead to developing a strategic action plan with the Alliance board and staff.
Morin said, “Creative industries are critical to growing a strong and vibrant regional economy. We are committed to ensuring this industry cluster thrives and believe that an advisory council will give us insights into how to best serve the creative industries, attract and retain creative businesses to our area and give this cluster the support it needs for sustainable long-term economic growth.”
Blissful Bakery moves into renovated building
Becky’s Blissful Bakery has moved to a new location at 214 Oakton Ave. in downtown Pewaukee.
The 1929 Water Works Building was recently renovated to reflect the authentic feel of the vintage era and includes a new roof, replica schoolhouse light fixtures and ceiling fans.
"We are so excited for the opportunity to relocate to this historic property,” said business owner Rebecca Scarberry. “We have a beautiful building to walk into every morning and we are proud to be here. The space is perfect for our business, and we are looking forward to a grand opening celebration in late summer.”
Becky’s Blissful Bakery was founded in 2007 and offers handmade, gourmet desserts made from natural, organic ingredients.
Bob and Merianne Zimmerman bought and restored the well house building.
Baird Equity Research group ranks #2 in WSJ survey
The Equity Research group at Milwaukee-based Robert W. Baird & Co. Inc. ranked #2 in The Wall Street Journal’s 19th annual "Best on the Street" survey.
Out of 86 research houses, Baird tied two other firms in receiving the second-highest number of awards, with seven analysts recognized among the top five stock-pickers in their respective industry sectors.
This was Baird’s best showing to date in the annual survey.
"We are very pleased to continue to be recognized among the top firms in our business," said Bob Venable, Baird’s director of research. "This year’s ranking reflects our best showing yet in this survey, further demonstrating Baird’s focus on fundamental research and underscoring the emphasis we place on quality and objectivity."
Baird’s Research Department consists of approximately 110 research professionals covering more than 600 U.S. companies.
The "Best on the Street" analysts survey recognizes the top five analysts in 44 industry sectors based on their stock-picking skill during 2010.
The Baird analysts recognized among the top five in their industries were:
Daniel Leben – No. 1 in Advertising and Publishing.
Eric Coldwell – No. 2 in Health Care Providers.
David Manthey – No. 3 in Business & Industrial Services.
Thomas Russo- No. 3 in Pharmaceuticals.
Craig Kennison- No. 4 in Leisure Goods & Services.
Lawrence Neibor – No. 4 in Medical Equipment & Supplies.
Bryce Rowe – No. 4 in Banks.
Standard & Poor’s Equity Research ranked No. 1 in the overall survey.