UW-Parkside Hosts Legislative Breakfast and Discussion on Small Business Development Centers

On Monday, March 29th I had the privilege of attending a legislative breakfast at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside to discuss the university's role in fostering the economic growth our state desperately needs at this time.  There was a lengthy discussion about the different initiatives in which the university is involved to help improve Wisconsin's economy.  Among them is the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) that has been established through the partnership of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and the UW Extension.

Consisting of 12 service centers and four specialty centers on UW campuses around the state, the SBDC provides counseling services and educational resources in support of start-up businesses and existing businesses.  These centers serve more than 1,500 clients from the business community and help train more than 8,000 existing and aspiring entrepreneurs.  Given their convenient locations on UW campuses, the SBDCs are able to provide clients and entrepreneurs with a wealth of expertise and knowledge through research conducted by students, faculty and staff.

In addition to the counseling and educational services, the SBDCs also provide guidance in technological advancement and research and development.  In the modern age of computers, digital media, and other sophisticated equipment, SBDC partners and affiliates recognize how important it is for business owners and entrepreneurs to have the necessary skills and knowledge needed to not only succeed in an increasingly advanced and competitive business environment, but to initiate economic growth and prosperity in the long run.

For those interested in learning more about the services and resources offered by Wisconsin's Small Business Development Centers, please visit www.wisconsinsbdc.org or call the Wisconsin Business AnswerLine at 1-800-940-7232.  The SBDC website provides a significant amount of information about the programs offered as well as events for prospective and current clients to attend.

Floor Session to Resume Tuesday, April 13th

My Assembly colleagues and I, as well as our counterparts in the Senate, will reconvene in Madison next week as we approach the end of the legislative session.  The legislation we will be addressing and voting on in the Assembly includes: AB 139, which would increase the maximum fine for littering from $500 to $1,000; AB 343, which would expand the authority of the secretary of revenue in waiving or reducing interest and penalties;  AB 564, which relates to long-term name reservation by a limited liability company; AB 638, which pertains to the format and fees for obtaining copies of public records; AB 690, which addresses a sales and use tax exemption for food sold by child welfare facilities; and AB 711, which relates to vehicle towing and storage liens, to name a few.

A calendar should be available online by Tuesday with more information about the legislation we will be voting on.

Poster Contest Recognizes Public Safety

My husband, Chad, and I recently attended the 25th Annual Awards Ceremony for the Deputy Friendly Safety Poster Contest.  Sponsored by the Kenosha County Sheriff's Department, over 1,200 students throughout the county participated in the poster contest.  They were required to design posters reflecting the importance of public safety. 

Of the 1,200 participants, 41 winners were selected and recognized at the awards ceremony held at the Brat Stop on Monday, March 22nd.  Each winner was awarded a new bicycle. 

Sheriff David Beth, Deputy Raymond Rowe, and their department did a great job organizing the event, which was well attended by teachers, sponsors, parents, and the winners.  It was enjoyed by all.  The music group, The Bugs, provided the entertainment for the evening.  A big congratulations to all of the poster contest winners on a job well done!

Rep. Kerkman attends a dinner and poster contest on public safety with Branch 4 Circuit Court Judge Tony Milisauskas (far left), husband and Branch 8 Circuit Court Judge Chad Kerkman, and Kenosha County Sheriff David Beth (far right).

American Legion Auxiliary Hosts Blood Drive

This week, I attended a blood drive sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary.  JoAnn Maiter did a terrific job of organizing this event, and I was glad to see such a great turnout of people willing to donate blood for a good cause.  The donations were collected for the Blood Center of Wisconsin, and they will all remain in the southeastern region of the state for future use by area residents who need them. 

I'm sure we can all agree that accidents happen in which someone loses a significant amount of blood, and having an adequate supply of donated blood increases their chances of survival.  I have no doubt that the efforts taken by organizations such as the American Legion Auxiliary in organizing blood drives have saved a number of lives and will continue saving even more.

The next area blood drive will be held on Thursday, April 15th from 2:00pm until 6:00pm.  It was organized by the Silver Lake Rescue Squad.  To learn more about this blood drive, please contact Carolyn Dodge at 262-889-8093.

 Rep. Kerkman is pictured at the American Legion Auxiliary blood drive with Emma Chism (seated) and JoAnn Maiter.

Tornado and Severe Weather Awareness Week

The week of April 19-23, 2010 has been proclaimed by Governor Jim Doyle as Tornado and Severe Weather Awareness Week in Wisconsin.  During this important week for our state, school administrators, safety officers, and faculty members are asked to review procedures and drills to ensure the safety of all students and staff during tornadoes and severe weather.

On average, Wisconsin has 21 tornadoes per year.  Last year alone, 16 tornadoes were confirmed to have touched down in our state by the National Weather Service.  Thankfully, no one was killed or injured, but the tornadoes still resulted in more than $150,000 worth of property damage.  I'm sure no one has forgotten the tornado we had right here in Kenosha County in the middle of winter two years ago either.

Mock tornado warnings have been scheduled to take place on Thursday, April 22, 2010.  They will be issued by the National Weather Service and occur between 1:00 and 2:00pm.  Additional information can be obtained from Wisconsin Emergency Management.  Students and staff at schools across the state are encouraged to practice their safety procedures during these mock warnings to ensure they are prepared when severe weather strikes.