Catalyst Exhibits Moves to Kenosha County

Last week, I joined Governor Scott Walker and Representative John Steinbrink in welcoming Catalyst Exhibits to Kenosha County.  A full-service trade show support, design and fabrication business currently based in Crystal Lake, Illinois, Catalyst Exhibits is relocating to Pleasant Prairie's Lakeview Corporate Park where it will occupy a 144,000-square-foot facility.  The company's move is projected to create 105 jobs and generate a total of $2.5 million in investments.

The possibility of Catalyst Exhibits relocating to Kenosha County was first brought to my attention by the Kenosha Area Business Alliance (KABA).  I then contacted Lieutenant Governor Kleefisch and asked if she would be willing to contact the company's CEO, Tim Roberts, and encourage him to consider moving to the Kenosha area.  Since then, he has credited Lieutenant Governor Kleefisch for convincing him to relocate his business to the area.

Secretary Paul Jadin of the Department of Commerce also played a key role in helping Catalyst Exhibits with its transition to Kenosha County.  Through the department's Community Development Block Grant - Economic Development program, the company received a $500,000 loan to help offset the costs associated with building renovations and purchasing new equipment.  KABA also committed a $1.25 million loan to aid in the effort.

I look forward to the economic opportunities that Catalyst Exhibits will bring to the area, including the job creation and growth that we need at this time.  The company's addition to Wisconsin is encouraging, considering the hard work my colleagues in the Legislature and I have done to help significantly improve our state's business climate and overall economic outlook.  I hope this is the "catalyst" for greater economic opportunities to come for Wisconsin.

UW-Parkside Highlights Small Business Center Achievements in 2010

Speaking of economic opportunities, in a previous issue of Capitol Insight, I alluded to the creation of the Small Business Development Center (SBDC), which was established at the University of Wisconsin - Parkside through a partnership between 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 educational resources and counseling services in support of both existing and start-up businesses.  These centers provide services to more than 1,500 clients from the business community and help train more than 8,000 existing and aspiring entrepreneurs.

The SBDC recently released a summary of its 2010 Economic Impact Highlights.  These highlights include: starting up 17 new businesses that generated $3.4 million in revenue and another $170,000 in new state sales tax receipts; the creation of 34 new jobs while another 44 jobs were retained, resulting in $530,400 in new wages and adding $31,824 to the state's income tax base; and nearly $8.3 million generated from Client Capital Infusion that includes loans, equity contributions, and other sources of funding.  For every state dollar invested in the SBDC at UW-Parkside, $37.61 in new business revenue and $5.87 in new wages was generated. 

SBDC's success can be attributed to the 74 UW-Parkside students who participated in and graduated from the program as well as its director, Dr. Matthew Wagner.

Governor Walker Announces Jobs Hotline

Given the emphasis on improving Wisconsin's economic climate and creating jobs, Governor Walker announced the creation of the Jobs Hotline.  The purpose of hotline is to give job creators a direct line to the Governor's office in sharing their interest and ideas in creating jobs and fostering economic growth in Wisconsin.  Business owners looking to create and/or retain jobs can call 855-854-JOBS.  Within 24 hours of placing the call, they will receive a call-back from the Administration.

"Job creation is the top priority for my administration," Governor Walker said.  "The Jobs Hotline lets businesses know that we are here to assist them so Wisconsinites can get to work."

Ronald Hessil Earns Veteran of the Year Honors

I recently had the privilege of attending the 43rd annual banquet hosted by the Kenosha County Council of Veterans at Birchwood Grill in Pleasant Prairie.  During the banquet, Ronald Hessil was named the 2010 Kenosha County Veteran of the Year.  He was selected among three nominees for the honor, which is ultimately awarded to a candidate based on their military service, awards and decorations, and their membership and involvement in veterans organizations.

In receiving this distinct honor, Mr. Hessil was recognized for his civic involvement with both veterans and the community as a whole.  He has been a member of the American Legion for the past 20 years and currently serves as Wisconsin's First District Commander, he has held nine other posts with the American Legion, he has been awarded a number of military honors, served as a church trustee and board officer, and he is a youth group leader and assistant football coach for a local youth league.  "All of this is just giving back to the community," Mr. Hessil said upon being named Veteran of the Year.

 Rep. Kerkman is pictured with Ronald Hessil, who received Veteran of the Year honors. 

Town of Salem to Host a Boating Safety Class

The Town of Salem has announced that it will be hosting a DNR-sanctioned boating safety class at the Salem Town Hall Saturday and Sunday, April 2-3, 2011.  This class will review basic boating rules and regulations for interested area boating enthusiasts.  Pre-registration for the event is recommended by calling 262-843-2313.

Interested participants who were born after 1988 are required to complete a boating safety course in order to legally operate a motorized boat or personal watercraft (PWC).  Upon completion of the course, participants will receive a certificate of completion; however, it will not be valid for children until they are 12 years old.

Prior to taking the class, participants must obtain a nine-digit DNR identification number by calling 1-888-936-7463 or by visiting a DNR Service Center.  If you've previously been assigned a DNR identification number but cannot locate it or recall it, please call the number provided and a representative will assist you.

Committee Updates

It has been a very busy session thus far for the committees on which I serve as Chair and Co-Chair.  Recently, the Joint Legislative Audit Committee held a public hearing and an executive session to approve an audit of the state's Focus on Energy program.  Overseen by the Public Service Commission (PSC), Focus on Energy is a statewide program that assists residents and businesses with installing cost effective energy efficiency and renewable energy projects that enable them to manage rising energy costs while promoting in-state economic development and protecting the environment.  The committee unanimously approved the audit, which will help determine how efficient the program has been with the funding provided by energy utilities that spend 1.2 percent of its annual operating revenues to maintain the program.

This coming week, the Joint Legislative Audit Committee will hold a public hearing concerning the Wisconsin Veterans Homes.  The Legislative Audit Bureau recently published a report based on the findings identified during an audit conducted on the veterans' homes located in King and Union Grove.

I was pleased to welcome Secretary Rick Chandler from the Department of Revenue (DOR) to an informational hearing of the Ways & Means Committee this past week.  During the meeting, Secretary Chandler provided an overview of the services offered through DOR, including tax preparation guidance.  Secretary Chandler noted that so far this year, 75 percent of individual tax returns have already been e-filed which is up from 25 percent 10 years ago.

As many of you prepare for the upcoming deadline by which to have your taxes filed (April 15th), you may find the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program offered through DOR to be of assistance.

Both hearings were recorded by Wisconsin Eye for those who wish to view the proceedings.  Wisconsin Eye will also provide coverage of the upcoming public hearing on the veterans' homes, scheduled to take place at 10:00am this Wednesday, March 30th. 

Beware of "Grandparent Scams"

The Wisconsin Bankers Association recently alerted the public to incidents of "grandparent scams."  In such a scam, a "fake grandchild" will contact real grandparents and claim that he or she is in trouble and needs cash immediately.  Recently, the Racine Journal Times reported on such scams.  To avoid becoming a victim, it is advised that the grandparents call their grandchild directly to confirm whether or not they are really in trouble.  If they cannot get reach their grandchild, they should contact their children and other family members to verify that their grandchild is not in trouble.