The 2nd Annual WI Sustainable Business Council Conference was held December 3, 2009 at the Discovery World Museum in Milwaukee. It is the only conference in Wisconsin that is designed to create the opportunity for direct business-to-business sharing of experiences in the sustainability area. The conference began with an introduction and keynote address by Jeff Niesen, Vice President of Construction Management, Boldt, and Joel Brennan from Discovery World.

Continued coverage of the 2nd Annual WI Sustainable Business Council Conference. Tom Barrett, Mayor of Milwaukee, spoke on the topic of "Greening Milwaukee: How Milwaukee's Journey Toward Sustainability is a Business Issue." Also Will Allen of Growing Power Inc. spoke on the topic of "Sustainability and Our Food Systems."

Continued coverage of the 2nd Annual WI Sustainable Business Council Conference. The conference continued with break-out sessions on "Designing your Sustainability Report," with John Mourand from Briggs & Stratton Corporation, and "Getting Started on Your Sustainability Program" with Bill Mitchell, Executive Director/COO, WCEDC, and "Water as a Critical Raw Material" with Mike Jones, VP of Communications, MillerCoors.

Continued coverage of the 2nd Annual WI Sustainable Business Council Conference. The conference continued with a break out session on the following topics: "Injecting Sustainability into Logistics" with Steve Matheys from Schneider National, "Corporate Response to Climate Change" with Clay Nesler of Johnson Controls, and "Answering the Call for the Social Side of Sustainability" with Chris Librie from SC Johnson and Charles Bartels from Manpower.

Continued coverage of the 2nd Annual WI Sustainable Business Council Conference. The conference continued with "Wisconsin's Green Tier Program" with Rita Hayen from ATC and Mike Stahl, Technical Manager with Frito Lay.

Continued coverage of the 2nd Annual WI Sustainable Business Council Conference. The conference concluded with a closing plenary on the topic of "Using Sustainability to get through the Economic Crisis" with the following panelists: Jeff Neubauer, Chairman and CEO of Kranz, Inc., Morgan Wiswall, Purchasing Manager of Menasha Corporation, and Robert Israel, VP of Global Environmental Sustainability and Regulatory Affairs, Johnson Diversey.

The MidAmerican Healthcare Venture Forum continued on November 12, 2009 with a luncheon and keynote address, "The Economy: How High is the Water, Mama?" a review of the current economy and where we are heading including the important indicators that will show the water is receding. The address was given by Joe Morgan, CFA and Head of Portfolio Management of SVB Asset Management.

Governor Doyle's Northern Wisconsin Economic Development Summit was held on November 11 and 12 at Nicolet College in Rhinelander, Wisconsin. For the second day if the summit, the keynote presentation was given by Don Macke, director of Practitioner Programs at the Rural Policy Research Institute's Center for Rural Entrepreneurship in Lincoln, Nebraska. The keynote was titled "How Community-Based Endowments Can Enhance Economic Development."

Governor Doyle's Northern Wisconsin Economic Development Summit continued on November 12 with a listening session regarding the Department of Workforce Development. The listening session was led by Labor Market Analyst Bill Brockmiller, who discussed what has happened to the job market and what might be coming next.

The MidAmerican Healthcare Venture Forum was held November 11, 2009 at the Monona Terrace in Madison, Wisconsin. The Conference Chairman was Peter G. Kleinhenz, Venture Partner – Fletcher Spaght Ventures and Managing Director of CID Capital, Inc.. The Host Committee Chairman was Tom Still, President of the Wisconsin Technology Council. Governor Jim Doyle delivered the welcoming address.

MidAmerican Healthcare Venture Forum (Part 2) The MidAmerican Healthcare Venture Forum on November 11, 2009 continued with a panel, titled "The Impact on Health Care Reform." They discussed the adoption of new technology, delivery of care to rural areas, changes in insurance policies and incentive for preventative healthcare. The panel was moderated by Gearge Emont, Managing Director of Triathlon Medical Ventures, and panelists included: Paul Kusserow, Senior Vice President & Chief Strategy Officer - Humana Inc. Kelly Slone, Director of Federal Life Science Policy National Venture Capital Association, and Mark Koch Chief Administrative Officer Mayo Health System Administration.

The MidAmerican Healthcare Venture Forum on November 11, 2009 continued with a panel, titled "Stimulating the Public Equity Market's Appetite for Healthcare Companies." Industry experts representing the most successful venture backed exits provided their own unique perspective on the IPO market, the "glimmer of hope" seen in recent filings and what that means to VCs and their portfolio companies, as well as what is necessary and what will happen to re-open the public markets. The panel was moderated by Charles O’Meara Senior Managing Director - Private Equity B.C. Ziegler & Company, and panelists included: Rick Mattoon Senior Economist & Economic Advisor Federal Reserve Bank, John Taylor, Research & Financial Affairs Executive National Venture Capital Association, and Brian Scullion, Principal William Blair & Company.

The MidAmerican Healthcare Venture Forum on November 11, 2009 continued with a luncheon and keynote addresses: "Accelerating Tech Transfer Through Inner Disciplinary Research" by Dr. Sangtae "Sang" Kim, Executive Director Morgridge Institute for Research, and Dr. John Wiley, Former Chancellor – UW-Madison and Director of the Wisconsin Institutes for Discovery.

Governor Doyle's Northern Wisconsin Economic Development Summit was held on November 11 and 12 at Nicolet College in Rhinelander, Wisconsin. The summit began with opening remarks from Governor Jim Doyle and was followed by a general session with each participating organization giving a briefing of key issues in their agency as they pertain to Northern Wisconsin. A question and answer session followed, moderated by Elizabeth Burmaster. Afterwards, Governor Doyle gave a second presentation to attendees.

The Governor's Northern Wisconsin Economic Development Summit continued on November 11, 2009 with the "American Recovery & Reinvestment Act (ARRA) Transportation Projects in Northern Wisconsin" workshop. This presentation was given by Rebecca Burke and Don Gasser, and gave an overview of the transportation projects that received ARRA funds in Northern Wisconsin.

The Governor's Northern Wisconsin Economic Development Summit continued on November 11, 2009 with a workshop titled "Wisconsin's Clean Energy Revolving Loan Program." The workshop, with a presentation by John Baldus from the Office for Energy Independence, outlined the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 and how it provides significant funding for clean energy initiatives, including the State Energy Program.

The Wisconsin Business Council held an Economic Development Symposium at the University of Wisconsin-Madison's Grainger Hall on November 5, 2009. President and CEO of Wisconsin Business Council Phillip Prange, President and CEO, AT&T Wisconsin and Chairman of the Wisconsin Business Council Scott VanderSanden, and Chancellor of UW-Madison Carolyn "Biddy" Martin welcomed the crowed and introduced the keynote speaker, Secretary of Commerce Richard Leinenkugel. The keynote address was followed by a panel speaking on the topic of "Starting, Staying, Growing or Coming to Wisconsin – What Made the Difference?" Panelists included Michael Potts, Executive Vice President, Orion Energy Systems, Maneesh Arora, Senior Vice President and CFO, Exact Sciences Corp. and Richard Meeusen, Chairman, President and CEO, Badger Meter. The moderator was Aaron Olver, Deputy Secretary, Wisconsin Department of Commerce.

Continued coverage of the Wisconsin Business Council's Economic Development Symposium at the University of Wisconsin-Madison's Grainger Hall on November 5, 2009. A panel was held regarding the "Challenges of Locating or Growing in Wisconsin," moderated by Mike Jones from Miller-Coors and featuring Joe Fazio, CEO, Commerce State Bank, Robert Gerbitz, Managing Director, Hendricks Development Group, Attorney James Klauser, DOA Secretary 1987-96 and Senior Vice President of Wisconsin Energy Corp. The panel was followed by a question and answer session and reaction panel, moderated by Dr. Katharine Lyall, Former President of the UW-System, and featuring Dr. John Coleman, Chair of Political Science Department at UW-Madison, and Dr. Stephen Malpezze, Professor of Real Estate and Urban Land Economics in the UW-Madison's Wisconsin School of Business.

Coverage of the Wisconsin Business Council's Economic Development Symposium luncheon at the Fluno Center on November 5, 2009, during which Wisconsin's Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen addressed the crowd.

Continued coverage of the Wisconsin Business Council's Economic Development Symposium panel at the University of Wisconsin-Madison's Grainger Hall on November 5, 2009. The panel was regarding the topic, "Two Focal Points for Growth: Cluster Industries and Second Stage Capital," and was moderated by Marc Marotta, Partner at Foley & Lardner. The first part, "Cluster Industries – What Does It Take to Keep Them, Grow Them, and Attract Them to Wisconsin?" featured Kim Bassett-Heitzmann, President and COO, Bassett Mechanical, William Johnson, Jr., President of Johnson Timber Corp, Barry Grossman, Of Counsel, Foley & Lardner LLP, and Jeff Smoller, Special Assistant to the President, UW System. The second part, "Second Stage Capital – What Does It Take to Get More of It in Wisconsin?" featured Tom Still, President, Wisconsin Technology Council, and Paul Carbone, Director of the Private Equity Group for Robert W. Baird and Co. and Managing Partner/Chairman of Baird Capital Partners.

Continued coverage of the Wisconsin Business Council's Economic Development Symposium at the University of Wisconsin-Madison's Grainger Hall on November 5, 2009. The final part of the Symposium included a panel titled "Capitol Opinion," moderated by Jeff Mayers, President of WisPolitics.com and featuring Jim Wood from Wood Comm Group, James Klauser, DOA Secretary 1987-96 and Senior Vice President of Wisconsin Energy Corp. (retired), and Marc Marotta, Partner of Foley & Lardner.

The Climate Change and Green Jobs: Helping Businesses Prepare for New Expectations and New Rules symposium took place on September 18, 2009 at the Edgewater Hotel in Madison. Thomas Eggert, Associate Director of Business, Environment and Social Responsibility Program at Wisconsin School of Business, and Paul Linzmeyer, General Partner at ISO International, presented "Setting the Stage: The Importance of Integrating the Impact of Climate Change into your Immediate and Long-term Operational Goals." Thad Nation, Executive Director of Clean Responsible Energy for Wisconsin's Economy (CREWE) presented "Implementing the Recommendations from the Governor's Task Force on Global Warming and Implications for Wisconsin Businesses."

Continued coverage of the Climate Change and Green Jobs: Helping Businesses Prepare for New Expectations and New Rules symposium, held on September 18, 2009 at the Edgewater Hotel in Madison. Andrew DeGuire, Vice President Strategy & Acquisitions, Johnson Controls, and Jeffrey Crawford, Attorney General of Forest County Potowatomi Community, presented "Overview of the Federal Legislation: Business Opportunities for Sustainable Strategies Arising from Federal and State Regulatory Initiatives." Howard Learner, Executive Director of Environmental Law and Policy Center presented "Overview of State & Federal Climate Change and Renewable Energy Initiatives and Business Opportunities/Challenges."

Continued coverage of the Climate Change and Green Jobs: Helping Businesses Prepare for New Expectations and New Rules symposium, held on September 18, 2009 at the Edgewater Hotel in Madison. Howard Learner, Executive Director of Environmental Law and Policy Center presented "Overview of State & Federal Climate Change and Renewable Energy Initiatives and Business Opportunities/Challenges."

Continued coverage of the Climate Change and Green Jobs: Helping Businesses Prepare for New Expectations and New Rules symposium, held on September 18, 2009 at the Edgewater Hotel in Madison. Al Fish, Associate Vice-Chancellor of UW-Madison, and Murray Sim, National Practice Director of Energy Management Services, Titus, presented "Charter Street Coal Plant Conversion Case Study: The Challenges and Benefits of Converting a Coal Plant to Alternative Fuels.

Continued coverage of the Climate Change and Green Jobs: Helping Businesses Prepare for New Expectations and New Rules symposium, held on September 18, 2009 at the Edgewater Hotel in Madison. Dr. Joseph Jacobsen, Associate Dean of Environmental Studies at Milwaukee Area Technical College, Dana LaFontsee, Corporate Development and Sustainability at UW-Milwaukee School of Continuing Education, and Michelle Mason, Managing Director of American Society of Quality, presented "Green Jobs: What They Are, Who Needs Them, and Who's Doing the Training?"

Continued coverage of the Climate Change and Green Jobs: Helping Businesses Prepare for New Expectations and New Rules symposium, held on September 18, 2009 at the Edgewater Hotel in Madison. John Fojut, Vice President of Corporate Sustainability of Kohl's Corporation, and Joe Muehlbach, Sustainability Director of Quad/Graphics Inc., presented "Business Strategies for Reducing Business Risks and Maximizing Opportunities on the New Environmental/Energy Policy Initiatives." The event was sponsored by The Wisconsin Sustainable Business Council, The Business, Environment, and Social Responsibility Program at the Wisconsin School of Business, and The University of Wisconsin Law School, together with Godfrey & Kahn, S.C.

Justiceworks, Ltd., together with the Portage County Bar Association, UWSP Political Science and Continuing Education Departments, sponsored a symposium on the conflict between judicial independence and First Amendment rights in judicial elections. The agenda addressed the First Amendment's impact and the role and responsibility of the media in the judicial election process. During the morning session, Bert Brandenburg, Executive Director, Justice at Stake Campaign, presented a brief description of the background and history creating the issues between the independence of the judiciary and freedom of speech in an electoral process, and Brady Williamson, Attorney, Godfrey & Kahn S.C., presented "The First Amendment, Politics and Judicial Elections." The conference took place on September 17, 2009 at the Holiday Inn & Convention Center in Stevens Point, Wisconsin.

Continued coverage of the symposium on the conflict between judicial independence and First Amendment rights in judicial elections, held on September 17, 2009 in Stevens Point, Wisconsin. This breakout session, titled "Issues and Responses – Whither the Wind Blows?" featured panelists: Bill Kraus, Chair, Common Cause Wisconsin; Scott Milfred, Editor, Wisconsin State Journal; and Kevin J. Kennedy, Wisconsin Government Accountability Board.

Continued coverage of the symposium on the conflict between judicial independence and First Amendment rights in judicial elections, held on September 17, 2009 in Stevens Point, Wisconsin. This breakout session, titled "Are Dogfights Legal in Wisconsin? What Are the Rules Anyway?" featured panelists: James Alexander, Executive Director, Judicial Commission; Thomas J. Basting Sr., Wisconsin Judicial Campaign Integrity Committee, State Bar of Wisconsin; and Mike Wittenwyler, Attorney, Godfrey & Kahn, S. C.

Continued coverage of the symposium on the conflict between judicial independence and First Amendment rights in judicial elections, held on September 17, 2009 in Stevens Point, Wisconsin. During the afternoon session, Robert Drechsel, Professor of Journalism & Mass Communication and Affiliated Professor of Law, University of Wisconsin-Madison, led a discussion of the role of the mass media in judicial elections from the perspective of both news and campaign advertising.

Continued coverage of the symposium on the conflict between judicial independence and First Amendment rights in judicial elections, held on September 17, 2009 in Stevens Point, Wisconsin. Bert Brandenburg, Executive Director, Justice at Stake Campaign, moderated a panel discussion, Aproaches to Change — Caperton and Beyond. Panelists included: Brady Williamson, Attorney, Godfrey & Kahn S.C.; Tom Bier, VP/Station Manager, WISC-TV/Channel 3000, Madison; Scott Milfred, Editor, Wisconsin State Journal; Mike B. Wittenwyler, Attorney, Godfrey & Kahn, S. C.; and Bill Kraus, Chair, Common Cause Wisconsin.

Continued coverage of the symposium on the conflict between judicial independence and First Amendment rights in judicial elections, held on September 17, 2009 in Stevens Point, Wisconsin. Wisconsin Supreme Court Chief Justice Shirley S. Abrahamson presented the closing summary.

State officials hosted a “swine” flu summit in Rothschild, WI on August 19, 2009 to discuss H1N1 activity in Wisconsin and the how Wisconsin is preparing to respond to challenges this fall. The first session included presentations by Department of Health Services Secretary Karen Timberlake, State Public Health Officer Dr. Seth Foldy, Emergency Management Bureau of Response and Recovery Director Larry Reed, Immunization Program Director Dan Hopfensperger, and State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Evers.

State officials hosted a “swine” flu summit in Rothschild, WI on August 19, 2009 to discuss H1N1 activity in Wisconsin and the how Wisconsin is preparing to respond to challenges this fall. The second part of WisconsinEye's coverage features an interview with State Public Health Officer Dr. Seth Foldy.

State officials hosted a “swine” flu summit in Rothschild, WI on August 19, 2009 to discuss H1N1 activity in Wisconsin and the how Wisconsin is preparing to respond to challenges this fall. The event ended with breakout sessions where participants engaged in a discussion about what communities and businesses may experience this flu season.

WisconsinEye’s Emily Smolarek interviewed Wisconsin State Fair participants and exhibitors on August 7, 2009 at the fairgrounds in West Allis.

The fourth annual Lake Superior Technology Conference took place on August 6, 2009 at Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College in Ashland. The conference was produced by the Wisconsin Technology Council, the Wisconsin Innovation Network Lake Superior Chapter and other Lake Superior region partners. The first part of WisconsinEye’s coverage features the keynote address by Wisconsin Department of Commerce Secretary Dick Leinenkugel, and a presentation about transportation issues and opportunities by Carol Wolosz of Great Lakes Maritime Research Institute.

The fourth annual Lake Superior Technology Conference took place on August 6, 2009 at Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College in Ashland. The conference was produced by the Wisconsin Technology Council, the Wisconsin Innovation Network Lake Superior Chapter and other Lake Superior region partners. The second part of WisconsinEye’s coverage features a presentation on industrial uses of Lake Superior water by Dave Podratz of Murphy Oil.

The fourth annual Lake Superior Technology Conference took place on August 6, 2009 at Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College in Ashland. The conference was produced by the Wisconsin Technology Council, the Wisconsin Innovation Network Lake Superior Chapter and other Lake Superior region partners. The third part of WisconsinEye’s coverage features presentations on local foods and economic development by Andrew Dane and Jason Fischbach of UW-Extension.

The fourth annual Lake Superior Technology Conference took place on August 6, 2009 at Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College in Ashland. The conference was produced by the Wisconsin Technology Council, the Wisconsin Innovation Network Lake Superior Chapter and other Lake Superior region partners. The fourth part of WisconsinEye’s coverage features a presentation on producing transportation fuel from forest residue by Bob Byrne, CEO of Flambeau River Papers, a report on SuperiorGrowth by Kimberly Dwyer of Mellen School District, and a summary of the conference by Mark Ehrmann of Quarles & Brady.

The fourth annual Lake Superior Technology Conference took place on August 6, 2009 at Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College in Ashland. The conference was produced by the Wisconsin Technology Council, the Wisconsin Innovation Network Lake Superior Chapter and other Lake Superior region partners. The final part of WisconsinEye’s coverage features interviews with Jill Sauld, Nursing Instructor, Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College, and Bruce Lindgren, Principle, B. Lindgren Consulting.

The Slow Money movement convened its Midwest Slow Money Institute in Madison, Wisconsin on July 27, 2009. The Midwest Slow Money Institute is the fifth such conference to be held in the United States and is designed to brainstorm ideas about financing and rebuilding a local food infrastructure in Wisconsin and the Midwest. Those attending the event included: Woody Tasch, chairman and president of the Slow Money Alliance, Tory Miller, co-owner and executive chef at Madison's L'Etoile restaurant; Mike Bedessem, chief financial officer at Organic Valley Family of Farms, La Farge; and Margaret Bau, cooperative development specialist at USDA Rural Development, Stevens Point.

As a continuation of the Midwest Slow Money Institute, a panel of regional food enterprises described their connection to the slow money idea. Amy Dickie, a Slow Money consultant, opened the discussion and described her preliminary field research mapping small food enterprises in Wisconsin.

As a continuation of the Midwest Slow Money Institute, Jim Slama - founder and President of FamilyFarmed.org - addressed institute attendees on how large scale food buyers are connecting  to locally grown produce. In this segment, WisconsinEye interviewed Peter Robertson, CEO of RP’s Pasta Company and Odessa Piper, former proprietor of L’Etoile Restaurant. Following Slama’s address, the institute moved into a panel discussion, the topic was Coops & Alternative Forms of Financing.

As a continuation of the Midwest Slow Money Institute, Robert Karp of New Spirit Ventures, LLC addressed institute attendees on the issue of farmland preservation, and Ken Kerzner, an independent bonding consultant, provided information on how municipal bonds may be a funding avenue for slow money ventures.

As a conclusion to the Midwest Slow Money Institute, Woody Tasch - Chairman and President of Slow Money Alliance - moderated a discussion on how a group like his might catalyze a sate, regional or national movement to create a new capital market for food systems.

WisconsinEye travelled to the Northwest Wisconsin Sustainable Living Fair in Ladysmith, WI on July 25, 2009.  Al Fish, Gigi Stafne, and Linda Schmit, of the United Plant Savers Botanical Sanctuary discussed the Green Medicine Movement and how to bring true sustainable healing to ourselves and the planet. Jon Zander, a UW-Extension Dairy and Livestock Agent from Trempealeau County discussed the economics of producing biodiesel and the quality of fuel produced based on analysis.  Finally, the keynote address of the Fair was given by Jerry Hembd where he discussed a community approach to sustainable living.

WisconsinEye travelled to the Northwest Wisconsin Sustainable Living Fair in Ladysmith, WI on July 25, 2009. Steve Sandstrom, owner of the Pinehurst Inn at Pikes Creek in Bayfield, WI discussed how to build, maintain, and operate a more sustainable business.

WisconsinEye travelled to the Northwest Wisconsin Sustainable Living Fair in Ladysmith, WI on July 25, 2009. Jeremy Hill of Hill Construction, LLC in Hayward, WI discussed how to build a super energy efficient home using green building practices and materials, incorporating renewable energy systems, and alternative construction practices.

WisconsinEye travelled to the Northwest Wisconsin Sustainable Living Fair in Ladysmith, WI on July 25, 2009.  Videographer Paul Schmidt interviewed a number of attendees about the importance of green economic development and sustainable living.

The 2009 Wisconsin Farm Technology Days was held at Crave Brothers Farm located in southern Dodge County. George, Charles, Tom, and Mark Crave, along with their families, hosted the Opening Ceremonies on July 21, 2009, in Waterloo, Wisconsin. Wisconsin Farm Technology Days, the state’s largest outdoor agricultural show, showcases the latest technology in production agriculture to approximately 80,000 visitors. Wisconsin’s 62nd Alice in Dairyland, Cheryl O'Brien hosted a trivia contest for kids about Wisconsin Agriculture, and was interviewed by Emily Smolarek of WisconsinEye.

The Democratic Party of Wisconsin held a state convention in Green Bay at the Green Bay Radisson Hotel and Convention Center on June 12 and June 13, 2009. In the first part of WisconsinEye's coverage the convention was called to order and various party leaders and politicians addressed the convention. Among the speakers were Senate Majority Leader Sen. Russ Decker, D-Weston, U.S. Rep. Steve Kagen, D-Appleton, U.S. Sen. Russ Feingold, D-Middleton, Assembly Speaker Rep. Mike Sheridan, D-Janesville, State Treasurer Dawn Marie Sass, Lt. Gov. Barbara Lawton and Gov. Jim Doyle.

The Democratic Party of Wisconsin held a state convention in Green Bay at the Green Bay Radisson Hotel and Convention Center on June 12 and June 13, 2009. In this part of WisconsinEye's coverage from the second day of the convention state democrats debated the party's platform and resolutions. There were also various speeches from party leaders including U.S. Rep. Tammy Baldwin, D-Middleton, and U.S. Sen. Herb Kohl, D-Milwaukee.

The Democratic Party of Wisconsin held a state convention in Green Bay at the Green Bay Radisson Hotel and Convention Center on June 12 and June 13, 2009. At the convention incoming Democratic Party of Wisconsin Chairman Mike Tate was interviewed by WisconsinEye.

The Democratic Party of Wisconsin held a state convention in Green Bay at the Green Bay Radisson Hotel and Convention Center on June 12 and June 13, 2009. At the convention outgoing Democratic Party of Wisconsin Chairman Joe Wineke was interviewed by WisconsinEye.

The Democratic Party of Wisconsin held a state convention in Green Bay at the Green Bay Radisson Hotel and Convention Center on June 12 and June 13, 2009. At the convention National Committee member Jason Rae was interviewed by WisconsinEye.

The Democratic Party of Wisconsin held a state convention in Green Bay at the Green Bay Radisson Hotel and Convention Center on June 12 and June 13, 2009. At the convention Democratic Party of Wisconsin Second Vice Chair Jef Hall was interviewed by WisconsinEye.

The Democratic Party of Wisconsin held a state convention in Green Bay at the Green Bay Radisson Hotel and Convention Center on June 12 and June 13, 2009. At the convention National Committee member Melissa Schroeder was interviewed by WisconsinEye.

The League of Women Voters of Wisconsin held their annual meeting at the Holiday Inn in Manitowoc on May 29-30, 2009. The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan, grassroots, political organization established in 1920 to educate citizens and advocate for good government.

The League of Women Voters of Wisconsin held their annual meeting at the Holiday Inn in Manitowoc on May 29-30, 2009. The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan, grassroots, political organization established in 1920 to educate citizens and advocate for good government.

The League of Women Voters of Wisconsin held their annual meeting at the Holiday Inn in Manitowoc on May 29-30, 2009. The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan, grassroots, political organization established in 1920 to educate citizens and advocate for good government.

The League of Women Voters of Wisconsin held their annual meeting at the Holiday Inn in Manitowoc on May 29-30, 2009. The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan, grassroots, political organization established in 1920 to educate citizens and advocate for good government.`

Nine Wisconsin companies were given Business Friend of the Environment Awards for leadership in pollution prevention, environmental innovation, or stewardship during the 20th Annual Environmental Policy and Awards Conference on May 14, 2009 at the Country Springs Conference Center in Pewaukee. The 2009 Business Friend of the Environment Awards were presented by the Wisconsin Environmental Working Group, an affiliate of Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce.

The Dog Federation of Wisconsin held their 2009 Legislation Day in Madison on May 13, 2009. The event was held at the Best Western Inn on the Park Hotel in Madison.

The Republican Party of Wisconsin held their annual convention from La Crosse on Friday, May 1, 2009 through Sunday, May 3, 2009. In day 2, part 1, the convention continues on May 2 and includes committee reports, remarks by party leaders and party platform resolutions. Among the speakers were Republican Party of Wisconsin Chairman Reince Priebus, Assembly Minority Leader Rep. Jeff Fitzgerald, R-Horicon, Senate Minority Leader Scott Fitzgerald, R-Juneau, U.S. Rep. Tom Petri, R-Fond du Lac, U.S. Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner, R-Menomonee Falls, and 2010 candidate for Governor Scott Walker.

The Republican Party of Wisconsin held their annual convention from La Crosse on Friday May 1, 2009 through Sunday, May 3, 2009. On day 2, part 2, the convention continues on May 2 and includes committee reports, remarks by party leaders and party platform resolutions. Among the speakers were Republican Party of Wisconsin Chairman Reince Priebus, Assembly Minority Leader Rep. Jeff Fitzgerald, R-Horicon, Senate Minority Leader Scott Fitzgerald, R-Juneau, U.S. Rep. Tom Petri, R-Fond du Lac, U.S. Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner, R-Menomonee Falls, and 2010 candidate for Governor Scott Walker.

The Republican Party of Wisconsin held their annual convention from La Crosse on Friday May 1, 2009 through Sunday, May 3, 2009. In this part of the convention coverage on May 2, 2009, county party leaders were honored at a banquet that included achievement awards for various county parties. The evening’s speakers included Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker, former U.S. Rep. Mark Neumann, U.S. Rep. Paul Ryan and Twin Cities-based talk show host Jason Lewis. The event was held at the La Crosse Center in La Crosse.

The Republican Party of Wisconsin held their annual convention from La Crosse on Friday May 1, 2009 through Sunday, May 3, 2009. In this part, Rep. Donald Pridemore, R-Hartford, was interviewed.

The Republican Party of Wisconsin held their annual convention from La Crosse on Friday May 1, 2009 through Sunday, May 3, 2009. In this part, Republican Party of Wisconsin Chairman Reince Priebus, was interviewed.

The Republican Party of Wisconsin held their annual convention from La Crosse on Friday May 1, 2009 through Sunday, May 3, 2009. In this part, 7th Congressional District candidate Dan Mielke, was interviewed.

The Republican Party of Wisconsin held their annual convention from La Crosse on Friday May 1, 2009 through Sunday, May 3, 2009. In this part, Sen. Dan Kapanke, R-La Crosse, was interviewed.

The Republican Party of Wisconsin held their annual convention from La Crosse on Friday May 1, 2009 through Sunday, May 3, 2009. In this part, Sen. Glenn Grothman, R-West Bend, was interviewed.

The Republican Party of Wisconsin held their annual convention from La Crosse on Friday May 1, 2009 through Sunday, May 3, 2009. In this part, Wisconsin State Journal Reporter Mark Pitsch, was interviewed.

The Republican Party of Wisconsin held their annual convention from La Crosse on Friday May 1, 2009 through Sunday, May 3, 2009. In this part, Vince Schmuki, Recall Doyle Team, was interviewed.

The Republican Party of Wisconsin held their annual convention from La Crosse on Friday May 1, 2009 through Sunday, May 3, 2009. In this part, Rep. Gary Tauchen, R-Bonduel, was interviewed.

The Republican Party of Wisconsin held their annual convention from La Crosse on Friday May 1, 2009 through Sunday, May 3, 2009. In this part, Wisconsin Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen, was interviewed.

The Republican Party of Wisconsin held their annual convention from La Crosse on Friday May 1, 2009 through Sunday, May 3, 2009. In this part, Rep. Robin Vos, R-Racine, was interviewed.

The Republican Party of Wisconsin held their annual convention from La Crosse on Friday May 1, 2009 through Sunday, May 3, 2009. In this part, Milwaukee County Executive and 2010 candidate for Governor Scott Walker was interviewed.

The Republican Party of Wisconsin held their annual convention from La Crosse on Friday, May 1, 2009 through Sunday, May 3, 2009. In day 1, part 1, Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele kicked off the convention on Friday, May 1, 2009. Prior to delivering a speech to party members at the Radisson Hotel, Steele took questions from the media.

The Progressive hosted a conference to celebrate their 100th Anniversary. The conference took place on May 1 and 2, 2009, from the Monona Terrace. The event featured many state and national speakers, who can be found on the conference website at http://conference.progressive.org/.

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The Wisconsin Way hosted a conference on April 27, 2009 titled "A Closer Look at, and Assessment of, The Blueprint for Change Economic Development Initiatives." The conference was held at the Crown Plaza Hotel in Madison. The Wisconsin Way is a partnership of statewide organizations with the goal of finding a new way to fund public services.

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The 8th Annual International Bioethics Forum was held at the BioPharmaceutical Technology Center in Madison on April 23 and April 24, 2009. This year's forum focused on "Sustainability." In this part of the forum William Linton, chairman and CEO of Promega Corporation provided a welcome and Calvin B. DeWitt, a professor at the Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies at UW-Madison, gave a presentation titled "Sustainability and the Roots of Unsustainability," and Paul B. Thompson, professor and W.K. Kellog Chair in Agricultural, Food and Community Ethics at Michigan State University, gave a presentation titled "Biotechnology's Significant Contributions to the Sustainability Discussion."

The 8th Annual International Bioethics Forum was held at the BioPharmaceutical Technology Center in Madison on April 23 and April 24, 2009. In this part of the forum four panelists shared Jewish, Christian and Muslim perspectives regarding ecology and faith.

The 8th Annual International Bioethics Forum was held at the BioPharmaceutical Technology Center in Madison on April 23 and April 24, 2009. In this part of the forum Regina Hauser, the executive director of the Natural Step Network, gave a presentation on the Natural Step, a model that communities use to explore sustainability. The presentation was titled "The Natural Step: An International Model that Works."

The 8th Annual International Bioethics Forum was held at the BioPharmaceutical Technology Center in Madison on April 23 and April 24, 2009. In this part of the forum Timothy J. Donahue, professor of Bacteriology at UW-Madison and director of the Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center, gave a presentation titled "Cellulosic Biofuels as a Potential Sustainable Energy Source."

The 8th Annual International Bioethics Forum was held at the BioPharmaceutical Technology Center in Madison on April 23 and April 24, 2009. In this part of the forum Mary Ann Lazarus, a senior vice president and sustainable design director at HOK, gave a presentation titled "Sustainable Design and Biomimicry" and Jamie P. Cloud, president of the Cloud Institute for Sustainability Education, gave a presentation titled "Sustainable Education." After the presentations a group of panelists discussed their own paths and what they've learned along the way, reflecting on what sustains them as individuals, and in their roles within institutions, as they forge ahead. The panel was made up of a number of the forum's speakers.

The 8th Annual International Bioethics Forum was held at the BioPharmaceutical Technology Center in Madison on April 23 and April 24, 2009. In this part of the forum a breakout session hosted by Teresa Millard, a lead designer of decorative products and color at Kohler Company. Her presentation was titled "Biomimicry - How Nature Can Shape Business." Following Millard, Lewis S. Gilbert, associate director of the Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies at the UW-Madison gave the final presentation of the forum titled "The Evidence Is In - Why Don't We Change."

The Third Annual Nelson Institute Earth Day Conference was held on April 22, 2009 at the Monona Terrace in Madison. The theme of the event was "Wisconsin's Energy Future." In the opening session Gregg Mitman, Interim Director, Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies, UW-Madison provided a welcome while Eric Callisto, chair, Wisconsin Public Service Commission, gave a presentation titled "Wisconsin’s Energy Future: Challenges and Opportunities;" Charles Cicchetti, co-founder, Pacific Economics Group and former Public Service Commission chair and state energy director gave a presentation titled "Going Green: Will We Get It Right This Time?;" and Donald Albinger, vice president for Renewable Energy Solutions, Johnson Controls, Inc., gave a presentation titled "Sustainability through Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy." Established in 1970 as the Institute for Environmental Studies, the institute was renamed in 2002 for former Wisconsin governor and U.S. senator Gaylord Nelson, the founder of Earth Day and a lifelong champion of environmental stewardship. The Nelson Institute offers courses and academic degree and certificate programs for undergraduate and graduate students at UW-Madison. They also conduct research and outreach activities.

The Third Annual Nelson Institute Earth Day Conference was held on April 22, 2009 at the Monona Terrace in Madison. The theme of the event was "Wisconsin's Energy Future." In this breakout session titled "Federal, Regional and State Energy Policy Development," moderated by Andy Olsen, senior policy advocate for the Environmental Law and Policy Center, the featured speakers are Greg Nemet, assistant professor with the La Follette School of Public Affairs and Nelson Institute at UW–Madison, Rep. Spencer Black, D-Madison, the chair of the Assembly Committee on Natural Resources and Keith Reopelle, senior policy director with Clean Wisconsin.

The Third Annual Nelson Institute Earth Day Conference was held on April 22, 2009 at the Monona Terrace in Madison. The theme of the event was "Wisconsin's Energy Future." In this lunch plenary session Michael Li, senior policy advisor with the British Embassy in Washington, D.C., gave a presentation titled "Energy and Climate Policy in the UK" and Faramarz Vakili-Zadeh, associate director of the UW-Madison Physical Plant gave a presentation entitled "We Conserve at UW-Madison."

The Third Annual Nelson Institute Earth Day Conference was held on April 22, 2009 at the Monona Terrace in Madison. The theme of the event was "Wisconsin's Energy Future." In this breakout session moderated by Tracey Holloway, assistant professor with the Center for Sustainability and the Global Environment (SAGE) and the Nelson Institute at UW–Madison featured the following speakers: Mary Schlaefer, executive director with the Wisconsin Energy Conservation Corporation, Charles McGinnis, director of building efficiency with Johnson Controls, David Jenkins, director of market development and commercialization with the state Office of Energy Independence and Kim Zuhlke, vice president of new energy resources with Alliant Energy.

The Third Annual Nelson Institute Earth Day Conference was held on April 22, 2009 at the Monona Terrace in Madison. The theme of the event was "Wisconsin's Energy Future." In this concluding panel discussion moderated by Steve Born, professor emeritus of urban and regional planning and environmental studies at UW-Madison and the former director of the Wisconsin Office of Energy, Stephen Johannsen, president of RMT, Inc.; Kathleen Falk, Dane County executive, Satya Rhodes-Conway, senior associate with the Center on Wisconsin Strategy at UW-Madison and Barbara Swan, president of Wisconsin Power and Light, shared their thoughts on the future of energy use in Wisconsin.

The 2009 Wisconsin Renewable Energy Summit took place over a three day period from the Midwest Airlines Center in Milwaukee on March 25th, 26th, and 27th. In day three, part one, Plenary Session F speakers included: Fred Royal, Board Member, Milwaukee Area Technical College; Art Harrington, Partner and Environmental Lead, Godfrey and Kahn; Mike Gousha, Marquette University Law School; David Jenkins, Wisconsin Office of Recovery and Reinvestment; Tom Barrett, Mayor, City of Milwaukee; Eric Callisto, Chairman, State of Wisconsin, Public Service Commission; Dick Leinenkugel, Secretary, Wisconsin Dept. of Commerce; and Willie Hines, Chair, Milwaukee Common Council.

The 2009 Wisconsin Renewable Energy Summit took place over a three day period from the Midwest Airlines Center in Milwaukee on March 25th, 26th, and 27th. In day three, part two, Plenary Session G speakers included: Michael Rosen, President, American Federation of Teachers Local 212; U.S. Congresswoman Gwendolynne Moore; Michael Townsend, Vice President, Mequon Campus, Milwaukee Area Technical College; Art Harrington, Partner and Environmental Lead, Godfrey and Kahn; Mike Gousha, Marquette University Law School; Judy Ziewacz, Director, WI Office of Energy Independence; Sammis White, UW-Milwaukee, Director, Center for Workforce Development; Charles Higley, Executive Director, Citizens Utility Board; Don Wichert, Director, Focus on Energy, Renewable Energy Program; and Neal Verfuerth, Orion Energy Systems.

The 2009 Wisconsin Renewable Energy Summit took place over a three day period from the Midwest Airlines Center in Milwaukee on March 25th, 26th, and 27th. In day three, part three, Plenary Session H speakers included: Pablo Cardona, Vice President, West Allis campus, Milwaukee Area Technical College; Art Harrington, Partner and Environmental Lead, Godfrey and Kahn; Thomas Content, Energy Reporter, Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel; John Greindanus, Senior Administrator, The Boldt Company; Jeffrey Crawford, Attorney General, Forest County Potawatomi Community; Joel Rogers, Executive Director y of COWS, Professor, UW-Madison; Carlos Santiago, Chancellor, UW-Milwaukee; Bruno Biasiotta, VP & General Manager Solutions, North America, Johnson Controls, Inc.; Dan Clancy, President, Wisconsin Technical College System; and U.S. Congressman David Obey.

The 2009 Wisconsin Renewable Energy Summit took place over a three day period from the Midwest Airlines Center in Milwaukee on March 25th, 26th, and 27th. In day two, part one, Plenary Session C began and featured the following speakers: Judy Mouton, Renewable Energy Education Manager, Johnson Controls, Inc.; Don Albinger, VP of Renewable Energy Solutions, Johnson Controls; Larry Nelson, Mayor, City of Waukesha; Jeanne Hoffman, City of Madison; Kathleen Falk and David Merritt, Dane County; and Anne Beier, City of Milwaukee.

The 2009 Wisconsin Renewable Energy Summit took place over a three day period from the Midwest Airlines Center in Milwaukee on March 25th, 26th, and 27th. In day two, part two, Plenary Session C continued, and featured the following speakers: Brian Driscoll, Office of Energy Independence; William Dowell, Director Facility and Park Management, Brown County; Larry MacDonald, Mayor, City of Bayfield; Timm Johnson, School District President, Village of Osceola, Polk County; Marty R. Anderson, City of Marshfield, Wood County; Steve Sobiek, City of Columbus, Columbia County; Sandy Decker, Mayor, City of Evansville, Rock County; Dave Berner, City Manager, City of Platteville & City of Lancaster, Grant County; Bob Duffy, City of Oconomowoc, Waukesha County; Tim Stone, Town Chair, Town of Fairfield, Sauk County; Linda Donnelly, Planning Director, Village & Town of Spring Green, Sauk County.

The 2009 Wisconsin Renewable Energy Summit took place over a three day period from the Midwest Airlines Center in Milwaukee on March 25th, 26th, and 27th. In day two, part two, Plenary Session D included the following speakers: Shondra Graves, Chair, Summit Student Marketing Committee,
Waukesha County Technical College; Dan Clancy, President, Wisconsin Technical College System; Michael Lanser, President, Lakeshore Technical College; Bryan Albrecht, President, Gateway Technical College; Bettsey Barhorst, President, Madison Area Technical College; John Clark, President, Mid-State Technical College; and Vicki Martin, Interim President, Milwaukee Area Technical College.

The 2009 Wisconsin Renewable Energy Summit took place over a three day period from the Midwest Airlines Center in Milwaukee on March 25th, 26th, and 27th. In day one, part one, Plenary Session A included the following speakers: Michael Sargent, Vice President and CFO, Milwaukee Area Technical College; Bob Gilbertson, Wisconsin Technical College System Foundation; Mike Kuehnl, Milwaukee Area Technical College; Vicki Martin, Interim President, Milwaukee Area Technical College; Tom Barrett, Mayor, City of Milwaukee; Don Wichert, Director, Focus on Energy, Renewable Energy Program; Dorothy Bowers, American Society for Quality; Patricia Arredondo, Associate Vice Chancellor-Academic Affairs, UW-Milwaukee; Lauren Baker, Chair, Board of Directors, Milwaukee Area Technical College; Gov. Jim Doyle; Michael Lovell, Dean of Engineering and Biomedical Science, UW-Milwaukee; Anthony Cugini, Deputy Director DOE, National Energy Technologies Lab.

The 2009 Wisconsin Renewable Energy Summit took place over a three day period from the Midwest Airlines Center in Milwaukee on March 25th, 26th, and 27th. In day one, part two, Plenary Session B included the following speakers: David Turner, Dean, Technology and Applied Science, Milwaukee Area Technical College; George Stone, Physical Science Department, Milwaukee Area Technical College; James Hansen, Director, NASA, Goddard Institute for Space Studies.

The 2009 Wisconsin Renewable Energy Summit took place over a three day period from the Midwest Airlines Center in Milwaukee on March 25th, 26th, and 27th. In day one, part three, WisconsinEye attended the breakout session titled "Climate Change: Principal Driver of the Energy Revolution."

Ag Day at the Capitol took place on Wednesday, March 11, 2009, from the State Capitol in Madison. Ag Day is the largest gathering of farmers from across the state representing a variety of farm commodities groups to learn more about state issues, and meet with their elected officials. In part one, speakers included: Paul Zimmerman, Executive Director, Wisconsin Farm Bureau; Bill Bruins, President, Wisconsin Farm Bureau; Rod Nilsestuen, Secretary, DATCP; Sen. Kathleen Vinehout; Jeff Lyon, Director of Government Relations, Wisconsin Farm Bureau; Rep. Amy Sue Vruwink; Bob Welch, Consultant and Lobbyist, Wisconsin Corn Growers Association; and Mike Wehler, Wisconsin Pork Association.

Ag Day at the Capitol took place on Wednesday, March 11, 2009, from the State Capitol in Madison. Ag Day is the largest gathering of farmers from across the state representing a variety of farm commodities groups to learn more about state issues, and meet with their elected officials. In part two, WisconsinEye interviewed the following participants: Carla Hargrave, Hargrave Farms; Joe Wollinger, Owner Operator, Wollinger Farms; Arch Morton, Jr., Farmer, Morton Farms; Adam Kuczer, Owner Operator, Kuczer Farms; Randy Woodruff, President, Wisconsin Corn Growers Association; Mike Winker, President, Ozaukee County Farm Bureau; Pat O’Brien, President, Dane County Farm Bureau.

Americans for Prosperity held their 2nd annual summit titled, "Defending the American Dream," from the Midwest Airlines Center in Milwaukee on Saturday, March 7, 2009. In part one, speakers included Mark Block, State Director, AFP; Tim Phillips, President, AFP; Joe the Plumber; Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker; Pastor David King, President, Milwaukee God Squad; Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen; Steve Moore, Wall Street Journal; James Troupis; Rose Fernandez, candidate for State Department of Public Instruction; Dick Patten, President, American Family Business Institute; and Fred Kelly Grant, President of Stewards of the Range.

Americans for Prosperity held their 2nd annual summit titled, "Defending the American Dream," from the Midwest Airlines Center in Milwaukee on Saturday, March 7, 2009. In part 2, speakers included Judge Randy Koschnick, candidate for Supreme Court; Milwaukee County Sheriff David Clarke; U.S. Rep. James Sensenrenner; State Rep. Jim Ott; Pat Snyder, WSAU Radio; Pastor David King; U.S. Rep. Paul Ryan, Herman Cain, and radio talk show host Vicki McKenna.

Americans for Prosperity held their 2nd annual summit titled, "Defending the American Dream," from the Midwest Airlines Center in Milwaukee on Saturday, March 7, 2009. In part 3, Todd Berry, President, Wisconsin Taxpayers Alliance, led a breakout session focusing on taxes and the state budget. He was joined on state by Sen. Alberta Darling and Rep. Robin Vos.

Americans for Prosperity held their 2nd annual summit titled, "Defending the American Dream," from the Midwest Airlines Center in Milwaukee on Saturday, March 7, 2009. In part 4, Rep. Jim Ott and Dave Ross, Mayor of Superior, led a breakout session focusing on energy and climate change.

Arts Day 2009: "It's Not a Frill...It's Part of the Solution," took place at the State Capitol on Wednesday, March 4, 2009. In part one, among the numerous speakers were Lt. Governor Barbara Lawton; First Lady Jessica Doyle; Peter Crawford, President, Arts Wisconsin; Kelli A. Trumble, Secretary, Department of Tourism; Anne Katz, Executive Director, Arts Wisconsin, Marilyn Taylor, Wisconsin Poet Laureate; the Appleton Boychoir; Scott Robbe, Executive Director, Film Wisconsin; Roland Kolman, President RK Media; Michael Crowns, Director of Financial Operations, Raven Software; Sen. Kanavas; Bonnie Greene, Founder and Executive Director, Musicmakers; Dayle Quigley, Founder, North Woods Strings; Heather Terrillstotts, Creative Learning Facilitator, River Valley School District; George Tzougros, Executive Director, Wisconsin Arts Board; Miranda McClenaghan, Director, Theatre Education and School Studies and the Fine Arts, UW-Madison; Joe Luginbill, Student, North High School, Eau Claire; and Marguerite Gilbertson, Student, Memorial High School, Eau Claire.

Arts Day 2009: "It's Not a Frill...It's Part of the Solution," took place at the State Capitol on Wednesday, March 4, 2009. In part two, WisconsinEye interviewed the following: Sarah J. Hoover, Managing Director, Bartell Theatre; Donna Neuwirth, Executive Director, Wormfarm Institute; Matthew Heindl, Proprietor, Maatwerksstudio; Boyd Sutton, Editor, Wisconsin Regional Writers' Association; Michael J. Allen, CEO, MJHA Education Behavior; and Jessica L. Mikol, Executive Director, Racine Arts Council.

The 2009 Conservation Lobby Day was held on February 25, 2009, from the Monona Terrace in Madison. In part one, Rep. Spencer Black, Assembly Natural Resources Chairman, and Sen. Russ Decker, Senate Majority Leader provided a legislative address.

The 2009 Conservation Lobby Day was held on February 25, 2009, from the Monona Terrace in Madison. In part two, Anne Sayers, Program Director of Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters gave a discussion on tools for effective conservation advocacy.

The 2009 Conservation Lobby Day was held on February 25, 2009, from the Monona Terrace in Madison. In part three, Steve Born, Emeritus Professor from UW-Madison gave a presentation titled "Water Rights Law in the US: Implications for Wisconsin."

The 2009 Conservation Lobby Day was held on February 25, 2009, from the Monona Terrace in Madison. In part four, Sen. Mark Miller and Rep. Ann Hraychuck held "Conservation Conversation II," where they shared their perspectives on conservation priorities.

The 2009 Conservation Lobby Day was held on February 25, 2009, from the Monona Terrace in Madison. In part five, Rep. Cory Mason held "Conservation Conversation III," where he discussed how the economic climate could impact natural resource and public health programs.

The 2009 Conservation Lobby Day was held on February 25, 2009, from the Monona Terrace in Madison. In part six, Lt. Governor Barbara Lawton addressed wrapped-up the day by giving an address to Lobby Day participants.

Superior Days 2009 took place on February 25, 2009, from the Inn on the Park in Madison. In part one, the Department of Administration Secretary Michael Morgan discussed the Crex Meadows Youth Conservation Camp, the transportation of aquatic invasive species, regional transit authority enabling legislation, state job distribution in NW Wisconsin, state video conferencing rollout program, and the University of WI-Superior academic building.

Superior Days 2009 took place on February 25, 2009, from the Inn on the Park in Madison. In part two, the Department of Commerce secretary Richard Leinenkugel discussed the Machine Tool "Boot Camp" Project for Douglas County, potential oil tax impacts in Northwest Wisconsin, regional allocations of CDBG funds for economic development, regional transit authority enabling legislation, and septic system regulation in rural areas.

Superior Days 2009 took place on February 25, 2009, from the Inn on the Park in Madison. In part three, the Department of Natural Resources Secretary Matt Frank discussed ballast water regulation and vessel permitting, changes to ATV trail regulations and programs, modification of the flood plain ordinance process, North County Scenic Trail development, transportation of aquatic invasive species, and transportation of terrestrial invasive species.

WisPolitics.com and WisBusiness.com hosted a conference on midwest energy on February 23, 2009, from the Monona Terrace Convention Center in Madison. The conference, titled "Focus on Midwest Energy II," featured the following speakers and panelists: U.S. Rep. Tammy Baldwin; David Owens, Edison Electric Institute; Molly Jahn, dean of the UW-Madison College of Agricultural and Life Sciences; Jim Turnure, manager, Environmental Policy, Xcel Energy; Dan Ebert, vice president of policy and external affairs, WPPI Energy, former PSC Chair, Eric Callisto, chair of the Wisconsin Public Service Commission; Tia Nelson, executive secretary of the Board of Commissioners of Public Lands and co-chair of the Governor’s Task Force on Global Warming; Gary Mar, representative (Minister-Counsellor) of the Province of Alberta to the United States; Don Guay, assistant professor at UW-Stevens Point in Paper Science & Engineering; Joe Martucci, Government and Community Relations, Enbridge Energy Company; Ken England, first secretary for energy at the Canadian Embassy in Washington; Pete Taglia, staff scientist for Clean Wisconsin; Howard Learner, president and executive director of the Environmental Law and Policy Center.

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The Wisconsin Right to Life 2009 Legislative Conference was held on Thursday, February 19, 2009, from the Inn on the Park in Madison. Featured speakers at the conference included Rep. Jeff Fitzgerald; Sen. Scott Fitzgerald; Capitol staffers Lance Burri and Greg Gasper; Barbara Lyons, Wisconsin Right to Life Executive Director; Sue Armacost, Wisconsin Right to Life Legislative Director, Mary Klaver, Legislative Legal Council; Jason Jones, co-producer of the film "Bella."

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ABC for Health Inc. hosted a two-day conference titled HealthWatch Wisconsin Annual Conference 2009. The conference was an opportunity for health advocates to hear from experts on issues relating to Wisconsin's health care consumers.

Continued coverage of HealthWatch Wisconsin.

ABC for Health Inc. hosted a two-day conference titled HealthWatch Wisconsin Annual Conference 2009. The conference was an opportunity for health advocates to hear from experts on issues relating to Wisconsin's health care consumers. As part of the opening session Brynne McBride, Associate Director for ABC for Health, Inc. and Erin McBride, Attorney for ABC for Health, Inc. gave presentations on health care issues and Bobby Peterson, Director for ABC for Health, Inc. gave a power point presentation titled The Pathway Plan: A New Day in Wisconsin – Setting a Course Towards Universal Health Care.

The Wisconsin Farmers Union held its 78th Annual State Convention in Wisconsin Rapids, WI. The conference, titled Innovating, Sustaining, Renewing was held to conduct union business as well as provide and opportunity for members to network and listen to presentations on issues important to the Wisconsin Farmers Union community. Opening remarks were given by Sue Beitlich, President of the Wisconsin Farm Union. She then introduced a panel discussion titled Wisconsinís Working Lands, moderated by Dick Cates, author, farmer, and director of the Wisconsin School for Beginning Dairy and Livestock Farmers. On the panel was Michael Koles, professor of community resource development with the University of Wisconsin ñ Extension, Patrick Stevens, Director of Development at the Wisconsin Builders Association and Dave Jelinski, Director of Land and Water Resources at DATCP. Topics discussed were the Wisconsin Working Lands Initiatives and Property Development Rights.

As a continuation of the Wisconsin Farmers Union 78th Annual State Convention, members listened to a video address from U.S Representative Dave Obey. He offered an update on the federal stimulus package being debated in Washington. Following Rep. Obey, State Veterinarian Dr. Robert Ehlenfeldt spoke to members and answered questions. In his presentation he addressed issues such as premise & individual animal identification / registration and disease containment within Wisconsinís livestock and dairy industries. Following Dr. Ehlenfeldt, Sue Beitlich, President of the Wisconsin Farmers Union reviewed with members the past yearís activities.

Part of the Wisconsin Farmers Union 78th Annual State Convention coverage was spent visiting with several attendees to the conference. Speaking to WisEye was Sue Beitlich, Wisconsin Farmers Union President, Dr. Robert Ehlenfeldt, State Veterinarian at DATCP, Tony Hartman, CEO of the Great lakes Energy, LLC, Tom Buis, President of the National Farmers Union and Kevin Kino, Dairy Pool Coordinator Wisconsin East at Organic Valley.

As a continuation of the Wisconsin Economic Development Association’s 2009 Governor’s Conference on Economic Development, attendees had the chance to listen to Rick Schlesinger, Executive Vice President of Operations for the Milwaukee Brewers. Using a PowerPoint presentation, he described how a small market team like the Brewers is able to compete with the larger market teams such as the Chicago Cubs, New York Yankees, and Boston Red Sox. Following Schlesinger’s presentation, John Koskinen, Division Administrator and Chief Economist for Wisconsin’s Department of Revenue gave a presentation on current economic conditions in Wisconsin compared to the nation, and Brad Pfaff, Senior Policy Advisor to U.S Representative Ron Kind, gave a presentation on current economic outlook as well as took questions from the audience.

Day one of the 2009 Governor's Conference on Economic Development was held at the Monona Terrace on Thursday, February 5, 2009. Speakers at day one of the conference included Lt. Governor Barbara Lawton; Gene Stanaland, Ph.D., President, GSE Inc; Steve Vierck, CEcD, President of Economic Development Division of Angelou Economics; Dennis Winters, Chief Economist, Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development; Jacqui Sakowski, Sakowski Consulting LLC; Mike Kloninski, Executive Director, Wisconsin Manufacturing Extension Partnership; Mike Erwin, CEO of Proven Direct and President of Tailored Label; Secretary Richard Leinenkugel; and Jerold Franke, Vice Chair, Board of Directors Forward Wisconsin.

Continued coverage of the 2009 Governor's Conference on Economic Development.

Wisconsin Way hosted a conference titled, "Wisconsin's Long-Term Visions/Short-Term Needs, on February 2, 2009 from the Concourse Hotel in Madison. Making presentations for the conference were Jim Wood, President of Wood Communications Group and Sponsor of The Wisconsin Way, Todd Berry, President of the Wisconsin Taxpayers Alliance, Rick Chandler, former Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Revenue and former State Budget Director and Don Nichols, Professor Emeritus of Public Affairs and Economics at UW–Madison. Also making presentations was Ulice Payne, Jr., Managing Member of Addison-Clifton and the former CEO of Milwaukee Brewers, John Torinus, President and CEO of Serigraph and Mike Theo, Vice President of Legal and Public Affairs for the Wisconsin REALTORS®
 
Following the panel discussion, another panel was assembled. On that panel was Susan Marks, CEO of Pinstripe and President of Competitive Wisconsin, Rolf Wegenke, President of the Wisconsin Association of Independent Colleges and Universities, Kevin Reilly, President of UW System, Randy Dimond, Chief Technical Officer of Promega, Dan Clancy, President of the Wisconsin Technical College System and Jeff Schoepke, Director of Tax & Corporate Policy at the Wisconsin Manufactures and Commerce. Rounding out the panel discussion was an address by Senator Scott Fitzgerald, on government redundancy, growing entitlement programs and what the state of Wisconsin should do going forward.

As a continuation of Wisconsin Way’s Wisconsin’s Long-Term Visions/Short-Term Needs 2009 Conference, Governor Jim Doyle addressed the afternoon luncheon. In his address he reiterated the economic woes of Wisconsin and touched upon his budget address set for mid February. Outlining issues important to the Governor he identified priorities such as education, health care, property taxes, and economic development. In closing he briefly described where he thought proposed federal stimulus monies might go and following his address he held a short press conference.

As a continuation of Wisconsin Way’s Wisconsin’s Long-Term Visions/Short-Term Needs 2009 Conference, the afternoon session titled Tax Reform and Modernization took place. Addressing the conferees on this issue was Tom Hefty, former CEO of Blue Cross Blue Shield United, George Lightbourn, Director of Wisconsin Policy Research Institute and former Secretary, Wisconsin Department of Administration, John Antaramian, former Mayor of the City of Kenosha, Jon Peacock, Research Director of the Wisconsin Council on Children and Families, Jack Norman, Research Director of the Institute for Wisconsin’s Future, Mark O’Connell, Executive Director of the Wisconsin Counties Association and Senator Bob Jauch, Chair of the Children and Families and Workforce Development Committee. After each gave a short presentation, the moderator opened the discussion to questions and comment from the panel and audience.

Completing the Wisconsin Way Conference, a session titled Government Spending and Management Reform and Modernization began with an address by Elizabeth Burmaster, State Superintendent of Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. She outlined the current state of education, describing an opportunity to put proposed regional economic development plans into action using proposed federal stimulus monies. Following the superintendent, Tim Hanna, Mayor of the City of Appleton gave a PowerPoint presentation describing how as a city manager he was able to change the dialogue and expectations in the budgetary process. With a legislative point of view, Representative Jeff Fitzgerald described the state’s current fiscal status, outlining a way to reform government by having a conversation on the overall tax structure of Wisconsin. With an overview of Wisconsin Way’s Blueprint for Change, Dan Thompson, Executive Director of the League of Wisconsin Municipalities gave a short presentation and following Thompson’s presentation the panel responded. On the closing panel was Mary Bell, President of the Wisconsin Education Association Council, Kevin Crawford, Mayor of the City of Manitowoc, Craig Maher, Professor at UW–Oshkosh and Richard Simms, Chief Economist at the National Education Association.

As a continuation of the "Real Talk for Real Action: Getting Together for a Healthier Wisconsin" conference, a panel discussed public health in the context of being everybody’s business. Dr. Sheri Johnson, former Administrator of the Division of Public Health, led the panelists. Sitting on the panel were Jennifer Alexander, president of Thrive, Jason Helgerson, Administrator of the Division of Health Care Financing, and Charity Eleson, executive director Wisconsin Council on Children and Families. The panelists described areas of consensus and collaboration on the issue of making Wisconsin a healthier state, and each reflected on key issues and questions about how we make public health everyone’s business. After the panel discussion, Dean of UW-Madison School of Medicine Robert Golden and Dr. Seth Foldy, Administrator of the Division of Public Health, closed the conference with their comments and summary. 

A conference titled, "Real Talk for Real Action: Getting Together for a Healthier Wisconsin" was held today at the Monona Terrace in Madison, WI. WisconsinEye recorded a plenary session featuring sec. Karen Timberlake of the Department of Health Services and Patrick Remington of the University of Wisconsin Population Health institute. Each described health related issues we are facing as a state, including information on Healthy Wisconsin 2010, the state’s 10-year health plan. Describing issues relating to the state’s health care condition as compared to other states and nation where former secretaries of Health and Family Service, Joe Leean and Helene Nelson. The topics of their presentations respectively were health care reform and preventative health care. After these presentations, state senators Vinehout and Darling along with state representatives Strachota and Benedict addressed the audience on health related issues.

The Wisconsin Credit Union League held it’s Government Affairs Conference today in Madison. As part of the conference the League hosted a presentation on the elections of 2008. Making the presentation were John Coleman and David Cannon, both professors of political science at the University of Wisconsin in Madison. The Wisconsin Credit Union League, located in Pewaukee, Wisconsin, is the dues-supported, trade association for 264 Wisconsin credit unions – not-for-profit financial institutions that are cooperatively owned by their more than two million members.

Coverage of day two of the New Wisconsin Promise Conference.

Continued coverage of day two of the New Wisconsin Promise Conference.

Coverage of Day One of the New Wisconsin Promise Conference.

Continued coverage of the New Wisconsin Promise Conference.

Continued coverage of the New Wisconsin Promise Conference.

The Wisconsin Task Force on Arts and Creativity in Education held a Creative Wisconsin Summit on January 9, 2009, from the Monona Terrace in Madison. Appearing at the confrence were Lt. Governor Barbara Lawton; State Superintendent Elizabeth Burmaster; Sir Ken Robinson; Ben Sidran, Susan McCalmont, Executive Director, Kirkpatrick Foundation; Robert Morrison, Founder and Chairman Emeritus, Music for All; Sarah Cunningham, National Endowment for the Arts.

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