AGP Executive Report

Tourism & State Policy: Gov. Tony Evers stopped in La Crosse as Wisconsin touts another record year for tourism, with officials citing $27B in 2025 economic impact and a fourth straight year of breaking records. Energy & Data Centers: Generac signed a major deal with a hyperscale data center operator, expected to add 600+ Wisconsin jobs and build on its existing Oshkosh, Sussex and Beaver Dam footprint. Local Business & Growth: The Good Feet Store opened its fourth Milwaukee-area location in Grafton, adding retail jobs and offering free in-store fittings. Tech & Weddings: Madison-based LiveShareNow launched an app-free, QR-based wedding photo and video crowdsourcing platform that uses AI to sort and tag uploads. Legal & Risk: A federal judge ordered mediation between Gateway Church and its insurer in a defamation dispute that could reach $1M. Small Business Sentiment: An NFIB survey found Wisconsin small businesses are less optimistic, citing higher fuel and labor costs and harder-to-pass-through expenses. Weather & Community Impact: Severe winds displaced residents in Dodge County, while storms also disrupted travel and events across the region. Sports Business: The Brewers traded minor league reliever Jacob Waguespack to the Tigers for cash and a player to be named later.

Manufacturing Leadership: Midland Plastics named Brian Torres president, signaling a push to deepen tech investments and expand its Midwest footprint across eight locations. Utility & Infrastructure: Eagle Eye Power Solutions promoted Andrew Charlton and Doug Wallner to senior sales roles as demand grows for critical power, battery monitoring and charging support. Local Real Estate: A Milwaukee landlord tied to missed deadlines faces receivership for 86 properties, with a judge stripping control and appointing an outside manager. Education & Public Health: Milwaukee Public Schools will add 50 electric buses this fall (with 100 more planned over three years) using federal relief and EPA grants to cut costs and emissions. Healthcare Access: Stoughton Health OrthoTeam Clinic says it’s the first in Wisconsin to offer Mako robotic-arm assisted shoulder replacement. Policy & Budget: A $1.8 billion special education and technical college funding deal backed by Gov. Tony Evers and GOP leaders failed in the Senate, despite broad public support. Weather Disruption: Severe storms knocked out power for thousands across the Midwest and disrupted Chicago flights, with Wisconsin outages reported as well. Business Climate: Wisconsin Democrats are preparing to challenge Treasurer John Leiber, setting up a high-stakes race over the state’s financial oversight.

Wisconsin Tourism Boom: Wisconsin logged a record fourth straight year in 2025, topping 117 million visits and about $27 billion in economic impact, with major draws like EAA AirVenture and strong Door County spending. Workforce & Small Business: A Wisconsin Policy Forum report says small businesses drove nearly all net job growth since 2010, with healthcare a key engine, while Goodwill North Central Wisconsin won a workplace excellence award for its whole-person employment model. AI & Consumer Protection: Francesca Hong’s FIREWALL plan targets algorithmic pricing, rent-setting software, insurance claim denials, and surveillance tools used by law enforcement. Banking & Finance: Wisconsin Bankers Association board leadership shifts to Wolf River Community Bank CEO Joe Peikert as board chair. Energy & Weather: Alliant Energy reported tens of thousands of Wisconsin customers without service after storms, while Dodge County faced road closures and downed lines. Business Climate: A restaurant owner’s viral comments about preferring male servers sparked backlash and planned protests. Aviation & Defense: Cirrus Aircraft was designated by the U.S. Department of War as a Chinese military company doing business in the U.S. Education Costs: New federal student loan rules take effect July 1, ending the SAVE plan and changing repayment for many Wisconsin borrowers.

Biotech & Health: N-Zyme Biomedical (Wauwatosa) kicked off a Phase 2 trial for a pepsin inhibitor aimed at laryngopharyngeal reflux, targeting a mechanism that standard acid blockers don’t address. Energy & Utilities: Eagle Eye Power Solutions (Mequon) launched a portable emergency battery charger for utility substations, positioning it as a faster alternative to larger trailer-based deployments. Ag & Food: Wisconsin researchers are “listening” to soil to track what’s happening underground and above ground, with the goal of helping farmers make better management decisions. Public Health: A rare Lyme-linked bacterium was found in New York ticks, raising the stakes for monitoring in the region. Tourism & Economy: Wisconsin tourism hit a record $27B economic impact in 2025 for a fourth straight year of growth, supporting more than 183,000 jobs. Local Business & Community: Greater Milwaukee Foundation reported $96.9M in grants in 2025, its biggest year in 110 years. Sports Business: The Brewers extended Triple-A outfielder Luis Lara to a seven-year deal with club options, adding him to the 40-man roster.

Tourism Boom: Wisconsin tourism hit a new high in 2025, generating about $27B in economic impact statewide, with 117.9 million visits and $1.7B in state and local taxes—La Crosse County logged $532M (up from $519M), while Chippewa County reached $205M and Eau Claire County $480M. Public Transit Oversight: A Milwaukee County Transit System audit found major contracts weren’t reviewed or approved by the county board, raising concerns about oversight and multi-year fiscal commitments. Student Data Security: The FTC ordered Wisconsin-based ed-tech firm Illuminate Education to tighten data security and limit retention after a breach exposed data for 10.1 million students. Workforce & Training: Arcadia schools won a $25,000 WEDC Fab Lab Grant to expand an automotive program; and SBIR Advance awarded $675,000 to seven small Wisconsin businesses to commercialize innovations. Local Business: Piggly Wiggly reopened a remodeled Bay View store with wider aisles, improved lighting, and more local products. Healthcare Finance: Wisconsin’s average VA IRRRL refinance loan amount rose to $338,964 in Q1 FY2026.

State Tourism Boom: Gov. Tony Evers and the Wisconsin Department of Tourism say 2025 delivered a fourth straight record year, with $27 billion in total economic impact, 117.9 million visits, and more than $1.7 billion in state and local revenue. Housing & Demographics: A new Forward Analytics report (for the Wisconsin Counties Association) cuts the state’s projected housing need by the end of the decade to about 84,000 units, citing a faster decline in the working-age population. Workforce & Trades: Bradford White is backing skilled trades education, including donations to PHCC chapters and Wisconsin training programs, as part of its Industry Forward initiative. Local Business & Community: Downtown Thiensville’s farmers market returns June 16 with new programming, live entertainment, and family-friendly additions. Food Retail Policy Risk: Wisconsin retailers face a new SNAP rule that could make it harder for convenience stores to stock more healthy foods while still accepting benefits. Wealth Spotlight: Forbes’ richest self-made women list puts two Wisconsin leaders in the top three—Diane Hendricks (ABC Supply) and Judy Faulkner (Epic Systems). Politics & Campaigns: Democratic gubernatorial candidate Joel Brennan launches the first statewide TV ad buy in the Democratic field ahead of the Aug. 11 primary.

Milwaukee Sewer Oversight: The Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District approved an independent third-party audit of its wastewater system after allegations of mismanagement by Veolia, with up to $100,000 for the audit plus more for added professional services; an independent advisory committee will oversee it. Education Funding Fight: Milwaukee’s Reading Coalition says the Department of Public Instruction reneged on promised support for an early literacy teacher training initiative, putting the program in jeopardy and fueling frustration among local education leaders. Civic Accountability: The Wisconsin Center District board voted to terminate CEO Marty Brooks amid claims involving misuse of district funds, bylaw/handbook violations, and misrepresentation to the board, including allegations tied to questionable credit card spending. Public Safety: West Allis police and the bomb squad found materials consistent with bomb-making supplies at a landscaping company, leading to felony charges against an employee. AI for Brand Trust: NEWaukee launched its Brand Trust Quotient platform, an AI agent meant to measure brand trust using real customer journey moments and benchmarking. Housing Finance: Menasha secured $1.2 million in Low-Income Housing Tax Credits for Borealis, a 53-unit affordable senior community planned for construction in 2027. Energy & Industry: Trump administration funding includes up to $500 million for coal modernization and new coal plant support, including a South Central Wisconsin project tied to Alliant Energy.

Affordable Housing Finance: MF Housing Partners won $1.245M in Low-Income Housing Tax Credits for Borealis, a $15M senior-only affordable project in Menasha with 53 units for ages 55+ and reduced rents tied to area income levels; construction is slated to start in spring 2027. Local Business & Growth: Brady Corporation named Vineet Nargolwala CEO, succeeding Russell Shaller, as the company points to strong earnings and shareholder returns during Shaller’s 11-year run. Education Staffing: Oregon School District selected Edustaff as its official substitute staffing partner, shifting substitute recruiting, credentialing, scheduling and compliance to the vendor to keep classrooms covered. Public Transit Planning: Madison’s Amtrak return debate is narrowing around where trains would dock, with a Joint Finance Committee-approved purchase on the Monona Lakefront as one leading option. Healthcare Policy: A Milwaukee-area “Healthy Homes” program is restarting after a pause tied to federal grant cuts, aiming to help residents identify environmental hazards and energy inefficiencies. Tech & Infrastructure: Wisconsin is seeing more wildfire-detection AI cameras via Xcel Energy, while separate reporting highlights growing data center development pressure and local pushback across the Midwest.

Local Business & Education: Milwaukee School of Engineering released its Spring 2026 Dean’s List and Honors List, highlighting student achievement across engineering and business programs. Manufacturing & Energy Infrastructure: Menasha-based FTI is stepping out as an original equipment manufacturer with Excellerate Products, launching a Wisconsin-made, ready-to-install EV charging system aimed at data centers and charging networks. Dairy & M&A Watch: Saputo reported FY2026 results showing improved margins and positive net earnings, while pointing to bolt-on acquisitions and growth in high-value dairy streams. Sports Business (Wisconsin tie-in): The Milwaukee Brewers completed a sweep of the Colorado Rockies, powered by a seven-run sixth that included Gary Sánchez’s first homer since April 14—another reminder of how quickly Milwaukee’s on-field momentum can shift. Policy & Markets: Trump’s NBC “Meet the Press” interview—taped during a Wisconsin trip—turned contentious on Iran, interest rates, and California election claims, underscoring how fast political headlines can spill into economic expectations.

Data Centers & Power Demand: A new analysis says the U.S. data-center boom is driving electricity use sharply higher, with permits through 2025 potentially translating into massive annual power demand—fueling new pressure on Wisconsin’s grid and siting debates. Housing & Public Finance: Gov. Evers and WHEDA announced additional housing tax credits, while Wisconsin continues to wrestle with school funding gaps that are forcing some rural districts to close permanently. Healthcare Costs & Staffing: CMS data show a Kenosha County nursing home holding a 3-star rating while paying fines, and Wisconsin’s child care bridge payments are set to expire—raising tuition and threatening provider closures. Local Business & Community: Wauwatosa’s Art 64 returns with a Milwaukee streetwear brand and live screen-printing, and Cows on the Concourse brought dairy-farm education back to Capitol Square for National Dairy Month. Sports Business (Milwaukee): The Brewers traded for right-hander Joel Kuhnel from the Athletics, adding bullpen depth as injuries pile up.

Capitol Square Dairy Kickoff: Wisconsin’s June Dairy Month got a fresh start Saturday with “Cows on the Concourse,” bringing live cows and grilled cheese to Madison’s Capitol Square. Higher Ed Costs: The UW System Board of Regents approved a 2% tuition increase for 2026-27 and elected Regent Kyle Weatherly as board president. Ag Roundtable & Input Costs: President Trump visited Chippewa Falls to tout farm support, while farmers and a veterinarian pressed on high input costs, fuel, and the need for fair trade and broader commodity markets. Energy Prices Watch: GasBuddy reported premium gas lows in Milwaukee County ($4.89) and across multiple counties for the week ending May 30, with diesel also easing in spots—still tied to wider oil-market volatility. Workforce Training Grant: Quasius Construction won a Wisconsin Fast Forward Workforce Training Grant to expand training for 31 employees. Medicaid Spending Signal: West Allis Medicaid dental claims rose 76% in 2024, highlighting shifting local public health spending patterns.

Wisconsin Passenger Rail: A new statewide push to expand passenger rail in Wisconsin is set to kick off June 25 in Milwaukee, with a conference aimed at building faster, more frequent intercity service and highlighting the economic upside for routes linking Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay and beyond. Dairy Economy: Gov. Tony Evers marked June Dairy Month by spotlighting the industry’s scale—about 5,000 dairy farms and $52.8B in annual economic impact—and touting state support for research, exports and rural infrastructure. Higher Ed Costs: The UW System Board of Regents approved a 2% tuition increase for 2026-27, the fourth hike in four years, as leaders cite rising costs after a long tuition freeze. Workforce Training: NWTC Aurora is adding a path to a Wisconsin Class B commercial driver’s license, pairing online theory with an October road-and-range test to feed high-demand trucking jobs. PFAS Cleanup: Wisconsin reached a $10M settlement with Tyco over PFAS contamination in Marinette County, continuing the state’s push to address drinking-water impacts. Energy & Politics: President Trump’s Wisconsin farm roundtable in Chippewa Falls focused on lowering input costs and rural tax incentives, while the broader U.S.-Iran standoff remains a key driver of energy prices and uncertainty.

Higher Ed & Workforce: UW–Stout will rebrand as UW–Stout Polytechnic after a unanimous Board of Regents vote, signaling a stronger hands-on, lab-heavy career pipeline. Energy & Local Deals: Xcel Energy and St. Croix County have ended negotiations over a joint development agreement for a proposed solar farm, with Xcel saying it will proceed to the PSC. Agriculture & Politics: President Trump’s Chippewa Falls farm roundtable leaned on jobs, diesel and farm-payment promises—while Democrats countered with gas cards highlighting high fuel costs. Coal & Grid Reliability: Trump announced a $700M coal push using the Defense Production Act, including potential support for Wisconsin coal operations. Data Centers & Community Backlash: A national look shows states are paying big incentives for data centers, while Monterey Park, Calif. voters approved a ban—fueling Wisconsin’s ongoing debate. Public Finance Oversight: An audit of Milwaukee County Transit System points to governance and oversight failures behind a surprise deficit. Milwaukee Business: Tramont Manufacturing is expanding with a second plant tied to backup power demand from data centers. Food & Consumer: Old World Wisconsin will sell a limited run of the last Schlitz beer batch using the original 1948 recipe.

PFAS Accountability: Wisconsin reached a major PFAS settlement tied to Tyco Fire Products in Marinette, with Gov. Tony Evers calling it the state’s first such resolution and the largest handled exclusively by Wisconsin—Tyco will put $10M into the PFAS trust fund and provide clean water to affected residents for 20 years. Local Housing Finance: La Crosse secured $2.4M in WHEDA tax credits to create nearly 100 affordable units, including converting the old Lincoln Middle School into 51 homes and building 45 units on 7th Street. Milwaukee Election Legal Support: Milwaukee city and county are seeking outside legal counsel as federal scrutiny related to the 2020 election continues, after reports of FBI activity involving election officials. Energy Politics: President Trump announced a $700M push to expand “clean, beautiful coal” using the Defense Production Act, aiming to protect coal plants and mines and lower energy costs. Business & Community Events: Indie Bookshop Quest 2026 is launching a statewide “bookstore crawl” with 35 independent shops, while Milwaukee’s Schlitz bobbleheads are being sold as Pabst ends Schlitz production. Workforce & Retail Pressure: A new SNAP rule would require convenience stores to stock more categories of healthy foods, raising concerns for rural retailers.

PFAS Accountability in Marinette: Wisconsin DOJ and Tyco Fire Products reached a $10 million settlement tied to “forever chemicals” contamination, with money going to the state PFAS trust fund and Tyco continuing remediation and replacement wells. Higher Ed Costs: UW System regents approved a 2% tuition increase for resident undergraduates for 2026-27, passing 15-1, as universities cite inflation and rising operating costs. Affordable Housing Boost: WHEDA-backed funding is moving multiple projects forward, including a La Crosse development that could add 45 units via a $1.11M federal tax credit award. Health Care Price Transparency Debate: A UW-Madison economics center report challenges whether Wisconsin’s price transparency is actually saving consumers, sparking pushback from hospitals and insurers. Local Business & Community: Luther Group is pursuing a Wauwatosa plan to convert a North Avenue site into a specialty grocery store and bank; Hartland’s chamber launches its first Summer Market Series to spotlight local vendors. Sports Business Watch: Bucks trade chatter around Giannis Antetokounmpo continues as ownership signals openness to offers ahead of the NBA Draft.

Public Safety Tech Upgrade: Milwaukee’s emergency communications department is rolling out Motorola Solutions’ next-gen 9-1-1 platform, aiming to speed call handling and improve real-time info for first responders. Privacy vs. Policing: Communities across Wisconsin are rethinking contracts with Flock Safety after concerns about license-plate camera misuse and oversight, with public hearings and contract pullbacks underway. Workforce & Disability Services: The Joint Finance Committee approved funding to reduce Wisconsin’s DVR waitlist, with $600,000 in 2026 and $6.4 million in 2027 to move thousands of people off the list. Housing Finance: WHEDA announced about $47.5 million in housing tax credits, supporting additional affordable housing development. Agriculture Policy: Mandela Barnes released a Wisconsin-focused ag agenda ahead of President Trump’s rural visit, including antitrust enforcement, tariff refunds, and limits on certain farmland purchases. Local Roads: Dodge County is weighing how to fund long-term road repairs, targeting higher annual reconstruction levels. Community Business & Culture: Cedarburg’s Hmong Wisconsin Chamber is launching the first Wisconsin Asian Summer Festival at the Ozaukee County Fairgrounds, featuring vendor commerce, tournaments, and a ticketed concert.