AGP Executive Report

Energy & Costs: Michigan drivers are seeing record fuel prices, with diesel averaging $6.81 a gallon and gasoline near $4.93, as refinery issues and Middle East escalation keep volatility high. Food Waste to Energy: Vanguard Renewables will buy Generate Upcycle’s North American organics recycling operations, adding five digesters across Ontario and New York and boosting renewable natural gas capacity. Data Center Power Supply: Generac signed a long-term $8B Amazon backup-generator deal, with initial deliveries totaling about $2.4B over two years—another sign of Wisconsin’s manufacturing pull into the AI buildout. Agribusiness Expansion: CHS plans a roughly $700M soybean processing facility near Evansville, targeting 80 million bushels annually by fall 2028. Health Care Real Estate: Azura Memory Care and Assisted Living broke ground in Waunakee for an 88-unit, 40-memory-care facility slated for October 2027. Local Governance & Privacy: Watertown residents pushed back on Flock Safety cameras at a council meeting, raising concerns about warrantless surveillance and data control. Workforce & Growth: Marquette’s Baum Spirit of Entrepreneurship Summit is set for Nov. 18, featuring MIT entrepreneurship leader Bill Aulet and a pitch competition for early-stage founders. Scam Watch: Wisconsin DOR warned seniors about a viral fake “Senior Homeowner Tax Review” video that directs people to scammers.

Manufacturing & M&A: RBC Bearings says its Dodge Industrial unit bought Wisconsin disc-coupling maker PSC Couplings for $24.2M, a small bolt-on that follows strong profit growth and a bigger backlog—signals demand is sticking. Workforce & Growth: BizTimes/MMAC’s Future 50 highlights southeastern Wisconsin’s fastest-growing private firms, with a “Fastest Five” panel spotlighting J.H. Hassinger, Ixonia Bank, Epic Mortgage, Global Schoolwear and Evans Transportation. Privacy & Public Safety: A Milwaukee-area panel is set to discuss Flock Safety’s expanding camera network and what it means for surveillance and civil liberties. Housing & Taxes: New data shows Wisconsin’s gross property tax levies jumped 5.8% on December 2025 bills, while Zillow reports mixed county home-value moves, including La Crosse up 4.6% and Price up 7.9%. Local Business Openings: Madison’s Amisto brings modern Mexican to a former Estrellón space, aiming for a late-October opening and 70–80 new jobs. Community & Small Business: Ube MKE, a child-run Filipino sweets business, is building local demand at Shorewood Farmers Market.

Workforce & AI in SE Wisconsin: A new round of local business spotlights highlights how manufacturers and service firms are leaning on apprenticeships, hands-on training, and practical AI—whether it’s optimizing material movement in a metals operation or using AI to speed up research and document work while keeping human judgment front and center. Housing watch: Zillow data shows mixed county trends: Ashland County’s typical home value fell 7.7% to $187,072, while Oconto County rose 5.9% to $311,586 and Marquette County climbed 3.6% to $272,167. Cost-of-living politics: In Sauk City, voters are tying affordability to property taxes, with residents saying they’re “taxed out” as levies rise. Milwaukee infrastructure pressure: A Milwaukee scooter rider says a pothole crash may end her career, underscoring a pothole backlog that has surged this year. Energy & consumer squeeze: Milwaukee gas prices pushed past $5 a gallon, with drivers feeling the impact as oil-market uncertainty and regional refinery issues keep pressure on prices. Local business growth: Milwaukee’s Lemonade Lab 414 is turning a festival-style idea into a fast-growing, flavor-driven small business.

Data Centers & Wisconsin Politics: A new round of Wisconsin governor campaign talk keeps circling affordability and “kitchen table” costs, with both Tom Tiffany and David Crowley framing the election around economic pressure and accountability. Great Lakes Trade: A Bloomberg report warns U.S.-Canada tariff tensions are disrupting Great Lakes shipping tied to iron ore and other cross-border supply chains. Local Business Growth: Monterrey Market keeps expanding in Milwaukee, adding a third store and community events as it builds a neighborhood grocery and food destination. Housing Costs & HOA Reality: A condo owner’s complaint highlights how “artificially low” HOA dues can lead to repeated special assessments for major repairs. Public Health Access: Hy-Vee will offer drive-thru flu shot clinics in Wisconsin and other states in September, with no appointment needed for eligible patients. Civic History: Dane County’s historical society director will speak on racial covenants and how deed restrictions shaped homeownership patterns. Tech & Privacy: Plymouth, Wisconsin officials agreed to continue its Flock camera agreement while the police department explains safeguards and use.

Health Care & Innovation: Children’s Wisconsin says Wisconsin sisters with a rare genetic hearing loss are among the first in the U.S. to receive newly approved gene therapy (Otarmeni), marking a potential new era even as families wait to see how lasting the gains are. Housing Market: Zillow data shows mixed but mostly rising home values across Wisconsin counties, including Forest (+8.8% to $226,015), Portage (+9.4% to $323,818), Shawano (+10.5% to $284,164), and Winnebago (+3.2% to $304,138). Manufacturing & Jobs: Kikkoman opened its new $560M Jefferson facility, bringing 80+ jobs, with Gov. Evers and WEDC joining the celebration. Business & Policy: A major legal win for states on SNAP: a federal judge permanently blocked the Trump administration from penalizing states over SNAP eligibility rules for lawful permanent residents. Entrepreneurship: Accelerate Sheboygan County is taking applications for the Oct. 19 Startup World Cup Sheboygan Regional Pitch Competition, with $3,000 in local prizes and a path to a $1M grand finale. Energy & Supply Chain: A UW-Green Bay Sheboygan supply chain conference on Oct. 27 will focus on tariffs and freight strategies for Midwest manufacturers.

Kikkoman Expansion: Kikkoman opened its new $560M soy sauce production facility in Jefferson, adding 80+ jobs and capping a decade-long investment that builds on its long-running Wisconsin operations. Gas Prices & Small Business: Milwaukee-area gas jumped to about $4.39 a gallon overnight, squeezing local operators already dealing with higher fuel costs amid refinery and global conflict pressures. State Politics & Transparency: Rep. Tom Tiffany campaigned in Altoona on a tax-cut and government-audit push, including changes to Open Book Wisconsin, while attacking Democratic Milwaukee County sales-tax increases. Transmission Line Fight: Wisconsin lawmakers and residents renewed opposition to proposed 765-kilovolt transmission projects, arguing about land impacts and whether the lines are truly needed. Local Food Safety: Stoddard’s Meats and Catering in Cottage Grove is temporarily closed after food-safety violations, with the company saying it’s correcting HACCP and temperature issues before reopening. Community & Workforce: UW-Madison is hosting a phone-free “Future Friends” series aimed at boosting student connection, and WPS held a career fair linking students to the energy jobs that keep Wisconsin running.

Data Centers & Energy Costs: A data-center power bill hit a snag in Washington after a single Senate Democrat blocked a fast-track effort, keeping pressure on how Wisconsin and other states make large-load users cover grid upgrades. Federal Consumer Protection: Wisconsin’s AG Schwalb announced a $694M multistate settlement with subprime auto lender Credit Acceptance, requiring restitution, risk disclosures, and limits on dealer add-ons like GAP and VSC. Local Politics & Campaigns: In Wisconsin’s 3rd Congressional District, data centers are emerging as a campaign flashpoint, with challenger Rebecca Cooke tying incumbent Derrick Van Orden to regulatory decisions. Transmission Infrastructure: American Transmission Co. refiled a more than $2B Port Washington data-center transmission project after regulators revoked a prior “completeness” finding, restarting the review process. Agriculture & Biosecurity: Avian flu was detected again on a commercial poultry farm in Barron County, with the affected flock already culled. Housing Snapshot: Zillow reported Wisconsin’s typical home value rose 3.5% in August to $339,699, with Waukesha County leading at $508,162. Startup & Workforce: Sheboygan’s Startup World Cup regional has a Sept. 25 application deadline, and Leadership Fox Cities named 45 professionals for its 2026-27 cohort.

Diesel and gas squeeze: Wisconsin drivers are hunting for cheaper fuel as diesel hits a record statewide average of $6.19 a gallon and regular gas climbs to about $4.34, with some stations in the Milwaukee area undercutting the average. Public safety tech debate: Milwaukee alderwoman Marina Dimitrijevic says she’ll cut Flock license-plate reader funding from next year’s budget unless residents get a say, as other SE Wisconsin cities move to end or replace Flock contracts. Consumer protection: The Wisconsin Department of Revenue warns seniors about a viral AI video pushing a fake “Senior Homeowner Tax Review” program and nonexistent forms that scammers use to steal Social Security and banking info. Wealth spotlight: Forbes lists seven Wisconsin billionaires again, with Diane Hendricks (ABC Supply) slipping to No. 48 overall and the group’s combined net worth at $69.4 billion. Local business & community: Cenovus Energy’s Superior Refinery is donating $260,000 to UW-Superior programs, and Aspirus opened a new $35 million Chippewa Falls hospital and clinic. Manufacturing showcase: Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce released 108 nominees for “Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin,” with voting starting Sept. 21.

Data Centers & City Policy: Milwaukee’s proposed one-year moratorium on new data centers is moving to its first public hearing, with a Sept. 28 review that would pause most new data-center applications while the city drafts permanent rules. Consumer Finance: Wisconsin is among states tied to a $694 million multistate settlement with subprime auto lender Credit Acceptance, aimed at delivering cash and debt relief after allegations of steering borrowers into unaffordable loans. Public Safety Tech Backlash: The Flock license-plate camera fight keeps spreading—UW-Oshkosh is discontinuing use on campus after a Wisconsin sheriff’s office suspended the system, and local officials continue weighing alternatives. Retail Expansion: Natural Grocers will open its second Wisconsin store in Appleton on Sept. 30, bringing its smaller-format organic grocery model to the Fox Valley. Local Business & Growth: A new FVTC Venture Center series, “Fuel the Founders,” kicks off Sept. 24 with practical AI training for small business owners. Education & Workforce: Sun Prairie business education teacher Joel Coyne earns a 2027 NEA Foundation Travelers Award for teaching excellence.

Data Centers & Power Costs: Wisconsin Rapids’ planning commission voted 7-0 to recommend denying a proposed data center permit, citing missing application elements; the decision heads to the common council as the city drafts a data-center moratorium. Statehouse & Courts: Wisconsin Supreme Court justices heard arguments on congressional gerrymandering, with the court signaling openness to map challenges ahead of the 2028 election. Federal Policy & Elections: The U.S. Supreme Court blocked major Trump mail-voting restrictions, a move that affects states already sending absentee ballots. AI & Cybersecurity: UW-Madison cyber expert Dave Schroeder warned that AI is accelerating geopolitics and cybersecurity threats as large language models spread. Energy & Trade: Reports highlight Wisconsin’s exposure to tariff fallout from Canada, while drivers in Milwaukee face volatile, higher gas prices. Local Business & Tourism: Kalahari’s $85 million Aquadome waterpark expansion in Wisconsin Dells is set to open Oct. 10. Public Safety & Privacy: Wisconsin Rapids and other communities continue wrestling with automated license plate reader concerns as lawmakers push for limits tied to federal road funds.

Politics & Elections: A new Marquette Law School Poll says Democrats are opening a 13-point lead on the generic congressional ballot and that Trump’s approval has fallen to 37%, with voters citing gas, groceries, and the war in Iran. Federal Policy & Wisconsin Business: Rep. Scott Fitzgerald introduced the Judicial Conduct and Disability Reform Act, aiming to tighten timelines and oversight in judicial discipline. Cybersecurity for Small Firms: DSC Communications launched Sentinel iQ, an AI-powered IT and cybersecurity platform pitched at small businesses that want protection without full managed-services costs. Public Safety vs. Privacy: Wisconsin lawmakers are again pushing to rein in Flock license-plate reader cameras, citing concerns about misuse and long data retention. Energy & Environment: The EPA repealed a 2024 emissions rule for coal- and gas-fired power plants, while UW experts say market forces already favor cleaner generation. Agriculture: DATCP and USDA confirmed highly pathogenic avian influenza in a Barron County commercial flock, triggering quarantine and depopulation. Local Economy & Transit: MCTS is seeking feedback on bus-route redesign tied to a budget deficit and a 25% service reduction.

Health Care & Hospitals: Children’s Wisconsin climbed to No. 12 in the Midwest in U.S. News’ 2026-27 Best Children’s Hospitals rankings and earned national recognition in six pediatric specialties, including big jumps in gastroenterology/GI surgery and pediatric urology. State Budget & Higher Ed: Gov. Tony Evers wrapped up a back-to-school UW tour with stops at UW-La Crosse, UW-Oshkosh and UW-Stout, highlighting a $250 million UW System investment in the 2025-27 budget plus major capital funding for campus infrastructure. Agriculture & Food Supply: CHS is moving ahead with a $700 million soybean crushing plant in Evansville, aiming to open in fall 2028—another push for local processing capacity amid trade and market uncertainty. Energy & Costs: Wisconsin diesel prices kept setting new records, reaching $6.11 a gallon Tuesday, while the EPA’s rollback of power-plant emissions rules adds another layer of uncertainty for Wisconsin’s electricity mix as AI-driven demand grows. Public Safety & Business Risk: Bird flu was detected in a Barron County commercial poultry flock, triggering quarantine and depopulation to protect the food system. Local Governance & Compliance: Madison’s city attorney and an independent police monitor are at odds over whether the monitor followed contracting rules when hiring outside counsel. Tech & Data Centers: Tigerton advanced a roughly one-year moratorium on new AI data center projects after residents raised concerns about wildlife, noise and decision-making. Milwaukee Economy & Families: The Bridge Project expanded in Milwaukee, adding funding to serve 180 single mothers with monthly cash stipends during pregnancy and the first 1,000 days. Business & Infrastructure: WisDOT used drones to inspect the Leo Frigo Memorial Bridge, aiming to find cracks and other issues while reducing traffic impacts during inspections. Consumer Alerts: FDA classified six hand soap recalls as Class II for possible bacterial contamination, including products shipped to Wisconsin. Sports Business: The Milwaukee Brewers clinched their fourth straight NL Central title with a 5-1 win over the Pirates.

Auto Insurance & Litigation: A 9th Circuit ruling lets insurers sue Kia and Hyundai for more than $1 billion tied to theft-prone models after a key safety safeguard was dropped, reviving a major reimbursement fight. Elections & Governance: The U.S. Supreme Court blocked Trump’s bid to overhaul midterm mail voting rules, keeping Wisconsin’s absentee process unchanged even as clerks already mailed 150,000+ ballots; Wisconsin’s Supreme Court is also set to hear arguments on congressional map legality. Energy & Costs: GasBuddy reports the lowest E15 price in Walworth County hit $3.60 (week ending Sept. 5), while multiple counties saw premium and midgrade prices ease—still reflecting a volatile fuel market. State Policy & Consumer Protection: Wisconsin AG Fitch pushes the FCC to strengthen “Know Your Upstream Provider” rules to curb robocalls; officials also warn seniors about an AI video scam spoofing a “Senior Homeowner Tax Review Request.” Business & Finance: Embers Credit Union went live with MANTL Loan Origination to streamline lending; CHS is moving ahead with a major soy processing plant in Evansville. Local Business Climate: River Falls marked September as Chamber of Commerce Month, highlighting small-business support and local economic development.

MMSD Contract Fight: Milwaukee’s sewer agency moved a 10-year wastewater operations deal with Dallas-based Jacobs Solutions to the full commission, but without a recommendation as Veolia’s lawsuit keeps the process in legal limbo. Energy & Growth: Clean-energy advocates warn Wisconsin’s data-center boom could push utilities toward new gas plants, arguing the state’s utility return model favors big infrastructure over cheaper clean options. Local Public Safety Funding: Muskego voters will weigh a $5.9 million referendum to expand police staffing and transition toward full-time fire department coverage. Schools & Costs: Milwaukee Public Schools’ new “Great Schools” committee begins work that could lead to building closures as the district tries to balance repairs, equity goals, and major budget pressures. Govt Integrity Plan: Milwaukee County Executive and gubernatorial candidate David Crowley unveiled an anti-corruption framework including limits on stock trading and prediction-market participation by elected officials. Business/Workforce: UWM landed a $6 million NSF grant aimed at speeding research commercialization into real-world applications. Health & Community: The MACC Fund marked 50 years of childhood cancer research impact, renewing the push for donations. Elections: The U.S. Supreme Court blocked Trump’s mail ballot restrictions for the midterms, keeping Wisconsin’s existing approach in place.

Dairy Expansion: Westby Cooperative Creamery is investing $14.1 million to modernize its cottage cheese operation, adding new enclosed-vat technology to boost efficiency, food safety and capacity. Streaming Policy: Netflix, Amazon and YouTube formed a new Washington, D.C. lobbying group to push back on efforts to curb streaming costs and keep sports available on subscription platforms. Immigration Legal Fight: New York AG Letitia James and a coalition of states and cities sued to block a Trump “public charge” rule that would let immigration officials deny green cards based on use of public benefits. Local Business Growth: Racine’s “3 Acres by Marci & Jason” is set to open Sept. 29 with a full-service restaurant, bar, and large event spaces along Douglas Avenue. Energy & Land Use: Watertown officials raised concerns about a proposed 25-acre, 5MW solar farm near the airport, citing comprehensive-plan conflicts and potential glare in a runway flight path. Environment: Experts are urging faster action on Lake Superior algal blooms, calling for more research and real-time monitoring to reduce health risks. Construction & Jobs: CHS plans a $700 million soybean processing facility in Evansville, targeting fall 2028 and about 80 jobs. AI for Business: Marquette Business is hosting a free AI training session for leaders on Sept. 30. Gas Prices Watch: GasBuddy data shows select low prices across Wisconsin counties in the week ending Sept. 5, with regular averaging around the low-$3 to mid-$3 range in multiple areas.

EV Charging Buildout: Wisconsin approved $25 million for 42 new fast-charging sites, adding DC fast chargers at places like Woodman’s, hotels and Kwik Trip and expanding access beyond interstates. Energy & Grid Policy: A new push to speed up electricity delivery highlights the bottleneck: not just generation, but transmission lines that are hard to permit and build. Trade Uncertainty: Wisconsin businesses are bracing for potential disruption from new U.S.-Canada tariffs, with economists warning the full hit could take a year or two but uncertainty may slow investment sooner. Local Landmarks & Development: Racine’s Common Council designated the historic D.P. Wigley Building as a local landmark, a move tied to downtown preservation and zoning. Health & Talent: Iylon Precision Oncology named Dr. Razelle Kurzrock as chief medical advisor to guide individualized cancer discussions. Public Safety & Recovery: After Rep. Tom Tiffany’s emergency water landing on Lake Wausau, a towing company outlined a slow, weather-dependent plan to remove the aircraft while minimizing fuel spill risk. Community Business Spotlight: Near West Side’s Rev-Up MKE returns Wednesday, featuring 11 finalists pitching and showcasing local startups.