Superintendent of the Milwaukee Public School District, Dr. Gregory Thorton, addressed the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce on July 28, 2010 at the MMAC offices in Milwaukee. Dr. Thorton, a 30-year educational veteran, discussed the issues facing the State's largest school district, and how he plans to graduate more students and better prepare them for regional employment opportunities.

The Madison Chapter of the Federalist Society for Law and Public Policy Studies held its inaugural event July 27, 2010 at the Madison Club. Judge Diane Sykes, a federal judge on the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit and former Justice of the Wisconsin Supreme Court, gave the keynote address.

The Wisconsin Technology Council held a luncheon on July 27, 2010 at the Sheraton Hotel in Madison, featuring a presentation on the new Wisconsin Institute for Discovery on the UW Madison Campus. The presentation highlighted the key physical features of the facility, including its 300-seat forum, various food venues, hands-on activity centers, and teaching labs.

The Midwest High Speed Rail Association held an informal public meeting on July 22, 2010 at the Milwaukee Public Market. Alderman Robert Bauman kicked off the forum and introduced the main speaker, Executive Director of the Midwest Rail Association, Richard Harnish. State Representative and Democratic Caucus Leader Peter Barca also spoke at the event.

Coverage of forum on redistricting in Wisconsin, held July 22, 2010 at the State Capitol. The first speaker was Myrna Perez, from the Brennan Center for Justice at NYU Law School, who gave a presentation called "Redistricting 101."

Continued coverage of forum on redistricting in Wisconsin, held July 22, 2010 at the State Capitol. Presentations included "Redistricting Practicalities: Demographics and Criteria" with Richelle Winkler, from the Applied Population Laboratory at the University of Wisconsin, and Dr. Michael McDonald, George Mason University; as well as "What to Expect from Wisconsin’s Redistricting Process" with Steve Miller, Legislative Reference Bureau; James Beaudoin, Applied Population Laboratory at the University of Wisconsin; and Wisconsin State Representative Spencer Black.

WisconsinEye was present at the Milwaukee Rotary Club luncheon on July 13, 2010 in Milwaukee. At the luncheon, Dr. Sara Imhof, Midwest Regional Director of the Concord Coalition, discussed current and future federal fiscal challenges, broke down the federal budget, and highlighted fiscal stewardship activities.

National Health Care Reform's public policy forum from July 12, 2010 at the Italian Conference Center in Milwaukee. The program began with remarks from Karen Timberlake, Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. Following her remarks was a discussion by a panel of local health care experts: Bevan Baker, Commissioner, City of Milwaukee Department of Public Health; C.C. Henderson, President and CEO, Milwaukee Health Services, Inc.; William Petasnick, President and CEO, Froedtert Hospital; Nick Turkal, MD, President and CEO, Aurora Health Care. The panel was moderated by Kimberly Kane, Director of Client Solutions, The Novo Group (former WTMJ-TV Medical Reporter).

WisconsinEye's coverage of the Wisconsin Innovation Network's meeting on July 8, 2010 in Wauwatosa. During the meeting, discussions were held on the topic of high-speed rail plans, from equipment to ridership, to stations. Speakers included Department of Transportation Managers, John Oimoen and Paul Trombino, who are directing Wisconsin's project planning.

Prior to President Barack Obama's town hall meeting in Racine on June 30, WisconsinEye Senior Producer Steve Walters spoke with State Representatives Cory Mason, Robert Turner, Assembly Speaker Mike Sheridan, and Senator John Lehman about what it means to have the President visit the area. Immediately following, WisconsinEye listened in on Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett's and Governor Jim Doyle's interactions with the press regarding their reactions to the town hall.

Various state and federal government officials came to the UW Madison campus on June 25, 2010 to hold a forum regarding Wisconsin's dairy industry. The opening remarks were given by Christine Varney, Assistant Attorney General of the U.S. Department of Justice and Tom Vilsack, Secretary of Agriculture for the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The keynote roundtable discussion included: Secretary Tom Vilsack, Assistant U.S. Attorney General Christine Varney, Senator Herb Kohl, Senator Russ Feingold, Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin, Governor Jim Doyle, and Rod Nilsestuen, Wisconsin Secretary of Agriculture.

The USDA Dairy Forum continued on the UW Madison campus June 25, with a farmer presentation of issues. The panel gave an opportunity for those in attendance to hear first-hand from dairy farmers as they share their experiences and perspectives on the industry. Moderators of the panel included: Tom Vilsack, Secretary of Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and Christine Varney, Assistant Attorney General for Antitrust, U.S. Department of Justice. Panelists included the following dairy farmers: Jamie Bledsoe, Riverdale, California; Joaquin Contente,; Hanford, California; Joel Greeno, Kendall, Wisconsin; Frances Horton, Hatch, New Mexico; Ed King, Schuylerville, New York; Bill Rowell, Sheldon, Vermont; Christine Sukalski, Leroy, Minnesota; and Darin Von Ruden, Westby, Wisconsin.

The USDA Dairy Forum continued on the UW Madison Campus, June 25 with public testimony given by those in attendance.

The USDA Dairy Forum continued on June 25 with a panel discussion on trends in the dairy industry. This panel examined the various industry changes, the responses of industry stakeholders, and the potential implications for regulation and enforcement. The panel was moderated by Josh Soven, Chief, Litigation I Section, Antitrust Division, U.S. Department of Justice. Panelists included: Peter Carstensen, Professor of Law, University of Wisconsin; Ron Cotterill, Professor of Agricultural and Resource Economics, University of Connecticut; Bob Cropp, Emeritus Professor of Agricultural and Applied Economics, University of Wisconsin; Jim Goodman, Organic Dairy Farmer, Wonewoc, Wisconsin; Jerrel Heatwole, Dairy Farmer, Greenwood, Delaware; Pete Kappelman, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Land O’ Lakes Cooperative; and Marcus Peperzak, Chief Executive Officer, Aurora Organic Dairy.

The USDA Dairy Forum continued with a panel discussion on market consolidation. This panel discussed how changes in firm size are affecting both farmers and consumers. The moderator for the panel was James MacDonald, Chief, Agricultural Structure and Productivity Branch, Economic Research Service. Panelists included: Calvin Covington, Retired Dairy Industry Executive, King, North Carolina; Brian Gould, Associate Professor, Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics, University of Wisconsin - Madison; Louise Hemstead, Chief Operating Officer, Organic Valley Cooperative; Daniel Smith, Esq., Former Administrator, Northeast Dairy Compact Commission; and John Wilson, Senior Vice President, Dairy Farmers of America.

The USDA Dairy Forum continued with a panel discussion on market transparency and the fluctuation of milk prices over the years. THe moderator of the panel was Mark Tobey, Special Counsel for Agriculture and State Relations, Antitrust Division, U.S. Department of Justice and panelists included: Stephen Obie, Director of Enforcement, Commodity Futures Trading Commission; Andy Pauline, Assistant Director, Government Accountability Office; Tanya Rushing, Dairy Farmer, Tylertown, Mississippi; Dennis Wolff, Partner, Versant Strategies, and Former Pennsylvania Secretary of Agriculture; and Robert Yonkers, Vice President and Chief Economist, International Dairy Foods Association.

The USDA Dairy Forum concluded on June 25 on the UW Madison campus with second round of public testimony, where attendees could voice their opinions, concerns, and suggestions to panelists and government officials.

The second annual UW Madison Women and Leadership Symposium took place on the UW Madison campus on June 23, 2010. WisconsinEye was on hand for the beginning of the symposium, featuring a welcome and introduction by Christine Ray, from the Office of Human Resource Development; Yolanda Garza, and Julia Koza, from the Committee on Women in the University. The keynote address, "New Rules for Women and Leadership," was given by Pat Alea. Chancellor Carolyn "Biddy" Martin, from the University, also addressed participants.

The June Dairy Breakfast was held June 20, 2010 in Winnebago, Wisconsin. Aside from breakfast, attendees could visit various dairy vendors and representatives to learn more about dairy products and Wisconsin's dairy industry.

The League of Women Voters of Wisconsin held their annual Education Network meeting on June 19, 2010 at the UW La Crosse Health Science Center. The day began with a keynote address by Steve Hiniker from 1000 Friends of Wisconsin, titled "Earth-Friendly Transportation Options for Wisconsin."

The League of Women Voters' annual Education Network meeting on June 19 continued with a presentation on Election Observer Basics, given by Carolyn Castore of the League of Women Voters of Milwaukee, and Elen Rosborough of the League of Women Voters of La Crosse. The presentation covered how poll watchers can help ensure "clean and honest" elections.

WisconsinEye spoke with Andrea Kaminiski, Executive Director of the League of Women Voters of Wisconsin, and Nancy Fulkerson Hill, President of the La Crosse Area Chapter of the League of Women Voters during their Annual Education Network meeting on June 19, 2010 in La Crosse.

The League of Women Voters' annual Education Network meeting on June 19 continued with the presentation of the 2010 Meg McLane Award of Advocacy and a keynote address by the Honorable Ann Walsh Bradley of the Wisconsin Supreme Court on the "Sustainability of Our Courts."

The League of Women Voters' annual Education Network meeting on June 19 continued with a plenary session and discussion among participants.

Final discussion and adjournment of the League of Women Voters' annual Education Network meeting on June 19, 2010 in La Crosse.

Madison Mayor Dave Cieslewicz gave his annual State of the City Address at the Madison Rotary on June 16, 2010.

The Madison International Trade Association presented "The Business of Immigration: What Businesses Need to Know When Hiring Non-U.S. Citizens" on June 8, 2010 at the Sheraton Hotel, Madison. The conference was intended to help the understanding of the rules that U.S. companies must follow when hiring noncitizens. It was sponsored by the UW-Madison Center for International Business Education and Research (CIBER) and Center for World Affairs and the Global Economy (WAGE).

On June 9th the Wisconsin Women's Council held a meeting where presentations were made at the state Capitol. Sara Finger, Executive Director - Wisconsin Alliance for Women's Health gave an overview of the Women's Health Summit held in May; a representative from The Alverno College Research Center for Women and Girls (RCWG) presented an update regarding the collaborative, multidisciplinary, and action-oriented research center that focuses on initiating positive social change in the lives of women and girls in Milwaukee; and a representative from the Milwaukee Women's Fund reported on the White House Project, a nonpartisan and nonprofit organization working to advance women in business, politics, and media.

Common Cause held a forum on June 7, 2010 at the Middleton Public Library, Middleton. The subject of the forum was "What Ever Happened to Good Government in Wisconsin? And How Can We Fix It?" Agenda items included; Campaign Finance Reform in Wisconsin after the U.S. Supreme Court decision on Citizens United vs F.E.C., Public Financing of Wisconsin Supreme Court and other State Elections, the disclosure and regulation of interest-group "phony issue ads" and other "outside" spending, Redistricting Reform – why it’s necessary and how should we do it, and How We Can Improve our Election Process in Wisconsin.

Jim Morgan, Vice President, Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce introduced Tom Boldt, CEO of The Boldt Company, a national construction services firm, owner of two LEED certified buildings and builders of more than 20 LEED-certified projects including the Aldo Leopold Foundation's award winning Legacy Center.

The annual Luncheon of Champions was held on June 3, 2010 at the Italian Conference Center, Milwaukee. Jewish Family Services honored community heroes. Betsy Green and Joel Lee were recipients of the Families in Philanthropy award, and the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel will receive the Community Partner award.

Julilly Kohler and Frank Alioto were speakers at the Milwaukee Rotary Luncheon on June 1, 2010 at Memorial Hall. The history of Brady Street was the topic. Julilly Kohler spoke about the BID (Business Improvement District) statute that helped revitalize the neighborhood. Local historian and Brady Street Fire Captain Frank Alioto, shared some “then and now” photographs of Brady Street—highlighting its industry, its various ethnic inflows, the slide into the hippie years and late 20th century renaissance.

The Evidence Based Health Policy Project held a video conference with Rick Curtis, President, Institute for Health Policy Solutions on May 27, 2010 at the State Capitol. The topic for the discussion was the federal health care reform law – the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, - which requires states to establish health insurance Exchanges by January 2013. Questions addressed were:
Will persons currently covered by state programs (BadgerCare, HIRSP) will be transferred to the coverage options within the Exchange?
What will be the required and optional covered benefits offered by plans within the Exchange?
Will individuals and small businesses be served by the same Exchange or separate Exchanges?
What size business can participate in the Exchange?
How will the Exchange be funded?
A PowerPoint presentation was included.

AFSCME Internationalhosted a training session for organizations impacted by Wisconsin state budgets entitled "The Wisconsin State Budget: An Introduction to the Process and Advocacy Best Practices." The event was held on May 26, 2010 at AFSCME International, Madison. John Keckhaver, who is involved in the state budget process as a Senate staffer, a researcher and policy analyst, and lobbyist was the featured speaker.

Jim Morgan, Vice President, Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce introduced Todd Teske, President & CEO Briggs & Stratton Corporation Wauwatosa, in this installment of the leadership series. Mr. Teske discussed how Briggs & Stratton is the world’s largest producer of air-cooled gasoline engines for outdoor power equipment. A legislative update, preview of 2010 elections, and jobs 2010 initiative by Jim Morgan followed.

Jim Morgan, Vice President, Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce introduced Dwight Davis, Chairman of the Board, President & CEO, Greenheck Fan Corporation, Schofield, in this installment of the leadership series. Mr. Davis discussed ways in which his business has improved customer service, achieved market share growth, and improved operating performance despite the worst market conditions his industry has experienced in over 60 years. A legislative update, preview of 2010 elections, and jobs 2010 initiative by Jim Morgan followed.

A coalition of supporters of the raw milk bill, which will allow the licensing of farmers to sell raw milk directly to consumers, rallied on the State Street steps of the State Capitol on May 18, 2010 to urge Governor Doyle to sign the bill into law. John Peck, Family Farm Defenders, Rosanne Lindsey, Director, Wisconsin Alliance for Raw Milk, and other supporters spoke.

A public policy forum "Beyond Milwaukee County: Challenges Facing Wisconsin’s Other Counties" was held at the Italian Conference Center in Milwaukee on May 17, 2010. Moderated by Charles Law Director, UW-Extension Local Government Center, panelists included: David Bretl, Walworth County Administrator, Doug Johnson, Washington County Administrative Coordinator, William Reynolds, Racine County Executive, Thomas Meaux, Ozaukee County Administrator, and Daniel Vrakas, Waukesha County Executive.

United States Education Secretary Arne Duncan gave the annual charge to University of Wisconsin-Madison graduates May 15, 2010 at the Kohl Center on the UW Madison Campus. The presiding officer was school Chancellor Carolyn A. “Biddy” Martin, Ph. D.

The Madison International Trade Association held their International Trade Office Directors’ Breakfast on May 14, 2010 at the Wisconsin Department of Commerce building in Madison. Willis Black, founder of WBB International in DePere, Wisconsin gave a presentation on “Trade Opportunities for Wisconsin Companies in Africa.”

Governor Jim Doyle delivered the keynote address at the University of Wisconsin Law School Commencement on May 14, 2010 at the Monona Terrace in Madison. The Master of Ceremonies was Law School Dean Kenneth B. Davis, Jr.

The Office of Health Care Reform held a briefing for legislators and staff on federal health care reform provisions and implementation planning for Wisconsin on May 12, 2010 at the State Capitol. Rachel Currans-Sheehan, DHS Executive Assistant and Eileen Mallow, OCI
Executive Assistant, gave the presentation.

The Wisconsin Women’s Health Policy Summit was held May 12, 2010 at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison. The Summit began with welcoming remarks by Lieutenant Governor Barbara Lawton and Director of the Naional Alliance for Women’s Health, Sara Finger. The Keynote address was given by Karen Timberlake, Secretary of the Department of Health Services and Lisa Codispoti from the National Women’s Law Center. Various panel discussions were held during the course of the Summit, ranging in topics from “Compassionate Care for Rape Victims Coalition Model,” to “Real Women’s Voices: Power of Story Sharing and Personal Advocacy,” and addressing Health Care Disparities in Wisconsin.

Continued coverage.

Continued coverage.

Continued coverage.

Continued coverage.

The Freedom from Religion Foundation held a event on the State Capitol steps in Madison to protest the National Day of Prayer on May 6, 2010. Anne Laurie Gaylor and Dan Barker from the foundation spoke, along with members of the group.

Wisconsin Family Council co-sponsored a National Day of Prayer event on the State Capitol steps on May 6, 2010. Pastor Bill Bartz of Monona Oaks Community Church spoke. The state National Day of Prayer co-sponsored the event.

Glen Tollock, Chairman and CEO of The Manitowoc Company, Inc. gave the keynote address as part of the Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce Leadership Series at the Manitowoc Ice Facility in Manitowoc, Wisconsin on May 5, 2010. WMC President Jim Haney also addressed attendees with a legislative update, a preview of the 2010 elections, and Jobs 2010 Initiative.

Wisconsin Women in Government held the 23rd Annual Scholarship Recognition Banquet on Wednesday, May 5, 2010 at the Monona Terrace Convention Center in Madison. The keynote speaker was Karen Hughes, a veteran Republican political advisor from Texas who served former President George W. Bush.

The Wisconsin Historical Museum held a presentation on May 5, 2010 entitled "Wisconsin Forests: Preserved and Managed in History and Fire." Mark Bruhy, Heritage Program Manager with the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest examined the history of the forest from an archaeological perspective. Suzanne Flory, Public Affairs and Fire Information Officer discussed the positive and negative effects of fire on the forest.

The Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance, Energy Center of Wisconsin, and WPUI sponsored a roundtable on May 3, 2010 at the Monona Terrace in Madison. The topic was "Wisconsin’s Energy Future: What Role Will Energy Efficiency Play." Speakers included Wendy Jaehn, MEEA, Jolene Shield, Public Service Commission of WI, Judy Ziewacz, WI Office of Energy Independence, Nathan Zolik, Public Service Commission of WI, Dan York, ACEEE and Susan Stratton, Energy Center of Wisconsin.

Marquette University hosted a forum titled "Health Care Reform: What Does it Mean for You?" on Monday, May 3, 2010 in the Alumni Memorial Union, Milwaukee. A panel of local health care leaders shared their views on the impact the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act will have. Panelists include; Margaret Faut Callahan, CRNA, Ph.D., FAAN, Dean, Marquette University College of Nursing, Sue Ela , System Chief Operating Officer, Aurora Healthcare, Don Hamm, President and CEO, Assurant Health, Peggy Troy, President and CEO, Children’s Hospital and Health System and Raymond Zastrow , M.D., President, QuadMed.  The panel was moderated by Mike Gousha.

After a tribute to Midge Miller by The Madison Institute Board members Connie Threinen and Joe Elder, a panel of Midge Miller’s provided remembrances.  The panel included, Wisconsin Senator Mark Miller, Ed Garvey, Madison attorney and author of the Fighting Bob Website, Stan Gruszynski, former member of the Wisconsin Assembly.  Following the panel discussion presentations were made by Professor Carin Clauss, U.W. Law School and Nathan P. Feinsinger Chair in Labor Law, Jane Anne Morris, author and corporate anthropologist and David Newby, President of Wisconsin State AFL-CIO

Gov. Jim Doyle on Friday signed a bill allowing more than 43,000 adults on a waiting list for health care to apply for a new state-run coverage plan. The plan, scheduled to begin in July, would provide a basic package of care for those who pay premiums estimated to be $130 per month. Doyle also discussed the reasons that Harley Davidson executives say they need to cut costs, which could threaten jobs at the company’s Menomonee Falls and Tomahawk assembly plants.

Former U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum was the featured speaker at the annual Wisconsin Right to Life Education Fund Dinner and Auction on Thursday, April 29 at the Midwest Airlines Center in Milwaukee. Author and radio host Charlie Sykes was the event's Master of Ceremonies.

Governor Jim Doyle signed Senate Bill 437 into law on April 29, 2010 at the Ronald Wilson Reagan College Preparatory High School in Milwaukee. The bill gives the State Superintendent clearer, stronger powers to impact struggling schools and will put in place a system for placing top-level teachers and principals in those schools that need the most help. The Governor was joined by State Superintendent Tony Evers.

Governor Jim Doyle met with local eight graders on April 28, 2010 at Marquette University in Milwaukee to encourage them to sign the Wisconsin Covenant pledge. The event was a part of Wisconsin Covenant Days, which are meant to give eight grade students a better idea of what life is like on a college campus. In March, Governor Doyle announced that every student who has signed and fulfilled the Wisconsin Covenant pledge and goes on to college in Wisconsin will receive a Wisconsin Covenant Scholar Grant based on financial need.

The Wisconsin Energy Institute and its emerging areas of energy research at UW-Madison was the topic of the Tuesday, April 27 luncheon meeting of the Wisconsin Innovation Network in Madison. Speakers included Troy Runge, Director of the Wisconsin Bioenergy Institute, and Paul Meier, Director of the Wisconsin Energy Institute.

On Tuesday, April 27th, Vice President Joe Biden and Secretary of the Treasury Tim Geithner came to the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. The Vice President chaired a Middle Class Task Force meeting hosted by the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee’s Sheldon B. Lubar School of Business.  The Vice President and Secretary Geithner discussed Wall Street reform and how the reform would affect America’s middle class families.  Also appearing was UW-Milwaukee Chancellor Carlos Santiago, Mayor Tom Barrett and U.S. Representative Gwen Moore.

On April 26, Bill Harvey, Chairman of Alliant Energy and Jim Lorman, Ph.D., Professor of Biology in the Natural Sciences Department at Edgewood College, and Academic Director of the College’s Graduate Certificate Program in Sustainability Leadership presented the program, National Energy Policy: What it means to Wisconsin and Madison at Edgewood College in Madison. They discussed environ­mental policy and the impact of national policy on our region.  The event was part of the Smith & Gesteland MBA Executive Speaker Series and was moderated by Professor Denis Collins, Ph.D.

Milwaukee Police Chief Ed Flynn spoke on April 26, 2010 at the MMAC offices, Milwaukee.

U.S. Congresswoman Gwen Moore (D-Wisconsin) and U.S. Congressman Dennis Kucinich (D-Ohio) participated in a Town Hall Meeting on the Wars in Iraq and Afghanistan on April 25, at the Laborers Local 113 in Milwaukee. The event was sponsored by the Democratic Party of Milwaukee County and Peace Action Wisconsin.  An interview with a representative from Peace Action Wisconsin precedes the Town Hall meeting.

After a tribute to Midge Miller by The Madison Institute Board Members Connie Threinen and Joe Elder, Dean Baker presented “The Origins of the economic Crisis and the Way Out .  Dean Baker is Co-director of the Center Economic Policy and Research, Washington, D.C. and is frequently cited in economics reporting in major media outlets, including the New York Times, Washington Post, CNN, CNBC, and National Public Radio.  He writes a weekly column for the Guardian Unlimited (UK), and his blog, Beat the Press, features commentary on economic reporting. He received his Ph. D in economics from the University of Michigan.  A follow up presentation was covered one week regarding the economy and the government.

Events from the second day of the Earth Day Conference at the Monona Terrace in Madison.

Social and environmental activist Ed Garvey of fightingbob.com hosted a community forum on April 21, 2010 at UW-Stevens Point, titled "The End of Democracy: the Supreme Court’s Citizen's United Decision, and Other Reasons our Freedom and Choices May be Disappearing.” Garvey is a Madison lawyer who has worked on environmental issues, and has been a candidate for Governor and U.S. Senator.

"Earth Day at 40: Valuing Wisconsin’s Environmental Traditions, Past, Present and Future" revisited the movement that launched an era of environmental reform, highlighted a broad range of current environmental issues, and discussed a sustainable future. The event was held April 20-21 at the Monona Terrace in Madison, part of the celebration of the 40th anniversary of UW-Madison’s Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies. Speakers included U.S. Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin; Gregg Mitman, Interim Director, Nelson Institute; William Coleman Professor of History of Science, Professor, Medical History and Science & Technology Studies, UW-Madison; Adam Rome, Associate Professor of History, Penn State University, and William Cronon, Professor of History, Geography, and Environmental Studies, Director, Nelson Institute Center for Culture, History and Environment, UW-Madison. A panel discussion titled "Gaylord Nelson and the Earth Day Legacy" was moderated by Michael Dombeck, University of Wisconsin System Fellow and Professor of Global Conservation, UW-Stevens Point.

Continued coverage.

Continued coverage.

Continued coverage.

The Wisconsin Labor Society held its annual conference on April 17, 2010 at the IBEW Joint Apprenticeship Training Center, Wauwatosa. The conference, entitled "Linking Students to Labor History" addressed how to best encourage teachers and students to become engaged in learning about labor history. Andrew Kersten, of the history department at the UW Green Bay, gave the keynote address on the need to teach labor history. David Newby, Wisconsin State AFL-CIO President; Hedy Eischeid, President, Fond du Lac Educ. Assn. and Director, National Education Assn.; Bryan Kennedy, President, AFT-Wisconsin and Jim Cavanaugh, President, South Central Federation of Labor spoke.

Continued coverage.

Continued coverage.

Tea Party activists held a rally on Tax Day on Thursday, April 15 on the State Capitol steps. The group pushed for government reform from the November elections. Speakers at the rally include local radio talk show host Vicki McKenna, Tim Dake of Wisconsin Grandsons of Liberty, Kim Simac of Northwoods Patriots and Michael Dean of the First Freedoms Foundation and former Governor Tommy Thompson.

On April 14, 2010 a group of more than 80 business and civic leaders from Rock County gathered at the Wisconsin State Capitol for "Rock County Day in Madison." Representatives of the communities of Beloit, Clinton, Edgerton, Evansville, Janesville and Milton spoke about area needs. Priorities included expansion of Interstate 39/90 to six lanes from the state line to Madison; improving state competitiveness; and bolstering Wisconsin’s economic development efforts. A legislative panel discussion included Assembly Speaker Mike Sheridan, Senator Judy Robson, and other members of the Rock County area legislative delegation.

The Milwaukee Press Club Newsmaker Luncheon was held on Tuesday, April 13, 2010 at the Newsroom Pub in Milwaukee. Gregory Thornton, the next superintendent of Milwaukee Public Schools took questions from the press. He will assume his post on July 1, 2010.

The Evidence Based Health Policy Project held a symposium on April 12, 2010 at Inn on the Park in Madison. The event was titled "Federal Healthcare Reform Legislation: What Do Wisconsin Policymakers Do Now?" Speakers included Joy Johnson Wilson, National Conference of State Legislatures, Andy Webber, National Business Coalition on Health,
Kathy Witgert, National Academy for State Health Policy, David Newby , President, Wisconsin AFL-CIO, Patricia McManus, President/CEO, Black Health Coalition of Wisconsin, and Larry Zanoni, Executive Director Group Health Cooperative of South Central Wisconsin.

Department of Workforce Development Secretary Roberta Gassman received the 2010 Distinguished Alumni Award from the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Social Work in a ceremony Monday, April 12 at the Waisman Center in Madison. Honoring Gassman’s service to the state of Wisconsin, and to the social work profession, the Roberta Gassman School of Social Work Opportunities Fund was established. The fund will be used to support the Roberta Gassman Distinguished Lecture Series, provide student awards, assist in the recruitment and retention of students of color, and advance social work research in best public policies for advancing programs to address poverty and the needs of people with disabilities. Professor Marsha Mailick Seltzer, Director of the Waisman Center, Professor Jan Greenberg, Director of the School of Social Work, Governor Jim Doyle, Chancellor Carolyn “Biddy” Martin, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Jeffrey Bartell, Regent, University of Wisconsin System spoke at the event.

The Celebrating Women and Girls Recognition Luncheon was held on April 12, 2010 at Alverno College in Milwaukee. U.S. Congresswomen Gwen Moore was one of the women recognized.

The UW School of Medicine and Public Health, Department of Medical History and Bioethics, held its  2nd Annual Bioethics Symposium: “Reforming Health Care Ethically: Waste, Tradeoffs and Rationing” on Thursday, April 8 at the Health Sciences Learning Center at the University of WI-Madison. Discussion and presentations began with an introduction by Dean Robert N. Golden, MD, and Norman Fost, MD, MPH. Keynote presentations were given by Professor Julian LeGrand, PhD, London School of Economics, and former chief advisor for health to Prime Minister Tony Blair on "Who Should We Trust For Our Health Care: Doctors, Insurers - or the Government?" and Professor Dan Wikler, PhD, Saltonstall Professor of Population Ethics at the Harvard School of Public Health, first staff ethicist for the World Health Organization, and formerly on the faculty of the UW School of Medicine and Public Health, "Dilemmas in Health Care Rationing." A panel discussion on "Rationing: Not Whether But How" was facilitated by Gretchen Schwarze, MD. Presentations were given by Dan Hausman, PhD, UW Departments of Philosophy, and Medical History and Bioethics on "Fairness, Cost-Effectiveness and Rationing," Jeff Grossman, MD, UW Department of Medicine, and CEO of UW Medical Foundation on "How We Do It," Tom Oliver, PhD, UW Department of Population Health Sciences on "How Others Do It," and Stephanie Robert, PhD, UW School of Social Work on "Non-Medical Determinants of Health."

Continued coverage.

Jim Morgan, Vice President, Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce introduced Jerry Ryder, President of InSinkErator, a Division of Emerson Electric Company. Jerry Ryder proposed that the common garbage disposer is an environmentally responsible way to manage food waste while creating renewable energy and fertilizer, and disposers represent "green jobs" today. Jim Haney, President and CEO, Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce also spoke.

The Madison Rotary hosted Jeanne Carpenter of Wisconsin Cheese Originals on April 7, 2010 at the Inn on the Park, Madison. The expert on artisan cheese explained the importance of cheese industry to the state and supplied samples.

Rock County Sheriff Robert D. Spoden and José Carrillo, President of the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement of Rock County, Inc., joined a panel of Janesville-area experts to discuss how to increase mental health and substance use treatment during the "Making Parity Real" symposium Monday, March 29 in Janesville. Speaker Mike Sheridan, Rep. Kim Hixson, Rep. Sandy Pasch and David R. Riemer, Community Advocates Public Policy Institute Director, co-hosted the symposium.
In Part 1, David Riemer reported on Federal Parity updates and moderated the panel discussion.

Continued coverage.

Continued coverage.

As continuation of WisconsinEye’s coverage of the 2010 Wisconsin Charter Schools Conference, we spent time visiting with attendees to learn more about the conference and some of the attending organizations. Interviewed were Shawn Lavoie with Youth Initiative High School, Jane and Emil Glodoski of the Milwaukee Teacher Education Center, Jim McGrath of the Green Charter Schools Network, Mary Ert of the Rowland Reading Foundation, Andrew M. Blaha of the U.S. Army, Jenna Wolfenberg of Meeme Leads Elementary Charter School and Victoria Rydberg of River Crossing Environmental Charter School.

Continued coverage from the second day of the conference, March 23rd. Speakers included State Senator John Lehman (D-Racine), Chair Senate Education Committee State Senator Luther Olsen (R-Berlin), Ranking Minority Member, Senate Education State Representative Sondy Pope-Roberts (D-Middleton), Chair, Assembly Education Committee, and State Representative Brett Davis (R-Oregon), Ranking Minority Member, Assembly Education.

Continued coverage from the second day of the conference, March 23rd. Speakers included John Gee, Executive Director of the Wisconsin Charter Schools Association, Ursula Wright, the Chief Operating Officer for the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools; Sarah Granofsky of the Consortium for Policy Research in Education at UW-Madison and the Value-Added Research Center; and Richard Halverson, an associate professor of Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

The Wisconsin Charter Schools Conference was held March 22, 2010 at Monona Terrace in Madison. The keynote speaker was Sarah Archibald, Associate Researcher at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, currently assisting Governor Doyle with Wisconsin's Race to the Top application. "Quality Happens" was the theme of this year’s interactive conference. The conference featured interactive sessions; hands-on examples of innovative learning in classrooms; networking; a coaching room open throughout the conference; and keynote speakers that highlight the importance of quality in and around each classroom, and the impact that quality has on the learning of students everywhere. Featured speakers at the conference included Greg Richmond, President, National Association of Charter School; Ursula Wright, Chief Operating Officer, National Alliance for Public Charter Schools; Sarah Archibald, Consortium for Policy Research in Education at UW-Madison and the Value-Added Research Center; and Richard Halverson, Associate Professor of Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis, University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Continued coverage from the first day of the conference, March 22rd.

The Partnership for a Stronger Economy held a forum on March 22, 2010 at the Blackhawk Technical College in Janesville. Representative Mike Sheridan, Representative Chuck Benedict and Representative Kim Hixson hosted the event. The group discussed ideas for job creation and economic development. Wisconsin’s Partnership for a Stronger Economy is a working group of legislators, business owners, labor leaders and economic development professionals.

Rich Meeusen, President, CEO and Chairman of Badger Meter spoke at Badger Meter, Milwaukee. Meeusen discussed the opportunities for Wisconsin companies to capitalize on the world water crisis both through technology development and regional economic development. He is the CEO of Badger Meter, the largest producer of water meters in North America, and the co-chair and founder of the Milwaukee Water Council. Jim Haney, President and CEO, Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce also spoke.

The Midwestern office of the Council of State Governments and the Legislative Council held a symposium on March 17, 2010 at the State Capitol. The name of the event was "An Assessment of Wisconsin's Economic Performance: Findings from the Resurgent Midwest, Insurgent Growth Initiative." Participants explored the state's economic strengths and vulnerabilities, while also learning about how Wisconsin performs relative to other Midwestern states. Presenters included Peter Creticos, Ph.D., President and Executive Director, Institute for Work and the Economy, Laura A. Tomaka, M.S., Senior Program Manager, The Council of State Governments, Midwestern Office, and Graham S. Toft, Ph.D., President and Founder, GrowthEconomics, Inc.

The Madison Rotary Club met on March 17, 2010 at Inn on the Park, Madison. Speakers included Brad Clark, Manager, Madison City Channel, and Malcolm Brett, General Manager, WHA TV, speaking on "Sunshine in Government."

Governor Doyle addressed the Governor’s Conference on Tourism at the Midwest Airlines Center in Milwaukee on March 15, 2010. The Governor spoke to over 700 tourism leaders representing communities throughout the state, reporting tourism has grown to a $13 billion per year industry in Wisconsin and accounts for more than 300,000 jobs.

The Wisconsin High School Mock Trial Tournament was held on March 15, 2010 at the State Capitol. Finalists from Lodi High School and Rhinelander High School argued a criminal case before the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court decision is in Part 2.

Continued coverage including the Supreme Court decision that the Rhinelander team wins the tournament.

Americans for Prosperity held the Wisconsin Defending the American Dream Summit on March 13, 2010 at the Chula Vista Resort in Wisconsin Dells. Opening remarks were made by Lord Christopher Monckton, U.S. Rep. James Sensenbrenner, Rep. Jim Ott, Niger Innes, Congress of Racial Equality, Paul Driessen, Committee for a Constructive Tomorrow.  A panel discussion followed, "Global Warming - Climate Change - Economic Suicide" moderated by Phil Kerpen, AFP National Policy Director.

Continued coverage from the convention. A panel discussion "Taxpayer Tea Parties - Health Care Constitutional Amendment" included panelists Jim Zeiler, AFP Wisconsin, Tim Dake, Grandsons of Liberty, Oriannah Paul, Sheyboygan Tea Party, Scott Sudbetm AFP Wisconsin, Meg Ellefson, Wausau Tea Party.

Master printmaker Warrington Colescott, who taught at the University of Wisconsin from 1949-1986, was interviewed by the Milwaukee Art Museum’s Mary Weaver Chapin on March 12, 2010 at the Memorial Union at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Colescott self-describes his career and artistic process as "research printmaker and mad-dog attack artist." His work is in permanent collections world wide.

The third annual "Focus on Midwest Energy" conference was held on Monday, March 8 at the Madison Club, Madison. Congress-members Tammy Baldwin and Paul Ryan, along with key legislators and PSC Chair Eric Callisto highlighted the conference. The event assembled key business, government and research representatives to explore federal and state energy legislation and issues ranging from nuclear energy to transmission to alternative fuels and conservation. Panel topics included "State and Federal Climate Change Legislation," and "Changing Business Practices in a Sustainable World."

Continued coverage.

Continued coverage.

The Legislative Council Symposium was held on March 4, 2010 at the State Capitol. Joint Legislative Council Co-Chairs Senator Fred Risser and Representative Marlin Schneider hosted the symposium on today’s economy and what the Wisconsin Legislature can consider to address issues. Sessions included "Global Economy Structural Changes and Wisconsin" with Mike Knetter, PhD., Dean, Wisconsin School of Business, UW Madison, and  "The Great Recession and Wisconsin" with Rick Mattoon, Senior Economist and Economic Advisor, Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago.

Arts Day 2010 was held on March 3, 2010 at the Monona Terrace and State Capitol, Madison. The purpose of the event was to promote the arts and art education. Hundreds of representatives of Wisconsin’s arts community gathered to encourage expanded state investment in the arts, culture, creativity and education through the Wisconsin Arts Board’s New Economy Funding Initiative and investment in other state agencies, promote art education, encourage regional development, civic engagement, and creative economy programs and policies to benefit the art community. Featured speakers included Lt. Governor Barbara Lawton and State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Evers, among others. A public forum on the Wisconsin Task Force on Arts and Creativity in Education’s report was held, along with workshops, networking and presentations.

The Evidence Based Health Policy Project held a symposium on March 3, 2010 at the State Capitol. The event was titled "Who Should Do What to Assure High Quality, Efficient Care . . And How Can States Decide?" Speakers included Dr. Ned Colange, Interim Director of Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, and Chair of Governor Ritter’s Collaborative Scopes of Care Task Force, Catherine Dower, J.D., Assoc. Director, Health Law & Policy, Center for the Health Professions at University of California, San Francisco and Cindy Greenlaw Benton, Minnesota Health Occupations Review Program.

The Dane County Circuit Court Judges in the Juvenile Division hosted the 12th Annual Juvenile Court Awards, held on March 3, 2010 at the Goodman Community Center. Chief Justice Shirley Abrahamson was the featured speaker. The ceremony was an evening of celebration and recognition of youth and the commitment others have made to the lives of families and youth in Dane County. The recipients of this year’s recognition awards:
The Peter Rubin Award - Teresa and Cleveland Stevenson
The Ervin Bruner Award - Jim Olds, Ami Orlin
The George Northrup Award - Carrie Pomije
Outstanding Service - Sharon Mason-Boersma, Dawn Brubakken-Sauer
Outstanding (Youth) Achievement - Kyle Droster

The Wisconsin Graduation Summit was held on March 2, 2010 at the Country Springs Hotel and Convention Center in Pewaukee. State Superintendent Tony Evers convened a one day state summit of local teams with the theme "Every Child a Graduate." The summit was supported by America’s Promise Alliance, national corporations, and state associations. The purpose was to build local capacity by sharing best practice strategies that increase graduation rates, especially among students of color and students with disabilities. State Superintendent Tony Evers and First Lady Jessica Doyle were among the keynote presenters. Previously recorded addresses from Former U.S. Defense Secretary Colin Powell and his wife Alma were shown.

Continuation of the Wisconsin Graduation Summit, an additional plenary session in "fishbowl" format featured students engaged in a conversation with educators about school related issues.

Continuation of the Wisconsin Graduation Summit, "Breakout Session - Making a Smart Investment in K-12 Online Learning: A Path to Graduation."

Continuation of the Wisconsin Graduation Summit, the summit closed with a keynote address by national dropout-prevention expert Sandra Covington Smith of The National Dropout Prevention Center for Students with Disabilities at Clemson University, SC.

"Water and People" was the topic of Marquette University Law School’s 2010 Public Service Conference February 26, 2010. Cameron Davis, J.D., senior adviser to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator for Great Lakes Restoration delivered the keynote address, "How to Rehabilitate the Great Lakes as a Global Resource." Curt Meine with Center for Humans and Nature gave a presentation on water ethics, and Todd Ambs, water division administrator for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, gave a presentation on the false dichotomy between economic development and environmental protection. Breakout sessions included Water Pricing: Balancing Utility Costs, Consumer Interests, and the Environment, Access to Water and the Great Lakes Compact, Ground Water Use and Land Planning and Water Quality and Infrastructure.

Continued coverage.

Continued coverage.

The UW School of Medicine and Public Health’s Population Health Institute, the La Follette School of Public Affairs and the Legislative Council held a symposium “Accountable Care Organizations : New Model for Health Care Payment and Delivery” on February 25, 2010 at the State Capitol. The groups have joined together to provide legislators with non-biased evidence for use in public health policy decision making.

The Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce sponsored a forum on February 25, 2010 to discuss “Wisconsin’s Global Warming Legislation and its Economic Impact” at the University Club in Milwaukee. The forum featured a panel of experts on the current global warming legislation and its possible impacts.

The Wisconsin Realtors Association held its annual Realtor and Government Day on February 24, 2010 at the Monona Terrace Convention Center in Madison. Representatives Robin Vos and Mark Pocan spoke on a panel discussion about the state budget.

The Wisconsin Realtors Association held its annual Realtor and Government Day on February 24, 2010 at the Monona Terrace Convention Center in Madison. UW-Madison Professor of Political Science Ken Goldstein is the guest speaker.

A health care panel featured speakers discussing health issues being considered in the State Capitol and Congress, as well as future perspectives. Panelists included Mary Grealy, President, Health Care Leadership Council, Secretary Karen Timberlake, Wisconsin Department of Health Services, John Torinus, Chairman, Serigraph, Inc. It was moderated by David Haynes, Deputy Editorial Page Editor, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

Gubernatorial candidates Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett and Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker also spoke at the event.

Attendees at Business Day in Madison on February 23, 2010 are interviewed. Attendees at Business Day in Madison on February 23, 2010 are interviewed. Gary Roehrig, President, WI Builders Association, Paul Rux, PhD, Paul Rux Associates, Steve Bass, Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce, Rep. Brett Davis, Richard Leinenkugel, Secretary, Dept. of Commerce, Fred Shaffer, Senior Director, Kimberly Clark, Charlie Cook, Cook Political Report, Mary Thompson, National Federation of Independent Businesses, Sherri Wuebben, CFO, St. Joseph Equipment, Dan Krcma, K&K Real Estate, Mark Bittrick, Badgerland Agri-Systems, and Gerry Krebsbach, President, KW Electric were interviewed.

The annual awards ceremony for innovative, collaborative projects that help rural schools, libraries, and communities was held on February 22, 2010 at the State Capitol. Tony Evers, State Superintendent of Public Instruction introduced the winners and described their award-winning projects.

The public policy forum, "Reshaping Wisconsin’s Child Care Subsidy Program: Ending Fraud by Focusing on Quality" was held on February 18, 2010 at the Italian Conference Center in Milwaukee. The focus of the discussion was the Wisconsin Shares child care subsidy program. Reggie Bicha, Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families spoke.

University of Wisconsin–Madison researchers and Academy Evenings panel participants Michael Thornton, Lynet Uttal, and Kathleen Cramer Walsh, along with moderator Emily Auerbach, explored our shifting demographics and changing attitudes in the “Wisconsin 2050: Pioneering the Future” presentation, Guess Who's Coming to Dinner: The Nature of Tolerance in 2050. This  public discussion forum was held on Tuesday, February 16, 2010 at the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art, Madison.

Demonstrators marched to the Capitol steps to show opposition to the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision of Citizens United v. Federal Election on January 21. Speakers included Mike McCabe, Wisconsin Democracy Campaign, Ben Manski, Executive Director, Liberty Tree Foundation, Lisa Graves, Center for Media and Democracy, Ed Garvey, FightingBob.com, and Peg Lautenschlager, Former State Attorney General.

Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett gave the State of the City Address on February 15, 2010 at Manpower in Milwaukee.

The 2010 Governor’s Conference on Economic Development was held on February 10-12, 2010 at the Monona Terrace Convention Center in Madison. The theme for this years event was “Getting Wisconsin Back in the Race: Finding Success in an Evolving Economy” Attracting more PGA golf tours to Wisconsin was discussed. Speakers included Scott Anderson, Group President of Hospitality & Real Estate, Kohler Group
Dennis Winters, Chief Economist, Workforce Development.

Continued coverage.

Continued coverage.

Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle made his final visit to a WNA convention as governor on February 12, 2010, at the Marriott in Middleton, WI. He spoke on current issues impacting newspapers. Doyle received WNA's first-ever Badger Award in 2004 for his commitment to open government in his years of public service as Dane County district attorney, Wisconsin attorney general and governor.

Former Governor Tommy Thompson appeared at the Forward Wisconsin Award event at the American Family Conference Center in Sun Prairie on February 11, 2010. Thompson is weighing the decision to run for office this year, either for U.S. Senator Feingold’s seat or the open gubernatorial position. According to Thompson, the Senate seat would be the mostly likely if he decides to jump into a campaign this year, but there are many factors in his decision, including his current business obligations and his family. He has plenty of time to consider as the filing deadline to run is in July.

The Wisconsin Counties Association Legislative Exchange was held on Wednesday, February 10 at the Concourse Hotel in Madison. WCA President Alice Connors introduced a legislative leadership roundtable with participants Russell Decker, Majority Leader, Wisconsin State Senate, Senator Glenn Grothman, Wisconsin State Senate, Michael Sheridan, Speaker, Wisconsin State Assembly, Jeff Fitzgerald, Minority Leader, Wisconsin State Assembly, Mark D. O'Connell, Executive Director, Wisconsin Counties Association. Also speaking were J.B. Van Hollen, State Attorney General, Michael Morgan, Secretary, Wisconsin Department of Administration, Jim Wood, President, Wood Communications Group and Mark D. O'Connell, Wisconsin Counties Association.

The 2010 Wisconsin Counties Association was held on Tuesday, February 9 at the Concourse Hotel in Madison. Topics and speakers included: Fiscal Wisconsin: The Economy, Budgets and the New Year Ahead with Todd Berry, President, Wisconsin Taxpayers Alliance; On the Brink: Service Delivery in Tough Economic Times with Karen Timberlake, Secretary, Wisconsin Department of Health Services, Reggie Bicha, Secretary, Wisconsin Department of Children and Families, Sarah Diedrick-Kasdorf, Senior Legislative Associate, Wisconsin Counties Association; Challenges and Innovations: Case Studies from Wisconsin Local Government with Allen Buechel, Executive, Fond du Lac County, Ron Chamberlain, Highway Commissioner, Adams County, Russ Kottke, Board Chair, Dodge County, Dave Frohling, Supervisor, Dodge County, Jason Witt, Deputy Director, Rock County Human Services Department.
A legislative briefing was presented by John Reinemann, Legislative Director, Sarah Diedrick-Kasdorf, Senior Legislative Associate, David Callender, Legislative Associate, Liz Stephens, Legislative Associate.

Continued coverage.

Continued coverage.

Continued coverage.

Continued coverage.

A panel discussion about the state of Madison’s regional economy was held on February 9, 2010 at Edgewood College in Madison. Moderated by Professor Bill Duddleston, Edgewood College, panelists included Scott Lockard, President, US Bank, Madison, Erick Schwartz, President, Sara Investment Properties, Londa Dewey, President, QTI, and David Wittwer, President, TDS.

Wisconsin Farmers Union 79th Annual Convention was held on February 6-7, 2010 in Eau Claire, WI. The convention opened with a report from President Doug Caruso, followed by Ron Kind, U.S. Congressman, Roger Johnson, National Farmers Union President, Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett, Robert Carlson, President, North Dakota Farmers Union, Margaret Krome, policy program director, Michael Fields Agricultural Institute.
Events included program and activity reports, policy deliberation, caucuses, nominations and candidate remarks, and remarks by U.S. Senator Russ Feingold.
As part of the Wisconsin Farmers Union 79th Annual Convention, WisconsinEye was able to visit with a number of the attending delegates who shared with us their point of view on agriculture in Wisconsin.

Continued coverage.

Continued coverage.

Continued coverage.

Continued coverage.

The Wisconsin Arts Board met on February 25, 2010 in Madison to discuss project proposals. The proposal for renovations to the UW School of Human Ecology was discussed.

Continued coverage.

A discussion about the future of Wisconsin's busiest interchange and its place in southeastern Wisconsin's transportation system was held on February 4, 2010 at the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee. The Zoo Interchange provides connections between I-94, I-894 and US 45 in western Milwaukee County near the Milwaukee County Zoo, with more than 350,000 vehicles using it daily.
Senator Jim Sullivan and Tom Carlson, former Secretary of Transportation, spoke on transportation issues preceding the panel discussion. Panelists included Kenneth Yunker, executive director, Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission, Craig Thompson, executive director, Transportation Development Assoc. of Wisconsin, Gretchen Schuldt, co-chair of Citizens Allied for Sane Highways, a coalition opposing freeway expansion in Milwaukee, Dan Devine, West Allis mayor and former Milwaukee Co. board member, and Ryan Luck, Project Construction Chief for Emergency Bridge Replacement, WISDOT.

Ag Day at the Capitol was held on February 3, 2010 at Monona Terrace in Madison. The Wisconsin Farm Bureau sponsored the annual event in which farmers and farm groups from across the state met to learn more about state issues and meet with their state legislators. Paul Zimmerman, Executive Director of Public Affairs, Wisconsin Farm Bureau briefed the group on issues. A panel of speakers included Casey Langan, Director of Public Relations, Wisconsin Farm Bureau, Bill Bruins, President, Wisconsin Farm Bureau, Representative Amy Sue Vruwink, Shelly Mayer, Executive Director, Professional Dairy Producers of Wisconsin, Representative Mike Huebsch, Jeff Lynn, Director of Government Relations, Wisconsin Farm Bureau, and Ron Kuehn, Dewitt Ross and Stevens.

The Wisconsin Stakeholders of the Clean Energy Roadshow met February 1, 2010 at the Hilton Milwaukee City Center, Milwaukee, WI. The stakeholders meeting followed the Clean Energy Roadshow news conference.

Cardinal Stritch, in collaboration with Mount Mary College hosted a forum on January 28, 2010 at the University Club in Milwaukee entitled “American Indian Leadership: Living Our Legacy.” Preston Cosgrove, Coordinator of the Helen Bader Leadership Speaker Series introduced the panel on American Indian leadership which included Ada Deer, the former chair of the Menominee Tribe and former head of the Federal Bureau of Indian Affairs, Rick Gonzalez, Alumni of Cardinal Stritch University, James DeNomie, Host/Producer of Voices from the Circle, Richanda Kaquatosh, Coordinator W.E.I.N.D.I.A.N.S. Program, and Dr. Sharon Durtka, International Educational Consultants of WI.

The Common Cause Forum “Whatever Happened to Good Government in Wisconsin" met on January 25, 2010 at Marquette University in Milwaukee. The moderator was Professor Barrett McCormick - Chair, Marquette Political Science Department, with panelists Political Science Professor John McAdams of Marquette University, Former Milwaukee County District Attorney E. Michael McCann, State Representative Jeff Stone, State Senator Jim Sullivan and Executive Director Jay Heck of Common Cause in Wisconsin.

The Racine Tea Party held its first bonfire in Franksville. The event featured Joe the Plumber, Vicki McKenna and Dr. Tracey Purath. State Representative Robin Vos and Tim Dake of the Wisconsin Grandsons of Liberty announced a Healthcare Freedom Amendment to the State Constitution.

League of Women Voters Milwaukee County met on Saturday, January 16, 2009 at the Wisconsin Club in Milwaukee for a luncheon meeting to discuss "Milwaukee Public Schools: Governance, Structure, Programs & Finance."  The keynote speakers were Sister Joel Read, Retired President, Alverno College and Co-chair of the GMC's Education Committee, and Mayor Tom Barrett.

The Community Advocates Public Policy Institute hosted a “Making Parity Real” symposium on January 15, 2010 in Green Bay. The symposium explored mental health and addiction treatment in Wisconsin. It was hosted by David Riemer, Public Policy Institute director; and Sen. Dave Hansen (D-Green Bay) and Rep. Sandy Pasch (D-Whitefish Bay), co-sponsors of the Mental Health and Substance Abuse Parity Act (SB-362 / AB-512), which in the last month has been voted out of both the Senate Committee on Health, Health Insurance, Privacy, Property Tax Relief, and Revenue (5-2) and the Assembly Committee on Health and Healthcare Reform (8-5).
The Making Parity Real series asks local mental health/addiction stakeholders which state policy changes are most needed to ensure that men and women suffering from mental illness and addiction have access to the treatment they need to get well. Issues include the quantity, cultural competency and location of mental health and addiction treatment providers; strategies to reduce stigma; the adequacy of public and private funding sources; the ability of non-medical providers to administer treatment; and other non-financial barriers to receiving treatment services. Stakeholders include area treatment providers, advocates, the recovery community, consumers and law enforcement officials.
Based on information learned during this series the Public Policy Institute plans to present state lawmakers and policymakers with recommendations to close Wisconsin’s treatment gaps.

Competitive Wisconsin, Inc., the Wisconsin Business Council and the University of Wisconsin-Madison presented a “brown-bag” lunchtime speaker, UW-Madison Political Science Professor Charles Franklin on January 15, 2010 at the State Capitol. Professor Franklin specializes in the statistical analysis of polling and election results. Professor Franklin is also co-founder of Pollster.com where he provides frequent commentary and leads in the development of new ways to visualize polling results graphically, and creator of PoliticalArithmetik, "Where Numbers and Politics Meet."
Professor Franklin gave a brief presentation on current publicly available polling on a range of issues and topics that Pollster.com is tracking.
The goal of this series is to take advantage of some of the nationally and internationally renowned faculty at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and create an opportunity for dialogue between them and legislative and administration staff on timely topics of interest to Wisconsin’s decision makers.

The Partnership for a Stronger Economy met on January 14, 2010 at the Iowa County Courthouse in Dodgeville, hosted by Rep. Steve Hilgenberg (D-Dodgeville) and Rep. Phil Garthwaite (D- Dickeyville). The taskforce was presented with local rural economic development initiatives to discuss regulatory fairness and reform and report on early progress of the taskforce.
The goal of the Partnership is to listen to individuals from across the state who are on the front lines of job creation to identify new initiatives to grow Wisconsin’s.
The Partnership is comprised of a diverse group of organizations including Wisconsin AFL-CIO, Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce, New North Inc., Wisconsin Business Council and the Wisconsin Business Development Finance Corporation and several private business owners.

The WBA Business Credit Availability Forum was held in conjunction with Wisconsin Economic Forecast Luncheon on January 14, 2010 at the Monona Terrace in Madison. The goal of the forum was to outline the factors impacting credit availability to businesses in Wisconsin. UW-Madison Professor Jim Johannes provided a background briefing on current lending trends. A panel discussion was held including representatives from the banking industry, government and other sectors.

The Wisconsin Economic Forecast Luncheon included business sector updates and forecasts. Jeff Mayers of WisPolitics.com and host for the luncheon presented a political forecast. UW-Madison Business School Dean Michael Knetter and Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago Senior Economist Sam Kahan also spoke at the event which took place at Monona Terrace in Madison on January 14, 2010.

The Wisconsin Promise Education Conference took place on January 13, 2010 at the Monona Terrace in Madison. The Madison West High School Taiko Drummers performed. Keynote speaker Stephanie Pace Marshall spoke on “The New Story, Map, and Landscape of Learning and Schooling: A Call to Leadership.” 

Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker (R) talked about his goals for the 2011 property tax levy, a pension obligation bond plan that produced savings, success on transit issues, controlling costs to benefit taxpayers and ways to maintain the county’s park system. Walker spoke at TAPCO in Brown Deer.

U.S. Representative Paul Ryan addressed the Financial Executives International-Madison Chapter at The Madison Club, Madison on January 11, 2010.

Local business and civic leaders gathered with education research experts at the University Club in Milwaukee on January 11, 2010 to discuss a new model for urban school reform. Business leaders and research experts from the Consortium on Chicago School Research (CCSR) at the University of Chicago discussed the CCSR, its findings, and the role it plays in contributing to school reform through research.
Nick Montgomery, Policy Analyst and Director of the Data and Practice Collaborative for CCSR, and Emily Krone, Senior Manager for Outreach and Publications for CCSR, spoke on CCSR’s role assisting with Chicago school reform by identifying what matters for student success and school improvement, creating critical indicators of progress, and conducting theory-driven evaluation to identify how programs and policies are working.
In addition to the school reform discussion, John Kissinger, Regional Vice President at GRAEF-USA Inc. and Mayor Tom Barrett provided updates on the Earn & Learn program.

The Kenosha Area Chamber of Commerce and the Kenosha Area Business Alliance met at the Kenosha Country Club in Kenosha on January 11, 2010. U.S. Senator Russ Feingold spoke about key issues before the Senate including healthcare, the economy and employment.

U.S. Senator Russ Feingold held his first listening session of 2010 in Washington County on January 4, 2010 at the Schauer Arts and Activities Center in Hartford. Senator Feingold has pledged to hold listening sessions in all of Wisconsin’s 72 counties each year of his six-year term and this will be the Senator’s 18th year of holding listening sessions. These sessions will mark the first and second listening sessions of 2010 and the 1225th and 1226th since 1993.

U.S. Senator Russ Feingold held his second listening session of 2010 in Ozaukee County on January 4, 2010 at the Milwaukee Area Technical College – Mequon Campus. Senator Feingold has pledged to hold listening sessions in all of Wisconsin’s 72 counties each year of his six-year term and this will be the Senator’s 18th year of holding listening sessions. These sessions will mark the first and second listening sessions of 2010 and the 1225th and 1226th since 1993.

The Public Policy Forum held a luncheon on December 16, 2009 at the Italian Conference Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to discuss the impacts of stimulus funding in Southeast Wisconsin. Leaders from the public and private sectors were on hand for the event including the following: Pat Goss, Executive Director of the Wisconsin Transportation Builders Association, Art Harrington, Attorney, Godfrey & Kahn, Sharon Robinson, Director of Administration, City of Milwaukee, State Representative Jeff Stone, and Mark Wagner, Vice President Government Relations for Johnson Controls. The panel was moderated by Dave Umhoefer, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel investigative reporter.

The University of Wisconsin School of Business and American Family Insurance held an event as part of their Forward Thinking Speaker Series on December 14, 2009 at the Memorial Union Theater on the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus. The theme of the series was "National Health Care Reform: Acting Nationally, Impacting Locally – What Will it Mean for You?" and was moderated by Sarah Carlson, News Anchor for NBC-15 in Madison, Wisconsin. The event was hosted by Dave Anderson, CEO of American Family Insurance and Mike Knetter, the Dean of the Wisconsin School of Business, and featured a panel comprised of the following healthcare officials: Dr. Frank Byrne, President, St. Mary's Hospital, Dr. Jeffrey Grossman, President and CEO of University Medical Foundation, Donna Katen-Bahensky, President and CEO of the University of Wisconsin Hospital, Dr. Geoffrey Priest, Chief Medical Officer of Meriter Hospital, Lon Sprecher, President and COO of Dean Health Insurance, and Jim Woodward, President and CEO of Meriter Hospital.

The Great Madison Chamber of Commerce (GMCC) held their final 'Eggs & Issues' program of 2009 on December 8, 2009 at the Concourse Hotel & Governor's Club in Madison. During the program, the topic was the economy and its impact on GMCC members. Panelists included: Jim Imhoff, Chairman and CEO of First Weber Group, Marshall Heyworth, COO for QTI Consulting, Inc., Tim Cooley, City of Madison Economic Development Director, and Jennifer Alexander, GMCC President.

A public hearing was held on December 3, 2009 in Ripon, Wisconsin to discuss Rosendale Dairy's request to expand their Fond du Lac County operation. The proposed expansion would double their number of dairy cows to 8,000 and increase the number of acres where they spread manure.

Continued coverage of the public hearing on the Rosendale Dairy Expansion, held December 3, 2009 in Ripon, Wisconsin.

Thrive held their biannual Collaboration Council event on December 2, 2009 at the Monona Terrace in Madison. During the event, the results from Thrive's Second Annual State of the Madison Region Report were announced and participants and regional leaders identified opportunities for the Madison region.

The Madison Rotary Club featured invited speaker David Wilson, Chancellor of the University of Wisconsin Colleges and Extension to speak about the University of Wisconsin System and the Wisconsin Idea in the 21st Century during their meeting on December 2, 2009 at the Inn on the Park in Madison.

The Milwaukee Area Labor Council held a meeting on December 2, 2009 in Milwaukee that highlighted the need for health insurance reform. Their panel of guests included Lois O'Keefe from the office of Representative Gwen Moore, and Susan Giaimo, a visiting assistant professor of political science from Marquette University, Representative Sandy Pasch, Fredierick Deboe, a family practice physician, JoAnn Anton, from the office of Senator Herb Kohl, and Vivian DeBech from the Wisconsin Alliance for Retired Americans.

Democrats for Education Reform held a forum on December 1, 2009 as part of their Reforming Urban Education Speaker Series in Milwaukee. The featured speaker was Jon Schnur, Former Co-Chair of the Obama for President Education Policy Committee. Also at the event was Katy Venskus, the State Director for Democrats for Education Reform and Joe Williams, Executive Director of Democrats for Education Reform.

Rob Henken, Public Policy Forum of Milwaukee Executive Director, spoke on the topic of the Milwaukee County and city budgets at the Milwaukee Rotary Club's meeting held on November 24, 2009 at the Milwaukee County War Memorial.

The top executive of AT&T in Wisconsin spoke on the topic of how innovation in the telecommunications industry can help spur economic growth in Wisconsin. He spoke during the meeting of the Wisconsin Innovation Network on November 24, 2009 in Madison.

Hosted by WISCAPE on the University of Wisconsin–Madison campus on November 17, the fall 2009 Wisconsin Idea Forum brought together policymakers, practitioners, students, scholars, and the public to discuss the current state of student financial aid in Wisconsin and the implications of the state’s changing student and workforce demographics. Participants included, Rebecca Martin, Senior VP for Academic Affairs, University of Wisconsin System; Carolyn "Biddy" Martin, Chancellor, University of Wisconsin–Madison; Amy Kerwin, Chief Guaranty Officer, Great Lakes Higher Education Corporation; Milly Dillman, State Coordinator, KnowHow2Go Wisconsin; Mary Gulbrandsen, Executive Director, Fund for Wisconsin Scholars; Amy Bechtum, Director, Office of the Wisconsin Covenant; Kevin Ingram, Director, Wisconsin Educational Opportunity Program, Dept. of Public Instruction, State of Wisconsin; Connie Hutchinson, Executive Secretary; Higher Educational Aids Board, State of Wisconsin.

Continued coverage of the WISCAPE: Fall 2009 Wisconsin Idea Forum with Julie Underwood, Dean of the School of Education, University of Wisconsin-Madison; Dennis Winters, Chief Economist, Office of Economic Advisors, Dept. of Workforce Development, State of Wisconsin; John Hoffmire, Director, Center on Business and Poverty, University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Continued coverage of the WISCAPE: Fall 2009 Wisconsin Idea Forum with John Klacik, Director of Student Financial Assistance, Higher Education Coordinating Board, State of Washington; Wayne Sparks, Former Director, Financial Aid and Scholarships, Washington State University.

State Representative Gary Hebl and representatives from CWA 4603 of Milwaukee, League of Wisconsin Municipalities, and Wisconsin Association of PEG Channels met on November 17, 2009 at the State Capitol to discuss the passage of 2008 Act 42, the Video Competition Act, and how Rep. Hebl's Cable Consumer Repair Bill addresses their concerns.

Health care experts from Wisconsin addressed a forum on health care held on November 17, 2009 at the Madison Club in Madison, Wisconsin. Panelists from the forum included: Nick Turkal, CEO of Aurora Health Care, State Senator Alberta Darling (R) River Hills, Karen Timberlake, Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, and Larry Schreiber, President, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Wisconsin.

A briefing was held at the State Capitol on November 17, 2009 in regards to education reform and mayoral governance. The briefing included a presentation by Professor Kenneth Wong from Brown University. Professor Wong has researched and written on urban school issues, including the success of mayoral governance of public school systems.

WMC, in partnership with the Marshfield Clinic, Pfizer Inc. and the Rauser Agency, and WPS Health Insurance hosted a series of briefings on November 11, 2009 at the Brookfield Suites Hotel and Conference Center in Brookfield Wisconsin. The briefings focused on the current status and substance of healthcare reform at both the state and federal level. The briefings featured Michael Tanner, Senior Fellow at the Cato Institute, as well as an update from WMC staff on Wisconsin-specific healthcare legislation and WMC activities.

Milwaukee County Supervisors Marina Dimitrijevic and Chris Larson co-hosted a public meeting on November 5, 2009 at the South Shore Park Pavilion in Milwaukee to discuss the 2010 Milwaukee County Budget.

Steve Walters interviewed several Wisconsin officials regarding President Obama's visit to Madison where he discussed strengthening education in our state. Included are: Arlene Silveira, Madison School Board; Sen. Fred Risser (D-Madison); Rep. Sondy Pope-Roberts (D-Middleton) ; Rep. John Lehman (D-Racine); Sen. Lena Taylor (D- Milwaukee); Rep. Jason Fields (D-Milwaukee); Rep. Tom Nelson (D-Kaukauna); Rep. Tamara Grigsby (D-Milwaukee); and Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett (D).

United States President Barack Obama visited Wright Middle School on November 4, 2009. Introduced by Governor Jim Doyle, the President spoke to students, faculty, and parents about the importance of education and the Race to the Top legislation.

The Coalition to Stop the MPS Takeover held a rally in the Rotunda of the Milwaukee City Hall on November 3, 2009. Speakers at the rally included: Wendell Harris: NAACP, Milwaukee Branch; Christine Neumann-Ortiz, Voces de la Frontera; Melissa Tempel, Educators’ Network for Social Justice; Kate O’Neil, Caucus of Rank and File Educators (Chicago); Tom Mueller, MICAH; Amy Stear, 9to5; Thomas Harris, People United for MPS; MPS School Board President Michael Bonds; Mike Langyel, President of the MTEA; Charisha Allen, Mothers of the Struggle; Charlie Dee, AFT 212; Alderman Tony Zielinski; and Tom White, President, Wisconsin State Conference of Branches – NAACP; Mary Glass, Chair of BNA; Jerry Hamilton, NAACP President – Milwaukee.

Continuing coverage of the Coalition to Stop the MPS Takeover's rally in the Rotunda of the Milwaukee City Hall on November 3, 2009.

Prominent business leaders and public officials will offered their views of the future, the challenges, opportunities, and potential pitfalls, during a forum held on November 2, 2009 at the Marquette University Alumni Memorial Union in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Panelists and speakers include Governor Jim Doyle, Badger Meter CEO Rich Meeusen, Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett, UWM Chancellor Carlos Santiago, MillerCoors Vice President of Corporate Social Responsibility Kim Marotta, Foley & Lardner Attorney Barry Grossman, and Siemens Water Technologies Corporation Senior Vice-President Anselmo Teixeira.

Continued coverage of the Milwaukee 2015: Water, Jobs, and the Way Forward forum held in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on November 2, 2009.

Continued coverage of the Milwaukee 2015: Water, Jobs, and the Way Forward forum held in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on November 2, 2009.

Keynote address by Pedro Noguera, PhD., an expert on the ways schools are influenced by social and economic conditions in the urban environment. Noguera spoke at the Annual WEAC Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, held October 29, 2009.

WisconsinEye covered this breakout sessions at WEAC's Annual Convention on October 29, 2009, held in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, called "It's About History AND Literacy: Integrating the Teaching of Wisconsin History" by Bobbie Malone from the Wisconsin Historical Society.

WisconsinEye covered this breakout sessions at WEAC's Annual Convention on October 29, 2009, held in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, called "Correctional Education: Transforming Lives," by Margaret Done, DeNeal Ericksen, and Kay George, all from the Wisconsin Department of Corrections and Correctional Education Association.

Supreme Court Justices N. Patrick Crooks and Ann Walsh Bradley and Former Lt. Governor Margaret Farrow spoke about reforming Supreme Court elections on October 26, 2009 during a public forum at the Waukesha County Technical College.

The Wisconsin Safety Council, the educational division of the business association Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce, held a symposium for businesses October 23 on how to prepare for an influenza pandemic at the WSC Headquarters in Madison, Wisconsin.

On October 23rd, Rep. Black and Sen. Miller's Groundwater Work Group offered an informational tour in Plover and Oxford. Visits to the properties of Jerry & Gloria Duerr, Terry Romeo and Brian Wolf were on the tour. In addition, the tour went to the Little Plover River Wetlands Lab and the Rural Water Association. Rep. Corey Mason and Sen. Luther Olsen were also in attendance.

The Groundwater Work Group Informational Tour continues.

Governor Jim Doyle and First Lady Jessica Doyle hosted a ceremony honoring the recipients of the 2009 Governor's Awards in Support of the Arts. The ceremony took place at the Executive Residence in Madison on October 22, 2009.

Attorney J.B. Van Hollen hosted the 2009 Working Summit on Public Safety on October 22, 2009 at the Chula Vista Resort in the Wisconsin Dells. Attendees were given the opportunity to discuss their concerns, thoughts, and ideas with the Attorney General, Department of Justice staff, and colleagues from throughout the State.

ABC for Health's 15th anniversary of advocacy and benefits counseling for children and families included a panel discussion, “Wisconsin and Health Care Reform: Perspectives from Regulators, Policy Makers & Advocates” with speakers: Secretary of Wisconsin’s Department of Health Services Karen Timberlake, Commissioner of Insurance Sean Dilweg, Rep. Donna Seidel, Senator Mark Miller and ABC for Health’s Executive Director Bobby Peterson. The event took place on October 22, 2009 at the Best Western Inn on the Park in Madison, Wisconsin.

On October 21, 2009, Wisconsin Freight Rail Day was celebrated at the Inn on the Park in Madison, Wisconsin. Roger Breske, the Wisconsin Railroad Commissioner opened the event, which featured Tony Hatch, Wall Street Railroad Financial Analyst, as the keynote speaker.

Continued coverage of Wisconsin Freight Rail Day, held Octoer 21, 2009 at the Inn on the Park in Madison, Wisconsin.

Lt. Gov. Barbara Lawton delivered the keynote address at the Racine Branch NAACP's 59th Freedom Fund Dinner on October 16, 2009 at the Racine Marriott.

Premier Gary Doer, who has been designated as the next Canadian ambassador to the United States, addressed opportunities for Wisconsin-Manitoba collaboration under a newly signed memorandum of understanding at the October 15 luncheon meeting of the Wisconsin Innovation Network in Madison.

The Joint Legislative Council, The Supreme Court Office of Judicial Education, and The Midwestern Office of Council of State Governments sponsored a symposium entitled "Adapting to Innovation: Historical Perspectives and Emerging Technologies" on October 14, 2009 in Madison. The first part of the symposium includes welcoming remarks from: Shirley S. Abrahamson, Chief Justice of the Wisconsin Supreme Court; State Rep. Marlin D. Schneider, Co-Chair of the Joint Legislative Council; and Mike McCabe, Director of the Midwestern Office of Council of State Governments. Sen. Mark Miller moderated "Lessons Learned? Society's Reactions to Historical Innovations," a presentation by Bruce E. Seely, PhD, Dean of the College of Sciences and Arts at Michigan Technological University. Dr. Seely provided a historical perspective on technological innovations and how law and society have responded to them.

Continued coverage of the "Adapting to Innovation: Historical Perspectives and Emerging Technologies" symposium held on October 14, 2009 in Madison. Chief Justice Shirley S. Abrahamson moderated "Getting Inside Your Head: The Science of Brain Imaging," a presentation by Richard J. Davidson, PhD, William James and Vilas Professor of Psychology and Psychiatry at University of Wisconsin-Madison. Dr. Davidson described the technology and science behind brain imaging and its emergence as a tool to determine human thoughts and emotions, disorders, and behavioral tendencies.

Continued coverage of the "Adapting to Innovation: Historical Perspectives and Emerging Technologies" symposium held on October 14, 2009 in Madison. Rep. Marlin D. Schneider moderated "Locational Privacy: Who's Watching?" a presentation by Katherine Albrecht, Ed.D., Consumer Privacy Advocate. Dr. Albrecht shared information about how technological innovations used to locate property or individuals can infringe on personal privacy and the implications of the widespread use of these technologies by the government and private entities.

The Rotary Club of Madison met at Inn on the Park in Madison on October 14, 2009. Madison Police Chief Noble Wray spoke about gang and crime prevention in Madison.

Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker participated in a dialogue about the future of the metro-Milwaukee Region and highlights of the 2010 County budget. The Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce event took place on October 12, 2009 at the MMAC Offices in Milwaukee.

Annual Future Wisconsin conference was held October 10, 2009 at the Bluemound Gardens in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin and featured various speakers including Wisconsin Right to Life, First Freedoms Foundation, Americans for Prosperity, State Representatives Jim Ott and Rich Zipperer and State Senator Glenn Grothman.

Continuing coverage of the annual Future Wisconsin conference, held October 10, 2009 at the Bluemound Gardens in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin.

Continuing coverage of the annual Future Wisconsin conference, held October 10, 2009 at the Bluemound Gardens in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin.

The Monroe Cultural Coalition hosted a forum on News Media and Democracy on Thursday, October 8, 2009 at the Monroe Arts Center in Monroe, Wisconsin. Peter Fox, executive director of Wisconsin Newspaper Association, moderated the panel discussion with guests: James Baughman, (former) director of the School of Journalism and Mass Communication at UW-Madison; Brady Williamson, attorney with Godfrey & Kahn; Tom Bier, station manage for Channel 3 - Madison; Jeff Rogers, editor of The Monroe Times; and Scott Thompson, attorney, owner, and talk show host of Green County Broadcasting or Big Radio.

National Farmers Union President Roger Johnson met with Wisconsin farmers on October 7, 2009 at Hinchley Dairy Farm in Cambridge, Wisconsin. Johnson was joined by Wisconsin Farmers Union President Doug Caruso to discuss rural health care issues, the dairy crisis and other agriculture topics.

The Women in Science & Engineering Leadership Institute at UW-Madison sponsored "The Flexibility Stigma: How to make flexibility policies truly usable" public form, a Denice D. Denton Distinguished Lecture, on October 2, 2009 in Madison. The panel presentation and discussion included guests: Roberta Gassman, Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development; Carolyn "Biddy" Martin, Chancellor of UW-Madison; Laurie Benson, co-Founder and former CEO of Inacom Information Systems, Owner of LB Unlimited; and Duncan Highsmith, former President and CEO of Highsmith, Inc.

The "Wisconsin Farmers: What to Eat" seminar took place on October 1, 2009 at UW-Madison. John Shutske, associate dean of the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences and leader of the Agricultural and Natural Resources program with UW-Extension Cooperative Extension, introduced the panelists: Bill Bruins, President of the Wisconsin Farm Bureau and dairy farmer near Waupun; Richard Cates, Member of DATCP Ag Board and pasture-based beef farmer near Spring Green; Louise Hemstead, Chief Operating Officer of Organic Valley Coop and an organic dairy farmer near La Farge; and Tom Lochner, Executive Director, Wisconsin State Cranberry Growers Association. This event was the first in a series titled "What to Eat: A Seven-Discourse Meal," presented by the UW-Madison agroecology program.

Continued coverage of the "Wisconsin Farmers: What to Eat" seminar held on October 1, 2009 at UW-Madison.

A public forum centered on the question “How can MPS better educate the children of Milwaukee?” took place on October 1, 2009 at Riverside University High School, in Milwaukee. Mayor Tom Barrett, state Department of Administration Secretary Michael Morgan and MPS School Board Director Larry Miller participated in a panel discussion hosted by Milwaukee Alderman Nik Kovac, Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs, and Alderman Ashanti Hamilton.

Continued coverage of a public forum centered on the question “How can MPS better educate the children of Milwaukee?” held on October 1, 2009.

Cheryl Thole and Dennis Hinebaugh from the National Bus Rapid Transit Institute, and Maria Choca Urban from the Center for Neighborhood Technology, were featured speakers at the transit seminar held at Warner Park in Madison on October 1, 2009.

Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett provided remarks about the city's efforts to cultivate green jobs at the "Green Jobs: Growing Wisconsin Employment" forum. The event took place on September 29, 2009 at Discovery World in Milwaukee.

Dedication ceremony for the Governor Lucey State Monument, held September 28, 2009 at the Fairyville River View Park in Fairyville, Wisconsin.

As part of the Smith & Gesteland MBA Speaker Series, Edgewood College hosted a panel discussion on the health care debate. Hannah Rosenthal, Wisconsin Physician Service, moderated the discussion with panelists: Cindi Rutten, Director of Employee Wellness at MATC-Madison; Roberta Pawlak, PHD, Nursing Professor, Edgewood College; Jo Musser, ThedaCare and Former Wis. Insurance Commissioner; and C.C. Henderson, President and CEO, Milwaukee Health Services, Inc. The event took place on September 24, 2009 in Madison, Wisconsin.

The Public Policy Forum hosted a Viewpoint Luncheon entitled "Local Government Finance in Crisis: A View from the Trenches," to discuss the financial challenges facing the region's largest governments. Panelists included: Norm Cummings, Director of Administration, Waukesha County; Jerome Heer, Director of Audits, Milwaukee County; Wally Morics, Comptroller, City of Milwaukee; and Michelle Nate, Chief Financial Officer, Milwaukee Public Schools. The event, sponsored by Michael Best & Friedrich LLP, The PFM Group, and SysLogic, took place on September 21, 2009 at the Italian Conference Center in Milwaukee.

Common Cause in Wisconsin held a public forum regarding campaign finance reform on September 21, 2009 at the Educational Services Center in Janesville. WCLO Radio News Director Stan Stricker moderated a discussion with panelists: Sen. Judy Robson (D-Beloit); Rep. Kim Hixson (D-Whitewater); Rep. Chuck Benedict (D-Beloit); Tim Cullen, Common Cause in Wisconsin Governing Board Member; and Jay Heck, Executive Director of Common Cause in Wisconsin.

The Wisconsin chapter of Americans for Prosperity and the Wisconsin GrandSons of Liberty sponsored a "tea party" rally on September 19, 2009 at Veterans Park in Milwaukee.

Continued coverage of the "tea party" rally held on September 19, 2009 at Veterans Park in Milwaukee.

Michael W. Grebe leads the Milwaukee area's largest foundation and recently assumed the position of chairman of the Greater Milwaukee Committee and co-chairman of M7 — putting him in position to affect many of the region's most significant issues. Grebe shared his thoughts on how the region's economy can improve at the Business Journal of Milwaukee's Power Breakfast on September 11, 2009.

Department of Workforce Development Secretary Roberta Gassman was a featured speaker at the Wisconsin Social Work Business Summit on September 11, 2009 at the Sheraton Hotel in Madison. Secretary Gassman spoke about Governor Doyle’s workforce agenda and the role of social workers as change agents in challenging times.

Energy experts from Wisconsin and across the Midwest met on September 10, 2009 to discuss energy policy and climate change. David W. Hadley, vice president of state regulatory relations at Midwest ISO, presented the keynote address. The forum took place at The Madison Club in Madison, Wisconsin.

Chris Cerf, Deputy Chancellor for New York Public Schools was the featured speaker at the 'Lessons for Milwaukee' luncheon on September 10, 2009 at Turner Hall in Milwaukee. This event was part of the Reforming Urban Education Speaker Series sponsored by Democrats for Education Reform.

A public forum on the future of Milwaukee Public Schools governance took place on Septmeber 10, 2009 at the Beulah Brinton Center in Milwaukee.

The Fox Cities and Green Bay area chambers of commerce sponsored a rally on health care reform on September 8, 2009 at Fox Cities Stadium in Grand Chute, Wisconsin.  

The Brown County Medical Society and the Green Bay Area Chamber of Commerce hosted a health care forum at Green Bay’s Meyer Theatre on September 1, 2009. The event featured a panel of physicians and business leaders who addressed several critical health issues. A question and answer session from the audience followed the formal panel discussion and WisconsinEye was able to speak with two of the panelists, Nicky Plementosh, MD, Ob/Gyn and Thomas Wilkins, MD, president, Brown County Medical Society.

The groups Coalition to Preserve American Values and Citizens for an Open and Honest Government hosted a "Next Generation" Tea Party event on Sunday, August 30, 2009 in Wausau, Wisconsin.

The groups Coalition to Preserve American Values and Citizens for an Open and Honest Government hosted a "Next Generation" Tea Party event on Saturday, August 29, 2009 in Wausau, Wisconsin.

U.S. Reps. Gwen Moore (D-Milwaukee) and Paul Ryan (R-Janesville) were featured speakers at a discussion about health care reform at the Milwaukee Press Club's Newsmaker Luncheon on August 28, 2009 at the Newsroom Pub in downtown Milwaukee. Moore and Ryan answered questions about health care reform from a panel of professional journalists.

The Americans for Prosperity Foundation (AFPF) sponsored a Health Care Reform Town Hall Meeting on August 27, 2009 at the La Crosse Center in La Crosse, Wisconsin. ABC investigative reporter John Stossel served as the keynote speaker, and Sue Jeffers of KTLK Minneapolis served as the moderator. Panelists included: State Senator Dan Kapanke; Gerald Frye, President, Benefit Services Group, Inc.; Tim Nerenz, Executive Vice-President, Oldenburg Group, Inc.; Don Weber, Chairman & CEO, Logistics Health Inc.; Dr. Gary Susag, Internist, Gunderson Lutheran Medical Center.

The Americans for Prosperity Foundation (AFPF) sponsored a Health Care Reform Town Hall Meeting on August 26, 2009 at the Madison Marriott West in Middleton, Wisconsin. ABC investigative reporter John Stossel served as the keynote speaker, and Vicki McKenna of WIBA Madison and WISN Milwaukee served as the moderator. Panelists included: Tim Nerenz, Executive Vice-President, Oldenburg Group, Inc.; Scott Klug, Former Congressman; Steve Schwartzer, President, Heartland Benefits Group; Dr. Pamela Galloway, Founder, Breast Center of Central Wisconsin.

Wisconsin Department of Tourism Secretary Kelli Trumble hosted a "Listen and Learn" session on August 25, 2009 at the Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center in Ashland, Wisconsin.

Wisconsin Department of Tourism Secretary Kelli Trumble presented a Joint Effort Marketing grant to the Madeline Island Chamber of Commerce on August 25, 2009 in Bayfield, Wisconsin.

Department of Children and Families Secretary Reggie Bicha held a DCF anniversary community roundtable event at the Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center in Ashland, Wisconsin on August 24, 2009.

The Arts in Crisis Symposium was held at the Overture Center for the Arts in Madison on August 24, 2009. Michael M. Kaiser, President of The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and author of The Art of the Turnaround, addressed the challenges facing non-profit arts and cultural organizations through fundraising, building more effective boards of trustees, budgeting, marketing, technology, and other areas pertinent to maintaining a vital organization during a troubled economy. The Madison event, part of a 50-state tour, was hosted by Overture Center for the Arts, Wisconsin Arts Board, Arts Wisconsin, Dane County Cultural Affairs Commission, and Madison Arts Commission.

AARP Wisconsin hosted a community conversation on health care in Middleton, Wisconsin on August 17, 2009.

The Republican Party of Ozaukee County held a "Tea Party Sail" aboard the "S/V Denis Sullivan" on Lake Michigan. Reince Priebus, Chairman of the Republican Party of Wisconsin, and Jim Konowalski, Chairman of the Republican Party of Ozaukee County were the featured speakers. The party embarked from Rotary Park in Port Washington, Wisconsin on Sunday, August 16, 2009.

The Republican Party of Ozaukee County held a "Tea Party Sail" on Sunday, August 16, 2009. Following the sail, Senator Scott Fitzgerald, Representative Mark Gottlieb, and Jim Konowalski, Chairman of the Republican Party of Ozaukee County spoke at Nisleit’s Country Inn in Port Washington, Wisconsin.

U.S. Senator Herb Kohl met with FDA Commissioner Margaret Hamburg for a tour of Babcock Hall Dairy Plant and a discussion regarding science, food safety, and public health. Kohl is the chairman of the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee, which has jurisdiction over funding for the nation’s two main agencies tasked with keeping the food supply safe: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Food Safety and Inspection Service within the Department of Agriculture. The event took place on Tuesday, August 11, 2009 at UW-Madison.

Tim Sheehy, president of the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce was the luncheon speaker at the Rotary Club of Milwaukee on August 11, 2009. Sheehy discussed the School Choice Program as one of the educational options available in the Milwaukee area.

The Milwaukee Green Jobs for Clean Water event took place at the Milwaukee County War Memorial on August 10, 2009. A panel of government officials discussed funding opportunities for Great Lakes restoration projects, and a panel of scientists, advocates and labor leaders, discussed ongoing green investment needs in the Milwaukee area. The panel discussions were followed by a keynote speech with John C. Austin, a Senior Fellow from the Brookings Institution. The event was sponsored by the Healing Our Waters - Great Lakes Coalition and the Wisconsin Blue Green Alliance; the Sierra Club, a member of HOW's steering committee, was the primary event organizer.

Healing Our Waters – Great Lakes Coalition, the Wisconsin Blue Green Alliance and the Sierra Club sponsored a tour of Great Lakes restoration sites as part of the Green Jobs For Clean Water Event on August 10, 2009 in Milwaukee. Tour highlights included presentations on contaminated sediment removal and benefits at a Kinnickinnic River sediment dredging site; needs, challenges and benefits related to possible corridor restoration in the Pulaski Park section of the Kinnickinnic River; and green infrastructure for stormwater management, public use, and opportunities for the next phase of neighborhood connections and river restoration at Chimney Park Stormwater site.

The Sierra Club, along with Clean Wisconsin, Sea Grant University of Wisconsin, New North and Healthy Lakes Healthy Lives hosted a community leadership forum in Green Bay, Wisconsin on August 3, 2009. The forum was organized for public officials and local experts to discuss how new federal funding can address Great Lakes restoration projects in northeastern Wisconsin while providing opportunities for green jobs. The forum opened with a keynote address by U.S. Congressman Steve Kagen, M.D., 8th District of Wisconsin, on issues such as health care, the environment, economic recovery, the cash for clunkers program and stimulus spending.

Following the keynote address, two panels were assembled. Making up the first panel was: Janet Smith, Chair of the Lower Fox River Basin Team Biota and Habitat Work Group; Charles J. Larscheid, Port and Solid Waste Director for Brown County; Larry Kriese, Project Manager of the West Shore Pike Habitat Restoration Program; Kendra Axness a Basin Educator for UW Extension; Steve Galarneau, Lake Michigan Program Coordinator for the Office of Great Lakes at the WI DNR; and Erin O’Brien, Wetland Policy Director for the Wisconsin Wetlands Association. State Representative Penny Bernard Schaber of Wisconsin’s 57th District moderated the second panel which was comprised of Judy Beck from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and Paul Linzmeyer, Chair of the Sustainable Committee for New North.

Wisconsin Public Utility Institute sponsored a three part series entitled "Meeting Base Load in a Carbon Constrained World," on three different days in the summer of 2009. The third part of the series, "Nuclear—Status in the Midwest," addressed the role of nuclear power in the future energy portfolio of the region. The event took place on July 31, 2009, on the UW-Madison Campus. The workshop opened with Jeff Kitsembel of the Wisconsin Public Service Commission on the topic of nuclear power here in Wisconsin and Paul Wilson, Associate Professor in the College of Engineering at UW-Madison on what we are doing with spent nuclear fuel.

As a continuation of WPUI’s workshop, "Nuclear—Status in the Midwest," John Parkyn of Private Fuel Storage LLC gave a presentation based on a GAO study on spent nuclear fuel storage. Harold Ray of Southern California Edison followed with a presentation on evaluating resources to manage base load, including a look at coal, natural gas and nuclear.

As a continuation of WPUI’s workshop, "Nuclear—Status in the Midwest," Arjun Makhijani, President of the Institute for Energy and Environmental Research argued in his presentation that nuclear and fossil fuel based energy is not needed and could be replaced with renewable resources in conjunction with conservation and the utilization of smart grid technologies.

As a continuation of WPUI’s workshop, "Nuclear—Status in the Midwest," Bruce Landery of NuScale Power, Inc. described technologies that allow nuclear power plants to become smaller and modular. Richard Cortright of Standards and Poor’s followed with a presentation on what rating firms think of investment in nuclear power plants. The workshop concluded with a panel discussion featuring all of the day’s presenters.

A Northwoods lakes workshop held on July 28, 2009 at The Waters of Minocqua in Minocqua, Wisconsin, addressed low lake levels in Northern Wisconsin. Lake organization leaders, county and town officials, water resource professionals, waterfront property owners, and other lake enthusiasts were invited to attend. The morning session included presentations by: Tim Asplund, Wisconsin DNR State Limnologist, on factors affecting water levels and recent trends in Northern Wisconsin’s lakes; Dan Vimont, Co-Chair of the Climate Working Group for the Wisconsin Initiative on Climate Change Impacts, on recent climate trends in Northern Wisconsin; Paul Juckem, Hydrologist at Wisconsin Water Science Center, on current research in groundwater and surface water interactions; Susan Knight, Aquatic Biologist for UW-Center for Limnology, on changes in habitat with declining water levels; Steve Ave’Lallemant, DNR Northern Region Fisheries Coordinator, on how water level fluctuations affect fisheries.

A Northwoods lakes workshop held on July 28, 2009 at The Waters of Minocqua in Minocqua, Wisconsin, addressed low lake levels in Northern Wisconsin. Lake organization leaders, county and town officials, water resource professionals, waterfront property owners, and other lake enthusiasts were invited to attend. The afternoon session included presentations by: Tom Blake, DNR Northern Region Shoreland Zoning Specialist, on caring for newly exposed shorelines and review of water and shoreline zoning rules; Mike Meyer, DNR Research Scientist, on wildlife responses to changing lake levels. The workshop concluded with a panel discussion on adapting to our changing lakes.

Organizing for America sponsored a rally in support of health care reform at Serb Hall in Milwaukee on Sunday, July 26, 2009. U.S. Rep. Gwen Moore (D-WI) spoke in favor of the Obama administration’s health plan.

The GAR Memorial Park at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison was the site for a Civil War encampment, parade, concerts and program on Saturday, July 25, 2009. The event at Camp Randall, which served as a Civil War site for military training, commemorates Abraham Lincoln's role as Commander-in-Chief during the Civil War. Gov. Jim Doyle spoke at the festivities, as well as actors portraying President and Mrs. Lincoln, Governor Randall, and other historic figures.

Edgewood College, located in Madison Wisconsin, welcomed Bill Testa, Vice President of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, for a view of the state of the U.S. economy and its effects on the Midwest region. Testa is director of regional programs in the economic research department at the Federal Reserve in Chicago and has written widely in the areas of economic growth and development, the Midwest economy and state–local public finance. He directed a comprehensive long term study and forecast of the Midwest economy, Assessing the Midwest Economy: Looking Back for the Future, and has fashioned a series of conferences on school reform. The July 21, 2009 event was part of Edgewood College’s Smith & Gesteland MBA Executive Speaker Series.

Water experts, researchers, businesspeople, investors and stewards convened at Discovery World in Milwaukee on July 20, 2009, to connect and discuss the true costs and opportunities of water from multiple perspectives as part of the third Milwaukee 7 Water Council Water Summit. The event opened with remarks by: Joel Brennan, President & CEO, Discovery World; Julia Taylor, President, Greater Milwaukee Committee; U.S. Sen. Russ Feingold (D-Wisconsin); Tom Barrett, Mayor of Milwaukee; Paul Jones, Chairman & CEO, A.O. Smith; Val Klump, Senior Scientist, Great Lakes Water Institute. The morning presentation, moderated by Mike Gousha, featured guests Joel Brammeier of Alliance for the Great Lakes and A. Judson (“Jud”) Hill of San Diego-based Summit Global Capital.

Water experts, researchers, businesspeople, investors and stewards convened at Discovery World in Milwaukee on July 20, 2009, to connect and discuss the true costs and opportunities of water from multiple perspectives as part of the third Milwaukee 7 Water Council Water Summit. Mike Gousha, Distinguished Fellow in Law and Public Policy at Marquette Univiersity, moderated a panel discussion with guests: Felix Carabello, Director of Alternate Investment for Chicago Mercantile Exchange; Mark Eiswerth, a professor of economics with UW-Whitewater; Jeffrey Ripp, Water Conservation Coordinator for the Public Service Commission; James White, Executive Director of Cuyahoga River Remedial Action Plan in the Cleveland region of Ohio. Richard Meeusen introduced remarks by Carlos Santiago, Chancellor of UW-Milwaukee, and Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle.

Water experts, researchers, businesspeople, investors and stewards convened at Discovery World in Milwaukee on July 20, 2009, to connect and discuss the true costs and opportunities of water from multiple perspectives as part of the third Milwaukee 7 Water Council Water Summit. Keynote presenter Assaf Barnea, CEO of Kinrot Ventures, an Israeli-based technological incubator dedicated to water technologies, was followed by closing remarks from Rich Meeusen, President & CEO of Badger Meter.

Project Promise hosted a community resource fair on July 18th, 2009 at the Appleton City Center Plaza in Appleton, Wisconsin. Project Promise is a cooperative effort of providers of social services, businesses, community members and all others who seek to advocate for the needs of people living in poverty in the Fox Cities. The goal of the event was to increase volunteerism for the agencies while also reaching out to those in the community that could benefit from the resources. WisconsinEye Vid