The former President of the Milwaukee-based Public Policy Forum has taken on a more global mission. Jeffrey Browne now serves as an advisor to emerging business and cultural relationships between the United States and Vietnam. He’s also developing an enterprise of his own with Vietnamese coffee growers. But Mr. Browne’s connection to the region isn’t all business. It’s also very personal. WisconsinEye Host Mark Siegrist, and Videographer Paul Schmidt learned more about that connection during a conversation with Browne in our Marquette University studios on April 26, 2013.  

Combining a dog grooming business with a coffee bar might sound easy enough. But when Andrew Appel launched his novel enterprise in Milwaukee it took a tenacious attitude as well as creative thought. His background in corporate sales and marketing also proved to be a valuable tool. WisconsinEye Host Mark Siegrist and videographer Alex Perry had a chance to visit with Appel at his newest location in the Bay View neighborhood.

You have to see it to understand the urgency - leaky windows, warped floors, drip pans in the ceiling.  This is what's become of a lakefront icon, the Milwaukee County War Memorial Center.  The property is a deteriorating symbol for patriotic service and artistic spirit.  But the estimated 25 million dollar renovation is slow in coming because civic leadership has been struggling to close the deal.  Mark Siegrist and WisconsinEye videographer Paul Schmidt visited the War Memorial Center on February 1, 2013.

Some guys wear hats to keep their head warm, or in the shade. Others, like Fred Astaire, Frank Sinatra, or Humphrey Bogart, wore them to make a statement.  That classic look is coming back, and a Milwaukee retail couple is carving a niche in the fashion industry because of it. WisconsinEye host Mark Siegrist, and videographer Paul Schmidt, learned all about the latest trend during a visit to the Brass Rooster in Milwaukee’s Bay View neighborhood.

UW-Milwaukee Economics Professor Dr. Swarnjit  Arora knows the meaning of poverty. He and his colleagues at the university have been tracking Milwaukee poverty for years. As a child in India, Dr. Arora experienced economic hardship firsthand. In this edition of Business Profile, Dr. Arora explains Milwaukee’s current ranking as one of the most impoverished big cities in America. He also offers hope for better days ahead. His conversation with journalist Mark Siegrist, and videographer Paul Schmidt, was taped at UW-Milwaukee on October 9, 2012.

As a kid growing up in Milwaukee, John Schlifske never dreamed he’d one day be leading one of his  hometown’s largest corporations and helping advise the nation on financial planning. With two years on the job as Chairman & CEO of Northwestern Mutual, Schlifske is feeling quite comfortable in his new role. His company is strong, he has faith in the economy, and he’s rolling up his sleeves to address a number of civic issues at home. WisconsinEye Host Mark Siegrist had a chance to speak at length with John Schlifske about his leadership at home and across the country. Siegrist and WisconsinEye Videographer John Schroeder visited the Northwestern Mutual headquarters in downtown Milwaukee on May 7, 2012.

The City of Milwaukee has a long tradition of helping young people learn the skills needed to become productive members of the local workforce. This summer some 3000 participants will be working in the City’s “Earn and Learn,” program. Opportunities range from retail sales to computer graphics. William Malone is the City of Milwaukee’s Youth Development Coordinator. He recently sat down with WisconsinEye Host Mark Siegrist and Videographer John Schroeder to speak at length about the concept.

The transition back to civilian life after military service can be challenging, especially if you’re in need of a job. A number of Milwaukee area employers tried to ease that burden when they gathered at the Zablocki VA Medical Center on March 9, 2012. That’s when they set up shop in search of workforce talent. WisconsinEye Host Mark Siegrist and Videographer John Schroeder were there.

Some traditional family supporting jobs don’t go out of fashion in today’s changing economy. Welding is among them. But vocational training excellence  is essential to filling those positions in Wisconsin. Milwaukee Area Technical College Instructor Mark Koehler is among the best. WisconsinEye Host Mark Siegrist and Videographer Paul Schmidt paid a visit to his West Allis classroom.

When it comes to the business of NBA basketball, John Steinmiller of the Milwaukee Bucks is one of the most experienced executives in the league.  He started young, and he’s been at it for more than 40 years. Steinmiller is also the first to admit that he’s still learning his trade. Sports administration is a work in progress. WisconsinEye Host Mark Siegrist spoke at length with the NBA veteran  about the business side of the game.

We’re never too young to learn the value of a dollar. That’s the idea behind a creative financial literacy program being launched by PNC Bank, and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee. It starts with rather basic teaching tools – jars, crayons, stickers, and some old friends from Sesame Street. WisconsinEye Host Mark Siegrist, and Videographer John Schroeder, had a chance to experience the community program up close on January 23, 2012.

Some Milwaukee-based organizations are best known for their fine products or services. Not this one. The American Society for Quality has a huge task, yet simple mission. The ASQ promotes excellence around the world in a variety of fields, from manufacturing, to health care. How does it do it?  WisconsinEye Host Mark Siegrist sat down with ASQ Chief Executive Officer Paul Borawski to learn more. Siegrist and Videographer John Schroeder visited the organization’s global headquarters on January 23, 2012

Paul Grangaard isn’t your typical corporate executive. The President & CEO of Allen-Edmonds Shoe Corporation believes you have to be willing to fail in order to succeed and grow as a person. With such an aggressive attitude in the marketplace, it comes as no surprise the Port Washington based company is breaking new ground in China. Mr. Grangaard spoke at length about his business style with WisconsinEye host Mark Siegrist. Siegrist and videographer John Schroeder visited the Allen-Edmonds corporate headquarters and plant on December 21, 2011.

Mayor Tom Barrett sees unlimited potential for increased trade between the City of Milwaukee and China and is encouraged by his recent official visit to the eastern region of China. He sat down with WisconsinEye Host Mark Siegrist to talk about the mission, the importance of making a human connection, and what to expect at his office in City Hall on December 12, 2011

Milwaukee business leaders have an aggressive plan to retool our regional workforce. It’s a complex idea that would include the cooperation of business, labor, education, and public policy makers, to make it happen. The initiative is being promoted by the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce. MMAC Chairman Tim Sullivan is the point  person for the civic effort. WisconsinEye host Mark Siegrist and videographer John Schroeder spoke extensively with Mr. Sullivan about his vision. Their conversation was videotaped in Milwaukee on November 28, 2011.