Richard Moore

WMC survey: Business leaders upbeat about Wisconsin

More than 60 percent of business leaders responding to an annual survey conducted by Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce say they plan to hire workers in the next six months, while only a miniscule number say they plan layoffs.

According to the survey of 182 businesses, 62 percent said they would bolster their workforce numbers; only 2 percent said they would downsize. That compares to only 44 percent last December who said they hire within six months, and to only 53 percent a year earlier.

WMC leaders said, overall, chief executive officers in Wisconsin appear buoyed by an improved business climate.

Kurt R. Bauer, WMC president and CEO, said an “astounding” 95 percent of the CEOs surveyed said the state was headed in the right direction.

“Wisconsin businesses are creating jobs close to home for our families,” Bauer said. “Our business climate is improving. Executives are confident about the direction of our state and they are investing in their businesses, creating jobs, and raising wages. Our state is headed in the right direction.”

More than 80 percent said Wisconsin state government was now pro-business, with 39 percent reporting the state was very pro-business. In June 2010, WMC pointed out, only 7 percent of WMC members believed the state was pro-business.

Ouch. Expect Dear Leader to be really mad

Unemployment rate ticks up a notch to 8.2 percent, and economy adds just 69,000 jobs in May. Economists had anticipated 150,000.

The previous two months' numbers were also revised downward. Also, Dow dropped 112 points at opening bell this morning based on gloomy jobs numbers.

Expect to call for “new government action” to stimulate growth, you know, because the previous government “actions” worked so well.

Bill Clinton comes to town

Well, well, Slick Willie in town for Barrett. The Democrats finally dispatched somebody with a name to campaign for the uninspiring mayor of Milwaukee.

Note the rally is in Milwaukee. That tells us they are trying to rally the base at a time they should be trying to make inroads into Gov. Scott Walker’s commanding lead among independents, which is 53-38.