Best Web site contest
The Oshkosh Public Library is sponsoring a "Best Website in Oshkosh Contest."
Cast your ballot by March 31.
Cast your ballot by March 31.
Monday, February 28, 2005
Saturday, February 26, 2005
Pomegranate Masquerade Ball
Atomic Katz and the Winnebago Peace and Justice Center have teamed together to create The Pomegranate Masquerade Ball at the Algoma Club on Saturday, March 5. The evening will begin at 8pm with the masquerade ball and silent art auction, then a vintage fashion show at 10pm with the masquerade ball swinging until midnight. The music will be performed by The Jazz Orgy. The silent art auction will be open to the public through the Downtown Art Walk from 6-8pm.
All the proceeds from The Pomegranate Masquerade Ball and silent art auction will go to support to support the physical needs of Omro, Winneconne, and Marion high school art programs.
If you attend in a costume and mask, the charge is $5. If you are playfully caught without a costume and mask, the charge is $20. There will be masks available for purchase.
This event was organized by Atomic Katz and Winnebago Peace and Justice Center
and sponsored by ProgressMedia, Digital Printing Innovations, Advance Office
Systems, New Moon Café and Water City Grill.
For more information, Please contact Bob Poeschl,920-203-6966 or bob@bobpoeschl.com.
All the proceeds from The Pomegranate Masquerade Ball and silent art auction will go to support to support the physical needs of Omro, Winneconne, and Marion high school art programs.
If you attend in a costume and mask, the charge is $5. If you are playfully caught without a costume and mask, the charge is $20. There will be masks available for purchase.
This event was organized by Atomic Katz and Winnebago Peace and Justice Center
and sponsored by ProgressMedia, Digital Printing Innovations, Advance Office
Systems, New Moon Café and Water City Grill.
For more information, Please contact Bob Poeschl,920-203-6966 or bob@bobpoeschl.com.
Friday, February 25, 2005
Oshkosh + eBay = OshBuy
The city plans to start selling surplus equipment using its own online auction site, to be known as "OshBuy."
The site will replace a traditional auction that was held in the spring along with the county.
"We believe, however, that a better way of disposing of these items (since we accumulate them all year long at various times) would be to try to sell them online with our own auction site," said City Manager Richard Wollangk. "We feel we will receive better prices for all of our items using this venue."
The site is expected to be up March 1.
The site will replace a traditional auction that was held in the spring along with the county.
"We believe, however, that a better way of disposing of these items (since we accumulate them all year long at various times) would be to try to sell them online with our own auction site," said City Manager Richard Wollangk. "We feel we will receive better prices for all of our items using this venue."
The site is expected to be up March 1.
Nichols leaving the library
John Nichols, director of the Oshkosh Public Library for the last 23 years, announced his retirement this week.
"The library has certainly grown under his direction and he will be sorely missed," said City Manager Richard Wollangk in his weekly newsletter.
Nichols said he plans to be at the library until early February 2006.
"The library has certainly grown under his direction and he will be sorely missed," said City Manager Richard Wollangk in his weekly newsletter.
Nichols said he plans to be at the library until early February 2006.
Wednesday, February 23, 2005
Five Rivers info can be found online
There's still not a lot of information available about the proposed Five Rivers Resort, but some can be found at this Web site.
Tuesday, February 22, 2005
PMI selection questioned
Council Should Lay Over PMI Resolution
by Tony Palmeri
February 22, 2005
Yesterday the Oshkosh Northwestern reported that, "On Tuesday, Oshkosh’s Common Council will consider a resolution officially selecting Promotion Management Inc. as Leach Amphitheater’s concessions and entertainment manager."
Today in the Northwestern appears an op-ed piece by rejected applicants Jay P. Supple, John F. Supple III and Randy Hopper. They argue that the management selection steering committee was swayed by a preference for a promoter specializing in attracting "top touring acts," a preference that represents "a fundamental misconception of the purpose behind this facility: a venue created by the community, serviced by the community and with access for the community."
In the interest of fairness and balance, I hope the Northwestern allows Ken Wachter of PMI to submit an op-ed, along with a representative of another rejected applicant, Compass Facility Management, Inc. of Ames, Iowa.
As with everything else associated with the amphitheater so far, the city's actions as regards the selection of PMI raises a wealth of questions. To wit:
*Have all members of the Oshkosh Common Council been provided with the bids that were submitted by PMI, Supple-Hopper, and Compass?
*Did the Oshkosh Parks Department submit a proposal for managing the concessions? If not, why?
*Why wasn't the Mayor or another member of the Common Council on the small panel that eventually recommended PMI?
*The newspaper yesterday said that the "city’s request for proposals guarantees any vendor provide $30,000 or 10 percent of total, annual venue revenues – whichever is larger -- to cover amphitheater maintenance costs."
Why so little? With so much city money invested in this project, does it not make sense to demand more from any vendor seeking to manage promotion of acts and concessions?
*PMI's Ken Wachter told the newspaper that “We think we need to meet with the Waterfest people and see what they’ve got planned." PMI will also bring a "group sales" department to Oshkosh. Yet Supple-Hopper claim, "In addition to meetings with the Grand Opera House in terms of creating a ticket outlet, we have already held numerous meetings with Mike Dempsey and John Casper to determine the complexities of Waterfest; met with the Oshkosh Symphony to discuss preliminary programming opportunities; and met with Jay Stoflet from the Jaycees Brews & Blues, and Jim Putnam with the Fox Jazzfest." If Supple-Hopper have in fact laid this groundwork, why is that less important than PMI's "background and experience in the
programming component" (as stated by Mr. Stephany)?
I urge the Common Council to lay over the resolution until these and other questions get answered. Most crucially, the taxpayers deserve to see some numbers on how much revenue the city can gain if the Parks Department runs the concessions as opposed to turning that responsibility over to a private entity.
by Tony Palmeri
February 22, 2005
Yesterday the Oshkosh Northwestern reported that, "On Tuesday, Oshkosh’s Common Council will consider a resolution officially selecting Promotion Management Inc. as Leach Amphitheater’s concessions and entertainment manager."
Today in the Northwestern appears an op-ed piece by rejected applicants Jay P. Supple, John F. Supple III and Randy Hopper. They argue that the management selection steering committee was swayed by a preference for a promoter specializing in attracting "top touring acts," a preference that represents "a fundamental misconception of the purpose behind this facility: a venue created by the community, serviced by the community and with access for the community."
In the interest of fairness and balance, I hope the Northwestern allows Ken Wachter of PMI to submit an op-ed, along with a representative of another rejected applicant, Compass Facility Management, Inc. of Ames, Iowa.
As with everything else associated with the amphitheater so far, the city's actions as regards the selection of PMI raises a wealth of questions. To wit:
*Have all members of the Oshkosh Common Council been provided with the bids that were submitted by PMI, Supple-Hopper, and Compass?
*Did the Oshkosh Parks Department submit a proposal for managing the concessions? If not, why?
*Why wasn't the Mayor or another member of the Common Council on the small panel that eventually recommended PMI?
*The newspaper yesterday said that the "city’s request for proposals guarantees any vendor provide $30,000 or 10 percent of total, annual venue revenues – whichever is larger -- to cover amphitheater maintenance costs."
Why so little? With so much city money invested in this project, does it not make sense to demand more from any vendor seeking to manage promotion of acts and concessions?
*PMI's Ken Wachter told the newspaper that “We think we need to meet with the Waterfest people and see what they’ve got planned." PMI will also bring a "group sales" department to Oshkosh. Yet Supple-Hopper claim, "In addition to meetings with the Grand Opera House in terms of creating a ticket outlet, we have already held numerous meetings with Mike Dempsey and John Casper to determine the complexities of Waterfest; met with the Oshkosh Symphony to discuss preliminary programming opportunities; and met with Jay Stoflet from the Jaycees Brews & Blues, and Jim Putnam with the Fox Jazzfest." If Supple-Hopper have in fact laid this groundwork, why is that less important than PMI's "background and experience in the
programming component" (as stated by Mr. Stephany)?
I urge the Common Council to lay over the resolution until these and other questions get answered. Most crucially, the taxpayers deserve to see some numbers on how much revenue the city can gain if the Parks Department runs the concessions as opposed to turning that responsibility over to a private entity.
Underheim tax vote criticized
Winnebago County Democratic Party
Winnebago County Democratic Party * PO Box 1112 * Oshkosh, WI 54903
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Jef Hall 920.203.6883
February 21, 2005 jef@jefhall.com
Underheim Votes Against School Districts in Winnebago County
OSHKOSH – Superintendent of Public Instruction candidate, Representative Gregg Underheim, recently voted Thursday in support of the latest Republican legislative property tax freeze plan that would cut education funding for Winnebago County schools by $17.3 million. This plan is in contrast to the Governor Doyle’s plan that would add $19.7 million for schools in the County, a $37 million difference.
“Did anyone remind Mr. Underheim that he is running to be the leading advocate for public education in Wisconsin?” asked Jef Hall, Chair of the WCDP. “At a time when school districts throughout Wisconsin are challenged by uncontrollable increases in health care and utility costs, Rep. Underheim voted for legislation that would cut $7.78 million from Oshkosh area schools in his own legislative district. While Rep. Underheim’s record on public education has never been great, the decision and timing of his vote to harm schools in Winnebago County is baffling.”
Winnebago County Democratic Party * PO Box 1112 * Oshkosh, WI 54903
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Jef Hall 920.203.6883
February 21, 2005 jef@jefhall.com
Underheim Votes Against School Districts in Winnebago County
OSHKOSH – Superintendent of Public Instruction candidate, Representative Gregg Underheim, recently voted Thursday in support of the latest Republican legislative property tax freeze plan that would cut education funding for Winnebago County schools by $17.3 million. This plan is in contrast to the Governor Doyle’s plan that would add $19.7 million for schools in the County, a $37 million difference.
“Did anyone remind Mr. Underheim that he is running to be the leading advocate for public education in Wisconsin?” asked Jef Hall, Chair of the WCDP. “At a time when school districts throughout Wisconsin are challenged by uncontrollable increases in health care and utility costs, Rep. Underheim voted for legislation that would cut $7.78 million from Oshkosh area schools in his own legislative district. While Rep. Underheim’s record on public education has never been great, the decision and timing of his vote to harm schools in Winnebago County is baffling.”
Sunday, February 20, 2005
PMI gets nod for amphitheater
The Green Bay company that manages the Resch Center, Brown County Veterans Memorial Arena and ShopKo Hall is being recommended to run the Leach Amphitheater.
The Council will be asked Tuesday to endorse the selection of this firm, PMI.
PMI beat out Compass Facility Management Inc. and the Supple-Hopper Group.
The Council will be asked Tuesday to endorse the selection of this firm, PMI.
PMI beat out Compass Facility Management Inc. and the Supple-Hopper Group.
City Hall to get facelift
Not only will the city have a new mayor this year, City Hall will also get a new look.
The Common Council will be asked to approve Tuesday a $56,620 bid from Holton Brothers Inc. "for tuck pointing, patching spalled limestone, water blasting the exterior masonry, water proofing the roof copings and caulk window frames," according to a description of the work from Don La Fontaine, the city's purchasing manager.
The restoration work has a budget of $68,000.
"Painting of the window panels and side entrance doors will be done under a separate contract after the masonry work is completed," La Fontaine said.
The Common Council will be asked to approve Tuesday a $56,620 bid from Holton Brothers Inc. "for tuck pointing, patching spalled limestone, water blasting the exterior masonry, water proofing the roof copings and caulk window frames," according to a description of the work from Don La Fontaine, the city's purchasing manager.
The restoration work has a budget of $68,000.
"Painting of the window panels and side entrance doors will be done under a separate contract after the masonry work is completed," La Fontaine said.
Thursday, February 17, 2005
On guard
An e-mail from F. Mortensen, Oshkosh, brings this:
Sun Prairie's "second Assemblyman", John Gard, spent $220,000, give or take a few bucks, to be reelected in Peshtigo by 64 percent. It was a record expenditure by an assemblyman.
Was he worried about re-election? If he had been he would have moved back to his district. Why did he spend so much money? Because special interests showered him with dough. The money was burning a hole in his pocket.
Indeed, 97 percent of his donations that were $100 or more came from outside his district, according to the ever-watchful eye of Mike McCabe of the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign. And lots of the money came from out of state. Ask yourself, "Have I ever been tempted to send money to an Assembly candidate in Iowa, Minnesota, or South Carolina?" I doubt it. Showing a tin ear to the appearance of corruption, Gard said he wanted to make sure his enemies would not "have any hope of winning. I wasn't taking any chances." (Quoted in MJS.)
If this does not convince you that there are two legislatures, the lobbyists' and the People's, nothing will
-Ed Garvey.
Sun Prairie's "second Assemblyman", John Gard, spent $220,000, give or take a few bucks, to be reelected in Peshtigo by 64 percent. It was a record expenditure by an assemblyman.
Was he worried about re-election? If he had been he would have moved back to his district. Why did he spend so much money? Because special interests showered him with dough. The money was burning a hole in his pocket.
Indeed, 97 percent of his donations that were $100 or more came from outside his district, according to the ever-watchful eye of Mike McCabe of the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign. And lots of the money came from out of state. Ask yourself, "Have I ever been tempted to send money to an Assembly candidate in Iowa, Minnesota, or South Carolina?" I doubt it. Showing a tin ear to the appearance of corruption, Gard said he wanted to make sure his enemies would not "have any hope of winning. I wasn't taking any chances." (Quoted in MJS.)
If this does not convince you that there are two legislatures, the lobbyists' and the People's, nothing will
-Ed Garvey.
Local Democrats fault Underheim
Winnebago County Democratic Party
* PO Box 1112 *
Oshkosh, WI 54903
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Jef Hall 920.203.6883
February 16, 2005 jef@jefhall.com
Underheim Neglects Oshkosh in Campaign for DPI Seat
OSHKOSH – In a result that mirrored his 2004 Assembly campaign, Representative Gregg Underheim again found a majority of voters in Winnebago County, which includes his 54th Assembly district that he has represented for more than 17 years, favored someone else in the race for State Schools Superintendent. After being re-elected with a little more than 46 percent in November, Representative Underheim received just 47.79 percent in Winnebago County (just more than 50 percent in Oshkosh) in the February 15 statewide primary.
While the state legislature spends the next two months debating and working on the state budget, Representative Underheim recently announced that during the next eight weeks he expects to hit the campaign trail hard. "We'll raise money aggressively, we'll travel across the state, we'll talk to newspapers, radio stations and TV stations, and we'll work hard and we'll win."
“Apparently Mr. Underheim’s quest to become the Superintendent of DPI isn’t very popular in Winnebago County,” said Jef Hall, Chair of the WCDP. “While other legislators are fighting for their communities during the important state budget process, Representative Underheim will be pursuing his own personal political goals. It is clear that Representative Underheim has abandoned Oshkosh in his latest effort, holding his election night event in Madison and not his hometown. Representative Underheim’s campaign is a Madison operation, not one that considers his current constituents’ best interests.”
* PO Box 1112 *
Oshkosh, WI 54903
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Jef Hall 920.203.6883
February 16, 2005 jef@jefhall.com
Underheim Neglects Oshkosh in Campaign for DPI Seat
OSHKOSH – In a result that mirrored his 2004 Assembly campaign, Representative Gregg Underheim again found a majority of voters in Winnebago County, which includes his 54th Assembly district that he has represented for more than 17 years, favored someone else in the race for State Schools Superintendent. After being re-elected with a little more than 46 percent in November, Representative Underheim received just 47.79 percent in Winnebago County (just more than 50 percent in Oshkosh) in the February 15 statewide primary.
While the state legislature spends the next two months debating and working on the state budget, Representative Underheim recently announced that during the next eight weeks he expects to hit the campaign trail hard. "We'll raise money aggressively, we'll travel across the state, we'll talk to newspapers, radio stations and TV stations, and we'll work hard and we'll win."
“Apparently Mr. Underheim’s quest to become the Superintendent of DPI isn’t very popular in Winnebago County,” said Jef Hall, Chair of the WCDP. “While other legislators are fighting for their communities during the important state budget process, Representative Underheim will be pursuing his own personal political goals. It is clear that Representative Underheim has abandoned Oshkosh in his latest effort, holding his election night event in Madison and not his hometown. Representative Underheim’s campaign is a Madison operation, not one that considers his current constituents’ best interests.”
Tuesday, February 15, 2005
Scheuermann gets most votes in Council primary
Meredith Scheuermann was the leading vote-getter in the Oshkosh primary election for Common Council, with 13.07 percent of the 19,852 ballots cast, according to unofficial results from the Winnebago County clerk.
The others who made the cut for the general election, and their percent of the vote, were:
William Castle outpolled Paul Esslinger by a narrow margin, 2,623 to 2,584. They will face off in the general election.
Full results can be found here.
The others who made the cut for the general election, and their percent of the vote, were:
Shirley Brabender Mattox, 13.02.
Brian Poeschl, 12.2
Joe Jungwirth, 9.17
Cheryl Hentz, 8.91.
Bryan L. Bain, 8.64.
William Castle outpolled Paul Esslinger by a narrow margin, 2,623 to 2,584. They will face off in the general election.
Full results can be found here.
Correcting the record
I received this e-mail from the Northwestern's managing editor:
I would have linked to the actual correction, which appeared this morning, but I cannot find it online.
Dear Mr. Maguire:
A correction will appear on item 1.
We are also correcting item 2 and adding the original quote in the correction. However, "whiney" versus "belly-aching" seems to convey the same meaning to readers. The addition of quotes around "another whiney minority" in the column necessitates the clarity.
On item 3, column writers for centuries have poked fun at subjects using exaggerations. It is fair game and therefore does not warrant a correction.
James Fitzhenry
Managing Editor
Oshkosh (Wis.) Northwestern
(920) 426-6672
www.thenorthwestern.com
I would have linked to the actual correction, which appeared this morning, but I cannot find it online.
Winnebago County Most Wanted
The county sheriff's office has added Charles E. Fingal to its most wanted list.
Quiet start at the polls
Unlike last November there was no waiting in line this morning to vote at Martin Luther School, 1526 Algoma Blvd.
At a few minutes after 8, I was the 41st voter to cast a ballot.
Find election results online
Check with the Winnebago County clerk's election site for results as they become available.
Sunday, February 13, 2005
Errors of fact
Below is the text of an e-mail that I just sent to Jim Fitzhenry and Stew Rieckman, the managing editor and executive editor, respectively, of the Northwestern.
It's a response to Stew's Feb. 13 column.
Despite the headline on Stew's column, blogging is not polluting the
political discussion in Oshkosh. It is providing a window on the views and personalities of the candidates in a way that other media cannot or will not.
Citizens may or may not like what they see when they use that window, but to the extent that we can help voters make an informed decision, then I think we are succeeding in what we are trying to do with the Oshblog and with the online, blog-based debates for Council and mayor.
It's a response to Stew's Feb. 13 column.
Dear Jim & Stew:
This a request that you correct the errors of fact
that appeared in Stew’s column published Feb. 13,
2005.
1. Oshkosh News, which is the experimental,
participatory Web site to which Stew was referring,
never took down its blog. We were never directly asked
to remove any of the comments that were published
there.
2. The phrase “another whiney minority” does not
appear on the site. No more than 10 seconds of
Internet research would have been required to verify
this.
3. The Oshkosh Community News Network is not "touting
itself as 'Oshkosh Participatory Journalism
Experimental Free Press of The Future.'" Our motto is
“Working Together on a New Kind of Journalism.”
Miles
Despite the headline on Stew's column, blogging is not polluting the
political discussion in Oshkosh. It is providing a window on the views and personalities of the candidates in a way that other media cannot or will not.
Citizens may or may not like what they see when they use that window, but to the extent that we can help voters make an informed decision, then I think we are succeeding in what we are trying to do with the Oshblog and with the online, blog-based debates for Council and mayor.
Friday, February 11, 2005
Checking local hospital costs
A new Web site will make it easier to compare costs at local hospitals.
Here's what the Journal Sentinel had to say about it.
Here are sample reports from our local hospitals, for recent treatments of heart failure and shock.
Here's what the Journal Sentinel had to say about it.
Here are sample reports from our local hospitals, for recent treatments of heart failure and shock.
Town Hall Meeting at New Moon
Town Hall Meeting
February 12, 2005
New Moon Coffeehouse
11:00am
Bob Poeschl and Jenni Ryan, candidates for Oshkosh Common Council are holding a Town Hall Meeting at the New Moon Coffeehouse this Saturday, Febraury 12, at 11:00am.
Come have a cup of coffee and discuss issues that are important to the Oshkosh Community.
For more information, please contact Bob Poeschl 203-6966 or bob@bobpoeschl.com
February 12, 2005
New Moon Coffeehouse
11:00am
Bob Poeschl and Jenni Ryan, candidates for Oshkosh Common Council are holding a Town Hall Meeting at the New Moon Coffeehouse this Saturday, Febraury 12, at 11:00am.
Come have a cup of coffee and discuss issues that are important to the Oshkosh Community.
For more information, please contact Bob Poeschl 203-6966 or bob@bobpoeschl.com
Wednesday, February 09, 2005
'Commentary' coming to radio
Radio Commentary Debuts on Friday, Feb. 11 on WRST (90.3. FM) from 6:20 - 7:00 p.m.
Radio Commentary, hosted by Tony Palmeri and former Oshkosh Mayor Jim Mather, will debut with a live broadcast on Friday, Feb. 11 on WRST (90.3. FM) from 6:20 - 7:00 p.m. Jim Mather cannot make the debut edition, so in his place will be local pundit Dan Rylance. The special guest will be Dr. James Simmons, chair of the UW Oshkosh Department of Political Science.
Radio Commentary is a call-in program. Listeners willing to participate can call 424-3113. Calls related to the upcoming primary elections would be especially appreciated.
Radio Commentary is produced by UW Oshkosh student Bob Knudsen.
For more information, contact Tony Palmeri at 424-7045 or tony@tonypalmeri.com
Radio Commentary, hosted by Tony Palmeri and former Oshkosh Mayor Jim Mather, will debut with a live broadcast on Friday, Feb. 11 on WRST (90.3. FM) from 6:20 - 7:00 p.m. Jim Mather cannot make the debut edition, so in his place will be local pundit Dan Rylance. The special guest will be Dr. James Simmons, chair of the UW Oshkosh Department of Political Science.
Radio Commentary is a call-in program. Listeners willing to participate can call 424-3113. Calls related to the upcoming primary elections would be especially appreciated.
Radio Commentary is produced by UW Oshkosh student Bob Knudsen.
For more information, contact Tony Palmeri at 424-7045 or tony@tonypalmeri.com
Tuesday, February 08, 2005
Candidate endorsements sought
As part of our Voter Information Project, Oshkosh News is looking to publish endorsements from both groups and individuals of the many candidates who are running in next week's primary election.
We have also established an open message board that any citizen can use to express support for a candidate.
Several endorsements have already been published on this page, and we will add more as they come in.
We have also established an open message board that any citizen can use to express support for a candidate.
Several endorsements have already been published on this page, and we will add more as they come in.
Sunday, February 06, 2005
Rotary Forum
I want to express my gratitude to the three Oshkosh Rotary's for organizing the candidate forums/meet and greets Saturday evening on the campus of UW Oshkosh. The citizens who attended the events also deserve a big thank you for taking time from their busy schedule to be with us.
Please remember to exercise your right to vote on February 15th!
Respectfully,
Bryan L. Bain
Common Council Candidate
Please remember to exercise your right to vote on February 15th!
Respectfully,
Bryan L. Bain
Common Council Candidate
Saturday, February 05, 2005
More bid waivers sought
Medtec, a division of Oshkosh Truck, is in line to get a no-bid contract to supply two ambulances to the city.
According to City Manager Richard Wollangk, "this would let us standardize our equipment and save us money. The price for the two ambulances is less than we had anticipated in the CIP budget."
The Fire Department also wants to waive the bidding process for a new vehicle exhaust system.
According to City Manager Richard Wollangk, "this would let us standardize our equipment and save us money. The price for the two ambulances is less than we had anticipated in the CIP budget."
The Fire Department also wants to waive the bidding process for a new vehicle exhaust system.
Coast Guard keeping Fox jurisdiction
In his weekly newsletter, City Manager Richard Wollangk reports that the Coast Guard has "notified everyone that they will continue to maintain jurisdiction over the Fox and Wolf Rivers."
According to previously published reports, this federal jurisdiction will keep the city's railroad bridge from swinging permanently shut.
According to previously published reports, this federal jurisdiction will keep the city's railroad bridge from swinging permanently shut.
Former UWO official to head UW Eau Claire
Vicki Lord Larson, a former vice chancellor at UW Oshkosh, appears likely to be named interim chancellor at UW Eau Claire. That's in the last paragraph of this story.
Thursday, February 03, 2005
Bemis Company Acquires Majority Ownership of Dixie Toga, Expanding Presence in South American Packaging Market
MINNEAPOLIS, January 5, 2005 - Bemis Company, Inc. (NYSE-BMS) today announced that it has acquired majority ownership of Dixie Toga, one of the largest packaging companies in South America. Headquartered in São Paulo, Brazil, Dixie Toga recorded annual net sales in excess of $300 million in 2004.
In this transaction, Bemis acquired the voting common stock and 43 percent of the outstanding, non-voting preferred stock of Dixie Toga for a total cash price of approximately $250 million, which was financed with commercial paper.
Bemis and Dixie Toga have operated a flexible packaging joint venture in Brazil since 1998. This venture, known as Itap/Bemis, represents about one-third of Dixie Toga's annual net sales. Bemis owns 45 percent of the joint venture and will account for it on an equity basis for the year 2004. In addition to the flexible packaging joint venture, Dixie Toga operates businesses involved in production of laminated plastic tubes, thermoformed and injection molded containers, printed labels and printed folding cartons.
"The Dixie Toga business is an exciting addition to Bemis Company and further strengthens our position as the leading flexible packaging supplier in North America and South America," said Jeff Curler, President and Chief Executive Officer of Bemis Company, Inc. "The Dixie Toga operations are well managed, growing businesses with leading market positions and strong customer relationships. This business is achieving strong revenue growth and profit margins through a combination of new product introductions, focused cost control and improved production efficiencies. While some of these product lines are new to our global packaging portfolio, we expect to continue to operate them as a value-added part of our South American market strategy."
Bemis expects this acquisition to be modestly accretive to earnings per share in 2005 and to result in a ratio of total debt to total capitalization within its target range of 30 percent to 40 percent at the acquisition date. Management plans to refinance a portion of Bemis' outstanding commercial paper debt in the public bond market in the first half of 2005, which will extend the maturity of the acquisition financing.
Statements in this release that are not historical are considered "forward-looking" and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties. Actual future results and trends may differ materially from historical results or those projected in any such forward-looking statements depending on a variety of factors, including the impact of currency, the cost of debt, and the availability of public debt markets. Additional factors are detailed in the Company's regular SEC filings including the most recently filed Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003.
Dixie Toga is the leading packaging company in South America, specializing in flexible packaging, injection molded containers, laminated tubes, printed labels, and folding cartons. Dixie Toga employs over 3,000 people in South America. Dixie Toga operates nine manufacturing plants in Brazil and two in Argentina. The non-voting preferred shares are traded publicly on the Brazilian Bovespa Exchange.
Bemis Company is a major supplier of flexible packaging and pressure sensitive materials used by leading food, consumer products, manufacturing, and other companies worldwide. Founded in 1858, the Company reported 2003 net sales of $2.6 billion. The Company's flexible packaging business has a strong technical base in polymer chemistry, film extrusion, coating and laminating, printing and converting. The Company's pressure sensitive materials business specializes in adhesive technologies. Based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Bemis employs about 12,000 individuals in 52 manufacturing facilities in nine countries around the world. More information about the company is available at our website, www.bemis.com.
In this transaction, Bemis acquired the voting common stock and 43 percent of the outstanding, non-voting preferred stock of Dixie Toga for a total cash price of approximately $250 million, which was financed with commercial paper.
Bemis and Dixie Toga have operated a flexible packaging joint venture in Brazil since 1998. This venture, known as Itap/Bemis, represents about one-third of Dixie Toga's annual net sales. Bemis owns 45 percent of the joint venture and will account for it on an equity basis for the year 2004. In addition to the flexible packaging joint venture, Dixie Toga operates businesses involved in production of laminated plastic tubes, thermoformed and injection molded containers, printed labels and printed folding cartons.
"The Dixie Toga business is an exciting addition to Bemis Company and further strengthens our position as the leading flexible packaging supplier in North America and South America," said Jeff Curler, President and Chief Executive Officer of Bemis Company, Inc. "The Dixie Toga operations are well managed, growing businesses with leading market positions and strong customer relationships. This business is achieving strong revenue growth and profit margins through a combination of new product introductions, focused cost control and improved production efficiencies. While some of these product lines are new to our global packaging portfolio, we expect to continue to operate them as a value-added part of our South American market strategy."
Bemis expects this acquisition to be modestly accretive to earnings per share in 2005 and to result in a ratio of total debt to total capitalization within its target range of 30 percent to 40 percent at the acquisition date. Management plans to refinance a portion of Bemis' outstanding commercial paper debt in the public bond market in the first half of 2005, which will extend the maturity of the acquisition financing.
Statements in this release that are not historical are considered "forward-looking" and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties. Actual future results and trends may differ materially from historical results or those projected in any such forward-looking statements depending on a variety of factors, including the impact of currency, the cost of debt, and the availability of public debt markets. Additional factors are detailed in the Company's regular SEC filings including the most recently filed Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003.
Dixie Toga is the leading packaging company in South America, specializing in flexible packaging, injection molded containers, laminated tubes, printed labels, and folding cartons. Dixie Toga employs over 3,000 people in South America. Dixie Toga operates nine manufacturing plants in Brazil and two in Argentina. The non-voting preferred shares are traded publicly on the Brazilian Bovespa Exchange.
Bemis Company is a major supplier of flexible packaging and pressure sensitive materials used by leading food, consumer products, manufacturing, and other companies worldwide. Founded in 1858, the Company reported 2003 net sales of $2.6 billion. The Company's flexible packaging business has a strong technical base in polymer chemistry, film extrusion, coating and laminating, printing and converting. The Company's pressure sensitive materials business specializes in adhesive technologies. Based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Bemis employs about 12,000 individuals in 52 manufacturing facilities in nine countries around the world. More information about the company is available at our website, www.bemis.com.
Bemis Announces 13 Percent Cash Dividend Increase
MINNEAPOLIS, February 3, 2005 - Bemis Company, Inc. (NYSE: BMS) announced today that its Board of Directors has approved a 13 percent increase in the quarterly cash dividend, increasing it to 18 cents per share compared to the previous quarterly dividend of 16 cent per share. The cash dividend is payable on March 1, 2005, to shareholders of record on at the close of business on February 16, 2005.
This marks the 22nd consecutive year that the Company has increased its dividend payment. Bemis has been paying an annual dividend on its stock since 1922.
"This healthy dividend increase reflects the confidence of our Board of Directors in our ability to generate strong cash flow that supports a 35 to 45 percent dividend payout ratio in addition to funding the current and future growth initiatives of Bemis' operations," said Jeff Curler, Bemis Company President and Chief Executive Officer. "We appreciate that our dividend program is an important part of our shareholders' total return on their investment in Bemis Company."
Bemis Company is a major supplier of flexible packaging and pressure sensitive materials used by leading food, consumer products, manufacturing, and other companies worldwide. Founded in 1858, the Company reported 2004 sales of $2.8 billion, of which $2.2 billion was from the flexible packaging business segment and $0.6 billion was from the pressure sensitive materials business segment. More than 75 percent of the Company's sales are packaging related. The primary market for Bemis' products is the food industry, which accounts for over 65 percent of sales. Other markets include consumer goods, medical, pharmaceutical, chemical, agribusiness, printing and graphic arts, and a variety of other industrial end uses. Bemis holds a strong position in many of the markets it serves and actively seeks new market segments where its technical skill and other capabilities provide a competitive advantage. Bemis' leadership position in the flexible packaging industry rests on a strong technical foundation in polymer chemistry, film extrusion, coating and laminating, printing and converting. Bemis' pressure sensitive materials business specializes in adhesive technologies. Based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Bemis employs about 15,500 individuals in 62 manufacturing facilities in 11 countries around the world. More information about the company is available at our website, www.bemis.com.
Statements in this release that are not historical, including statements relating to the strength of future cash flows and future performance of the company, are considered "forward-looking" and are presented pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such content is subject to certain risks and uncertainties, including regional economic conditions, currency fluctuations, interest rate fluctuations, raw material costs and availability, consumer trends, and the competitive conditions. Actual future results and trends may differ materially from historical results or those projected in any such forward-looking statements depending on a variety of factors which are detailed in the Company's regular SEC filings including the most recently filed Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003.
This marks the 22nd consecutive year that the Company has increased its dividend payment. Bemis has been paying an annual dividend on its stock since 1922.
"This healthy dividend increase reflects the confidence of our Board of Directors in our ability to generate strong cash flow that supports a 35 to 45 percent dividend payout ratio in addition to funding the current and future growth initiatives of Bemis' operations," said Jeff Curler, Bemis Company President and Chief Executive Officer. "We appreciate that our dividend program is an important part of our shareholders' total return on their investment in Bemis Company."
Bemis Company is a major supplier of flexible packaging and pressure sensitive materials used by leading food, consumer products, manufacturing, and other companies worldwide. Founded in 1858, the Company reported 2004 sales of $2.8 billion, of which $2.2 billion was from the flexible packaging business segment and $0.6 billion was from the pressure sensitive materials business segment. More than 75 percent of the Company's sales are packaging related. The primary market for Bemis' products is the food industry, which accounts for over 65 percent of sales. Other markets include consumer goods, medical, pharmaceutical, chemical, agribusiness, printing and graphic arts, and a variety of other industrial end uses. Bemis holds a strong position in many of the markets it serves and actively seeks new market segments where its technical skill and other capabilities provide a competitive advantage. Bemis' leadership position in the flexible packaging industry rests on a strong technical foundation in polymer chemistry, film extrusion, coating and laminating, printing and converting. Bemis' pressure sensitive materials business specializes in adhesive technologies. Based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Bemis employs about 15,500 individuals in 62 manufacturing facilities in 11 countries around the world. More information about the company is available at our website, www.bemis.com.
Statements in this release that are not historical, including statements relating to the strength of future cash flows and future performance of the company, are considered "forward-looking" and are presented pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such content is subject to certain risks and uncertainties, including regional economic conditions, currency fluctuations, interest rate fluctuations, raw material costs and availability, consumer trends, and the competitive conditions. Actual future results and trends may differ materially from historical results or those projected in any such forward-looking statements depending on a variety of factors which are detailed in the Company's regular SEC filings including the most recently filed Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003.
Tuesday, February 01, 2005
2nd Annual "A Time To Start"
Friends,
The UW Oshkosh Campus Greens would like to announce an upcoming community event.
Wed, Feb 9 7pm - 10pm
Reeve Union Underground, UWO Campus
748 Algoma Blvd
~ 2nd Annual "A Time To Start", to encourage students to get involved in campus organizations and the Oshkosh community.
Live music featuring folk musician Jason Moon, urban-folk acoustic by Landon Arkens, and fun and positive rock by Lucas Larabee and the Life Partners.
Spoken Word will be performed by Rev. Leafloose and recent Oshkosh Northwestern Featured Artist Tuesday Parker (aka Stephani Ott).
Guest presentations will be offered by UW Oshkosh faculty member John Baumann (discussing Wisconsin and its Nuclear future), Oshkosh Common Council Candidates Bob Poeschl and Jenni Ryan, and representatives from the Women's Advocacy Council, HOPE, Student Environmental Action Coalition, Campus Greens, and the Winnebago Peace & Justice Center.
There is a suggested $5 donation. This event has been organized by the UWO Campus Greens. For more information, contact Angie Nichols at (920) 285-3822
The UW Oshkosh Campus Greens would like to announce an upcoming community event.
Wed, Feb 9 7pm - 10pm
Reeve Union Underground, UWO Campus
748 Algoma Blvd
~ 2nd Annual "A Time To Start", to encourage students to get involved in campus organizations and the Oshkosh community.
Live music featuring folk musician Jason Moon, urban-folk acoustic by Landon Arkens, and fun and positive rock by Lucas Larabee and the Life Partners.
Spoken Word will be performed by Rev. Leafloose and recent Oshkosh Northwestern Featured Artist Tuesday Parker (aka Stephani Ott).
Guest presentations will be offered by UW Oshkosh faculty member John Baumann (discussing Wisconsin and its Nuclear future), Oshkosh Common Council Candidates Bob Poeschl and Jenni Ryan, and representatives from the Women's Advocacy Council, HOPE, Student Environmental Action Coalition, Campus Greens, and the Winnebago Peace & Justice Center.
There is a suggested $5 donation. This event has been organized by the UWO Campus Greens. For more information, contact Angie Nichols at (920) 285-3822
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