Business

Silent sports like mountain biking, cross country skiing and running are reshaping traditional tourism with an increasingly positive impact on the economy in northern Wisconsin.

Since the beginning, we’ve been searching for the best stories of Wisconsin business, lifestyle and culture – covering topics like Wisconsin summers, water technology and economic development. We’ve talked to CEOs and business leaders and innovators throughout the state.

With its forests, rivers and lakes, Wisconsin offers countless destinations for myriad motorless activities, prompting a response from local businesses to support silent sports athletes in their various endeavors.

The universal design standards trend in home renovations is aimed at enabling people to comfortably age in their current homes. Modifications like step-less entrances, curb-less showers, appliances and switch plates at accessible heights, pocket-door vanities in the bathroom, and easy-open windows make it easier for people to function in their homes as they age.

Lindsay Leinenkugel of Flowers for Dreams sits down with The Wisconsin 100 to discuss the company’s transition to Milwaukee and going from a pop-up truck to a downtown storefront.

Since the beginning, we’ve been searching for the best stories of Wisconsin business, lifestyle and culture – covering topics like emotional intelligence, water technology and economic development. We’ve talked to CEOs and business leaders and innovators throughout the state.

How did you get into hosting “Rock N’ Roll Roots?”

Ah, the elusive work-life balance. Now that technology has made us accessible 24/7, business leaders are often asking themselves, “Can we really have it all?”

Running a business comes naturally to me, but managing a staff is still a challenge. It’s review time in our office and after 22 years, there is no magic formula to lead and motivate. Here are five tips to help those of you like me.

In researching this issue of The Wisconsin 100, we quickly realized sustainability isn’t a topic that’s easily wrangled into 100-word articles. From reducing reliance on precious natural resources to finding new ways to reuse waste, to opening up new areas of study for the next stewards of the planet, Wisconsin is wholly invested in the many facets of sustainability.

Sustainability in the workplace goes beyond recycling and timed lights.

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Named nine times to the list of the World’s Most Ethical Companies, Rockwell Automation demonstrates why through its environmental, social and governance practices. Initiatives aimed at reducing energy and water use and deferring waste from landfills have led to a number of impressive recognitions. Among them:

As a company that manufactures sustainable means of transportation, it seems only natural that Trek Bikes would be committed to eco-friendly business practices.

Milwaukee native Vanessa Andrew has been making handmade clothing from recycled materials under the name Madam Chino since 2003. Her hip garments are made-to-order from recycled T-shirts.

There’s no shortage of farm-to-table restaurants in Wisconsin. For fresh ingredients and delicious food, try these spots.

UW-Milwaukee’s approach to sustainability includes reducing campus energy consumption, improving student/staff health & wellness, and expanding environmental & sustainability curriculums. Wisconsin’s second largest university has earned the following accolades:

Lakefront Brewery always seeks ways to reduce its impact on the environment, including turning beer grain into recycled animal feed. Spent grain makes up as much as 85% of the brewery’s total byproduct, so recycling helps to lessen its waste stream.

Brewery tours in Wisconsin are nearly as legendary as the Friday fish fry, but leave it to Madison to take things up a notch with a tour of breweries that participate in sustainable practices.

Wisconsin is fortunate to have two Great Lakes, the mighty Mississippi and some 15,000 lakes and 12,000 rivers and streams within our boundaries. Water has always been part of our identity and our economic DNA — playing a key role in the shipping, manufacturing and recreation economies of our state, past and present.

Milwaukee native Rich Meeusen, Badger Meter president/CEO and co-founder of The Water Council, has seen both his company and hometown evolve in water technology.

Water-related academic programs are flooding the state as a result of the heavy focus on water technology and water-centric companies in Wisconsin.

What: Water Law and Policy Initiative

What: The Institute for Water Business

What: Burke Center for Freshwater Innovation

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In college, fans knew Malcolm Brogdon as a polished guard from Virginia; a strong leader on and off the floor. With the Milwaukee Bucks, the 2017 Rookie of the Year is known as “The President” for many of the same reasons.

You don’t need to be wealthy to hire a personal assistant. Just smart.

Should a “mental health day” count as a paid sick day? Last year, a viral tweet from a CEO showing support for taking mental health days put this topic in the spotlight.

If a rising tide lifts all boats, the sports industry in Wisconsin helps ensure that the tide is always, and most certainly, in. This issue showcases sports organizations, events and personalities that drive us forward.