Business Notes: Aug. 7

Software startup fund manager to speak

Greg Robinson, manager of the new $30 million 4490 Ventures fund, will discuss his Silicon Valley background and the unique opportunity he sees in Wisconsin companies during an Aug. 14 Wisconsin Innovation Network meeting in Wauwatosa.

Robinson, who spent 12 years in San Francisco's venture capital world before coming to Wisconsin, was recently named the managing director of 4490, a fund established by the State of Wisconsin Investment Board (SWIB) and the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (WARF). The fund is primarily focused on backing promising software startups in Wisconsin.

The luncheon will take place at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, 10499 Innovation Drive, Wauwatosa. Registration and networking begins at 11:30 a.m., lunch at 12 p.m. and the presentation at 12:15 p.m. The cost is $10 for students, $25 for WIN members and Milwaukee County Research Park tenants, $35 for non-members and included with WIN corporate memberships. Register at www.wisconsintechnologycouncil.com.

4490, which was formed in early 2013, will have a statewide focus on IT companies with a business-to-business market focus. Robinson, an Arizona native, previously was a partner at Peninsula Ventures in Redwood City, Calif. and also co-founded a software company, Cogent Technologies, which was acquired in 1998.

Electronic device collection scheduled

IndependenceFirst encourages consumers and businesses to recycle their old electronic devices through its "Stuff the Truck for Independence Drive."

The drive will be held on Saturday, Aug. 23, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Pettit National Ice Center, 500 S. 84th Street in Milwaukee — rain or shine.

Any electronics with a plug or battery will be accepted in working or non-working condition. This includes computers, laptops, cell phones, tablets, appliances and TVs, computer accessories like mice and keyboards or household appliances, small electronics, fans and more. Because of increased disposal cost, there will be a charge of $10 for TV recycling for TVs of all tube sizes and wooden cabinet TVs.

Flat panel TVs (LED, Plasma, LCD ) and rear projection will be accepted for free as well as any other electronics. CRT computer monitors also are still free. The data destruction process for all donated laptops and computers will follow strict identity theft prevention standards.

Recycling old computer equipment will benefit IndependenceFirst, providing opportunities for people with disabilities to obtain a computer they otherwise could not afford, develop crucial job pre-skills, gain information, seek jobs or housing, and get peer support.

For more information, call (414) 291-7520.

Home improvement show coming to State Fair Park

The 24th annual Milwaukee/NARI Fall Home & Remodeling Show will be held Fri., Sept. 19 through Sun., Sept. 21, at the Wisconsin Exposition Center at State Fair Park in West Allis.

The Milwaukee/NARI Home Improvement Council, Inc., the improvement and remodeling industry resource, is sponsor of the event, wand will provide attendees with "A Season for Change," this year's theme.

The show features daily educational presentations and demonstrations by home improvement specialists; chefs preparing their favorite recipes; and more than 300 booth spaces in the Wisconsin Exposition Center promoting providers of home improvement and remodeling products and services.

Special attractions at the event will include the "Future Trends" display, the Milwaukee/NARI Resource Center, a 50/50 cash raffle presented by the Milwaukee/NARI Foundation. Inc., a refurbished door display, a Kids Zone, and much more

The show is open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is $4 in advance, and $7 at the door,. with discounts for seniors, and no charge for children 12 and under, and active and retired military personnel.

For more information on the Fall Home & Remodeling Show, visit www.milwaukeenari.org or call the Milwaukee/NARI Home Improvement Council at (414) 771-4071.

Hawks Nursery holding tent clearance sale

Hawks Nursery Co. is holding a tent clearance sale from Aug. 13 to 26 at its location, 12217 W Watertown Plank Road.

Hawks advertizes 65 percent to 75 percent discounts on remaining Hawks inventory. Stein Garden & Gifts now operates the retail store at Hawks.

The store is open 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.