Herb Kohl, former U.S. Senator.
Former president and owner of the Milwaukee Bucks.
Public servant, philanthropist, businessman and professional sports team owner. All four accurately describe Herb Kohl, who begins his 29th season as president and owner of the Milwaukee Bucks organization. Kohl purchased the team on March 1, 1985 from Jim Fitzgerald, ensuring it would remain in Milwaukee.
“From the very beginning, my association with the Bucks has been a wonderful experience,” Kohl remarked. “Wherever I go, people come up to me and talk about the team. The opportunity I was given to purchase and to keep the team here in Milwaukee is one of the most unique and fortunate experiences I’ve ever enjoyed.”
In 1988, Kohl was elected to a six-‐year term as Wisconsin’s 25th United States Senator, and he would go on to serve four terms in office. Having announced he would not seek re-‐election, Senator Kohl completed 24 years of public service at the end of 2012.
A Milwaukee native who grew up in the Sherman Park neighborhood, Kohl has maintained a lifetime commitment to his home city and state. He attended Sherman Elementary School and Milwaukee Washington High School. Kohl graduated from the University of Wisconsin-‐Madison in 1956,
and went on to earn a Master’s degree from the Harvard University Graduate School of Business Administration in 1958. Kohl served in the Army Reserve from 1958-‐64.
From 1959-‐69, Kohl served in many capacities with the then family-‐owned Kohl Corporation, operators of grocery and department stores. His parents had built their first Kohl’s Food Market in the late ’20s, and from that inauspicious beginning, grew the business into one of the Midwest’s leading grocery and department store chains. Kohl was president from 1970 through the sale of the corporation by the family in 1979, and the Kohl’s Department Stores have now expanded throughout the United States.
After years of involvement in public affairs in Wisconsin, having served as general chairman of Milwaukee’s United Way campaign and state chairman of the Wisconsin Democratic Party, Kohl decided to run for the United States Senate seat vacated by William Proxmire. He was first elected to a six-‐year term in 1988, re-‐elected in November of 1994, in November of 2000, and again in November of 2006. His fourth and final term expired at the end of the 112th Congress on January 3, 2013.
Involved in a vast array of community-‐minded projects, Kohl has consistently championed the cause of education. He established the Herb Kohl Educational Foundation Excellence Scholarship and Fellowship Award Program in 1990. As of August 2013, the Herb Kohl Educational Foundation has awarded a total of $8.6 million to Wisconsin educators, students and schools.
With a life-‐long interest in sports, Kohl was one of 10 original investors in the Milwaukee Brewers, and he also initiated negotiations with then NBA commissioner Walter Kennedy, which ultimately led to the granting of a franchise in January of 1968 to a group of Milwaukee investors.
Kohl’s interest in sports does not stop at the professional level. In April of 1995, Kohl donated $25 million to his alma mater to help provide a state-‐of-‐the-‐art new home for the University of Wisconsin-‐Madison men’s and women’s basketball teams, as well as the men’s hockey team.
“I was very happy to be in a position to help build a first-‐rate, state-‐of-‐the-‐art sports arena,”said Kohl. “I think it enhances the university’s reputation as one of the premier athletic programs in the Big Ten and the country.”
Recognized for his many efforts, Kohl has received numerous awards from throughout the state of Wisconsin, including: the 2013 Fellowship Open Legends Award from the Fellowship Open, one of the country’s largest diversity charity golf outings, for his contributions in government service, business and in philanthropy; induction into the Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame in 2007; an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from Ripon College in 1999; Best Corporate Citizen of 1997 by Madison Magazine; the “Kiwanis Milwaukee Award” in 1987; an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree from Cardinal Stritch College of Milwaukee in 1986; the Greater Milwaukee Convention and Visitors Bureau “Lamplighter Award” in 1986; named “Humanitarian of the Year” in 1986 by the Wisconsin Parkinson Association; “Wisconsin Sports Personality of the Year” in 1985 by the Milwaukee Pen and Mike Club; and the “Joe Killeen Memorial Sportsman of the Year” in 1985 by the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association.
Content referencing Herb Kohl - Page 2
Bucks Open Fiserv Forum
"The most forward-thinking, 21st-century building," says Bucks president Peter Feigin.
Aug 26th, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
Governor Walker Celebrates Grand Opening of the Fiserv Forum
3-to-1 return on investment for the State of Wisconsin
Aug 26th, 2018 by Gov. Scott Walker
Harbor View Plaza Selected as Name for the Harbor District’s First Waterfront Park
A groundbreaking event is scheduled for Friday, August 24th at 1:30 pm at Harbor View Plaza (600 E. Greenfield Ave.)
Aug 15th, 2018 by Harbor District
State Parties Breaking Fundraising Records
$4.9 million raised for campaigns in first half of 2018; GOP gets 23% more than Democrats.
Aug 3rd, 2018 by Wisconsin Democracy Campaign
Milwaukee County Clerk George Christenson Endorses Evers for Governor
George Christenson is the second County Clerk to endorse Tony Evers.
Jul 2nd, 2018 by Gov. Tony Evers
Dan Kohl’s “Hidden” Condo
Democrat challenging Rep. Glenn Grothman downsized into this 4,326-square-foot Mequon home.
Jun 12th, 2018 by Michael Horne
Safe & Sound Kicks off Annual Event, A Night to Unite: Celebrating Neighborhood Champions
A Night to Unite features a cocktail hour, raffle and live auction, dinner, and an awards program.
Jun 7th, 2018 by Safe & Sound
Longtime Democrat Matt Flynn Reintroducing Himself to Voters
After four unsuccessful runs for office, will this be Flynn's year?
Jun 7th, 2018 by Shawn Johnson
Milwaukee-Area Musicians Encouraged to Apply Now Through June 25 for First Backline Accelerator Session and $20,000 Grants
Four Bands or Artists to Be Selected for Backline’s Intensive 12-Week Mentorship Program
Jun 5th, 2018 by 88Nine Radio Milwaukee
Former Senator Herb Kohl Endorses Rebecca Dallet for Wisconsin Supreme Court
"'m grateful to Senator Herb Kohl for endorsing my candidacy for Wisconsin's Supreme Court."
Mar 7th, 2018 by Rebecca Dallet
More than $95 million in Greater Milwaukee Foundation grants invested in community
The substantial investment in community development includes $52 million in charitable funds supporting the development of the downtown arena project, as directed by Sen. Herb Kohl.
Jan 30th, 2018 by Greater Milwaukee Foundation
Former Madison Mayors Endorse Tony Evers for Governor
Evers has also already received the endorsement of former US Senator Herb Kohl, former Lt. Governor Barbara Lawton, former Rep. Steve Kagen MD, and nearly a dozen current and former legislators.
Jan 10th, 2018 by Gov. Tony Evers
500 Black Tuxedos
Upscale event connects teens with role models and a world they mightn't otherwise see.
Dec 11th, 2017 by Jeramey Jannene
5 Milwaukeeans To Be Thankful For
These five people are making Milwaukee a better place for all.
Nov 23rd, 2017 by Jeramey Jannene
MKE Plays Receives $100K from Herb Kohl Philanthropies
Gift supports the revitalization of neighborhood parks across Milwaukee
Nov 16th, 2017 by Ald. Michael Murphy
Glendale Labor Attorney Announces Candidacy for Milwaukee County Board – District 1
"Moving Milwaukee County forward is going to take new leaders willing to work together, even if they don't always agree."
Oct 25th, 2017 by Casey Shorts
Alderman Johnson thanks Senator Kohl for generous library gift of $2 Million
Statement of Alderman Cavalier Johnson - October 23, 2017
Oct 23rd, 2017 by Mayor Cavalier Johnson
Can Democrats Beat Ryan, Grothman?
Odds are slim. But the added turnout for those races could help reelect Tammy Baldwin.
Oct 12th, 2017 by Bruce Murphy
Milwaukee Film Receives Continued and Increased Support From Sponsors
Presenting Sponsor, Associated Bank, expands partnership through Milwaukee Film Checking 30 new sponsors provide increase of $301,000 in cash & in-kind support
Aug 31st, 2017 by Milwaukee Film
Harold Lewis, the Pfister Ambassador
He's met countless celebrities, and now has become a little famous himself.
Aug 25th, 2017 by Amanda Maniscalco
Sherman Park Has Been a Melting Pot
Tracing the neighborhood’s German, Jewish and African American heritage.
Aug 25th, 2017 by Jill Florence Lackey, PhD
Harbor District To Have 40 “Habitat Hotels”
Planning for district's 1000-acre site nearly done. "Hotels" naturalize sheet pilings.
Aug 11th, 2017 by Michael Horne
Dan Kohl Race Could Be Historic
If he beat incumbent Glenn Grothman, would equal precedent last set in 1892.
Aug 7th, 2017 by Dr. Eric Ostermeier
Sixteenth Street Community Health Centers Announces Peter Feigin as Honoree of 2017 Roast
Milwaukee Bucks and Sixteenth Street share commitment to improving outcomes for Milwaukee’s most vulnerable
Jun 20th, 2017 by Sixteenth Street Community Health Centers
Sculpture Milwaukee Opens to Public
City now has a world-class sculpture exhibition on its main street.
Jun 1st, 2017 by Jeramey Jannene
The Deer District Rises
New arena, parking garage and training facility reshape Park East.
May 12th, 2017 by Jeramey Jannene
Kohler Seeks Change in Liquor Law
Is Kohler considering opening a distillery?
May 5th, 2017 by Michael Horne
Professional and Non-Professional Arts Groups Both to Be Awarded at Footlights Performing Arts Awards
The results will be announced at the live awards ceremony June 22, 2017 at Milwaukee Repertory Theater’s Quadracci Powerhouse.
Apr 17th, 2017 by Footlights
Herb Kohl Foundation Announces 2017 Academic Awards and Scholarships
MPS principal, students, teachers are honored
Mar 16th, 2017 by Milwaukee Public Schools
The Un-Greening of Wisconsin
Walker policies help political donors, hurt environment. Trump could pile on.
Mar 8th, 2017 by James Rowen
Bucks Arena Taking Shape
Distinctive design of arena's facade now clearly visible
Mar 3rd, 2017 by Jeramey Jannene
Who Are Donors in Superintendent Race?
Evers backed by unions, Democrats, his opponents by Republicans.
Feb 21st, 2017 by Matt Rothschild
Milwaukee Bucks Purchase NBA D-League Team to Begin Play in Oshkosh for the 2017-18 Season
Team will play at new 3,500-seat arena to be developed in downtown Oshkosh
Feb 8th, 2017 by Milwaukee Bucks
Record $60 million in grants issued from Greater Milwaukee Foundation in 2016
Foundation donors expanded their philanthropy by contributing more than $43 million to Foundation funds in 2016.
Jan 30th, 2017 by Greater Milwaukee Foundation
Why Ziegler Has No Opponent
Overwhelming dark money advantage and Democratic fatigue are factors.
Jan 9th, 2017 by Steven Walters
Arena Rises from Frozen Tundra
Snow and freezing weather didn't delay construction of the new Milwaukee Bucks arena.
Dec 16th, 2016 by Jeramey Jannene
The Incredible Decline of Democrats
GOP soared, Democrats floored, in state vote. Dem decline since 2010 is stunning.
Nov 14th, 2016 by Steven Walters
John Hammond’s Hum-Drum Colonial
Bucks general manager has $850,000 Whitefish Bay home. And he doesn't vote much.
Oct 6th, 2016 by Michael Horne
Women’s Fund fall luncheon to be a “Rad Women Celebration”
Features keynote on “Being Rad for Social Change” by New York Times bestselling author Kate Schatz. Thursday, October 20, 2016 at the Italian Conference Center
Sep 26th, 2016 by Women’s Fund of Greater Milwaukee
District Attorney John Chisholm earns support of community leaders, elected officials, labor unions, citizen organizations, and law enforcement groups
Chisholm, a veteran of the United States Army, was first elected in 2006 after serving 12 years as an assistant prosecutor, including leading the gun unit.
Aug 5th, 2016 by John Chisholm
Alex Lasry’s $1 Million Waterfront Condo
And why not? The son of Bucks owner Marc Lasry has become a MAJOR player in town.
Aug 3rd, 2016 by Michael Horne
The King of Subprime Lending
How Bucks owner Wes Edens makes millions off troubled homeowners.
Jul 27th, 2016 by Bruce Murphy
Public/Private Consortium to Invest in the YMCA of Metropolitan Milwaukee
These investments build on increased demand for Y programs, expanded community partnerships and continuous improvements to the Y’s operating model.
Jun 29th, 2016 by YMCA of Metropolitan Milwaukee
Bucks Break Ground on New Multi-Purpose Arena
Scheduled to open in time for the 2018-19 NBA season, the 714,000-square-foot arena is the centerpiece of a new sports and entertainment district in Milwaukee.
Jun 18th, 2016 by Milwaukee Bucks
Bucks Groundbreaking and Second Annual Block Party Set for June 18
Oscar Robertson, Jabari Parker, Bucks owners and elected officials all scheduled to attend
Jun 8th, 2016 by Milwaukee Bucks
Herb Kohl endorses Milwaukee County District Attorney John Chisholm for re-election
“John Chisholm has proven to be an innovative and effective leader as District Attorney,” said Senator Kohl.
Jun 1st, 2016 by John Chisholm
Milwaukee Bucks and WCD Finalize Arena Lease
The new arena will be publicly owned by the Wisconsin Center District and operated by the Milwaukee Bucks.
Apr 13th, 2016 by Milwaukee Bucks
County Executive Chris Abele Announces Major Democratic Endorsements
Democratic Party Leaders Herb Kohl, Jim Doyle and Mary Burke stand with Abele
Mar 30th, 2016 by County Executive Chris Abele
Milwaukee Bucks Name Mortenson as Construction Manager for New Arena
Midwest-headquartered firm an industry-leader in sports construction and visible part of the Milwaukee community for over 30 years
Mar 21st, 2016 by Milwaukee Bucks
2016 State of the City
Hmong American Peace Academy - February 8, 2016
Feb 8th, 2016 by Mayor Tom Barrett
Ald. Wade’s Tiny Cape Cod
No fireplace or rec room, just 1091 square feet. A modest living politician indeed.
Jan 8th, 2016 by Michael Horne
Herb Kohl endorses Judge Joe Donald for Supreme Court
“I am honored to have the support of a tremendous leader like Senator Kohl in my race for the high court,” said Judge Donald.
Sep 28th, 2015 by Joe Donald
The Fall of Scott Walker
Did the Club for Growth contribute to the rise of Donald Trump and the fall of Scott Walker?
Sep 23rd, 2015 by Bruce Thompson
Bucks Statement on Milwaukee Common Council Vote
“Today is a truly historic day for Milwaukee and Wisconsin, and the culmination of months of hard work from an incredible coalition passionate about our community’s future.”
Sep 22nd, 2015 by Milwaukee Bucks
Bucks Sign Contract for Park East Land
Press conference with Abele celebrates award of 10 acres of county land for $1 and big dreams.
Sep 9th, 2015 by Michael Horne
$5 Million Committed to Milwaukee Succeeds
Funding collaborative committed to continuing positive improvements outlined in 2015 Milestone Report
Aug 18th, 2015 by Milwaukee Succeeds
Will Bucks Break Their Lease?
Why the new arena deal will not lock down the franchise in Milwaukee
Aug 11th, 2015 by Pat Small
Black City Residents Not Sold on NBA Arena
African American leaders who support it face skepticism from constituents.
Jul 30th, 2015 by Matthew Wisla
Van Gogh Live
Written and Performed by Terrence James Coffman at the Charles Allis Saturday, September 19th, 2015
Jul 28th, 2015 by Charles Allis and Villa Terrace Art Museums Inc
Cost for Taxpayers In Latest Bucks Deal?
Bucks gave ground. But it’s still a huge bite for taxpayers.
Jul 23rd, 2015 by Bruce Murphy
Supervisor Jursik Says County Arena Funding Plan is “Unconscionable”
"Bad Debt Not a Revenue Stream"
Jun 15th, 2015 by Patricia Jursik
Cheaper to Keep Them: State and Local Arena Plan
For every dollar the state invests, state taxpayers will get a $3 return through income tax revenue
Jun 4th, 2015 by Gov. Scott Walker
Bucks Bailout Gets Even Bigger
And the proportion paid by local taxpayers keeps rising, which the Journal Sentinel still doesn't report.
Jun 1st, 2015 by Bruce Murphy
Arena Plan is Massive Tax Shift to Milwaukee
County taxpayers will pay far more than predicted, as state legislators back away from the deal.
May 29th, 2015 by Bruce Murphy
The Secret Tax Subsidy Society
Republicans and Democrats conspire to create stealth taxes to fund the NBA arena. Will they succeed?
Apr 14th, 2015 by Bruce Murphy
Should City/County Donate More to NBA Arena?
Actually, local taxpayers will be donating $450 million. But the press won’t report the details.
Mar 24th, 2015 by Bruce Murphy
Lobbyists Spent $57.5 Million on 2013-’14 Legislative Session
That's about $150,000 for each of the 380 bills that became law.
Feb 17th, 2015 by Bill Lueders
Milwaukeean Scores Top NYC Job
Phil Walzak, who ran campaigns for Kohl, Barrett and Abele, is now a high-paid aide and good buddy of New York Mayor de Blasio.
Feb 11th, 2015 by Michael Horne
The Property Tax Scam for Brewers, Bucks
Odds are, the Bucks arena will get many secret tax subsidies, as Miller Park does.
Jan 13th, 2015 by Bruce Murphy
Foundation Helps Herb Kohl Get $20 Million Windfall
His “$100 million gift” to Greater Milwaukee Foundation will gain him huge tax break for supporting new NBA arena.
Dec 18th, 2014 by Bruce Murphy
How Will NBA Arena Benefit the City?
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver promises a new arena will launch a Downtown renewal. Is he right?
Dec 2nd, 2014 by Bruce Murphy
BMO Bank Chief Hails City’s Revival
The city's infrastructure has been transformed, and the regional economy is strong, he tells a meeting of business leaders.
Nov 12th, 2014 by Michael Horne
O. J. Mayo’s River Hills McMansion
His $1.8 home mixes all sorts of architectural styles and isn't visible to passers by. Perhaps just as well.
Oct 29th, 2014 by Michael Horne
Dispute Over Bucks Arena Goes National
New York Times dumps on Milwaukee business leaders, and city becoming divided on issue.
Oct 23rd, 2014 by Bruce Murphy
Build Bucks Arena in Inner City?
Community leader calls on new owners to consider North Side location.
Oct 17th, 2014 by Brendan O’Brien
Will Republicans Support a Bucks Bailout?
It can’t get done without GOP legislators, but they have deeply felt reasons for opposing any deal.
Aug 28th, 2014 by Bruce Murphy
For Rail or Trail
A path along the lake could connect cyclists/hikers to Ozaukee County, but coal freight is hogging the line.
Aug 12th, 2014 by Michael Horne
Senator Herb Kohl Endorses Tia Torhorst for Assembly District 10
The longtime Democratic Senator endorsed Tia because of her commitment to voters.
Aug 7th, 2014 by Tia Torhorst
Visiting Leaders Pitch Pro Stadiums — And Transit!
MMAC organized event to sell NBA arena, but speakers from Cleveland, Denver and OKC said Millenials want transit, too.
Jul 18th, 2014 by Jeramey Jannene
Four Plans to Save the Bucks
But can any of the plans create the new NBA arena they need?
May 15th, 2014 by Bruce Murphy
Downtown Power Brokers Mull Expanded Convention Center
Leaders of Wisconsin Center and the Bradley Center consider key changes for downtown facilities.
May 15th, 2014 by Michael Horne
Common Ground Will Fight New Bucks Owners If No “Fair Play”
Group serves notice: any plan for new arena must include $200 million for children's playgrounds and athletic fields.
Apr 29th, 2014 by Brendan O’Brien
Marc Marotta’s Mequon McMansion
The Foley lawyer and Bradley Center chairman will be helping taxpayers see the wisdom of building a new NBA arena.
Apr 28th, 2014 by Michael Horne
Why the Bucks Arena is Downtown — And Will Stay There
If not for an obnoxiously insistent mayor, the Bradley Center would have been built in the Menomonee Valley.
Apr 18th, 2014 by Michael Horne
Supervisor Bown Issues Statement on Sen. Kohl’s Generosity to the Community
Supervisor David Bowen released the following statement regarding Herb Kohl's generosity to the community
Apr 17th, 2014 by State Rep. David Bowen
County Executive Abele’s Statement on Milwaukee Bucks Sale
Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele released the following statement about the sale of the Milwaukee Bucks.
Apr 16th, 2014 by County Executive Chris Abele
Milwaukee Bucks President and Owner Herb Kohl Introduces New Team Ownership and Announces $100 Million Gift for Arena
Herb Kohl, Milwaukee Bucks President and Owner, today announced that he has entered into a signed purchase agreement to transfer ownership of the Bucks to Wesley Edens and Marc Lasry.
Apr 16th, 2014 by Press Release
The House of Hank the Dog
The Brewer's canine mascot has a nine-room Whitefish Bay home and 10,000 square foot lot to roam in, all worth $570,000.
Mar 24th, 2014 by Michael Horne
Arts/Industry: Collaboration and Revelation on view March 23–August 31, 2014 at John Michael Kohler Arts Center
The Arts/Industry residency program, often touted as the most unusual and successful ongoing collaboration nationwide between art and industry, celebrates 40 years with a sweeping exhibition
Mar 17th, 2014 by John Michael Kohler Arts Center
Milwaukee Bucks President/Owner Herb Kohl Announces Plan to Broaden Team Ownership, Strengthen the Franchise and Keep the Team in Milwaukee
Senator Herb Kohl issued the following statement today
Dec 16th, 2013 by Herb Kohl
Shocking Conditions at the Courthouse
Court Commissioner Barry Slagle electrocuted in scary, unreported incident at courthouse.
Sep 19th, 2013 by Michael Horne
Herb Kohl’s Regency Condo
The former U.S. Senator (call him Herschel) is on the 27th floor of what was once the elite tower in town.
Aug 2nd, 2013 by Michael Horne
Two-Thirds of School Recreational Facilities are Inadequate
Study by Common Ground also demands children's facilities be fixed as part of any deal for new Bucks arena.
Jun 27th, 2013 by Brendan O’Brien
Activists Demand New NBA Arena Include Funding for Kids
No new Bucks arena without fixing schools' rundown fields and inadequate recreation facilities, says Common Ground.
Apr 26th, 2013 by Shakara Robinson
Myths About a New NBA Arena
In their zeal to build new, publicly-funded arena, proponents are misleading the community.
Apr 16th, 2013 by Bruce Murphy
5 MPS students, 5 MPS educators win Herb Kohl Foundation scholarships, fellowships
Awards net students, staff and schools $15,000
Mar 15th, 2013 by Milwaukee Public Schools
Local Artist’s Gift to Obama Gets Complicated
Tim Meyerring's present to the president gets caught up in the law on gifts and consultations with the White House assessor.
Mar 13th, 2013 by Michael Horne
