Ted Kellner

County Replaces July 3 Fireworks With a Drone Show

Private sponsors will pay for more 'inclusive' show with no explosions.

RNC Report Says Convention Had $321 Million Economic Impact

Host-sponsored report touts impact more than 50% larger than predicted.

REPORT: 2024 RNC Convention Economic Impact Exceeds $320 Million

Tourism Economics study finds local and state impact exceeding expectations

Don Smiley’s 12 Years of Lavish Pay

Continuing in 2023 even after new Summerfest president appointed.

Meaux Park Gets New ‘Connaughton Courts’

Connaughton Foundation and Kellners fund redevelopment of six courts for popular park.

Contribution to Cavalier Johnson of $6,000

July 3rd Fireworks Canceled

Without a sponsor, annual event is called off by Milwaukee County.

Don Smiley Paid $3.3 Million in 2022

Summerfest boss has collected $9.9 million in 6 years for running tax-exempt charity.

United Performing Arts Fund Announces All-Star Coalition of Past Co-Chairs to Elevate 2024 Community Campaign

Business and community leaders join together to accelerate fundraising efforts

RNC Wants 10,000 Volunteers To Greet Guests, Provide Directions

Not about wearing a red or blue shirt say organizers, it's about making a positive impression.

Hundreds of National Media Members Descend On Milwaukee For RNC Preview

Republican Party, local host committee hold media walkthrough in advance of 2024 convention.

Milwaukee Businesses Pitch Republicans

300 businesses at Baird Center seek customers and contacts for 2024 convention.

Don Smiley’s Latest Paycheck Was $991,154

Summerfest boss has collected $6.56 million in five years for running tax exempt charity.

Fireworks Return to Milwaukee’s Lakefront on July 3rd

Ted Kellner Named New CEO of Republican National Convention

Steve King steps down to spend more time with family.

BMO Tower Lands Another Tenant

Irgens Development attracts Fiduciary Management, which will relocate its offices.

Bucks Owners Continue to Cash In

Team's value now $2.3 billion, a 5-fold increase in value in 8 years, with big help from taxpayers.

Republicans Name CEO of 2024 Convention

Retired Wisconsin businessman, former U.S. ambassador and longtime GOP leader Steve King will lead host team.

Milwaukee Wins 2024 Republican National Convention

It's official. GOP will pick its presidential nominee in Milwaukee.

Council Approves RNC Deal, Drops $6 Million Request

Move praised by mayor, convention backers.

July 3 Fireworks Return!

After a two-year hiatus, fireworks return to Milwaukee's lakefront.

RNC 2024 Team Visits Milwaukee

Milwaukee is now one of three finalists to host Republican convention.

Summerfest CEO Collects $2.49 Million

Don Smiley gets total compensation of 1.19 million in 2019 and $1.29 million in 2020.

Forward 48 Seeks Applicants For Fall 2021

Applications due September 25. Leadership program promotes diversity, helps graduates make connections.

Milwaukee Bucks Parade, Celebration

Crowd estimated in excess of 100,000.

Next Door celebrates 30 years of Books for Kids

The celebration will feature Next Door’s largest community book drive July 12-23

GOP Group Targets Appeals Court Race

Spends $56,000 on candidate backed by Scott Walker, to defeat Evers appointee.

State Superintendent Candidates Raise $200,000

Which candidates have raised the most and who are the top donors?

The State’s Top 25 Fat Cats

Diane Hendricks and Lynde Uihlein lead the list of top political donors over last 25 years.

Stritch Announces $2.5 Million Gift to Support Students, Academic Programs and Activities

Top Republican Donors Give to Biden

Ted and Mary Kellner have donated $1 million to state GOP candidates, but now giving to Biden.

Summerfest Got $48 Million in Gifts

Total donations from 2010 to 2018 helped pay for CEO Don Smiley’s "caviar lifestyle"?

UWM Hits New High in Fundraising

$251 million is highest fund drive ever; endowment grows by 74%. 

UWM’s Lubar Entrepreneurship Center and Welcome Center open May 8

The two-story campus facility, at the corner of Kenwood Boulevard and Maryland Avenue, serves as both UWM’s public “front door” and a new address for transforming the region’s economy.

The State’s Top 20 Fat Cat Donors

All gave $100,00 and more to state politicians, mostly to Republicans.

Trump Fundraiser Hosted by Walker Crony

Milwaukee businessman Ted Kellner hosted luncheon fundraiser at Pfister Hotel.

Wealthy Donors Give Big to GOP Group

Gave $1.7 million in 2017 to Republican Governors Association, a huge donor to Walker.

Walker Says He Fears “Outside Money”

But he’s been a huge beneficiary of donations from outside the state.

UWM announces $200 million fundraising campaign – largest in its history

Since the campaign’s quiet phase began, UWM has raised more than $170 million.

WMC Wants Another Business Tax Break

Bill increases construction industry tax exemption; pushed by legislator whose business will benefit.

UWM Names First Two Kellner Fellows in Entrepreneurship

The work of the fellows aims to bolster the regional economy by creating new enterprises.

Who Are Donors in Superintendent Race?

Evers backed by unions, Democrats, his opponents by Republicans.

New Summerfest Name, New Amphitheater

American Family gets naming rights to Summerfest, helps pay for amphitheater.

American Family Insurance and Milwaukee World Festival, Inc Begin New 10-Year Partnership

Components include a Presenting Sponsorship of Summerfest, Construction of a new 23,000-seat Amphitheater, new North Gate and Plaza and Community Programming and Outreach

13 Lessons The Guardian Taught Us

Or how Scott Walker corrupted Wisconsin, as the leaked Doe documents reveal.

Kelben Foundation gives $5 million to UWM for faculty, scholarships and entrepreneurship

The gift will also create an endowed scholarship for students enrolled in early childhood education at the School of Education.

Bamberger Wins Press Club Award

Wins award for architecture review, third year in a row Urban Milwaukee wins Press Club awards.

Northwestern Mutual to receive fourth annual Mary Ellen Stanek Award

Award honoring diversity in corporate governance given by Greater Milwaukee Committee & Milwaukee Women inc.

2015 Milwaukee Film Festival Announces Rated K: For Kids

All-ages program features live action, animation and 20th Anniversary of Babe: The Gallant Pig

Did Bucks Investors Pay Off Walker?

One publication says yes. But most donors to his presidential campaign are secret.

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.

The Rise of the Kern Foundation

The Waukesha-based foundation has quietly grown to assets of $627 million, nearly as big as the Bradley Foundation. It also leans conservative.

Dispute Over Bucks Arena Goes National

New York Times dumps on Milwaukee business leaders, and city becoming divided on issue.

Contribution to Robert Bauman of $150

Ambulance Chasing Lawyer Chases Abele

Plus: Bud Selig’s birthday bash and where will new Journal CEO live?

Downtown Power Brokers Mull Expanded Convention Center

Leaders of Wisconsin Center and the Bradley Center consider key changes for downtown facilities.

Mayor Tom Barrett’s 2014 State of the City Address

Milwaukee February 24, 2014 As Prepared for Delivery

Will Water Technology Transform the City?

Badger Meter CEO says Milwaukee can remake itself as 15th century Florence once did, in speech at downtown GMC event.

Owner of Strad Violin Tips Her Identity

The violin's owner was at the scene of the crime and signed her first name to a message published by Frank Almond.

Millennials Drive Downtown Growth, GMC Told

Younger residents far more important than empty nesters in driving city growth, and urban areas are surpassing suburbs, speakers at conference note.

Jon Richards Will Run for Attorney General

Like Abe Lincoln, Richards has been practicing law all across the state in preparation for his run.

Bradley Prizes Go to Millionaires

Roger Ailes and Mitch Daniels were among four men awarded $250,000 each by the Milwaukee foundation for "unflinching" conservatism.

The Arrogance of Summerfest

Mayor Barrett met with Summerfest board members, who agreed to share more information about its finances and director’s compensation.

The Arrogance of Summerfest

Why the tax-exempt, city-supported non-profit should be transparent about its director’s salary.