SC Johnson moving 170 employees to Racine area from Chicago for better collaboration

From JSOnline:

Tom Daykin

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

S.C. Johnson & Son Inc. is moving 170 employees to its Racine-area facilities from the company's Chicago office − a move it says will create better collaboration.

The move will occur in phases by the end of 2026, the company announced July 16. No jobs are being eliminated.

The shift is connected to organizational changes that took place 15 months ago, when SC Johnson established individual North America and international consumer brand business units.

“For almost 140 years, we’ve enjoyed being part of the Racine community, and proudly call it our home,” said Fisk Johnson, chairman and CEO, in a statement.

“This is an important change for our business given some recent organizational changes, and we look forward to welcoming even more SCJ people to the Racine area," Johnson said.

Employees will move into the former Educators Credit Union building, at 1326 Willow Road in Mount Pleasant, which the company bought in 2023.

It's next to two other company facilities, and is near the Waxdale manufacturing facility.

SC Johnson’s longtime global headquarters remains in Racine, at 1525 Howe St.

It is among the largest companies based in Wisconsin and has roughly 2,000 employees in Racine County. It makes such cleaning products as Windex, Pledge, Glade and Scrubbing Bubbles.

The company will still operate a downtown Chicago office, with around 100 employees, along with a manufacturing site in the Pullman neighborhood.

Tom Daykin can be emailed at tdaykin@jrn.com and followed on Instagram,Bluesky, X and Facebook.

From: https://www.jsonline.com/story/money/real-estate/commercial/2025/07/16/sc-johnson-moving-170-employees-to-racine-area-from-chicago/85250111007/

SCJ to host AI-focused event Thursday

From The Journal Times.com:

Caroline Neal

RACINE — SC Johnson is hosting another Community Interest Program, with this week’s event focusing on what AI means for the future.

The presentation is scheduled for 6:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, May 8, at the Golden Rondelle Theater, 1525 Howe St.

Attendees will gain a better understanding of how to boost creativity, analyze data and stay secure.

The program is a partnership with Badger Talks and PBS Wisconsin and will be recorded by PBS Wisconsin for later broadcast.

Patrick McDaniel, a University of Wisconsin-Madison professor and member of UW-Madison’s Speakers Bureau, will lead the event, which is structured as a presentation, although audience members can engage in the conversation, ask questions and share their experiences.

SC Johnson’s Community Interest Programs are meant to be “thought-provoking, relatable and inspiring,” and the topics are chosen by considering what the company thinks the community will find interesting.

The company said it hopes “attendees leave feeling hopeful for the future and comfortable with AI.”

From: https://journaltimes.com/news/local/business/article_05b42b1d-a75c-42c3-92e9-4678f6c4ee7b.html#tracking-source=home-top-story

Frank Lloyd Wright - SC Johnson Research Tower, Racine, Wisconsin

Wingspread HF Johnson House by Frank Lloyd Wright

"Photo essay of Wingspread, Herbert Johnson's house in Racine, Wisconsin. Wingspread is a masterpiece of architectural design and the largest private home Frank Lloyd Wright built. It was made in 1938. "Wingspread's exterior is made up of organic design elements which intentionally blend the house with the surrounding landscape. While the house may appear compact from the outside, the 30-foot tall chimney, floor to ceiling windows and skylights help elongate the interior's living space. "Other unique Wingspread features are the disappearing dining table, its teepee-inspired clerestory ceiling in the great room, and the cantilevered 'Romeo and Juliet' balcony bedroom. "The Wingspread Home is one of the many Wright buildings which are featured as part of the new Frank Lloyd Wright Trail celebrating the 150 anniversary of the artists birth. #FLW150 The trail includes: The SC Johnson Wax Administration Building, The Johnson Research Laboratory, The Golden Rondelle Theater, The First Unitarian Society Meeting House, Wyoming Valley School Cultural Arts Center, Monona Terrace in Madison, and more. Wisconsin is home to more than 40 Frank Lloyd Wight structures, so come visit Wisconsin and explore the new FLW trail. #franklloydwright #FLW150"

From: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JkR8kqnACqk&ab_channel=mycompasstv

Johnson Wax Building - Frank Lloyd Wright

All-In Milwaukee to support students from Racine with donation from Fisk Johnson

Fisk Johnson

 Three years after launching to support low-income Milwaukee students through college, nonprofit organization All-In Milwaukee is expanding to serve students in Racine.

The expansion is funded by a personal donation from Fisk Johnson, chairman and chief executive officer of S.C. Johnson & Sons Inc.

Johnson’s gift will fund renewable scholarships of up to $18,000 over four years for five seniors at St. Catherine’s High School in Racine. The Dr. Fisk Johnson STEM Scholarship recipients will also receive support and advising from All-In Milwaukee’s advisors for up to six years.

“In a time when college enrollment has plunged for limited-income students during the pandemic, we are thrilled to have the generous support of Dr. Johnson,” said Allison Wagner, executive director of All-In Milwaukee. “This is our first regional expansion and we are excited to welcome students from Racine into our program. The All-In Milwaukee selection committee was extremely impressed by St. Catherine’s student applications and we are thrilled to support Dr. Johnson’s investment in these high-performing, high-need students that are the future, diverse talent pipeline for southeastern Wisconsin.”

All-In Milwaukee launched in fall 2018 to provide high-achieving students with support to help them navigate the financial, academic and social challenges of college. There are currently 200 college freshmen, sophomores and juniors in All-In’s program, including 100% limited-income students of color and 94% first-generation college students from various Milwaukee schools.

Participating students attend one of All-In Milwaukee’s partner colleges, which include Alverno College, Carroll University, Marquette University, Milwaukee School of Engineering, Wisconsin Lutheran College, UW-Madison, UW-Milwaukee and UW-Whitewater. Among the St. Catherin’s class of 2021 scholarship recipients, two will attend UW-Madison, two will attend MSOE and one will attend Marquette University.

“We are blessed that students from the next three graduating classes at St. Catherine’s High School will be eligible for these scholarships,” said Brenda White, president of Siena Catholic Schools of Racine. “This commitment to our community from Dr. Johnson further supports our continuing expansion in STEM programming at the high school and grade school levels.”

All-In Milwaukee has received support from various corporate sponsors, including a $1.6 million gift from Northwestern Mutual and a $1 million gift from Hal Leonard Corp. chairman Keith Mardak and his wife, former Hal Leonard executive Mary Vandenberg. The organization launched with a $1 million gift from Darren Jackson, retired chief executive officer of Advance Auto Parts and a Marquette University alumnus, along with gifts from Milwaukee-based Robert W. Baird & Co. Inc. executives and its foundation.

From: https://biztimes.com/all-in-milwaukee-to-support-students-from-racine-with-donation-from-fisk-johnson/

Our children deserve better

Commentary: Our children deserve better

• HELEN JOHNSON-LEIPOLD and John Batten

We are living through an unprecedented time of uncertainty and concern affecting everyone, everywhere in so many ways. In the midst of all this chaos, we must cast a vote on April 7 on a referendum that, if passed, could positively impact the lives of all of our children across the Racine Community today and for generations to come.


Read more: https://journaltimes.com/opinion/columnists/commentary-our-children-deserve-better/article_9868b100-4897-53e5-bc9c-cfbcacb9b43a.html


In response to the above, please see:

SC Johnson, city emails offer intimate look at how company secured tax exemption

SC Johnson used considerable influence, resources and ingenuity to convince former Mayor Gary Becker and Gov. Jim Doyle to approve a property tax exemption for the company's Frank Lloyd Wright buildings and the new Fortaleza Hall, according to company emails obtained by RacinePost.

Read more: https://racinepost.blogspot.com/2009/06/sc-johnson-emails-offer-intimate-look.html

S.C. Johnson donates hand sanitizer to Milwaukee police

From JSOnline:

The Milwaukee Police Department on Tuesday got a donation of 65 cases of hand sanitizer from Racine-based S.C. Johnson & Son.

Fisk Johnson, the company's CEO, dropped off the hand sanitizer to thank officers for their work to help keep people safe during the coronavirus pandemic, the company said.

— Mary Spicuzza

From: https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/2020/03/31/coronavirus-wisconsin-latest-updates-cases-cancellations/5093207002/

S.C. Johnson pledges $5 million

From JSOnline:

S.C. Johnson announced Thursday that has pledged $5 million to help fight the coronavirus pandemic.

The Racine-based maker of cleaning products said it has committed $5 million in products and cash “to support he urgent public needs and those on the front lines.” 

The company has previously committed $2 million, including $1 million to the CDC Foundation’s Emergency Response Fund, and other donations to efforts in China, Italy and the United Kingdom.

“I am incredibly proud of all the people of SC Johnson who are committed to providing support to those around the world dealing with this crisis and experiencing its impact firsthand,” said Fisk Johnson, Chairman and CEO of S.C. Johnson. “From medical professionals and first responders to school children, we hope this commitment will help provide some relief.”

— Mary Spicuzza

From: https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/local/wisconsin/2020/03/19/coronavirus-wisconsin-latest-updates-cases-cancellations/2873437001/

State of the Downtown & Achievement Award Presentation

From The Journal Times.com:

https://racinedowntown.com/event/state-of-the-downtown-achievement-award-presentation/

rachelfischer

The Downtown Racine Corp. is accepting nominations for the 2019 Achievement Awards in which individuals, businesses or organizations are recognized for their contribution to the vitality of downtown during the past year.

Nominations are due by Friday, Jan. 10. The winners will be announced at the Downtown Racine Corporation’s State of the Downtown and Achievement Award presentation on Monday, January 27 at 5:30 p.m. at the Johnson Building Learning and Development Center, 555 Main St. The presentation agenda will consist of the State of the Downtown address, what’s to come in 2020 and the announcement of 2019’s Downtown Achievement winners.

To nominate, click the link: https://forms.gle/W9fTYjVgWKwcmbwZ9

From: https://journaltimes.com/calendar/community/state-of-the-downtown-achievement-award-presentation/event_f416cbae-1dc6-11ea-ba34-308d99b28adb.html

Foxconn's first Earn and Learn Program session Wednesday and Thursday

From The Journal Times.com:

• Journal Times staff

Dan Talsky, daniel.talsky@journaltimes.com

RACINE COUNTY — The first information sessions about Foxconn’s newly announced Foxconn Earn and Learn Program for college students will be held Wednesday and Thursday.

On Friday Foxconn announced the new program. It said the program will allow students enrolled in select technical colleges and universities to work for Foxconn for up to six months as full-time employees in training. Furthermore, students will be provided time allowances to continue their studies to “earn and learn.”

Gateway Technical College and the University of Wisconsin-Parkside are partners in the program.

The sessions will be held:

• From 4-7 p.m. Wednesday at the SC Johnson iMET Center, 2320 Renaissance Blvd.;
• From 4-7 p.m. Thursday in Gateway’s SC Johnson Student Life Center in the Downtown Racine Lake Building, 1001 Main St.; and
• From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 16 in upper Main Place in UW-Parkside’s Wyllie Hall. A university spokesman said Foxconn is working to have students preregister to meet with company representatives within that time frame, but the details were still being worked out. In any case, students can show up and meet with a company representative.

In partnership with Wisconsin technical colleges and universities, Foxconn also is launching the trainee program in Milwaukee, Madison, Eau Claire and Green Bay.

The company did not say when the new program will start.

From: https://journaltimes.com/business/local/foxconn-s-first-earn-and-learn-program-session-wednesday-and/article_f4e835b7-64a8-516a-a691-1210df380e6a.html#anchor_item_1

"SC Johnson updates its slogan: 'A Family Company at Work for a Better World'"

From The Journal Times.com:

RACINE — For the first time in nearly two decades, SC Johnson is updating its identity and putting a spotlight on its purpose by adopting a new tagline.

SCJ, which since 1998 has referred to itself as “A Family Company,” will now be known as “A Family Company at Work for a Better World.” The company said the updated tagline is not just semantics — “It’s a reminder that SC Johnson holds itself to a higher standard,” the company said in a news release.

The company said SCJ has “built a legacy of trust by demonstrating for decades that it is a family company that works tirelessly to meet the needs of consumers while protecting the planet for generations to come.”

“SC Johnson has a long legacy as a family company committed to doing what’s right, for our consumers, communities and the environment,” stated SCJ Chairman and CEO Fisk Johnson. “This is something we have been doing for generations, and we want people to know more about the many ways we are at work for a better world.” Johnson is the fifth-generation family leader of the global consumer products company, which has been headquartered in Racine for 132 years.

In anticipation of the tagline change, SCJ is releasing three videos featuring Johnson explaining how the company acts with purpose to make a better world for the next generation. The videos will appear on digital platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, CNN, Instagram, Spotify, NPR and The Washington Post.

Read more: http://journaltimes.com/business/local/sc-johnson-updates-its-slogan-a-family-company-at-work/article_3d3df663-2caf-5458-8283-824d036ec3d1.html

"New business looks to beautify empty storefronts"

From The Journal Times.com:

MICHAEL BURKE mburke@journaltimes.com  11 hrs ago  5

"RACINE — Empty storefronts bother Marty Sturino. A lot.

"So he decided to do something about them.

"Last week, Sturino and his business partner, Ed Jenkins, unveiled a new look for three large storefront windows at 427 Main St., the former Main Marine & Ski.

"Passersby may think they’re looking into a new Downtown phone store. But the reality is this: The windows are filled with a large, high-definition, 3-D graphic depicting a store inside what is actually vacant, available commercial space.

"This year Sturino and Jenkins, both retired SC Johnson executives, formed the company they are now launching: Storefronts Matter. Their business offers large, high-definition graphics that are stuck onto commercial windows to make empty spaces appear to house real businesses. The one at 427 Main St. is their demonstration project.

"'Empty storefronts are an eyesore for the community, wasted space with no utility and do little to interest potential renters/buyers,' Storefront Matters states.

"'Our storefronts improve the cityscape for residents, summer visitors and tourists by creating interest in otherwise ugly properties; provide information about the building; and create exciting promotional and advertising space for large companies, schools and civic organizations,' Sturino and Jenkins write.

"The graphics are created by a small Dublin, Ireland, graphic arts company called Virtual-Shopfronts; they’re sent to Storefronts Matter as large computer files and are printed here on vinyl sheets. The sticky sheets are applied professionally to the insides of windows.

"Virtual-Shopfronts offers more than 25 basic graphic creations including restaurants, shoe stores, men’s and women’s clothing stores, coffee shops and a health food store, Sturino and Jenkins said.

"However, Jenkins said, 'If you need something, they will create it.' The graphic artists can also move the positions of people within a graphic or change the color scheme, as Sturino and Jenkins had them do with their Main Street phone store.

"The building owner chose a phone store because that is what the company would like to attract to that space, Sturino explained.

"The demonstration space is adjacent to the Downtown Racine Corp. office at 425 Main St., and DRC Executive Director Devin Sutherland is thrilled by what Storefronts Matter is doing in a Downtown space.

"'Storefronts Matter is one of the most exciting business startups we have worked with,' he said. 'The concept of not only trying to enhance the aesthetics of a business district, but using this new approach to business attraction is very unique and innovative. The scalability of this is huge, and the applications for this product are endless.'"

Read more:  http://journaltimes.com/business/local/new-business-looks-to-beautify-empty-storefronts/article_e415eb59-ac02-588c-b1d2-8d4b8fb2fbd8.html

Related:  http://www.virtual-shopfronts.com/ 

"City, SCJ hosting forum on bed bugs"

From The Journal Times.com:  

"RACINE — You likely remember the headlines: 'Bedbugs gaining ground,' 'Bedbugs Bite Their Way Across the Country,' 'Bedbug reports on the rise.'

"It’s been more than five years since the scourge of bed bugs re-entered Americans’ consciousness and furniture.

"In the last couple years, national and local news stories about the bugs have been reduced to a trickle but local health officials and area exterminators say the pests remain a real issue.

To help educate people about the bugs, the City of Racine Health Department will present a free community interest program on the pests at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 3, at the SC Johnson Golden Rondelle Theater, 1525 Howe St.

"Funded by SC Johnson, the 'Bed Bug Blues' will feature experts in the areas of bug biology and behavior, bug prevention and control and related family and housing laws.

"Speakers at the forum will include SCJ Urban entomologist Jennifer Gordon; Randy Rupert, the team leader for Bed Bug Services at Batzner Pest Control, and Gai Lorenzen, the managing attorney for Legal Action of Wisconsin’s Racine office.

Still a problem

"Bed bug populations in the United States began increasing around 2010. More affordable air travel and increased urbanization were two possible causes for the spike, scientists said at the time. Although they are not known to spread disease and should not be considered a medical or public health hazard, they are an incredible nuisance, Racine Public Health Administrator Dottie-Kay Bowersox said.

"That’s why she wanted to host a public information forum on the issue — both to clear up misconceptions and to remind people that the pests remain a problem.

"The Health Department, which only inspects licensed facilities like hotels for the pests, gets several calls a week about bed bugs, Bowersox said. But often times, the people who contact the department are unclear about what the bugs are, or whether they should be concerned.

"The fact that the bugs haven’t been in the news lately also has given people a false sense of security about the pests, Bowersox said, which can lead to more infestations.

"'As long as it is not being reported or they are not hearing about it, people think the problem has been eradicated. So then they walk down the sidewalk and there is a mattress laying there that somebody tossed. It looks pretty good to them. They pick it up. They bring it home. It’s full of bed bugs,' Bowersox said.
Rupert said Batzner, which is headquartered in New Berlin and serves most of southern Wisconsin and Northern Illinois, continues to get calls about bed bug infestations.

"'It seems like it is plateauing, but it is plateauing at a pretty high peak,' Rupert said. 'Don’t make the mistake of thinking they’re gone. Believe me, they’re not.'

Read more: http://journaltimes.com/news/local/city-scj-hosting-forum-on-bed-bugs/article_7122c1ff-9f63-5f5f-9d48-43c8f3b4abb8.html


Since I moved in, I know of five other cases of bed bugs here.  You can tell when you walk down the hall and they have the portable furnaces going.

Indeed, bed bugs are the reason why I live here now.  I assume they've finally cleaned out the old apartment building.  I should see if there's any openings.

The big problem is the shit they spread everywhere.  I'm so glad they're gone - for now.

I'd be afraid to attend this presentation because I assume some people with bed bugs will be there.       

"SC Johnson Building on Top of Chicago Bus Shelter"

From Racine County Eye:

By Heather Asiyanbi in Community · January 6, 2016 · No comments

Credit - Racine County Eye

Credit - Racine County Eye

Credit - Racine County Eye

Credit - Racine County Eye

Read more: http://racinecountyeye.com/sc-johnson-building-on-top-of-chicago-bus-shelter/


They better have everything welded into place ot it might "disappear."

"SC Johnson Helping ‘Ellen’ Fans Go Home for Holidays"

From Racine County Eye:

By Heather Asiyanbi in Business, Community · November 12, 2015
 

Credit - Racine County Eye and WISN12

"Fans of the Ellen DeGeneres show are getting the chance to go home for the holidays thanks to SC Johnson.

"Fisk Johnson, CEO of SCJ, was in the audience of the Ellen show Wednesday and presented $500 Visa gift cards to every member of the audience as part of the company’s partnership with DeGeneres.

"'SC Johnson gave my audience $500 to go home for the holidays! Let SC Johnson’s family bring yours together too, making life better for the next generation in ways only a family company can, because that’s what families do,' a post on the show’s website reads.

"There is also a chance to win a $1,000 and additional $500 gift cards as well. The deadline for the $500 gift cards is November 13 at 11:59 p.m."

Credit - Racine County Eye and WISN12

Read more: http://racinecountyeye.com/sc-johnson-helping-ellen-fans-go-home-for-holidays/

Also see: http://journaltimes.com/business/local/fisk-johnson-surprises-ellen-guests-with-gift-cards/article_1d99d039-5c76-5683-87a7-37baf39b0791.html


Once again, SC Johnson demonstrates their generosity.

"SCJ donates $1.5M to Gateway boot camp program"

From The Journal Times.com:

5 hours ago  •  Journal Times staff

"RACINE — The Gateway Technical College Foundation received a $1.5 million grant from SC Johnson to underwrite the continuation of the Gateway to Careers Boot Camp program over the next three years, the college announced Friday.

"In 2012, SC Johnson made an initial investment of $1.7 million to advance the existing Boot Camp training program and fund Gateway’s expanded, state-of-the-art SCJ integrated Manufacturing and Engineering Technology Center, 2320 Renaissance Boulevard in Sturtevant.

"Gateway has relied on area companies to help identify the skills critical for entry-level positions. Using this information, Gateway has created Boot Camps that teach the skills people need to get good jobs in the community.

"Each Gateway Boot Camp offers an intensive, hands-on training environment that lasts from 14 to 20 weeks, depending on the training topic."

Read more:  http://journaltimes.com/news/local/scj-donates-m-to-gateway-boot-camp-program/article_04c3e5fb-ebe5-5b63-a3e2-4684ef12bcaf.html


Oops, your generosity is showing. Thank you, again, SC Johnson.

"SC Johnson announces major community support contributions"

From The Journal Times.com:

4 hours ago  •  PETE WICKLUND pete.wicklund@journaltimes.com 

"RACINE – Continuing its long legacy of investing in its hometown, SC Johnson on Saturday announced major contributions to aid public safety and literacy efforts in Racine and its suburbs.

"SC Johnson announced Saturday that it has committed to purchase a new bookmobile for the Racine Public Library, which is expected to cost an estimated $250,000, and will also provide its third annual $50,000 donation to support the library’s Battle of the Books, a literature contest for 4th- and 5th-grade students in Racine County.

"The company also said Saturday it has committed to support about 40 hours per week of additional officer presence for a six-year period at the Lakeside Community-Oriented Policing (COP) House in Mount Pleasant. SC Johnson will also purchase 54 new breathing apparatuses for the South Shore Fire Department, which serves Mount Pleasant and Sturtevant, including SC Johnson’s Waxdale manufacturing complex on Willow Road."

Read more: http://journaltimes.com/news/local/sc-johnson-announces-major-community-support-contributions/article_aae23fd7-34a1-55b4-9142-64a1fcdaf83b.html 


Read the rest of the article.  It's amazing how much the Johnsons give to Racine.  A quarter of a milion dollars for a new bookmobile, to start.