Former Crandon mine executive forms new company with ex-governor Associated Press MILWAUKEE (AP) - The former president of the company that wants to build an underground zinc and copper mine in northern Wisconsin is teaming with an ex-governor and former state lawmaker in a new consulting business. Dale Alberts said Wednesday that he is a partner in Innovative Business Strategies-21st Century, which will help businesses deal with government and regulatory affairs. Other owners of the Milwaukee-based company are former Gov. Tony Earl and Sheehan Donoghue, a former state legislator and administrator of the Equal Rights Division of the state Department of Workforce Development. For years, Alberts was president of Nicolet Minerals Co., which since 1994 has sought the needed permits to mine 55 million tons of zinc and copper ore just south of Crandon. Critics have long contended the project - at the headwaters of the Wolf River - was too risky because it would harm the environment. Supporters say the mining can be done safely and would create badly needed jobs in Forest County. Northern Wisconsin Resource Group, a subsidiary of Nicolet Hardwood Corp. of Laona, which is owned by the Connor family, bought Nicolet Minerals and its rights to 4,850 acres, including the mine site, from BHP Billiton of Melbourne, Australia, in April. Alberts left the mining project shortly afterward. Alberts said his new company will help businesses deal with regulatory problems, help them develop new business and "help Wisconsin manufacturers remain competitive in a difficult global environment." Earl said IBS-21 can also provide a "well-connected lobbyist" for dealing with state and federal lawmakers.