Business briefs News-Chronicle GREEN BAY Associated earnings up 13 percent Associated Banc-Corp reported Thursday it's earnings for the third quarter of 2003 were 79 cents per diluted share, a 12.9 percent increase from the same period in 2002. Net income was up $4.9 million to $58.4 million. President and CEO Paul Biedeman said the results reflected strong mortgage banking activity and growth in transaciton account deposits and home equity lines of credit. MADISON Unemployment down from August Wisconsin's unemployment rate for September was 4.9 percent, down from 5.4 percent in August. It's higher, however, than the rate of 4.6 percent in September 2002. September's rate was the lowest since October 2002. Unemployment rates usually drop at the beginning of the school year. MADISON Dairy Business Association meets Dec. 3-4 The Oneida-based Dairy Business Association will hold its fourth annual conference, with the theme "Building the Power to Change," Dec. 3-4 in Madison. The conference will address issues facing the dairy industry. Government and agriculture officials and experts will be on hand. For more information, call Michelle Phillibeck, 788-7588. MADISON Anchor Investments offers new services Anchor Investment Services, a subsidiary of AnchorBank, will offer brokerage services through Vision Investment Services of Oak Brook, Ill. The partnership positions AIS to offer the capabilities of a full-service brokerage. AIS advisors will be located at all Anchor Bank locations. The banking chain has an office in Howard.