AN INTRIGUING FISH STORY. With workforce development.

In Milwaukee's Riverwest neighborhood, Kim Wall is raising the profile of Ma Baensch herring, while providing meaningful work to one of the toughest segments of the labor force - ex-offenders.

There's a bit of tough love involved.

"I've had to get in the face of some of these guys and let them know that I'm not a pushover," she said.

Most often, Wall gets respect from her employees. That's because men like Johnny Nash are grateful to have work after serving time in jail. Nash, 32, who has been employed at Baensch for nearly two years, served 12 years in prison for reckless use of a weapon.

"I feel like this was just the blessing in disguise that I needed," said Nash who has two children and six stepchildren. "You've got something to look forward to every day that takes your mind away from the things that put you in those negative situations in the first place."

And some intriguing marketing.

For generations, Ma Baensch herring was a mainstay for holidays and deer hunting season. But under Wall, the product has broken out of those familiar niches, thanks to aggressive marketing.

Wall promotes herring as a food that can be eaten anytime. And she has worked hard to lure young, urban consumers - particularly those with a taste for sushi.

Must consider this. I'm partial to the wine and vinegar version of marinated herring, although I miss the Smith Brothers' Appe'Tang line.