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Mindful Measures to launch an innovative workforce management platform By: Allie Shane, Communications Specialist  For most entrepreneurs, their business is a result of intentional planning. For Reginald Reed Jr., the creation of Mindful Measures Inc. happened by accident. In fact, he attributes the business to his relentless need to problem-solve and an unexpected quote in a published article, where his “don’t quote me on that” remark about creating new software was indeed quoted.
Mindful Measures, a Milwaukee-based technology company will transform how organizations worldwide manage and measure their workforce. Thanks to the company’s Real-Time Employee Intelligence Gathering Network (REIGN™) platform set to launch this spring, organizations can eliminate workplace bias and help individuals reach their full potential.  MKE Tech Hub Coalition Launches Synapse to Drive AI Innovation in Milwaukee Manufacturing
Submitted by MKE Tech Hub Coalition The MKE Tech Hub Coalition announced this week the launch of Synapse, an initiative designed to help mid-market manufacturers evaluate and implement artificial intelligence solutions. The program is intended to provide structured support to small and medium-sized manufacturers who risk falling behind in the rapid evolution toward Industry 5.0.  Andrew Davis, MMAC VP of Governmental Affairs Dear reader,
Starting today, we will be providing you this newsletter – “The Advocate” - to keep you up to speed on MMAC’s legislative priorities as well as everything else going on in city hall, at the county courthouse, in the halls of the state capitol and in Washington D.C. We hope it serves as both informative and engaging. If you would like to learn more about our advocacy efforts, please visit our website. Now … on to the news. Reflections from a Medical College of Wisconsin executive By: Allie Shane, Communications Specialist  Adrienne Mitchell, MBA Need a crash course on crisis management? Look no further than the healthcare sector’s response to the COVID-19 outbreak.
National data from the U.S. Department of Health Services indicate that by the end of 2020, the cumulative number of COVID-related hospitalizations reached 16,809,539. By the end of 2021, this number had more than doubled to 38,853,525. The pandemic undeniably forced healthcare institutions to pivot. The Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) lies at the intersection of higher education and healthcare. During the pandemic, strong leaders ensured the well-being of students, physicians, patients and the surrounding community. MCW Senior Vice President and Chief People Officer Adrienne Mitchell, MBA, was one such leader.  The Water Council, a global leader in water stewardship and technology innovation, will join the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce (MMAC) as an affiliate organization.
The action was approved by each organization’s board of directors Monday, March 10.  Beaulieu: Economy to improve this year, country to face headwinds in the 2030s
The U.S. economy was set to provide some clarity in 2025, according to Consulting Principal and Chief Economist at ITR Economics Brian Beaulieu. “Voila, we end up with tariffs, all sorts of machinations that make life anything but easy right now,” he said. Despite the murky economic atmosphere of today, Beulieu – in town to speak to a group of area business leaders Wednesday – said the second half of 2025 is shaping up positively.  Dignitaries break ground on a new cargo facility at Milwaukee's Mitchell International Airport last week. Airport breaks ground on cargo facility
A huge public-private project broke ground last week as Milwaukee’s Mitchell International Airport is partnering with Dallas-based Crow Holdings to build a state-of-the-art cargo facility on a large portion of the former 440th Airlift Wing just south of the airport. “We all know that Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport is one of the largest drivers of economic activity in Wisconsin and this investment will lead to the creation of hundreds of jobs and have a major economic impact on our community,” said Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley. Bernie’s Book Bank increases book ownership in Milwaukee By: Allie Shane, Communications Specialist  Each March, schools and educational organizations nationwide celebrate Read Across America Day. Launched in 1998 by the National Education Association (NEA), this holiday serves as a reminder of the power of book ownership and the positive benefits of reading.
Yet in many metropolitan areas, access to age-appropriate, high-quality and culturally relevant books is severely lacking. Research indicates that 61 percent of low-income families have no books in their homes for their children. Bernie’s Book Bank, a nonprofit organization with roots in the Chicagoland area, is breaking down barriers to literacy through an efficient, sustainable and scalable metropolitan-based book bank model. The organization’s recent expansion into Milwaukee has transformed book ownership in our community and will continue to do so for years to come.  Economist, consultant and author Brian Beaulieu provides insight during a 2024 MMAC event. Q&A with economist Brian Beaulieu
Brian Beaulieu, Consulting Principal and Chief Economist at ITR Economics - has provided his expert insight to hundreds of thousands of business owners and executives over the past 40 years – helping them navigate the economy’s often choppy waters. Once again, he will provide his thoughts on the current state of the economy and what to expect moving forward in 2025 during MMAC’s Align Resources for the Rise Ahead with Brian Beaulieu event on March 5. Before his visit, Beaulieu was gracious to take part in a brief Q&A. STRYV365 builds resilience in youth By: Allie Shane, Communications Specialist  What emotions and memories do you associate with 2020? For many, it is likely feelings of isolation and anxiety. Adults transitioned from in-person meetings at the office to video chats from the kitchen table. Kids moved to online learning. Social interaction quickly became social distancing.
As we approach the pandemic’s five-year anniversary, it is safe to say it brought many challenges. However, for Dr. Brandon Currie, it presented an opportunity. In 2020 he launched STRYV365 Inc. The Opportunity Center to help bridge accessibility gaps and foster community health By: Allie Shane, Communications Specialist  How do you measure the health of a community? There is no simple answer. The World Health Organization defines “health” as a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. This means considering an overwhelming number of factors: zip code, income, race, age, employment, education…and that’s just scratching the surface. In Milwaukee, we are witnessing a health crisis. Just look at the data.
So how do we begin to break down these barriers to collective wellness? The creation of The Opportunity Center, the nation’s first 100 percent accessible community center, is a step in the right direction. MMAC employee spotlight: Marjorie Yoshida By: Allie Shane, Communications Specialist  If there is one person who knows the inner workings of MMAC, it is Marjorie Yoshida. In 2008, Yoshida started out as an administrator for Milwaukee Development Corporation (MDC) and M7 – both subsidiaries of MMAC. Over 17 years, she has taken every opportunity to get more involved.
Today, Yoshida continues to execute administrative tasks for MDC while also serving as MMAC’s Networking Forum manager. In this role, she is responsible for the coordination of eight sales and marketing networking groups. The Networking Forum began in late 2022 and has grown to 100 participants with more waiting to join. Thanks to Yoshida’s leadership, the program is expected to continue its growth trajectory.  By Dale Kooyenga
MMAC President “How are the schools?” It’s one of the first questions people ask when looking for a place to move or do business. Many in southeastern Wisconsin would answer the question positively – and they’re correct. There are plenty of terrific schools in our region – public, private and charter – where students are building a strong foundation through well-rounded learning. Too many, however, are being left behind – especially our students in the city of Milwaukee. And after a fresh batch of test scores in reading and math were released last week, the disparities persist at a level that should shake us to our cores.  DPI Superintendent candidate Brittany Kinser speaks to the MMAC Education Committee on Thursday. As newly implemented K-12 student testing standards come under fire, the largest achievement gaps between white and black students in the country exist here and the state’s largest school district experiences fiscal and leadership challenges, the next Department of Public Instruction (DPI) superintendent will take on many weighty issues.
Two of the three candidates for the position – Brittany Kinser and Jeff Wright – shared their experiences and priorities with MMAC Education Committee members during a meeting Thursday. Current DPI Superintendent Jill Underly did not accept an invitation to discuss education issues with the committee. “Putting your name on the ballot is a hard, vulnerable thing to do,” said MMAC President Dale Kooyenga. “We value these candidates and their willingness to serve the students of the state of Wisconsin.” Local professionals speak from experience By: Allie Shane, Communications Specialist  A recurring topic of conversation among local employers is how to attract and retain talent. The good news: Milwaukee ranked fifth on Forbes' recent list of the best U.S. cities for college students and graduates. This ranking was based on many factors including the cost of transportation, housing and food, as well as the quality and proximity to educational institutions.
Forbes detailed Milwaukee’s strengths with the following data points:
Even more compelling than the data are the reflections of young professionals who attended college in Milwaukee and continue to call the area home.  A coalition of area business and civic leaders is forming to fight a recent air quality classification change leveled by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) negatively impacting large portions of southeastern Wisconsin – areas encompassing all of Milwaukee and Ozaukee counties as well as portions of Washington, Waukesha, Racine, Sheboygan and Kenosha counties.
The EPA recently changed the area’s ozone nonattainment classification from moderate to serious, forcing businesses to implement costly and burdensome changes to comply with these onerous new requirements. This is despite most pollutants causing a spike in ozone levels originating in Illinois and Indiana. LUMIN Schools’ Opportunity Academy By: Allie Shane, Communications Specialist  In the face of adversity, it is important to find ways to persevere. Or as the saying goes, “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.”
Middle school students at Lutheran Urban Mission Initiative (LUMIN) Schools are following this proverbial phrase literally and figuratively as they participate in a recently launched career exploration program called the Opportunity Academy. Founded in 2002 as a nonprofit organization, LUMIN Schools serve 1,400 students across seven K4-eighth grade campuses in southeastern Wisconsin. The organization is committed to its mission of empowering and equipping children for brilliant futures through a Lutheran-centered education.  The State of Wisconsin and the City of Kenosha announce the sale of approximately 240 acres of land northwest of Interstate 94 and Highway 142 to Microsoft. The site enhances the state and region’s capacity to support innovation and growth in the digital economy and continues Microsoft’s investment in the area.
MCTS asking riders to weigh in on service changes  What better way to make decisions on the service needs of your clients than by asking them?
That’s exactly what the Milwaukee County Transit Service (MCTS) is in the process of doing with their MOVE 2025 initiative. Between now and Feb. 10, MCTS is holding community meetings throughout Milwaukee County and distributing a survey to determine which route options work best when changes are made this fall. Businesses set goals for the year ahead By: Allie Shane, Communications Specialist  A new year brings a refreshed sense of optimism for business leaders around the nation. It is a time to set goals and scope out opportunities for growth. In fact, 75 percent of middle-market executives expressed optimism about their own companies in a 2025 Business Leaders Outlook Survey conducted by J.P. Morgan. This positive sentiment was paired with several growth strategies for the next 12 months:
This national data aligns with many of the goals shared by local leaders.
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