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Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce
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Wisconsin defense industry forms advocacy

12/7/2023

 
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(Madison, WI – Milwaukee, WI) A new statewide advocacy group will focus on the unique needs of Wisconsin’s defense industry and its supply chain. The Wisconsin Defense Industry Council (WDIC) was formed in conjunction with Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce (WMC) and the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce (MMAC) to strengthen and support Wisconsin’s defense industry through collaborative advocacy, information sharing and networking.


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Welcome to Wisconsin

12/4/2023

 
Recent transplants discuss their experiences during Talent Recruitment Summit
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For Gaby Cabrera, a southern California native and assistant product manager at Milwaukee Tool, there was one standout fear in moving to southeastern Wisconsin.

“For me, one of my biggest struggles, and one of the things I was most scared of when I first moved was the winters,” she said.

Beyond your standard post-shoveling muscle aches and becoming acclimated to driving in the conditions, she confessed “winters here are not that bad.”

Cabrera joined Ayrton Bryan, a sustainability project manager for Rockwell; and Danielle Frees, an assistant designer for Jockey International, during the panel discussion “Milwaukee Ambassadors: What Transplants Say About the Cream City” during last week’s Talent Recruitment Summit, hosted by MMAC and VISIT Milwaukee.

The trio talked at length about the things they like about Milwaukee, tips they would provide employers in helping transplants transition and the challenges they endured.


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Getting them here

11/7/2023

 
Talent Recruitment Summit to provide insights in selling Milwaukee
In a competitive job market, attracting and retaining talent can be a huge challenge for area companies. Today, recruiters aren’t only selling salary and benefits, but the location as well.
 
To give recruiters and other stakeholders an edge when selling the Milwaukee region, MMAC and VISIT Milwaukee are hosting a half-day event – the Talent Recruitment Summit – from 11:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 30, at Potawatomi Casino Hotel.
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SECURING OUR FUTURE

10/23/2023

 

MMAC shares achievements, address challenges, looks to the future during 162nd All-Member Meeting


Oct. 18, 2023 (MILWAUKEE) – Nearly 1,200 regional business leaders gathered Oct. 17, for the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce’s (MMAC) 162nd All-Member Meeting. VIEW PHOTOS >

Attendees heard local business and community leaders celebrate groundbreaking progress, address persistent challenges and set a path toward securing our region’s future.
VIEW SLIDES >
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MMAC ANNOUNCES LEADERSHIP TRANSITION

10/23/2023

 

Kooyenga to replace Sheehy as president of MMAC in January 2024


Oct. 23, 2023 (MILWAUKEE) - As part of a planned transition, Dale Kooyenga will become President of the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce on Jan. 2, 2024. He has served as Senior Vice President of the organization since January.

MMAC Chair Austin Rameriz, CEO of Husco, made the announcement at the organization’s 162nd All-Member meeting.

“After a deliberate search and a year-long transition, Dale is prepared take over the reigns as president in 2024,” he said.
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Dale Kooyenga (right)

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MMAC ALL MEMBER MEETING 2023: TAKING STEPS TO SECURE OUR FUTURE

10/9/2023

 
LANDMARK LEGISLATION, PROGRESS IN WORKPLACE EQUITY, GAME-CHANGING ECONOMIC INVESTMENT HIGHLIGHT AGENDA AT 162ND EVENT

Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce (MMAC) will celebrate groundbreaking progress, acknowledge challenges that persist and set a path toward securing our region’s future at the 162nd All Members Meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 17, at the Bradley Symphony Center.
Doors will open at 4 p.m. with the program beginning at 5 p.m. A cocktail reception will follow from 6-8 p.m. To attend, register here.
 

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CCB Technology New Headquarters Ribbon Cutting and Dedication

9/26/2023

 
Mount Pleasant, WI – CCB Technology, a nationally recognized leader in business IT solutions and services, announced today that it will celebrate the opening of its new headquarters with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Local area business and community leaders, elected officials, partners, and CCB customers and supporters have been invited, with 300+ expected to attend.

CCB Technology Ribbon Cutting and Building Dedication
October 5, 2023, 3:00-5:00 PM – Ceremony begins at 3:15 PM
8411 Corporate Drive, Mount Pleasant, WI
Speakers include:
  • Karla Krahbiel, Regional President of Johnson Financial Group
  • Matt Montemurro, CEO of Racine Area Manufacturers and Commerce
  • Dave DeGroot, Mount Pleasant Village President

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Taking care of ourselves, each other

9/26/2023

 
Upcoming event places focus on mental health in the workplace
According to a 2023 survey by Spill, a digital resource connecting people to online mental health professionals, nearly half of people surveyed (48 percent) say their mental well-being deteriorated in 2022. Twenty-eight percent said they are miserable in their workplace and six in 10 employees feel emotionally detached at work.
 
The figures are stark. And considering that mental health issues cost the global economy about $1 trillion annually in working days lost due to depression and anxiety, there can be strong business case made for providing mental health resources to employees.
 
To commemorate World Mental Health Day on Tuesday, Oct. 10, MMAC will host "Investing in Our People: Prioritizing Mental Health in the Workplace."
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SCOTUS Affirmative Action Ruling

9/26/2023

 
How Does it Impact DEI Programs – Three Big Takeaways
In June, the U.S Supreme Court ruled to end affirmative action in college admissions. For many businesses with priority placed on diversity, equity and inclusion in their hiring, retention and advancement practices, the 6-3 ruling provided questions about the future of these initiatives.
 
Last week, MMAC held a panel discussion to clear up some of the uncertainties. Corry Joe Biddle, MMAC VP of Community Affairs, moderated the discussion which included experts in employment law, diverse recruitment and DEI practices.

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Shining a light on Milwaukee

9/13/2023

 

Lasry, Priebus talk about the importance RNC, DNC conventions have on the city

Two men integral in Milwaukee’s hosting of the 2020 Democratic National Convention and 2024 Republican National Convention joined on stage Tuesday to talk about the importance of Milwaukee landing both of these huge events.

“It’s about promoting Milwaukee. It’s about promoting Wisconsin,” said MKE 2024 Host Committee Chair Reince Priebus during a luncheon hosted by WisPolitics in Washington D.C.

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A night to mingle in the nation’s capitol

9/13/2023

 

33rd-annual Milwaukee Night in D.C. attended by hundreds

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Hundreds of Milwaukeeans, and Milwaukeeans at heart, descended upon Washington D.C. Tuesday night to network with legislators, promote the contributions of the region and enjoy themselves.
 
The 33rd-annual Milwaukee Night in D.C., held at Union Station in the shadows of the nation’s capitol building, was attended by about 300.
 
MMAC President Tim Sheehy provided some insight into the event’s purpose and history.

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Supplier diversity creates opportunities throughout community

8/29/2023

 
MMAC, Hispanic Collaborative, MKE Black partner to shine a light on issue
Purchasing inclusively impacts people throughout the community. Whether its day-to-day buying, or more formal supply chain programs and contracts – diversifying those purchases can be felt in all corners of the region. Besides creating economic advantages for all involved, the practice drives innovation, competition and helps attract talent.

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MMAC partners with Living as a Leader to cultivate emerging talent

8/28/2023

 
Young professionals are looking for more than their predecessors
According to Gallup, employees are four times as likely to be engaged in the workplace when they trust their leadership and 73 percent less likely to feel burned out when leadership communicates effectively.
 
Needless to say, building good leaders is essential for successful, sustainable businesses.
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Small Bank, Huge Ambitions

8/22/2023

 
Columbia S&L has served Milwaukee for a century, now it wants to transform it
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By Ryan Amundson
MMAC Sr. Director of Communications
Sitting on the corner of North 20th Street and Fond du Lac Avenue, Columbia Savings & Loan has been a constant among Milwaukee’s African American community for nearly 100 years.
 
“Many of the churches that were built back in that day, and many of the mortgages for African American families were because of this bank,” said Will Martin, Executive Vice President of the institution. “We’re ensuring low- and moderate-income families have access to buying their piece of the American dream.”
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Will Martin, Executive Vice President of Columbia Savings & Loan, recently kicked off the institution’s “100 by the 100” campaign with a goal of raising $10 million in deposits by 2024 – the bank’s centennial anniversary.

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An answer to the post-pandemic labor shortage: second chance hiring

8/8/2023

 
Second-chance, justice-involved, formerly incarcerated. Whatever term is used, they are people who just need a job. That simple truth served as the theme of a July 18 Region of Choice meeting to discuss opportunities for employers to hire individuals who have served time. As one of the panelists put it, “Remember, you’re working with people, not labels.”

The program was organized in partnership with the African American Leadership Alliance Milwaukee (AALAM) and Milwaukee Inner City Congregations Allied for Hope (MICAH).


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Milwaukee Simmering with Excitement: Top Chef to film here, throughout the state, in its 21st season

7/24/2023

 
By Clare McGinnis
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Milwaukeeans are used to great dining thanks to superb culinary talent and the wonderful establishments they work in. Soon, hundreds of thousands of weekly viewers will get a taste of what we’re lucky to have.

Bravo’s Top Chef announced its 21st season will be filmed in Milwaukee and Madison. It’s no surprise that “America’s Dairyland” qualifies as an attractive location for the renowned cooking competition. But locals know that Wisconsin is much more than its cheese.

Paul Bartolotta , chef, co-founder and owner of The Bartolotta Restaurants, believes Milwaukee will pleasantly surprise viewers who aren’t familiar with the city.


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Closing the gap: Choice and charter schools see big funding win in state budget

7/10/2023

 
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By Ryan Amundson - MMAC Sr. Director of Communications
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Milwaukee Academy of Science (MAS)
The Milwaukee Academy of Science (MAS) got its start in 2000 with the intent of closing a significant gap in minority achievement in the health sciences.
 
It’s delivered.
 
2023 marked the ninth straight year the school achieved a perfect post-secondary school acceptance rate – boasting nearly $10 million in scholarships won by its students this year.
 
The state legislature helped the school, and others like it, close another significant gap last week – one that school CEO Anthony McHenry said will allow it to think “long-term.”


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Legislation signed to provide historic shared revenue increases for local communities

6/20/2023

 
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For a number of years, MMAC has advocated for measures that will positively impact the City of Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, the region and the state. With Governor Tony Evers signature, those measures became reality today.

Communities across the state - including the City of Milwaukee and Milwaukee County - will see an increase in shared revenue to address budget shortfalls. Both local bodies will also have the chance to address public safety and pension liabilities through new sales tax revenue.


Lastly, a $1B investment in our children was made to provide schools a boost. This includes funds to close the wide gap between choice and charter schools and their public school counterparts.

We were proud to work with state and local officials - Democrat and Republican alike - to bring these measures across the finish line. Special thanks to the governor’s office, Mayor Cavalier Johnson, County Executive David Crowley, Speaker Robin Vos, Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu as well as their respective legislative bodies. Lastly we appreciate the work of bill co-authors Rep. Anthony Kurtz and Sen. Mary Felzkowski.

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For Milwaukee, today provided a potential respite from fiscal calamity. For students in Wisconsin - regardless of where they attend - it meant a more promising future. It also showed a way forward, through compromise and leadership, that good policy can be achieved.

A watershed moment for future success

6/20/2023

 
For years, MMAC has worked tirelessly for increased shared revenue, local sales tax, equitable funding for education.

While the political philosophies of those coming to the table differed, good governance resulted in decisions being made in the state’s best interests.
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TIM SHEEHY
President, MMAC
June 15, 2023 (MILWAUKEE) – Every two years, state budget negotiations take on immense importance in setting the priorities and charting a course for the state of Wisconsin.
 
Those negotiations took on an even greater importance in 2023. 
 
Issues the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce (MMAC) have spent many years and thousands of hours working on – the future of state-shared revenue, a new sales tax for the city of Milwaukee and an increase in the existing sales tax in Milwaukee County, and a closure in the funding gap between students throughout the state – were on the front burner during the biennial budget process.
 
Compromise and collaboration resulted in big wins for the state and its residents.



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Member News for the week of 6/19/23

6/19/2023

 
  • American Airlines announces MKE to Washington D.C. Nonstop
  • VISIT Milwaukee launches rebrand effort ahead of 2024 RNC
  • Inside look at progress on $456M expansion of Milwaukee's convention center: Slideshow
  • VISIT Milwaukee names new board chair
  • Froedtert Health CEO Cathy Jacobson to be honored as BizTimes Media’s Woman Executive of the Year
  • Milwaukee Habitat for Humanity to double number of homes it builds each year


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All rights reserved.

301 W Wisconsin Ave., Ste. 220 | Milwaukee, WI 53203 
Tel 414/287-4100 | Fax 414/271-7753 | info@mmac.org
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  • JOIN
  • Membership
    • The benefits of joining
    • Member Appreciation Tour
    • Member directory >
      • Member Spotlights
      • Talent Solutions Directory
    • What we do >
      • Talent >
        • Ranking Milwaukee County Schools
        • Education recommendations
        • Technology Education & Literacy in Schools (TEALS)
        • Career-based learning experiences
      • Growth
      • Livability
      • Equity
      • Peer metro comparison
    • Cost saving programs >
      • Health insurance plan
      • Office supply discount program
      • Certificates of origin
    • Events >
      • 2023 All Member Meeting
      • 2023 Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Summit
      • Replay: Take 10 series
      • Replay: Race Bridge Series
      • Talent Solution Series
      • Emerging Leaders Series
      • Member Orientation
      • Replay: The Business of MKE Series
    • For members only >
      • Fall 2022 Impact Report
      • Sponsorship
      • Advertising
    • Need more info?
  • Networks
    • Leadership Council
    • President's Huddle
    • Executive roundtable program
    • FUEL Milwaukee for young professionals
    • Future 50 Awards Program
    • Networking Forum for referrals
    • Region of Choice Initiative
    • Roundtables for high-growth companies
  • Advocacy
    • Local & State Priorities
    • 2021-2022 Legislative Scorecard >
      • Senate Votes
      • Assembly Votes
    • Funding Local Governments
    • Miller Park economic impact study
    • Wisconsin State Legislature
    • K-12 Education Recommendations
  • Economic Development
    • Attracting or expanding businesses in the MKE region >
      • Milwaukee 7 Partnership
    • Supporting local startups >
      • MKE Venture Mentoring Service
      • M7 Venture Capital Fund
      • New business planning guide
    • Milwaukee Development Corp. >
      • Rebuild & Revitalize Program
    • Milwaukee Urban Strategic Investment Corp. (MUSIC)
    • Milwaukee EB-5 Visa program
  • Metro MKE
    • 2023 Navigate Business MKE
    • State of Manufacturing
    • Business outlook survey
    • Economic trends
    • Local media listings
    • Major employers in metro Milwaukee
    • Metro Milwaukee demographics
    • Order a publication
    • Relocating a business
  • About
    • Board of directors
    • Career Opportunities at MMAC
    • Staff
    • Milwaukee Commerce magazine
    • News
    • Members of the media >
      • Recent Media Coverage
    • Scholarships for minority students