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The AEM Manufacturing Express scheduled to visit Wisconsin By Allie Shane, Communications Specialist  According to a 2023 impact report published by the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM), equipment manufacturing created over 2.3 million jobs across the United States and generated $714 billion in total output and sales activity. In Wisconsin alone, the industry supported 30,520 jobs and contributed $4.7 billion of direct GDP. The bottom line is clear: Equipment manufacturing remains an invaluable industry in the United States. In its most ambitious advocacy effort to date, AEM introduced the AEM Manufacturing Express. This bus tour commenced on July 1 in Iowa, with the goal of visiting 20 states and 80 AEM member companies in the span of four short months. At each visit, manufacturers are invited to showcase their technology and share stories with attendees.
Sector has changed, but still vital to our economy By Dale Kooyenga  President, MMAC (October marks Manufacturing Month. The following appeared as a guest op-ed in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel last week.) As our Milwaukee Brewers are headed to the playoffs a baseball analogy seems appropriate. Fans know a successful pitcher needs a repertoire of weapons in his arsenal. A potent curveball or slider are nice for any pitcher to have in his back pocket. But that overpowering fastball is typically what gets the job done. The same holds true for a regional economy. A diverse make-up of business sectors defines any successful economic climate, but you need that one sector to drive the region forward. For generations here, it’s been manufacturing. Manufacturing is our fastball in Wisconsin. We have the highest concentration of these jobs in the country. We are makers and producers here.
Reagan High School celebrates building expansion By: Allie Shane, Communications Specialist  Last Friday, Ronald W. Reagan College Preparatory High School hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony, recognizing the completion of a $20 million expansion project. Community members and leaders of Milwaukee Public Schools joined Reagan students and staff to celebrate this momentous occasion.
The new academic and athletic spaces align with Reagan’s mission of encouraging student development and postsecondary preparation. The building’s added science wing is equipped with four science rooms and an aquaponics lab, supporting student exploration of STEM-related career paths. The addition of tennis courts, a gymnasium, a fitness center, an artificial turf field and a soccer field provide dedicated spaces for student athletes to train and compete.
Area manufacturers hear from Department of Defense By: Ryan Amundson, Senior Director of Communications Conflicts, and potential ones, dot the global landscape. From the West Bank to Ukraine, war with global ramifications continue. Considering the climate, a strong U.S. defense is paramount. And manufacturers play a huge role in providing the tools our country needs for success. On Thursday, a number of manufacturers from the region gathered at the Wisconsin Defense Industry Council Summit to network, share challenges and hear about resources available to them. The Council, launched in December, was created to bring more defense industry opportunities to manufacturers in the state. While Wisconsin sits No. 1 per capita when it comes to manufacturing, it ranks No. 30 in defense contract spending.
By: Allie Shane, Communications Specialist A number of exciting school expansion and construction projects are taking place across Milwaukee. A few are highlighted below. Look for more news about K-12 education in the next edition of Milwaukee Commerce. Tenor Journal Square High School Tenor Journal Square High School, operating under the nonprofit organization Seeds of Health, Inc., will begin phase two of a four-phase renovation project in January 2025.
On the stage and in the sky By: Allie Shane, Communications Specialist From playing bass guitar in a pop-punk band to flying planes across the Midwest, member engagement manager Ryan Rivas sure knows how to fill his time with fascinating hobbies.  Rivas began his musical journey in the fifth grade when his father encouraged him to learn how to play the trumpet. As high school approached, he found he was less interested in playing for the school band and more so inspired by the sounds of bands like Blink-182. “On a whim after seeing Blink-182 for the first time in 2000, I told my parents that I wanted to start taking bass lessons,” said Rivas. Today he plays bass guitar in a band named Gold Steps. The group of five musicians performs a combination of covers and original pop-punk pieces at local establishments, frequenting X-Ray Arcade in Cudahy. Gold Steps has taken the stage two years in a row at Summerfest and Summer Soulstice, both popular Milwaukee music festivals.
Airport looks to add international terminal  Business and civic leaders from around the area joined Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley on Friday to show support for the county’s recent federal grant application to build an international terminal at Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport.
“A redeveloped international concourse at Mitchell International Airport is important for the future of our regional economy. We know federal funding is critical for this economic development project to move forward,” said Crowley. “I am proud of Milwaukee County’s strong partnership with the federal government, and it’s my strong hope that we receive these funds to enhance the airport’s competitiveness, making it a more attractive option for airlines, businesses and travelers, thereby supporting the region’s and state’s economic vitality.” By: Hailey Pitcher, MMAC Communications Intern
Today, Leo and Maria own Anytime Arepa in Milwaukee, a food vendor selling Venezuelan arepas and empanadas using family recipes, all gluten free. They can be found in the 3rd Street Market Hall or at Zócalo Food Park. In addition, the business does catering and online ordering.
Cruz attended a Milwaukee Public School prior to beginning high school at Cristo Rey. Without Cristo Rey, Cruz thinks she would be a different person.
Cristo Rey Jesuit High School is a rigorous, Catholic school dedicated to preparing students with limited financial means for life in college and beyond. Each student is connected with a work-study program through local employers, where students gain experience working in a professional setting five days a month in addition to studying in the classroom. The school hopes that students will use their faith and talents for justice and good in society. “I loved my Jesuit education, hence why I am attending a Jesuit college,” Cruz said. By: Hailey Pitcher, MMAC Communications Intern
Milwaukee ranked as one of the best cities for college students and graduates By: Allie Shane, Communications Specialist  College and the years that follow is an exciting yet stressful period for young adults. Not only do students face the decision of picking a school that is affordable and offers their desired programs, but they must also consider the location of the school and the opportunities that the location provides during instruction and following graduation.
Milwaukee’s business community is fueled in large part by the talent of students and graduates of nearby schools. This makes the city an attractive option for prospective students and young professionals. In fact, Forbes ranked Milwaukee fifth on a list of the best cities for college students and graduates in 2024. This ranking is based on a variety of factors including the cost of housing, transportation and food, as well as the quality and proximity of educational institutions. By: Hailey Pitcher, MMAC Communications Intern
 The MMAC Town Hall series presents MMAC members and newsmakers with the opportunity to engage in meaningful conversation. This month we would like to spotlight Congresswoman Gwen Moore. MMAC will provide future participants with the opportunity to take part in similar Q&As. MMAC is a nonpartisan, nonpolitical organization. The following has been edited for length. Q: In April, President Joe Biden announced Milwaukee will be one of the newest Investing in America Workforce Hubs, expanding access to jobs in the area through federal funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure bill. How do you see this hub transforming the Milwaukee economy? When can we expect to see training begin for workers in this area? A: All investments made in federal legislation enacted over the past four years, including the Bipartisan Infrastructure law and the Inflation Reduction Act, are critical to Milwaukee’s success. A long-time priority of mine has been ensuring that our area is ready and able to take advantage of those investments – including clean energy investments, construction and infrastructure. But perhaps most pressing is our need to address the clear danger presented by lead pipes. I want every child – no matter their zip code – to grow up in a healthy, safe environment. Both the Bipartisan Infrastructure law and Inflation Reduction Act include dedicated funding for lead pipe removal and provisions to help impacted communities benefit not only from lead pipe removal, but from the jobs created.
By: Hailey Pitcher, MMAC Communications Intern
Last week The Bartolotta Restaurants opened The Commodore in the heart of Lake Country. Developed on a historic 122-year-old property, this restaurant and event destination overlooks Nagawicka Lake. Guests can enjoy fine dining and hospitality while soaking up the wonderful lake views. “We are excited to unveil this two-year project and bring this iconic property back to life,” said Bartolotta Restaurants owner and co-founder Chef Paul Bartolotta.
By: Allie Shane, Communications Specialist Wisconsin-based DesignsTouch, a full-service creative digital and IT solutions provider, was recently named by UpCity as a 2024 National Excellence Award winner.  “Receiving the UpCity 2024 National Excellence Award is a tremendous honor for our team. It validates our hard work and dedication to ensuring our clients receive the best possible service. This award highlights our commitment to excellence and motivates us to continue pushing the boundaries in digital innovation,” said DesignsTouch CEO Nim Joshi.
Remembering track athlete, George Coleman Poage By: Allie Shane, Communications Specialist  With the 2024 Paris Olympic Games underway, individuals from around the globe are tuning in to watch the world’s most talented athletes compete for a chance at taking home a medal. From breaking records to fighting for equal representation, the Olympic Games have a long and complex history. 1904 was a monumental year for the franchise. Not only was this the first Olympic Games hosted by the United States, but it was the year Wisconsin resident George Coleman Poage became the first African American to receive an Olympic medal. Poage did not immediately receive the recognition that he deserved. In fact, it was not until around 30 years after Poage passed away that his achievements were properly recognized. MMAC sponsored Poage’s induction into the Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame in 1998. The city of Lacrosse has also dedicated a sculpture and local park in celebration of Poage’s achievements.
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