Milwaukee 7 recognizes Rocky Marcoux with Excellence in Economic Development Award

MILWAUKEE – The Milwaukee 7 Economic Development Partnership has recognized former Milwaukee Commissioner of City Development Rocky Marcoux with its second annual Excellence in Economic Development Award, M7 officials announced on Wednesday.
 
The award, which recognizes outstanding achievements that have contributed to the economic vitality of the Milwaukee Region, was presented during M7’s annual meeting. The meeting was held virtually on Wednesday morning.
 
“Rocky has been an incredibly supportive and trusted M7 partner over the years,” said M7 co-chair Gale Klappa, Executive Chairman of WEC Energy Group. “For two decades, Rocky’s imprint was seen on every major development project in Milwaukee, creating a lasting legacy for our region. We thank Rocky for his hard work and endless energy. He has made an exceptional contribution to our region’s growth and prosperity.”
 
Marcoux is the longest-serving development commissioner in the city’s history, serving for 16 years until he retired from his position last May. During his tenure, he oversaw a significant development boom in downtown Milwaukee and beyond, along with the creation of thousands of new jobs and the construction of tens of thousands of new housing units citywide.
 
“It’s an honor for me to accept this award from the Milwaukee 7, and I greatly appreciate it,” Marcoux said, in a virtual acceptance speech. “I remember back in 2005 when the Milwaukee 7 was formed, and the incredible collaboration that was needed to make it happen between the business community, government and economic development professionals. We could take that leap of faith that we could combine our assets, that we could have one marketing effort, that we could become competitive with other regions in the United States. I think since 2005, it has proven incredibly successful.”
 
Significant projects during Marcoux’s tenure include:

• The signature redevelopment of the Menomonee Valley, a national model that turned hundreds of acres of brownfields into a vibrant urban district.
• Fiserv Forum
• Northwestern Mutual’s office tower
• The transformation of the former Pabst Brewery
• The expansion of the downtown RiverWalk
• The development of Komatsu’s new headquarters in the Harbor District
• And the redevelopment of the former A.O. Smith site into the Century City business park.

 
“I would like to extend my congratulations and thanks to Rocky,” M7 Executive Director Pat O’Brien said. “We’ve all been proud to call Rocky a partner, and a friend, over the years. Now it’s time to wish him all the best in his retirement, and I’m proud to honor him with this award. While his time in office has come to an end, his exceptional contributions to our region’s economic growth and prosperity will have a lasting impact.”
 
The Racine County Economic Development Corporation won the inaugural award in 2020.
 
About the Milwaukee 7 Development Partnership
The Milwaukee 7 is the regional economic development partnership of the seven Southeastern Wisconsin counties of Kenosha, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Walworth, Washington and Waukesha, dedicated to growing, expanding and attracting business and talent.

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