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Work needed to avoid local 'barbell economy'

7/27/2018

 
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by MMAC President Tim Sheehy
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As employers we want a region that is globally competitive, producing high-value jobs that sustain a vibrant quality of life for all. So, the dangers of a barbell economy are real. An economy weighted on one end with growing prosperity and on the other with growing disparity, is not one that will sustain its health or vibrancy.

The demand for talent is clear and present. The danger is the region’s working age population will grow at less than 1% over the next 20 years. Metro Milwaukee is experiencing unprecedented employment. Sixty-one percent of employers are projected to increase hiring according to our second quarter survey, and wage gains are at a 17-year high. On the flip side, 29% of the city’s residents (169,000) are living on incomes below $25,000.

Unweighting the barbell-decreasing the number of city residents on the sidelines of the economy-is complex, or the results would be different. Low graduation rates, lack of job skills, poverty, trauma, housing, transportation and crime are all factors. However, none of these are excuses for not doing more, while building on current efforts that show promise.

"Our collective challenge, and our collective solution is captured in one statistic, nearly 17,000, 16-24-year old’s in Milwaukee County are not employed and not in school"
The City has made a significant investment in preparing Century City for development. As it sits today, the property is a unique urban asset, with a 50,000 sq. foot spec building and 45 acres available for development. All near a potential workforce. Which employers and which job seekers could find this a win/win? How can the market respond to place job opportunities closer to the neighboring residents? We are all in on the Mayor’s call for the business community to be part of the solution but singling out an individual company is counterproductive.   

We are at work with the Mayor and his team to better address the issues that leave a workforce untapped, while employers face a tight labor market. Our collective challenge, and our collective solution is captured in one statistic, nearly 17,000, 16-24-year old’s in Milwaukee County are not employed and not in school. These “opportunity youth” need to be connected to school and/or work. Proximity to work and transportation to work both have a role closing the labor gap.  

The city is part of the connective tissue of the regional and state economy. Of the $16B in personal income earned each year by residents who live in one county but work in another, $11B is exported from jobs held in Milwaukee County. We agree with the Mayor that it will take a collective and regional shoulder to produce sustainable solutions. No one benefits from the disparity that is evident in metro Milwaukee.
Tom Schlaefer
7/27/2018 01:35:22 pm

Tim Sheehy-

I run a brass foundry & machine shop in a challenged neighborhood on MKE's near north side. Our company, Chicago Faucets, is at 6060 West Douglas Ave. We've been in business 1 year longer than Harley Davidson (1901). Our need for skilled employees is great, but I don't think the policies of MMAC are doing anything to help the situation. I'd be happy to discuss with you if you're interested in hearing more.

Tom Schlaefer
General Manager
Chicago Faucets

Carrie Gossett
8/2/2018 03:03:31 pm

Thanks for reaching out, Tom. Our staff will contact you to hear more.

John Kalupa link
7/28/2018 12:21:04 pm

Tim,
Great article! We are also on the northwest side of Milwaukee and see the issues you describe daily. We would like to be part of the solution. Please let us know how we can help !

Thank You

John and Kathy Kalupa
Ruby Isle Auto
11137 W. Silver Spring Dr.
Milwaukee Wisconsin 53225
414-438-1900

MMAC Website Administrator
8/2/2018 03:04:24 pm

Thank you for contacting us. Our staff will be reaching out to you ASAP.


Comments are closed.


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  • JOIN
  • Membership
    • The benefits of joining
    • 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
    • Events >
      • 2021 All Member Meeting
      • Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Summit
      • Talent Solution Series
      • Emerging Leaders Series
      • Global Business Insights Series
      • Member Orientation
      • Replay: The Business of MKE Series
      • Replay: Race Bridge 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
    • World Trade Association
  • Advocacy
    • 2021-2022 Legislative Scorecard >
      • Senate Votes
      • Assembly Votes
    • Recent Legislative Wins
    • Funding Local Governments
    • Miller Park economic impact study
    • Wisconsin State Legislature
    • K-12 Education Recommendations
  • Economic Development
    • Milwaukee 7 Partnership for Economic Development
    • MKE Venture Mentoring Service
    • Milwaukee Development Corp. >
      • Rebuild & Revitalize Program
    • Milwaukee Urban Strategic Investment Corp. (MUSIC)
    • Milwaukee EB-5 Visa program
    • Starting a business >
      • BizStarts
      • New business planning guide
  • Metro MKE
    • 2023 Navigate Business MKE
    • 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
    • Press releases
    • Members of the media >
      • Recent Media Coverage
    • Scholarships for minority students