MILWAUKEE COMMERCE Summer 2019 - Volume 98, No. 2 From the President
Your support makes Milwaukee Region's big moments possible
Perspectives from:
Joe Solmonese - 2020 Democratic Convention Omar Shaikh - VISIT Milwaukee
on the big stage PA G E
10 PA G E
18 PA G E
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First year of Fiserv Forum: A new gathering place for Milwaukee Rail improvements could spark intermodal shipping boom at Port Milwaukee 2019 Future 50 Award Winners
Legal Counsel at the Speed of Innovation
™
At Reinhart, we’ve been advising business leaders, entrepreneurs and innovators throughout our region since 1894, never wavering in our commitment to achieve client success through insightful counsel coupled with agile, efficient service.
reinhartlaw.com · 414.298.1000 MILWAUKEE · MADISON · WAUKESHA · CHICAGO · ROCKFORD · MINNEAPOLIS · DENVER · PHOENIX
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Milwaukee Commerce, SUMMER 2019
Milwaukee on the Big Stage Earlier this year, the Milwaukee Bucks' NBA playoff run drew huge, diverse and enthusiastic crowds to the Deer District outside Fiserv Forum. The new arena brought a new level of energy to downtown, and showed a national TV audience a side of Milwaukee that might have caught them by surprise. And we're just getting started. Next year brings us international platforms to show off our region, from the Democratic National Convention to the Ryder Cup. Those Bucks will be back, too. In this issue, we focus on making the most of all the opportunities we'll have in 2020.
07 | Your support makes Milwaukee Region’s big moments possible Tim Sheehy, MMAC
08 | Welcome to the big stage, Milwaukee Region Chris Jenkins, MMAC
10 | First year of Fiserv Forum: A new gathering place for Milwaukee Chris Jenkins, MMAC
14 | DNC 2020: A chance to share our stories with the world watching Joe Solmonese, 2020 Democratic National Convention
16 | We’re up next. What will we do with it? Omar Shaikh, VISIT Milwaukee
18 | Rail improvements could spark intermodal shipping boom at Port Milwaukee Chris Jenkins, MMAC
22 | Celebrating the Milwaukee Region’s fastest-growing firms: MMAC | COSBE's 2019 Future 50
Over the past 125 years that Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren has partnered with businesses in our region to achieve success on the international stage, one thing has remained constant: the need for companies driving this growth to have a legal partner that understands the increasingly complex issues they encounter when competing globally. That is why our experienced attorneys serve as strategic advisers to clients across southeastern Wisconsin and worldwide, working with them to navigate regulation, protect assets, expand capabilities and accelerate growth. We do this by taking a comprehensive approach to the wide range of complex issues they face while never losing sight of their overall business objectives. With a proven record of helping companies succeed in rapidly evolving business environments, we provide a combination of legal advice, business acumen and superior service perfectly matched to each client’s unique situation—it’s an approach that delivers Legal Counsel at the Speed of Innovation.
23 | 2019 Future 50 Award Winners 25 | M7 Forum tackles the challenges of disruptive change 27 | Evers, Barrett headline Wisconsin International Trade Conference
In Every Issue 05 | 29 | 40 | 43 |
Member milestones MMAC program & event photos New MMAC members Staff directory
Volume 98, No. 2 - Milwaukee Commerce (USPS 546-370, ISN 0746-6706) is published four times a year by the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce (MMAC), 756 N. Milwaukee St., Suite 400, Milwaukee, WI 53202-3767 Periodicals postage paid at Milwaukee, WI. Subscriptions $5 per year for members, included in dues. POSTMASTER send address changes to: Milwaukee Commerce - MMAC/Andrea Medved - 756 N. Milwaukee St., Ste. 400, Milwaukee, WI 53202-3767 Todd Teske, MMAC Chairman • Tim Sheehy, MMAC President Chris Jenkins, Editor (cjenkins@mmac.org) Carrie Gossett, Creative Director (cgossett@mmac.org) Anna Reaves, Communications Design Specialist (areaves@mmac.org) Jim Wall, Advertising (jwall@mmac.org)
Jerry Janzer CEO
reinhartlaw.com 414.298.1000
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YOUR SUCCESS IS HOW WE MEASURE OUR SUCCESS. At Associated Bank, our experts are known for their personal approach to your business objectives. Experience the better side of banking™ Marc Pressler SVP, Commercial Banking Segment Leader Milwaukee and Madison 414-283-2277 Marc.Pressler@AssociatedBank.com
Loan products are offered by Associated Bank, N.A. Loan products are subject to credit approval and involve interest and other costs. Please ask about details on fees and terms and conditions of these products. Property insurance and flood insurance, if applicable, will be required on collateral. Member FDIC. (5/19) 14179
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Milwaukee Commerce, SUMMER 2019
Member Milestones
Congratulations to companies celebrating MMAC membership anniversaries February, March & April 2019
110 YEARS
10 YEARS
MillerCoors
Beer Capitol Distributing Co. Core Vision IT Solutions Cousins Subs Miron Construction Co. SURG Restaurant Group Top Floor
90 YEARS Ambassador Hotel Milwaukee Welke’s Milwaukee Florist
75 YEARS Uihlein Electric Company
5 YEARS
Aon Risk Services Central Right Management Tishman Speyer
Artisan Partners Capital Investment Services of America City of Greenfield Digicorp GoGeddit Hawks Landscape Lamplight - Home of the Tiki Brand Sanborn Tube Sales of Wisconsin Uber Technologies Vanguard Cleaning Systems of SE WI Wisconsin Center
30 YEARS
1 YEAR
Employ Milwaukee Four Keys Growing Systems of Wisconsin
Advanced Communication Specialists Alliant Energy Ansay & Associates Axley Attorneys Brady Corporation Carlson & Erickson Builders Carlson Dash Cleary Gull David Insurance DISTek Integration Grant & Cohodes dba Grant & Cohodes Insurance Services Granular Heintz Media Group Honeywell Safety & Productivity Solutions HUB International J Carpenter Environmental Kane Communications Group Lake Country Manufacturing Life Storage - Glendale Life Storage - Milwaukee Mid-States Concrete Industries Mike Bafus State Farm Milwaukee Composites O’Reilly Motor Cars Pediatric Home Service Plum Media Reed Street Insurance Triple Win Strategies ULT Limited Liability Company WurkHub Digital Marketing | Markets
60 YEARS Shorewest Realtors
45 YEARS Milwaukee Area Technical College
35 YEARS
25 YEARS International Monetary Systems Lamers Bus Lines Marcus Center for the Performing Arts
20 YEARS Hurt Electric JP Cullen Milwaukee World Festival Payne & Dolan Prism Technical Mgt & Marketing Services Steele Solutions Wolf’s Cleaners
15 YEARS Addison-Clifton Caspian Digital Off Solutions-Xerox Sales Agency Exciting Events Fiduciary Management Hentzen Coatings HUSCO International JLL Muzic in Motion Office Depot Office Max Plunkett Raysich Architects Reliable Water Services Wisdom InfoTech Wolf Paving Co.
EXPERIENCE THE BETTER SIDE OF BANKING ™
As the largest bank headquartered in Wisconsin, Associated Bank has a longstanding commitment to strengthening our communities. From personalized service and customized financial solutions to corporate giving and employee volunteerism. We seek to make life better for all members of the communities in which we serve. What sets us apart? We focus on you, understanding your unique challenges and providing tailored solutions that meet your needs and help you reach your goals. We’re large enough to handle the most complex of business needs, yet still local and aware of what our clients and communities need to succeed. To experience the better side of banking, visit us at AssociatedBank.com or call 414-283-2277.
Marc Pressler
Commercial Banking Segment Leader 414-283-2277 Marc.Pressler@AssociatedBank.com 330 East Kilbourn Avenue Milwaukee, WI 53202
Deposit and loan products are offered by Associated Bank, N.A. Loan products are subject to credit approval and involve interest and other costs. Please ask about details on fees and terms and conditions of these products. Property insurance and flood insurance, if applicable, will be required on collateral. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender. (8/17) 12586
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Reach a unique audience of business & community leaders
Sponsor MMAC’s 158th ALl Member Meeting Thursday, September 26, 2019 Fiserv Forum | 4:30 PM - 8PM
Audience 2017 Presenting Sponsor Wes Saber of HARIBO addressed the audience of 1,200 during the event.
Held every two years, the MMAC All Member Meeting is the chamber’s highest-profile event. This meeting provides key insights into the top issues facing the Milwaukee Region and specific goals, timetables and commitments for improving the economy.
Presenting Sponsors Investment: $20,000
Companies sponsoring at this highest level will have prominent placement on all marketing and event-related materials, as well as speaking time at the event. • Opportunity to address the attendees during the program • Printed invitation, event signage & event program • Email marketing campaign • Full-page color ad in MMAC Membership magazine • 10 event tickets • Opportunity to distribute promotional items • Preferred seating at event
Chairman’s Circle Sponsors Investment: $7,500
Companies sponsoring at this level will have placement on all marketing and event-related materials. • Printed invitation, event signage and event program • Email marketing campaign • Recognition in the MMAC membership magazine following the event • 10 event tickets • MC recognition • Preferred seating
• MMAC Membership – nearly 1,800 businesses with nearly 300,000 employees in fourcounty Metro Milwaukee • Event attendees – in 2017, 1,200+ attendees, including CEOs, community leaders and elected officials
Business Champion Package Investment: $1,000 • Company listed in print invitation & event program • 10 event tickets • Preferred seating
Interested? Contact Karen Powell - kpowell@mmac.org or 414/287-4166 6 |
Milwaukee Commerce, SUMMER 2019
From the President
Your support makes Milwaukee Region’s big moments possible
O
ne of my favorite admonitions comes from a pledge that Milwaukee College Prep students recite every day before class: "We are always in the land of the doing, never in the land of the done."
With another Summerfest to remember, we are again reminded that metro Milwaukee will be the stage for several big acts to follow. Hosting the DNC and the Ryder Cup are two acts that will draw an international spotlight on the region. While we have a lot to shine about here in the coming years, it is also a reminder of all the work that goes on behind the scenes. Your investment in MMAC helps to support that behind the scenes work to keep this region a great place to invest capital and create jobs, helping us stay ahead of the pace in a race that never ends.
WE are always in the land of doing, never in the land of done. // Milwaukee College Prep
Here are three examples of the many ways MMAC and our teammates at the Milwaukee 7 Economic Development Partnership are engaged to help your business and the region thrive:
Advocacy:
The recently concluded legislative approval of an $82 billion state budget sets the tone for our business climate. MMAC’s governmental affairs team leaned in to deter almost $1 billion in new business taxes. Our lobbying is also about driving investments in Wisconsin’s future, which is why we supported $500 million in new K-12 funding, much of which will support schools in the city serving low-income students — a pipeline of talent for our future. And we advocated for continued funding for major Southeastern Wisconsin road and rail projects.
Livability:
What a run through the playoffs for the Bucks, but what a strong payoff for Milwaukee. MMAC was part of a challenging, and ultimately successful, effort that kept the Bucks – and the significant taxes they pay – here. As you’ll read later in this issue, Fiserv became so much more than a basketball arena. It has become a new gathering place for the people of Milwaukee.
Economic Development:
No better example than the runaway success of one of our home-grown legacy companies, Milwaukee Tool. In collaboration with state and local officials, M7 assisted Milwaukee Tool in several rounds of expansion in Brookfield to support its industryleading approach to innovation. As a recent M7 case study notes, Milwaukee Tool spends more than $52 million a year with vendors in our seven-county region and has created 6,616 direct, indirect and induced jobs.
And on a final note, please plan to join us for our 158th All Member Meeting at the Fiserv Forum on Sept. 26. Join more than 1,200 business and community leaders as we set a course for the coming years and work to make Milwaukee a region of choice for diverse, talented workers and capitalize on the remarkable opportunities that are headed our way. Thank you again for your investment in MMAC, we are never in the land of the done! p
Tim Sheehy MMAC President
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Welcome to the big stage, Milwaukee Region. Now how CAN WE MAKE THE MOST OF IT?
W
e suppose it was nice to be considered the Midwest’s “best-kept secret” or a “hidden gem” for a while. If it hasn’t happened already, those days are rapidly coming to an end.
Get ready to be discovered, Milwaukee.
In July 2020, the Milwaukee Region will host 50,000 attendees, 15,000 journalists and a national TV audience for the Democratic National Convention. A few months later, the Ryder Cup will
draw people from around the world to Whistling Straits – and hotels and restaurants here. Our businesses will continue to expand, with Komatsu transforming the Harbor District, Milwaukee Tool continuing its rocketship trajectory in Brookfield, HARIBO and Foxconn leading the I-94 corridor boom and so many more. When we take a brief break from all that work, we’ll still have our usual slate of Summerfest, festivals and other big events. And don’t forget about our pair of league MVPs, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Christian Yelich, hopefully leading the Bucks and Brewers into title contention.
IT'S A MOMENT FOR MILWAUKEE TO PUT ITSELF ON THE MAP IN A WAY THAT IT JUST HASN'T. // ALEX LASRY - Senior VP, Milwaukee Bucks
DNC CONVENTION // 88 ||
Milwaukee Milwaukee Commerce, Commerce,SUMMER SUMMER2019 2019
• Estimated economic impact: $200 million • 50,000 attendees
“It’s a moment for Milwaukee to put itself on the map in a way that it just hasn’t,” said Bucks senior vice president Alex Lasry, who played a leading role in Milwaukee’s DNC bid. Wisconsin Tourism Secretarydesignee Sara Meaney noted that landing the DNC isn’t a turning point that will lead Milwaukee into a renaissance. It’s a reflection that the renaissance already is underway. “It’s an opportunity for the spotlight to shine on what’s already really great and happening in Milwaukee,” Meaney said. “I think it’s important that we don’t suddenly say we’ve ‘arrived.’ Milwaukee has been arriving for quite a while now. And this is proof positive.” Meaney sees a close connection between tourism and talent attraction, and 2020 will give Milwaukee and Wisconsin the opportunity to amplify both. What people look for in a vacation in the short term – whether it’s playing a golf course that hosted the Ryder Cup or a vibrant arts scene – is also what they look for in a place to live, work and play in the long term. “It’s about reputation building, and about relationship building with a visitor over time,” Meaney said. “So that’s how we’re looking at the DNC and Ryder Cup – a much
longer-term opportunity than simply the start date and end date of the events themselves.” Beyond the estimated economic impact of $200 million for the DNC, the long-term impact of 2020 could be even greater – if we can come together and capitalize on it. “We’ll know if it was a success if three, four, five years down the road, we’re seeing significant growth,” Lasry said. “Not only from population, but business travelers, startups, investment coming into the city.” To capitalize on the opportunity, Lasry emphasized the importance of expanding the convention center. On a deeper level, he wants to see all of us get better at two things we’ve struggled with at times: Bragging a little bit about all the great things we have going on, while also taking a head-on approach to challenges such as segregation and economic disparities. “Show that Milwaukee is a welcoming city to not only different types of people, but also all businesses,” Lasry said. “You want to show it as an exciting, up-andcoming city that you want to be a part of. I think in 3 to 5 years, you’re going to really see dramatic changes in Milwaukee because of all of the people and corporations and interests that are going to want to be a part of what’s going on here.”
HOW CAN YOUR COMPANY TAKE ADVANTAGE OF DNC OPPORTUNITIES? For businesses that would like to play a role in the Democratic National Convention, the Milwaukee 2020 host committee has established a registration portal: https://milwaukee2020.myconnxion.com Lasry said the committee is hiring a head of supplier diversity and engagement. For now, he encourages interested businesses to attend upcoming supplier diversity sessions and networking events – and, above all, be ready to make a competitive bid. “When we say being local is a leg up, we still have to go out and compete,” Lasry said. “My hope to all the local companies is, we want you to be a part of this. We want this to be a made in Milwaukee convention. Make sure that you’re ready, and you’re prepared.”
Ryder Cup // Held every two years, this golf competition at Whistling Straits has an estimated economic impact of $135 million for the Milwaukee Region.
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FIRST YEAR OF FISERV FORUM:
A NEW GATHERING PLACE FOR MILWAUKEE // By Chris Jenkins
Director of Communications, MMAC
E
rnie Johnson is originally from Milwaukee, but the host of TNT’s “Inside the NBA” show swears he’s not being a homer when asked to describe the atmosphere he and his colleagues experienced outside Fiserv Forum during the Milwaukee Bucks’ playoff games.
“We walked away from that first show, and we were like, ‘Man, this was the best setting for a pregame show out in the people that we’ve ever had,’” Johnson said. The new arena and its adjacent “Deer District” entertainment complex exceeded expectations throughout the 2018-19 debut season, earning rave national reviews and packing in big crowds. Even if the arena’s story was just about basketball, it would have been a resounding success: The Bucks, once an afterthought on the NBA’s global stage, had the best record in the NBA, the league's Most Valuable Player in Giannis Antetokounmpo and went farther in the playoffs than they had in nearly two decades. Fiserv’s other main tenant, the Marquette Golden Eagles, went 16-3 at home, had a national player of the year candidate in Markus Howard and were ranked as high as No. 10 in the nation.
2018-2019 average attendance:
Milwaukee Bucks
17,602
fans per game - 888 more per game from previous season
Marquette men's basketball
15,611 10 | | 10
fans per game - 3,288 more per game than previous season
MilwaukeeCommerce, Commerce,SUMMER SUMMER2019 2019 Milwaukee
But the extent of Fiserv’s first-year success traveled well beyond the court. It became a new gathering place in downtown Milwaukee, drawing people together and focusing their energy – not just on basketball, but for concerts and community events. According to Bucks president Peter Feigin, the arena hosted a total of 150 events reaching 1.5 million people. TNT stars Charles Barkley, Shaquille O’Neal, Kenny Smith and Johnson clearly were having a blast during the playoffs, taking selfies and leading the crowd in chants during breaks from the show. Johnson would go out on stage an hour early to greet the crowd, and even took the TNT TV crew to his old neighborhood for a visit. “The Milwaukee vibe was great,” Johnson says. “And obviously a big part of that is you’re starved for that
kind of setting. For the Milwaukee fans, you’re starved for that kind of a scenario where after being knocked out of the playoffs for so many years. You’re finally there after 18 years, and you’ve got this great new building and everything’s there. It’s perfect.” Not bad for a team that went from an uncertain future to “own the future,” the team’s motto during the arena project. “I think it was beyond expectations,” Feigin said. “All of us were so thrilled. We really tried to grasp the reality of it and build on it. (Event) debriefs were so interesting. How do we improve on it? We didn’t think 8,000 people would come out in the rain for an away playoff game. We obviously feel this incredible need and want for a meeting place.”
RAVE REVIEWS
The proposed $500 million arena faced a chilly reception from some when the outline of a publicprivate financing partnership was announced by then-Gov. Scott Walker, Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele, Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett, Speaker Robin Vos and Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald in 2015. The MMAC supported the plan. The proposal provided $250 million in public money, along with $150 million from the Bucks’ ownership group and a $100 million contribution from former team owner and retired U.S. Sen. Herb Kohl. In an
"The more time people spend together, the more time a diverse community interacts together, it builds towards what we look for - a diverse, dynamic city." - PETER FEIGIN, Milwaukee Bucks April 2015 Marquette Law School Poll of Wisconsin voters, 79 percent opposed the plan and 17 percent supported it. Proponents made the case that the state would lose more in tax revenue if the Bucks left for another city than the state would spend to help build the arena, and the measure eventually passed. And once the doors opened, the narrative changed. With the Bucks and Golden Eagles both playing well and the new arena packing in fans of both teams, Milwaukee’s hoops resurgence earned national notice. A Los Angeles Times headline in December read, “One of NBA's coldest cities is becoming a hot spot.” The story quoted Golden State Warriors forward Kevon Looney, a native of Milwaukee: “All summer, all
MMAC MEMBERS LOCATED IN OR NEAR THE DEER DISTRICT: Glass+Griddle 1130 N. 9th Street (414) 988-1551 | www.glassgriddle.com Good City Brewing 333 W. Juneau Ave. (414) 539-4343 | www.goodcitybrewing.com Milwaukee Bucks 1543 N. 2nd St. (414) 227-0500 | www.bucks.com Punch Bowl Social 1122 N. Vel R. Phillips Ave. (414) 539-4343 | www.punchbowlsocial.com Venue 42 1130 N. 9th Street (414) 988-1551 | www.venue42.com
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ORDER YOUR
FREE
Recruiting or relocating new employees?
Help them get to know why Milwaukee is a first class city!
COPIES TODAY! Contact Andrea Medved at amedved@mmac.org or 414/287-4115
Discover Milwaukee is currently used for recruiting and relocating employees by many area companies, including the Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee Tool, Johnson Controls, Children’s Hospital, Marquette University, Shorewest Realtors, and more.
THINGS TO DO
The festivals, museums, sporting events and performing arts that make Milwaukee an entertainment designation
SCHOOLS: PUBLIC & PRIVATE
Detailed information on public and private schools, including primary and secondary schools, colleges and universities
COMMUNITY COMPARISONS
Narrow your search with detailed descriptions on the dozens of communities in the five-county region
HEALTHY LIVING
Information about the area's recreational opportunities, fitness centers and health care providers
QUALITY OF LIFE
Cost of living comparisons, commute times, career opportunities, downtown neighborhood descriptions and more
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Milwaukee Commerce, SUMMER 2019
2019 DISCOVER MILWAUKEE RELOCATION GUIDE
Discover Milwaukee brings to life the many positive attributes that influence why the region was named one of the "Best Places to Live" by U.S. News and World Report. It is a complete resource for newcomers, and a valuable tool for your new or prospective employees. A digital edition is also available at
discovermilwaukee.com
and can easily be emailed to prospective employees by your talent acquisition team. For more information or details about how your company can get involved as a Community Sponsor, contact Maribeth Delforge - publisher at mbdelforge@discovermilwaukee.com or 262/796-0224.
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n
last year, all anybody would talk about was the new arena, what it’s doing for the city. The Bucks, I can see a difference. …You can tell.’”
NATIONAL CONFERENCE ON RACE & TRAUMA Marquette President Mike Lovell spoke at one of Fiserv Forum's first events that focused on a community trauma-informed care initiative.
Chicago Tribune sports writer Teddy Greenstein put it more succinctly during a January post to his Twitter account, saying, “Fiserv Forum is spectacular, easily the best NBA arena.” The Bucks drew 17,602 fans per game in the 2018-19 season, up from 16,714 in the previous season. Marquette averaged 15,611 fans per game in Fiserv’s first year after drawing 12,323 per game in 2017-18. The enthusiastic reception for Fiserv dulled much of the initial criticism. “There will always be skeptics,” Feigin said. “For us, we want the proof to be in results. It’s all about the real numbers, it’s all about the growth.”
PROMOTING DIVERSITY
As swarms of fans gathered outside Fiserv Forum during the playoffs, even to watch away games on huge screens in the Deer District, it wasn’t just about how many people showed up – it was who showed up. The young, diverse crowds were a breath of fresh air for Milwaukee as the region grapples with issues of segregation and economic disparity. As Dwayne Burtin, the deputy editor for digital at the community-focused Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service, wrote: “The Deer District was bustling with activity and the large crowds were reflective of the diversity that can be found in our great city — which usually may be harder to spot. Can the Bucks, and other local sports teams, be a catalyst in the city’s progression? It seems as if they can. Although they were ousted from the playoffs after losing to the Toronto Raptors in six games, the Bucks rallied together fans of all ages, races and backgrounds, and they energized the spirit of our city.” Feigin notes proudly that Bucks crowds – inside and outside the arena – are one of the true “melting pot” environments to be found in Milwaukee. Sports can’t solve racial issues, of course, but they can play a role.
“The more time people spend together, the more time a diverse community interacts together, it builds toward what we look for – a diverse, dynamic city,” Feigin said. As an organization, the Bucks are showing a willingness to lean in to challenging racial issues. Feigin and former Bucks player Malcolm Brogdon both made headlines for comments about the level of segregation they’ve seen in Milwaukee. And the team responded strongly when player Sterling Brown was tased by police, which led to the firing of one officer and a civil lawsuit against the city. “I think our owners take it seriously,” Feigin said. “We take it seriously as an organization. When we interview people and when we recruit people, we talk about the importance of what it means to be a citizen, what it means to be a member of the community. Do people gravitate to that? Do they want that? Because it’s what we’re trying to build.” Marquette University also used Fiserv as a platform to take on challenging social issues. One of the first events the arena hosted was a national conference on race and trauma. The conference was an offshoot of SWIM (Scaling Wellness In Milwaukee), a community traumainformed care initiative led by Marquette president Mike Lovell and his wife,
Amy. The arena also hosted Marquette’s commencement ceremony in May. “The Fiserv Forum quickly became much more than a great venue for basketball games. We saw the immediate power of the Forum when it hosted a Community Gathering to kick off our Race and Trauma Conference,” Lovell said. “Fiserv was the ideal setting to encourage nearly 1,500 people from our community to convene and be part of a challenging conversation about the future of Milwaukee.”
WHAT’S NEXT?
After a debut season that included everything from playoff basketball to community events and a Christkindlmarket, what will Fiserv and the Deer District do for an encore? The arena will be a central focus of the Democratic National Convention in 2020, of course, but the team hopes to host more events throughout the year. “For us, now it’s the hard work of operations,” Feigin says. “How do we continue to build the content and have as many event days as we possibly can fathom – which I think is double what we’re probably doing now when we get to the future. How do we activate the neighborhood? How do we give back? And how do we continue to energize the city through our little 30-acre district?” p
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DNC 2020: A chance to share our s // By JOE SOLMONESE Chief Executive Officer of the 2020 Democratic National Convention Committee.
This summer, I moved to Milwaukee to spend the next year planning the 2020 Democratic National Convention right here in the Badger State.
I
came to Milwaukee for the first time in 2004 to help elect Congresswoman Gwen Moore, and I was back here again in 2012 – because like every other gay man in America, I answered the call to campaign for Senator Tammy Baldwin.
Over the past few months, as I’ve walked around this city, toured the venues, and met with leaders and citizens alike, I’ve been reminded of why I fell in love with Milwaukee in the first place. The excitement and the collaborative spirit here is palpable. It’s the honor of my life to serve as CEO of this convention, and I look forward to continuing to build what we hope will be the most successful convention in recent memory. I knew when I accepted this job that it would not be easy. But I wouldn’t have said yes if I didn’t think we could create something spectacular. It’s going to be big and complex, but I love big and complex. Because that describes just about every challenge I’ve taken on throughout my whole career.
Focused on human rights I was president of the Human Rights Campaign, the country’s biggest LGBTQ organization, as we fought for marriage equality. I led
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EMILY’s List as we worked to elect more women across the country. And last year, I served as transition chair of Planned Parenthood while they searched for a new CEO, managing the day-to-day operations of an organization under constant attack. But my fight for Democratic values really began in the 80s. I came out as gay during the darkest days of the AIDS epidemic. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned in my life, it’s that activism is the daughter of adversity. I knew I needed to make a difference. And that experience propelled me into the world of electoral politics, where I first cut my teeth as a staffer on Michael Dukakis’ presidential campaign.
Convention experience
I’m also no stranger to conventions. In fact, I have been to every single Democratic convention since 1988. Remember 1988? Neither Bush had been president yet. A portable CD player cost $400. George Lucas told Congress that people who alter films for profit are barbarians. And the most innovative and unstoppable juggernaut
ur stories with the world watching in the entertainment industry was Blockbuster Video. I recently read this news clip about what the campaign trail looked like in 1988: “The trail is hightech, a Silicon Valley on wheels. On any given campaign, on any given morning, the bus hums with the tap-tap-tap of eager fingers typing on briefcase-size lap-top computers. Reporters wearing Walkmanstyle earphones hunch over their notebooks transcribing tapes.”
A transparent & inclusive convention
I’ve seen firsthand how these things can go sideways. A bunch of outsiders come into a local community, throw a big mess of a party, pull up the tents, and leave.
Now, the 1988 convention must’ve been on a tight budget because we didn’t even have bulky laptops – we had typewriters.
I promise – that is not the convention I am going to run. Everything we’re going to do will be transparent, inclusive and respectful of this city.
I have nothing against typewriters. I know Milwaukee is where the typewriter was invented. But if they could run a convention on typewriters, there’s no problem we can’t solve.
Of course, it goes without saying that there are logistical challenges with every city and every convention. And over the next year, it will be easy to lose the forest through the trees.
A lot has changed since my first convention. The CD players and typewriters are gone. We’ve seen two Bush presidencies. George Lucas altered all of his old movies, then sold the rights to Disney for $4 billion. And as for Blockbuster Video, Netflix better watch out because they have one store left in Oregon and I
Every day, my team will be rooted in the vision and values that made us choose Milwaukee in the first place. - JOE SOLMONESE
hear their selection is amazing. But you know what hasn’t changed? My commitment to putting on a historic convention that celebrates and respects the host city.
But we can’t let small problems get in the way of solving the big ones. Every day, we’re going to have to remind ourselves of what matters and what doesn’t. Every day, my team will be rooted in the vision and values that made us choose Milwaukee in the first place. Milwaukee and the Democratic Party don’t just share values, we also share a story. A story of hope in the face of hardship. A story of grit and perseverance, even when the odds were stacked against us. Milwaukee, I can’t wait to share your story and ours with the world. And I can’t wait to work with all of you to make the 2020 Democratic National Convention a success. p
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We're up next.
WHAT WILL WE DO WITH IT? The community-wide effort to successfully attract DNC 2020 to Milwaukee was impressive. This convention will shine a huge international spotlight on Milwaukee. Our city will be the set for the biggest political reality show of the year.
A // By Omar Shaikh Chair of VISIT Milwaukee, president & partner with MMAC member SURG Restaurant Group
ll that excitement, however, comes with the risk that we allow Milwaukee to be defined by the DNC and act like this is the single signal that Milwaukee has finally “arrived.” The fact is, DNC is just the icing on the Milwaukee tourism cake, not the cake itself. Milwaukee has been on a roll as a destination long before the DNC decision.
Already a big draw
In 2018, the VISIT Milwaukee team hosted 146 total travel journalists, welcomed more than 200 group tour operators, and traveled 117,200 miles to trade shows and events promoting Milwaukee. They successfully booked more than 400 meetings and conventions, playing host to a wonderfully diverse series of organizations and events from Harley-Davidson to the American Farm Bureau; from Northwestern Mutual to the Bead & Button Show. And 2020 will bring other huge events to Milwaukee, including the Ryder Cup — the biggest
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international event in professional golf — a major travel media convention featuring more than 300 travel writers and Olympic-qualifying events. You see, Milwaukee is not a “Fonzie come lately” to the convention and tourism scene. It has been a growing powerhouse for some time. That said, in 2020, more eyes than ever are going to be turned to Milwaukee, from leaders of politics to leaders of business to the national and international sports community. For a city that traditionally “shows” better than it “tells,” this is a great opportunity to make a strong, lasting and compelling first impression that makes people want to come back for their own vacation or their own company’s convention. And therein lies our challenge. We need to make sure Milwaukee has the hospitality infrastructure to capture this spike in attention and accommodate these visitors returning for their own reasons and events.
Our current convention center is one of the smallest among our peer cities nationally.
Undersized convention center limits potential
Our current convention center is one of the smallest among our peer cities nationally. In fact, more than the last 7 years, Milwaukee has lost more than $300 million in business due to our facilities being undersized. 2020 is going to bring a historic level of exposure for Milwaukee. When those tens of thousands of visitors from big one-off events like the DNC or Ryder Cup inquire about coming back for their own personal or business reasons, will we have to have the space to accommodate them? If they are told “there is no room in the inn,” we will have missed our moment, and they are not likely to give us a chance again anytime soon.
Tourism helps fund state
A lot of people treat tourism like it’s an add-on to the state’s economy. The truth is that tourism is one of the three fundamental pillars of the Wisconsin economy, along with manufacturing and agriculture.
In Milwaukee County, tourism directly accounts for $3.7 billion in total business and nearly 33,000 full-time jobs. To put that figure in perspective, without tourism jobs, the number of unemployed people in Milwaukee County would be three times higher. In the four-county Milwaukee metro area, the numbers are even more eye-catching: nearly $6 billion in business sales, supporting more than 52,000 fulltime jobs paying more than $1.2 billion in annual wages.
Over the last 7 years, Milwaukee has lost more than $300 million in business due to our facilities being undersized.
In terms of tax dollars, tourism taxes generated enough revenue to lower the average tax bill for a Milwaukee County resident by $645 last year. For too many years, Milwaukee was one of the best-kept secrets in the tourism world. Well, the secret is out. High-profile events like the Ryder Cup and the DNC are less the cause of the secret getting out than a
validation of the exciting transformation that been going on the last decade. Now that we’ve proven we’re a city to be reckoned with, we need to come together as a community to expand our convention and hospitality options and make room for the wide world of visitors that is increasingly showing up on our doorstep looking for those vibrant, welcoming, unique experiences that are totally random, totally wonderful, and entirely Milwaukee. p
METRO MILWAUKEE TOURISM GENERATES:
$6 billion in business sales
52,000+ full-time jobs
$1.2+ billion in annual wages
Photos by Visit Milwaukee
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Rail improvements could spark
intermodal shipping boom at Port Milwaukee
Even in a challenging international trade environment, Port Milwaukee continues to hit its benchmarks for annual shipping tonnage, has helped open new trade markets for its tenants and remains a net-positive revenue source for the City of Milwaukee.
A
t the Wisconsin International Trade Conference in May, the port was again recognized as a winner of the Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation’s Pacesetter Award. The award is presented to ports that register annual increases in international cargo tonnage. But in his first year as port director, Adam Schlicht has even bigger things in mind. The port launched a $3.7 million project to replace aging railroad tracks. With those improvements underway, Schlicht hopes to entice a major railroad to resume ship-to-rail intermodal container service at the port.
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And when that happens, the port will be poised for significant growth and greatly increase efficiency for Southeastern Wisconsin companies that use intermodal shipping. Today, those companies typically must ship or receive intermodal containers through the Chicago suburbs. That means a full day for a truck and its driver to deliver or pick up only one shipment – adding costs and more regulatory red tape for companies and more highway congestion for everyone else. “The current intermodal paradigm is not a value proposition for container access in the state of Wisconsin,” says Schlicht, who became the port’s director in August 2018. “That is not a cost savings
proposition. That is not a time efficiency proposition.” What if that same driver could instead make multiple trips to Port Milwaukee in one day? “We’re talking about doubling the efficiency of container activity in the state of Wisconsin, just by offering service here at Port Milwaukee,” Schlicht says. “And that lines up perfectly with the port’s mission of adding value to the regional economy.” Today, most overseas shipping is done through intermodal containers, which greatly increase efficiency because they are stackable, have standard sizes and
We’re really optimistic that with so much modern infrastructure coming into the Port of Milwaukee, that area manufacturers, suppliers and growers are going to give us a second look. keep cargo loads sorted and separate. Port Milwaukee offered truck-to-rail intermodal service until 2012, when Canadian Pacific eliminated service from the port as part of a broader effort to streamline its operations. Recently, the port has been in discussions with both Canadian Pacific and Union Pacific about returning the intermodal service. “We believe that one of the two will step forward in the near future and make a commitment,” Schlicht says. The demand appears to be there. In 2017, the port partnered with the MMAC’s World Trade Association for a survey of companies that might use intermodal shipping at Port Milwaukee if it returned. The survey indicated significant demand. “We went out to the business community, and came back with four-, five-fold what
our typical annual usage was over the previous 25-year period here,” says Peter Hirthe, the port’s senior trade development representative. And that survey was taken before the Foxconn project announcement, so any intermodal shipping needs generated by Foxconn’s arrival would add even more demand. “The survey results suggested to the port that there exists state-based capacity for containers in Southeastern Wisconsin exceeding 2012, even prior to the Foxconn announcement,” Schlicht says. “As the debate continues, including questions about Foxconn’s ultimate footprint in the region, we have every confidence that the
return to the intermodal container service here at the port will thrive – inclusive or exclusive of Foxconn.” A subsequent survey by Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce projected a 121 percent increase in international - continued on page 21
The Fednav vessel Federal Yukina arriving in the Port of Milwaukee carrying its Falline liner service cargo from Europe.
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Milwaukee Commerce, SUMMER 2019
- continued from page 19 container exports and 15.6 percent increase in international import container volumes over the next five years. Almost half of the state volume of containerized exports would originate in Southeastern Wisconsin, and 73 percent of imported containers would terminate here. As a March 2019 report by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation’s Intermodal Subcommittee concluded, “The volume of containerized shipments to and from Wisconsin indicates a strong and sustained demand by the state’s businesses for use of intermodal freight. Many businesses seek enhanced opportunities to access the efficiencies inherent in containerized freight shipping, including decreased shipping costs, greater predictability of delivery times, and reduced roadway congestion. Looking forward, Wisconsin’s public and private sector partners will need to overcome existing geographic and market factors before containerized freight services will be improved, especially in the eastern part of the state.” To prepare for the potential increase in rail activity, the port is spending $3.7 million – a $3 million grant from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation and $700,000 from the port. Using these infrastructure improvements to prompt a return of intermodal service would be the next big step for the port, but other efforts are underway. The port currently has 20-plus tenants who shipped 2.4 million tons of cargo last year, in line with its five-year average.
“We’re really happy with the consistency of the Port’s tonnage throughput, given that so much of our work is impacted by international trade and tariffs,” Schlicht says. To help mitigate the impact of tariffs, the port has helped companies expand to new markets, including agricultural shipping to Tunisia. “Traditionally, Western and Northern Europe has been a sweet spot for Port customers utilizing our direct export capability,” Schlicht says. “However, the retaliatory European Union tariffs on the United States have created a bit of a tension in the Port’s ability to ship Wisconsin agribusiness to its typical markets, specifically in corn and soy exports. That doesn’t mean the Port stops looking for other export markets. Port staff stay vigilant, working with our tenants, hoping that they can develop new trade patterns and trade opportunities. Tunisia is a really good example of finding a niche market in a developing economy where Wisconsin agribusiness was able to find a home.” While enticing a return of intermodal rail shipping is a significant goal, the port hopes its infrastructure improvements will benefit all kinds of shipping and attract new tenants. “We’re really optimistic that with so much modern infrastructure coming into the Port of Milwaukee, that area manufacturers, suppliers and growers are going to give us a second look,” Schlicht says. p
Diversity a focus for new Port Milwaukee director Schlicht Adam Schlicht embraces the idea that he doesn’t fit the traditional mold of a port director. He’s openly gay, and relatively young to be in an executive leadership position at age 35. He hopes to bring other new and diverse perspectives into the field of transportation. “Careers in transportation have long had a mistaken stereotype, that this was exclusively a field for grizzled, older white men,” Schlicht says. “What I’ve seen in the 10-plus years I’ve worked in transportation is how different types of voices bring expertise, passion and a cando attitude when able. It’s up to us as transportation leaders to ensure we are creating inclusive spaces where all people can succeed.” A native of Milwaukee, Schlicht earned his undergraduate degree at the University of WisconsinMadison and his master’s at American University in Washington, D.C. From there, he began a career residency program at the U.S. Department of Transportation, which eventually led to a position with the St. Lawrence Seaway. Since becoming port director in August 2018, Schlicht has focused on building ties with staff members and tenants.
The modern legacy of any great public leader is to celebrate diversity and celebrate inclusion. “Every employee, every customer, every port tenant, has equal opportunity to share their expertise, prosper, and grow in Milwaukee,” Schlicht says. “The modern legacy of any great public leader is to celebrate diversity and celebrate inclusion. To ensure that Port Milwaukee continues to succeed and reach new heights of capacity that we believe it can, to continually grow our domestic international tonnage, we can and will do that by having an array of voices at the table. It is something I’m truly committed to.” p
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Celebrating the Milwaukee Region’s fastest-growing firms:
MMAC | COSBE’s 2019 Future 50 Awards FEATURED 2019 FUTURE 50 MASTER METTLE WINNERS: Above: Central Standard Craft Distillery Right: All Occasion Catering/ Bubbs BBQ
Top l to r: AccuTransGroup and Moore Construction Services Bottom, l to r: Rocket Clicks and Wenthe-Davidson Engineering Co.
MMAC and our Council of Small Business Executives (COSBE) congratulate the 2019 Future 50 awards winners. Each year since 1988, the awards have recognized 50 of the fastest-growing companies in the seven-county Milwaukee Region.
Twelve of the 50 firms on this year’s list are manufacturers -- another indication of the Milwaukee Region’s continued strength in manufacturing. The construction industry also was well-represented with 10 winners, while 8 business/professional services firms made the 2019 list. “The Milwaukee Region is a place where we never stopped designing and making things, and our continued strength in manufacturing is well-represented on this year’s Future 50 list,” said Stephanie Hall, COSBE’s executive director. “Other traditional strengths, such as construction, remain well-represented. But our region’s economy isn’t defined solely by a few industries. In fact, we had so many 2019 applicants in a broad category we previously identified as ‘other’ that we decided to add several new sub-categories this year.” Learn more at mmac.org/f50.html
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Celebrating 32 years of entrepreneurs!
2019
Award Winners Congrats to this year’s winners! The Future 50 program recognizes privately-owned companies in the seven-county Milwaukee region that have been in business for at least three years and have shown significant revenue and employment growth.
AWARD 2nd MM 1st MM 1st 1st 1st 1st MM 1st 1st 1st 1st 1st MM MM 1st 2nd 2nd 1st 1st 1st 2nd 1st 2nd MM MM 1st 1st MM 1st 1st 1st 1st MM MM MM 1st 1st 1st 1st 1st 1st 1st 1st 1st 1st 1st 2nd MM
COMPANY 360 Degrees AccuTrans Group ADVENT All Occasions Catering/Bubbs BBQ American Construction Services, Inc. AMI INFORMATION SYSTEMS Arrow Sewing Cabinets Brunch Central Standard Craft Distillery Cleary Gull, Inc. Current Electric Company Custom Wire Technologies, Inc. Dersē Diversified Design and Manufacturing, Inc. Enviro-Safe Resource Recovery Equips FareTemps Geneva Supply Glenn Rieder, Inc. Good City Brewing LLC Greenfield Rehabilitation Agency, Inc. Heritage Senior Living LLC InCheck, Inc. Interstate Roof Systems Consultants, Inc. James Imaging Systems Kowal Investment Group LLC Lemberg Magellan Promotions Mindful Staffing Solutions LLC Moore Construction Services LLC PartsBadger LLC Plasti-Coil / Tri-Tec Price Erecting Company Rent College Pads, Inc. Rocket Clicks Sanborn Tube Sales of WI, Inc. Scas Management Group LLC Spectrum Investment Advisors Spike Brewing Equipment SRH Tall Guy and a Grill Catering TESCHGlobal The American Deposit Management Co. The Cabinetree of WI, Inc. Titus Talent Strategies Tuna Traffic LLC VJS Construction Services Vulcan GMS Warehouse-Lighting COM LLC Wenthe-Davidson Engineering Co.
CITY/MUNICIPALITY PRESIDENT/CEO MAIN PRODUCT YEAR FOUNDED Milwaukee Brian Polster Interior design and build services 2007 Milwaukee Matthew Carroll Chauffeured ground transportation 2008 Milwaukee Madan Kandula Medical practice solutions for sinus and snoring problems 2004 Big Bend Mark Andersen Caterer 1929 West Bend Kraig Sadownikow Construction management firm 1980 Mt. Pleasant T. John Greenwood Information systems/IT technical support for credit unions 1986 Delavan Jerry Voors Supplier of sewing and craft furniture 1943 Milwaukee Morgan Sampson Restaurants specializing in breakfast and lunch 2016 Milwaukee Pat McQuillan Distiller of craft liquors 2014 Milwaukee Ronald Miller Investment banking firm 1987 Brookfield Chuck Smith Electrical, solar and back up power services 1983 Port Washington Robert Boldig Custom wire products for medical device industry 2001 Milwaukee Brett Haney Face-to-face marketing agency and exhibit builder 1948 Mukwonago Gale Pence Precision engineering & manufacturing for new/old products 1991 Germantown Jeffrey Vilione Environmental, health & safety consulting 2002 Brookfield Adam York Online management of equipment 2008 Milwaukee Tony Picon Temporary, permanent and temp to hire placement services 2015 Delavan Jeff Peterson Buyer and reseller of products for online channels 2009 West Allis Michael Floyd Architectural millwork manufacturer and contractor 1946 Milwaukee Dan Katt Craft brewery and multi-location taproom 2016 Brookfield Kate Brewer Physical, occupational and speech pathology services 1966 West Allis Milo Pinkerton Independent, assisted living and memory care communities 2000 Wauwatosa Andy Gallion Background screening agency 2002 New Berlin Dave Velcheck, CCS, RRC Consult, manage and protect commercial building roofs 1999 Brookfield Lola Tegeder Copiers, printers, & document management 1977 Waukesha Jeffrey Kowal Financial advisors 1987 Brookfield David Washebek Electrical service, signage & construction 1928 West Allis Michael Wolaver Strategic promotional product marketing services 2005 Milwaukee Reginald Reed Trade school and staffing agency 2016 Menomonee Falls Mike Moore Construction management & design/build 2007 Cedarburg Roy Dietsch CNC manufactured parts, machining and finishing services 2016 Lake Geneva Larry Austin Plastic injection molding 2015 Milwaukee Jason Young Machinery moving/installation, repair, fabrication and welding 1915 Milwaukee Dominic Anzalone Housing and apartment location services for college students 2012 Menomonee Falls Tyler Dolph Digital advertising & search marketing 2008 Pewaukee John Topetzes Tube metals fabrication & manufacturing 1957 Milwaukee Ron Scasny Consulting for health insurance & home health care 2011 Mequon James Marshall Retirement plan consulting & wealth mgmt. advisory services 1995 Milwaukee Ben Caya Design, market and fabricate brewing equipment 2011 Milwaukee Matt Sabljak Marketing, advertising and digital distribution 2014 West Allis Dan Nowak Farm to table, locally sourced catering services 2009 Grafton Will Tesch Data mgmt., business intelligence & application development 2005 Pewaukee Kelly Brown Provides FDIC coverage for deposits of up to $80 million 2009 Brookfield Chris Draeger Full service design, build and remodeling company 1983 Milwaukee Jonathan Reynolds Professional search and placement services 2015 Caledonia Shakila Manogaran Marketing, web design and technology solutions 2010 Pewaukee Craig Jorgensen Developers, contractors, managers and design builders 1947 Milwaukee Paul Yanke X-ray tube housings, detector shielding & OEM components 1978 New Berlin James Abraham High efficiency LED lighting fixtures 2008 New Berlin Frederick Anderson Steel fabricator of tubular products 1941
MM = Master Mettle, 3rd year winner Presenting Sponsor
The Future 50 award celebrates the success of fast-growing regional companies. Presented by MMAC’s Council of Small Business Executives (COSBE).
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n LOCAL SENIOR LEADERS PANEL DISCUSSION L to r: Wes Saber, HARIBO of America; Erickajoy Daniels, Advocate Aurora Health; and Steve Richman, Milwaukee Tool
NATIONAL RECOGNIZED ECONOMIC STRATEGIST Jon Roberts discussed developing a clear vision for economic growth in the region.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
M7 Forum tackles the challenges of disruptive change
M
ore than 150 attendees came together to learn about the rapidly changing economy and paradigm shifts that are underway at the recent Milwaukee 7 Economic Development Forum in Milwaukee on May 16. included Jon Roberts, a nationally recognized economic strategist and planner with TIP Strategies, and a panel
of local senior executives, including Steve Richman of Milwaukee Tool, Wes Saber of Haribo of America, and Erickajoy Daniels of Advocate Aurora Health, that shared their innovative strategies on technology and talent development. Industry and economic leaders also discussed significant regional and state projects and initiatives underway
to help companies move quickly and thrive in a time of disruption, business transformation and talent shortages. This includes the MMAC’s effort to increase the number of minorities in management and executive positions across the metro area. p
OTHER SPEAKERS INCLUDED:
Phil Schneider - President, Schneider Strategy Consulting
Julie Granger - Executive Vice President, MMAC
Laura Million - Business Development Manager, Racine County Economic Development Corp.
Mike Rodgers - VP of Commercial Innovation, Advocate Aurora
Buckley Brinkman Executive Director/CEO, Wisconsin Center for Manufacturing & Productivity mmac.org | | 2525 mmac.org
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Milwaukee Commerce, SUMMER 2019
THE GOVERNOR’S EXPORT ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS
(left) recognize companies that have contributed to Wisconsin’s exporting strength by achieving extraordinary results in international markets and elevating Wisconsin’s competitiveness in the global economy. Below: Keynote speaker Ty Staviski, Senior VP/CFO of Milwaukee Tool
GLOBAL BUSINESS
Evers, Barrett headline Wisconsin International Trade Conference
T
he MMAC’s World Trade Association welcomed Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers, Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett and a wide range of trade professionals to the 55th annual Wisconsin
International Trade conference in May. Discussion topics included the USMCA and free trade agreements, global branding and international ebusiness strategies and international new market entry strategies.
Ty Staviski, the senior vice president and chief financial officer of Milwaukee Tool, gave the keynote address. “On behalf of everyone at WTA, I want to thank all of our sponsors and everyone
(Left) Sponsors Chad Rasmussen, Sandra Scott and Charles Zidek, SEKO Logistics
who attended for another great Wisconsin International Trade Conference,” said WTA president Susan Dragotta. “I also want to thank everyone for supporting the World Trade Association in its mission. That mission is to link companies and individuals who share a common interest in exploring and expanding global business opportunities. International trade will play such a critical role in the future of our region’s economy. Please think of the WTA as your advocate and ally for our shared goal of expanding those opportunities.” Interested in joining WTA? Learn more at WTAmilwaukee.org p
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FULL-SERVICE
GLOBAL TRANSPORTATION AND LOGISTICS Domestic International
4
Customs Brokerage Logistics Warehousing WORLDWIDE DELIVERY SERVICES LOCALLY OWNED FOR 28 YEARS
We are
(414)-856-9992 • mke@pilotdelivers.com • pilotdelivers.com 28 |
Milwaukee Commerce, SUMMER 2019
AMM photos - 2 pages
1
2 3 PLUM MEDIA 1. Rich Schmig, Plum Media 2. Polly Schmidt, Papagio Communications, and Lisa Balcerak, Balcerak Communications 3. David Koss, Really Resourceful Group; Jim Kemp, Bret Achtenhagen’s Seasonal Services; and Tyson Fettes, Really Resourceful Group
MMAC's Business After Hours Networking with a Purpose
HGA ARCHITECTS AND ENGINEERS 4. Ashley Norris, Alicen Damico and Carli Cole, HGA Architects & Engineers; and Lynn Corazzi, Data2Profit Consulting 5. Matt Matson, Strang, Inc.; Jim Villa, NAIOP Wisconsin; and John Ferguson, HGA Architects & Engineers 6. Auttumn Kirchner and Erika Haeselich, Interior Investments LLC
>>>View more MMAC event photos
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DO YOU HAVE A NEED TO SUCCEED? Then join the community of entrepreneurs at Milwaukee’s only full-service business incubator. Laboratory, office, and light manufacturing space immediately available, plus top-notch business support and mentoring. www.TechnologyInnovationCenter.org | Guy T. Mascari, Executive Director | gtm@mcrpc.org | (414) 778-1400
Changing the economic landscape of our communities through design
Design with community in mind stantec.com/milwaukee
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AMM photos - 2 pages
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1. Valerie Jones, Kamilah Bent, and Sarinalynn Shorts, Cross Management Services 2. Renee King, Taj Jordan, and Bunny Jordan, Music on the Move 3. Thelma Sias, The Sias Group, and Rebecca Valcq, Public Service Commission 4. Yash Wadhwa, Office of the Commissioner of Railroads
MMAC's Madison Night in Milwaukee
MMAC's annual reception thanking state elected officials for the work they do in the Milwaukee Region 5. County Executive Chris Abele; Tim Sheehy, MMAC; and Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett 6. Corry Joe Biddle, FUEL Milwaukee; Jane Backes, MMAC; and Jessica Currie, Missionary Currie for Women & Children 7. Jeff Binkert, House of Harley-Davidson; April Canter and Jason Tolleson, Harley-Davidson, Inc.; and Mark McClain, House of Harley-Davidson
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100% FLAVOR. 0% COMPROMISE. 6 SIMPLE INGREDIENTS
NOTHING ARTIFICIAL
SPARKLING COCKTAIL WITH NATURAL FLAVOR
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HARD STRAWBERRY LEMONADE
FUEL – Professional Development Bootcamp FUEL’s Professional Development Bootcamp offers 15 high-impact workshops on leadership, management and individual career growth. All workshops are scheduled around a workday over the course of a week. 1. Lori Richards and Ian Abston, Light the Hoan 2. Erika Bronikowski, Milwaukee County 3. JoAnne Sabir, The Sherman Phoenix and The Juice Kitchen 4. Tierney Konitzer, CSE Powered by Halo and Sharell Hill, Forest County Potawatomi 5. Pam Johnson, Pam Johnson Voice Coach
>>>View more MMAC event photos
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MARGARITA
BLACKBERRY MOJITO
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6 SIMPLE INGREDIENTS NOTHING ARTIFICIAL SPARKLING COCKTAIL WITH NATURAL FLAVOR
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WELCOME TO WISCONN VALLEY, USA. Emanating from the Foxconn facility in Racine County and reaching beyond the shores of Green Bay, Wisconsin is poised to be at the forefront of the next wave of innovation throughout the country. From applications leveraging 8K + 5G to the transition to 4IR manufacturing, Wisconsin’s economy is positioned for a once in a generation transformation. von Briesen & Roper, s.c. has the team to help businesses navigate the terrain of Wisconn Valley and beyond. We have worked with clients on every phase of the economic development process.
U w Branding
Site Selection & Acquisition
Workforce
B d in o b
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROCESS
Incentives
E
B E
T fa fu s
Financing
Government Relations Real Estate & Environmental Permitting
To learn more about our Firm and the services we offer to Wisconn Valley, please contact James Wawrzyn at jwawrzyn@vonbriesen.com.
vonbriesen.com/wisconn-valley
Milwaukee • Madison • Waukesha • Oshkosh • Green Bay • Appleton • Manitowoc
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Milwaukee Commerce, SUMMER 2019
At von Briesen, we’ve transformed 1
platform for legal innovation.
2
UNCERTAIN ECONOMY with Brian Beaulieu
Brian Beaulieu, CEO of ITR Economics, dissected major economic trends and indicators to help guests capitalize on opportunities and avoid pitfalls in their businesses. 1. Don Walter, Robert McNamara and Brian Schaut, F. J. A. Christianson Roofing Co., Inc.; and Mitch Regenfuss, CIBC Bank USA 2. Brian Beaulieu, ITR Economics
Combining our industry leading expertise with innovative technology, we take a collaborative and creative approach to problem-solving the most complex matters. The result? Game-changing advantages for our clients.
3
EXECUTIVE VIEWPOINT
To learn more about our Firm and the
Breakfast with Anguil Environmental Systems
The Anguils shared how creating a strong family culture has created a vision for the future and positioned their company for success for the next generation. 3. Mark Goldstein, Goldstein Law Group SC 4. Nate Keller, Gardner Builders Milwaukee LLC, and Amanda Martin, Porta-Painting 5. Elizabeth Thelen, Milwaukee 7; Deb Anguil, Gene Anguil, and Chris Anguil, Anguil Environmental Systems >>>View more MMAC event photos
the traditional law firm into a modern
services we offer to Wisconn Valley, please contact: 4
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James J. Wawrzyn jwawrzyn@vonbriesen.com 414.287.1476
vonbriesen.com/wisconn-valley
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JAY MACK
1
POLICY HASH WITH ROB HENKEN
DENNIS KRAKAU
Group EVP, Commercial Banking 262-966-7702 dkrakau@wintrust.com
1. Rob Henken of Public Policy Forum, addressed attendees about Wisconsin’s State Taxes.
WORLD TRADE ASSOCIATION’S CHINESE NEW YEAR
2 JOHN JOHANNES
Group EVP, Commercial Real Estate 262-369-4223 jjohannes@wintrust.com
Guests celebrated the Year of the Pig while enjoying Chinese cuisine, traditional Chinese entertainment and hearing from Chinese business experts and the the Acting Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Chicago. 2. Traditional Chinese dancers 3. Ulice Payne, Jr., Addison Clifton, and Robert Kraft, FirstPathway Partners LLC 4. David Westrup, von Briesen & Roper S.C., and Bryan Mulkerron, Bank of America Merrill Lynch 5. Alexander Durtka, International Institute of WI; Kelly Jordan, M.E. Dey Co., Inc.; and Alissa Rauh, student >>>View more MMAC event photos
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President & CEO, Town Bank 262-369-8800 jmack@wintrust.com
BILL STONE
3
Group SVP, Commercial Banking 262-369-8833 wstone@wintrust.com
PEGGY ARMSTRONG
Group SVP, Wealth Services 262-369-8804 parmstrong@wintrust.com
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GLENN MARGRAFF
Group SVP, Commercial Banking 414-255-1002 gmargraff@wintrust.com
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TBC's STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP LUNCHEON The Business Council celebrated 20 years as Wisconsin’s premier organization for helping ethnically-diverse businesses sustain and grow throughout the state. 1. Andy Gallion, InCheck, Inc.; Darren Fisher, SPEARity; Marjorie Rucker, The Business Council; and Ugo Nwagbaraocha, Diamond Discs International 2. Margaret Thigpen, WNOV, and Hermoine Bell-Henderson, Milwaukee Public Library 3. Darian Luckett, WWBIC, and Saveon Grenell, City of Milwaukee 4. Jerry Fulmer, We Energies 5. Sam Maldonado, Pinpoint Solutions; Henry Hurt, Hurt Electric; Mary Jane Sanchez, WurkHub Digital Marketing; and Cliftton Phelps, JCP Construction and Equity Supply Group
>>>View more MMAC event photos
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New MMAC Members February, March & April 2019
Support your fellow members by doing business together.
www.mmac.org/directory.html
128th Community Council
B2B CFO
Culture Index Wisconsin
Fresh Coast Jazz Festival
Mike Pierce, Chair P.O. Box 3710521 Milwaukee, WI 53237 (414) 944-8539 Economic Development
Jeff Docalavich, Partner 13350 N. Silver Fox Dr. Mequon, WI 53097 (262) 707-0586 www.b2bcfo.com Consultants/Leadership
Carl Brown, CEO P.O. Box 540 Sussex, WI 53089 (414) 477-8770 www.freshcoastjazz.com Events
Allegheny Technologies, Inc.
Biomat
Thomas Feldhusen Executive Adviser 6781 Alpine Dr. West Bend, WI 53090 (262) 305-2502 www.cultureindex.com Consultants
Dezign2Think LLC
Neil Kiekhofer, Founder 2637 S. Kinnickinnic Ave. Milwaukee, WI 53207 (414) 294-0080 www.frphotocommercial.com Video Production
https://128thcommunitycouncil.com
Forged Products, Cudahy Operation (ATI) John Minich, President, ATI Forged Products 5481 S. Packard Ave. Cudahy, WI 53110 (414) 747-2611 www.atimetals.com Manufacturers
American Indian Chamber of Commerce of WI Craig Anderson Executive Director 10710 W. Scharles Ave. Hales Corners, WI 53130 (414) 604-2044 www.aiccw-facc.org/ Associations
AMS-Elite Environmental LLC Michael Malatesta President/CEO 1400 N. 113th St. Wauwatosa, WI 53226 (414) 688-7826 www.ams-elite.com Environmental/Ecological Services
Antonopoulos Legal Group LLC Dino Antonopoulos Managing Attorney 740 Pilgrim Pkwy., Ste. 206 Elm Grove, WI 53122 (262) 649-5572 www.alglawoffices.com Legal Services
Ascend Talent Strategies, Inc. Russell Barcelona Ph.D. Co-Founder, Business Psychologist 735 N. Water St., Ste. 712 Milwaukee, WI 53202 (414) 888-4287 www.ascend-ts.com Consultants/Leadership
James Griffin, Center Manager 2522 W. State St. Milwaukee, WI 53233 (414) 344-2100 www.grifols.com Health Care Services
Bravent Amy Fallucca, Founder & CEO 735 N. Water St., Ste. 1228 Milwaukee, WI 53202 (414) 978-7792 www.bebravent.com Human Resource Consultants
Bret Achtenhagen’s Seasonal Services Ltd. Bret Achtenhagen, President W336S8510 Cty. Rd. E Mukwonago, WI 53149 (262) 392-3444 www.seasonalservices.com Landscape Contractors
Burke Properties Tony Franda, CFO 622 N. Water St., Ste. 200 Milwaukee, WI 53202 (414) 270-0200 www.burkeproperties.com Real Estate Management
CableCom LLC Rob Nennig, Senior Sales Account Manager 6070 N. Flint Rd. Milwaukee, WI 53209 (414) 226-2205 www.cablecomllc.com Cabling & Infrastructure Design & Installation
Convergence Resource Center Debbie Lassiter Executive Director 7961 N. 76th St. Milwaukee, WI 53223 (414) 979-0591 www.convergenceresource.org Human Trafficking Rehabilitation
Terri Rundell Owner, Experience Designer S78W15357 Foxtail Cir. Muskego, WI 53150 (414) 345-8389 www.dezign2think.com Business Consultants
Digital Color, Inc. Jim Kohlhardt, President N83 W22323 Johnson Dr. Waukesha, WI 53186 (262) 251-9021 www.digitalcolorinc.com Offset and Flexographic Separations/Plate Making
Drury Plaza Hotel Milwaukee Downtown Chris Palid, General Manager 700 N. Water St. Milwaukee, WI 53202 (414) 975-3096 www.druryhotels.com Hotels/Motels
Engineered Custom Coatings Steve Hughes, CEO 1002 Hickory St. Pewaukee, WI 53072 (262) 691-1930 www.primecoatings.net Manufacturers
Falcons Rock Investment Counsel LLC
Seaphes Miller, CEO 1660 N. Prospect Ave., Ste. 2309 Milwaukee, WI 53202 (414) 921-0443 www.fusion-etc.com Engineering Services
Galanis, Pollack, Jacobs & Johnson SC Joshua Brady, Shareholder 839 N. Jefferson St., Ste. 200 Milwaukee, WI 53202 (414) 271-5400 www.gpjlaw.com Legal Services
Gardner Builders Milwaukee LLC Nadine Wiencek Project Coordinator 648 N. Plankinton Ave., Ste. 233 Milwaukee, WI 53203 (414) 939-9333 www.gardner-builders.com/ Contractors-General
Gillware Lauren Reid, Director of Marketing 111 E. Wisconsin Ave., Ste. 1560 Milwaukee, WI 53202 (608) 287-3377 www.gillware.com Business & Technology Consultants
Five O’Clock Steakhouse
Good City Brewing LLC
Stelio Kalkounos Owner/Operator 2416 W. State St. Milwaukee, WI 53233 (414) 342-3553
Kyle Stephens VP- Finance & Administration 2108 N. Farwell Ave. Milwaukee, WI 53202 (414) 539-4343 www.goodcitybrewing.com Brewers
Restaurants
Milwaukee Milwaukee Commerce, Commerce, SUMMER SUMMER 2019 2018
Fusion Integrated Solutions LLC
Gregory Wait, President W175N11081 Stonewood Dr. Ste. 201 Germantown, WI 53022 (262) 240-0919 www.falconsrock.com Investment Advisory Services
www.fiveoclocksteakhouse.com/wi/
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Front Room Studios
ml
mmac.org/directory.html
Great Impressions LLC
Northwoods Web Solutions
SilverWater Productions LLC
Carolyn Walker, Owner 5330 W. Burleigh St. Milwaukee, WI 53210 (414) 536-7646 www.greatimpress.com Printers
Rick Fessenbecker Managing Director 1572 E. Capitol Dr. Shorewood, WI 53211 (414) 914-9102 www.northwoodsoft.com Digital Agencies
John Burkart, Owner 1850 W. Fond du lac Ave. Milwaukee, WI 53205 (414) 988-3221 www.silverwaterproductions.com Video Production
Pinpoint Solutions
Ed Krajcir, President 330 S. Executive Dr., Ste. 102 Brookfield, WI 53005 (262) 901-0086 Mergers & Acquisition Services
Her & Himsel Jessica Himsel, Owner 270 E. Highland Ave., Ste. D Milwaukee, WI 53202 (414) 553-5585 www.herandhimsel.com Advertising Agency/Counselors
IIB Consulting John Hyatt, Partner & CMO 1221 Innovation Dr., Ste. 218 Whitewater, WI 53190 (800) 215-7312 www.iib-consulting.com Software Publishers & Developers
Liturgical Publications, Inc. Keith Alberts Sales Manager Online Services 2875 S. James Dr. New Berlin, WI 53151 (800) 950-9952 www.4lpi.com Publishers-Periodicals
Platform Digital, Inc. Matt Walker Partner, Co-Founder 710 N. Plankinton Ave., Ste. 207 Milwaukee, WI 53203 (414) 940-6320 www.platformdigital.com Digital Marketing/Advertising
Prime Leather Finishes Co. 1002 Hickory St. Pewaukee, WI 53072 (262) 691-1930 www.primecoatings.net Manufacturers
Mach1 Global Services, Inc.
Punch Bowl Social
Casey Spelman VP Global Accounts N90W14800 Commerce Dr. Menomonee Falls, WI 53051 (262) 255-2040 www.mach1global.com Delivery Services
Sergio Romero, VP of NROs 1122 N. Vel R. Phillips Ave. Milwaukee, WI 53203 www.punchbowlsocial.com Restaurants
Midwest Fiber Networks Rob Nennig Senior Sales Account Manager 6070 N. Flint Rd. Glendale, WI 53209 (414) 672-5612 www.midwest-fibernetworks.com Telecommunications
MilwaukeeWarehouse John Arcuri, President 4611 N. 32nd St. Milwaukee, WI 53209 (262) 894-7672 www.MilwaukeeWarehouse.com Warehouse - Commercial
Samantha Maldonado, Partner 608 S. 5th St. Milwaukee, WI 53204 (414) 807-3894 www.pinpointmke.com Consultants
RemedyNow Shane Hawpetoss, Clinic Manager 7001 S. Howell Ave., Ste. 100 Oak Creek, WI 53154 (262) 312-9095 www.remedynow.net Health Care Services
Saturn Lounge Jim Kohlhardt, President N8W22323 Johnson Dr. Waukesha, WI 53186 (262) 821-3999 www.saturnlounge.com Advertising Agency/Counselors
Sunbelt Business Brokers
Talecris Michael Scritchfield Center Manager 6530 N. 76th St. Milwaukee, WI 53223 (414) 760-6105 www.grifols.com Health Care Services
Small business Savings program Office Depot is focused on supporting small business growth and engagement at the local level. The business savings program is part of that commitment and provides businesses with access to better pricing, tools, and solutions to help them grow.
Toshiba America Energy Systems Lee Hietpas VP - Thermal Services 6623 W. Washington St. West Allis, WI 53214 (414) 475-2800 www.toshiba.com/taes/ Manufacturers-Special Equipment
20% to 55% off retail on cleaning& break room items
USO Wisconsin, Inc. Joshua Sova, Executive Director 750 N. Lincoln Memorial Dr. Ste. 407 Milwaukee, WI 53202 (414) 763-2214 www.usowisconsin.org Nonprofit Education
zizzl a benefits & payroll co. Rob Goll VP Business Development, Partner 313 N. Plankinton Ave. Milwaukee, WI 53203 (414) 800-2018 www.zizzl.com Insurance Agents/Brokers
20% to 55% off item office supply core list
10% off branded; 20% off private brand ink & toner core list
Average 10% off retail on 200 technology core items
ScaleFactor, Inc. Jane Sanders, Territory Manager 1408 E. 13th St. Austin, TX 78702 (512) 691-9043 www.scalefactor.com Computer Software/Service
Learn more at
mmac.org/officedepot.html mmac.org |
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BUILD TO LAST. When you build with Spancrete precast, your structures will stand the test of time. That’s because we’ve been perfecting building with precast for more than 70 years. Since the beginning, we’ve focused on quality, service and innovation. As a result, our precast systems are faster to install, longer lasting, safer and more sustainable. From virtual design to installation, we’ll work with you to make legendary structures.
Today, Spancrete is building the modern classics. spancrete.com | 855-900-SPAN
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Milwaukee Commerce, SUMMER 2019
Contact our team for information and ways to engage in your chamber. ADVERTISING & M7 INVESTING Jim Wall 414/287-4119 jwall@mmac.org BUSINESS EDUCATION TOURS /FUTURE 50 Alexis Deblitz 414/287-4131 adeblitz@mmac.org COMMUNICATIONS Chris Jenkins 414/287-4152 cjenkins@mmac.org ECONOMIC TRENDS & RESEARCH Bret Mayborne 414/287-4122 bmayborne@mmac.org ETHNICALLY DIVERSE BUSINESSES Marjorie Rucker 414/287-4172 mrucker@mmac.org EVENTS & SPONSORSHIPS Karen Powell 414/287-4166 kpowell@mmac.org EXECUTIVE ROUNDTABLES Whitney Maus 414/287-4130 wmaus@mmac.org EXPORT DEVELOPMENT Chad Hoffman 414/287-4156 choffman@mke7.com
FOOD & BEVERAGE INDUSTRY (FAB) Shelley Jurewicz 414/287-4143 sjurewicz@fabwisconsin.com
HISPANIC COLLABORATIVE Nancy Hernandez 414/287-4118 nhernandez@mmac.org INTERNATIONAL TRADE Katie Henry 414/287-4123 khenry@mmac.org LEAD GENERATION GROUPS & MEMBER ENGAGEMENT
BUILD TOGETHER. Spancrete is proud to have built memorable structures within the Milwaukee community where we live, work and play. From design to completion, we collaborate with our customers to see a project through its entire life cycle. From virtually designing structures, to an accelerated build schedule, our approach saves time and resources. Precast structures by Spancrete offer lower building maintenance and a safer, more versatile structure for the long term. We’re bringing our customers’ visions to life, creating structures that will last for generations to come.
Andrea Medved 414/287-4115 amedved@mmac.org MEMBERSHIP Barb Smith 414/287-4173 bsmith@mmac.org Jane Backes 414/287-4114 jbackes@mmac.org
Fiserv Forum (Milwaukee)
SMALL BUSINESS Stephanie Hall 414/287-4124 shall@mmac.org TALENT INDUSTRY PARTNERSHIPS
Highway 11 (Racine)
Susan Koehn 414/287-4136 skoehn@mke7.com WEBSITES
FEDERAL, STATE & LOCAL GOVERNMENT Steve Baas 414/287-4138 sbaas@mmac.org Andrew Davis 414/287-4141 adavis@mmac.org
Carrie Gossett 414/287-4157 cgossett@mmac.org YOUNG PROFESSIONALS Corry Joe Biddle 414/287-4137 cbiddle@mmac.org
Cedarburg Public Works
Wisconsin | Illinois | Florida
spancrete.com | 855-900-SPAN
mmac.org |
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Interested in advertising in the next issue of Milwaukee Commerce?
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Visit mmac.org for full details or contact Jim Wall at (414) 287.4119 jwall@mmac.org Milwaukee Commerce newsletters are printed by:
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Milwaukee Commerce, SUMMER 2019
Don't miss this opportunity! Contact Jim Wall at 414/287.4119 or jwall@mmac.org for your customized advertising package.
