MMAC Vision: A globally competitive region that drives high-value, high-wage jobs to support a vibrant quality of life for all
Making Milwaukee a Region of Choice for all by Tim Sheehy President of the MMAC
The Milwaukee Region has experienced considerable success in recent years. Recently, we hit an all-time high in employment. Our homegrown companies are expanding, and we are attracting new businesses to our region at an unprecedented rate. Milwaukee sits at an inflection point: Over the past decade, the top 40 U.S. markets have experienced far more rapid job growth than have other regions. Today, we rank 39th – sitting right on the edge between the haves and have-nots, as regions compete with one another for growth. The headwinds we face are significant, including a staggering prosperity gap between the white population and African-American and Hispanic populations in Milwaukee, a shortage of workers with the right skills to fill open jobs, and too many people left on the sidelines of our economy who lack the skills and educational attainment to participate. To remain competitive, we must become a Region of Choice for everyone: talented and diverse workers, leaders who choose where businesses locate and grow, and a new generation of residents
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Milwaukee FALL 20192019 Milwaukee Commerce, Commerce, WINTER WINTER 2019
with the ideas to advance our economy and the problem-solving skills to make Milwaukee a better place to live. Every two years, MMAC publishes its Blueprint for Economic Prosperity, based on the needs and input from our members. This agenda outlines the strategies and actions MMAC is engaging in to enhance our region’s assets and reduce its liabilities, captured under three broad strategies: • Talent: Develop and attract life-long learners • Growth: Foster a thriving and inclusive economy • Livablility: Invest in a region for all At our 2019 All Member Meeting, we marked the Association’s 158th anniversary. But as always, the most important work lies ahead. Thank you for your continued investment and please spread the word about our efforts to ensure that Milwaukee remains competitive by becoming a Region of Choice for all. Sincerely,
T
he work to make Metro Milwaukee a Region of Choice for diverse talent, and the Talent and Industry Partnership MMAC recently announced with the Milwaukee 7, are important steps in a journey. We must ensure our region has access to the best diverse talent, and people have the skills they need to stay employable and develop sustainable careers. Milwaukee’s companies and community are making an intentional effort to ensure their doors are open to everyone, so that more of our young people will want to build a career here and more talented employees will want to move here.
Every industrial revolution requires an educational revolution
When 46% of U.S. employers cannot find the skilled talent they
