Change is inevitable. Growth is optional.

Innovation. It’s the heart of new ideas and the soul of new startups. It drives business – large and small – and without it, complacency and stagnation fill the void. As business coach and author John Maxwell said, “Change is inevitable; growth is optional.”

You don’t have to look far in the metro Milwaukee business community to find outstanding examples of innovation. Our small businesses and startup ventures are creating jobs and capital investments that have a ripple effect throughout the economy. Businesses with 1-100 employees account for roughly 37,000 businesses in metro Milwaukee.

The region’s startup ecosystem is gaining traction. We’re amplifying the stories of successful funders and founders through MKEStartupnews.com. On March 10, Mayor Cavalier Johnson was invited to “pitch” the city’s value proposition to business and talent at the famed South by Southwest (SXSW) festival in Austin, Texas. MMAC and Milwaukee 7 worked as part of a unique coalition of the City, Summerfest, Summerfest Tech and CSA Partners to make this happen. Milwaukee was showcased as a hub for innovation to the founders and funders who attend SXSW.

As you’ll read in this issue, the demographic makeup of our region is a significant challenge to growth. Small business ownership locally mirrors a trend facing the entire region: the population is aging with not enough people entering the workforce to replace those retiring.

The MMAC itself operates as a small business – albeit a not-for-profit one. The organization faces many of the same challenges as other small enterprises in the region. As the leader of this team for the past 30 years, I understand the importance of succession planning to drive the vision and mission forward beyond my tenure.

Earlier this year, we announced Dale Kooyenga was joining the staff as Senior Vice President as part of a planned leadership transition. I have every confidence that the MMAC will be perfectly positioned to advance and will continue to strive toward the vision of a globally competitive region that attracts jobs and investments to support a vibrant quality of life for all.

A change in leadership for MMAC is inevitable. Driven by a team of smart, talented and visionary leaders and team members, its growth is assured.

Tim Sheehy MMAC President