// STEPHANIE HALL MMAC VP of Membership & Small Business
414/287-4121 shall@mmac.org
Over 90% of MMAC’s members are small and mid-sized enterprises. 1/3 of MMAC’s Board members represent businesses with fewer than 300 employees. The Milwaukee Region’s small businesses are a critical part of the economy and drive the region’s entrepreneurial innovation. As the pandemic ensued, it became clear that MMAC must innovate to serve and sustain our SME members. Many of you answered our calls and email outreach in the first few weeks of Safer at Home. Across all industries, all counties – it became clear…well, that NOTHING was clear.
VETTED RESOURCES //
INSPIRED FOCUS //
ONGOING SUPPORT //
MMAC leapt into action to address the immediate need for vetted information from trusted resources. Our daily briefings were attended by hundreds of business leaders and our website was updated constantly to provide the best resource for businesses in all industries.
As manufacturers and offices reopened, SMEs endured, adapted and inspired. Our member outreach program unearthed some amazing small business stories.
Our entire team, especially our Membership and Small Business divisions, want to thank to thank our SME members. We will continue to reach out to you in 2021 to sustain the collaborative work begun. We’re here to support your business, your employees and our region’s future.
The collaborative work and power behind an organization with more than 1,800 member companies – was essential in clearing the clutter. While each of you was neck-deep in navigating new and murky waters, the MMAC was working with policymakers to ensure the business community was heard. Our partnership with local and state policymakers led to more clear reopening plans and strategies.
MMAC and its Council of Small Business Executives honored 65 exceptional firms through our Focus on the Future event in September. In a time of darkness, our region's SMEs displayed great feats of innovation and perseverance.
“The MMAC and Medical College of Wisconsin have positioned themselves to be a source of credible, actionable information. It’s like Dr. Raymond said, ‘You don’t get very far by just scaring people.’” - MARK GOLDSTEIN, Goldstein Law Group, S.C.
VIEW DETAILS AT MMAC.ORG/SMB.HTML
mmac.org || 11 mmac.org
POSITION YOUR BUSINESS AS A LEADER & MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN YOUR COMMUNITY MMAC Leadership Council is the place to make exclusive connections, discuss ideas and be recognized for your leadership. MMAC provides a platform to convene and help create the strategies that will ensure our prosperity. Your perspective is critical to setting the course for Milwaukee’s future.
The Competitive Edge. Our Manufacturing Team delivers a distinctive competitive edge. We have the experience and depth to help manufacturers achieve success in today’s global marketplace. We are not only a legal advisor - we are trusted business advisors. Whether you are a small or middle market manufacturer or a large publicly traded enterprise with international operations, we equip manufacturers with the edge they need. To learn more about how our Manufacturing Team’s strategic, personalized approach can position you to achieve success, please contact James Wawrzyn at jwawrzyn@vonbriesen.com.
// BARB SMITH MMAC Director of Membership Engagement
The MMAC Leadership Council is 414/287-4173 reserved for our most engaged bsmith@mmac.org stakeholders – those who care about the future of the Milwaukee region and its economy. This program is available to members investing a minimum of $3,000 in annual dues.
ACCESS
Private access to briefings with MMAC leaders
INPUT
Your experience & perspectives are invaluable to build an agenda for business growth Milwaukee • Madison • Neenah Waukesha • Green Bay • Chicago
IMPACT
Help shape our agenda around the priorities that matter most to your business VIEW DETAILS AT MMAC.ORG/LC.HTML
“We belong to a variety of organizations but we invest with MMAC because they provide opportunities like this, for our input. We want to collaborate with other businesses to reach maximum impact on the transformation of the Milwaukee market.” - WAYNE MORGAN , Baker Tilly | Milwaukee Commerce, WINTER 2020 2 | 2 Milwaukee Commerce, WINTER 2020
“Joining a CEO Roundtable has been an unbelievable investment for our business. Having a small group of peers has proven to be an incredible resource during trying times in the economy. The group size and meeting schedules are just right. You don’t have to feel alone in your challenges or successes!” - MARK NABER , West Allis Blue
WANTED: SENIOR DECISION MAKERS Nearly 400 CEOs, CFOs, Senior Executives and Sales Managers in the Milwaukee Region count on the MMAC’s Council of Small Business Executives (COSBE) Executive Roundtable Program to fill the void that often comes with being a senior decision-maker.
The Executive Roundtable Program provides a structured and confidential environment for executives to share best practices and resolve their business challenges. Members can expect to make better decisions, improve communication skills and build valuable relationships. MMAC structures // WHITNEY each group to include non-competitive MAUS businesses and industries and provides MMAC Director, ongoing administrative support. Executive Roundtables/ Roundtable Group Profile CEOs of Growing Each Roundtable consists of 8–12 peers Businesses with similar company sizes in non414/287-4146 competing businesses. Meetings are held wmaus@mmac.org monthly, usually over breakfast, virtually or at a member’s business, private club or restaurant. Each Roundtable is selfled, prioritizes issues to be discussed and develops its own agenda. A typical meeting could include discussion on managing growth, finding and retaining top talent, enhancing compensation programs, health care costs or retirement plans.
VIEW DETAILS AT MMAC.ORG/ROUNDTABLES.HTML
We know
FAMILY
BUSINESS
Strength, Expertise & Responsiveness
nebat.com/business
(262) 523-1000
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BUILD TRUSTED SALES & MARKETING RELATIONSHIPS Networking Forum participants strive every meeting to develop sales referrals and close more business by expanding their business network. Multiple groups of approximately 15 professionals meet twice a month.
// DENISE SALAMONE Membership Concierge 414/287-4165 dsalamone@mmac.org
What do meetings look like? Meetings are currently being held virtually and are managed by two volunteer group leaders. Every discussion is structured with a written agenda for 60-75 minutes that includes a group participant in a “Help Me” segment.
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What is a “Help Me” segment? The opportunity for a participant to share information about their business and personal objectives. Topics include: • Promoting your business • Asking for assistance • Sharing best practices • Asking for referrals • Bring a guest speaker Members also network through scheduled one-on-one meetings with fellow participants to build additional relationships.
VIEW DETAILS AT MMAC.ORG/NETWORKING-FORUM.HTML
4 | Milwaukee Commerce, WINTER 2020
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