Creating an Economy for All

Area companies committed to making Milwaukee a Region of Choice are on track to reach and exceed goals

For example, the ROC consortium reported 12.3% growth in Black and Brown employment, significantly outpacing the 1.7% growth reported by all companies in the metropolitan area with more than 50 employees. The 12.3% growth rate is also within striking distance of ROC’s 15% goal for 2025.

Region of Choice Initiative

U nderstanding that diversity must be embraced to create a true, welcoming culture of inclusion in workplaces and communities, the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce (MMAC) began the Region of Choice (ROC) initiative in 2019. As part of that initiative, more than 125 MMAC members have collectively committed to increasing Black and Brown talent in overall employment by 15% and increasing Black and Brown talent in management by 25% in five years (see page 10 for a list of participating employers).

Region of Choice companies share their employment data each year, which is aggregated and benchmarked against the baseline year of 2018. Region of Choice companies have collectively reported employment numbers that are on pace or have already met these goals.

ROC companies have already met the second goal - increasing the percentage of Black and Brown talent in management by 25%. The 26% increase achieved by participating companies compares to 6% growth in Black and Brown management talent for all metro employers reporting EEOC data for the same period through 2020.

MMAC continues to convene representatives from the ROC companies and the community to share and discuss strategies aimed at attracting, retaining and advancing diverse talent. Participants meet both online and in person to help each other learn from peers and subject matter experts. For more information or additional resources, please visit www.regionofchoicemke.org