M7: Driving the01 Milwaukee Region's economic momentum By Chris Jenkins Communications Director, MMAC
Milwaukee Tool
is expanding again in Waukesha County, adding a $32 million research and development facility to their Brookfield campus — a project expected to create 350 new jobs.
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he Milwaukee Region is experiencing a wave of economic momentum. Businesses already located in the region are expanding, and new companies are entering the market – many on a significant scale. Pick a project, and there’s a good chance that the Milwaukee 7 Economic Development Partnership played a part in making it happen.
Launched in 2005 as a partnership between the MMAC, City of Milwaukee and Greater Milwaukee Committee, M7 is a collaboration among seven southeastern Wisconsin counties: Kenosha, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Walworth, Washington and Waukesha. Together, these seven counties can make a strong pitch to companies looking to expand operations or relocate – from across the state line to around the globe. M7 helps build our regional economy by supporting businesses that export goods and services outside southeastern Wisconsin. These businesses bring new revenue into the region and tend to pay higher than average wages. Every job they create has a multiplier effect that leads to more indirect and induced jobs. These efforts begin with our assets: • A motivated and educated workforce • A robust system of universities & technical colleges • Industry accelerator clusters • Reliable access to fresh water • A business-friendly economic environment
Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett
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Milwaukee Commerce, SPRING 2019
The region’s momentum was confirmed on a national scale when Milwaukee successfully bid to host the 2020 Democratic National Convention. With an estimated 50,000 visitors and $200 million in economic impact, having the convention in Milwaukee represents a significant boost for businesses around the region.
The convention will be hosted at Fiserv Forum, which has received rave national reviews in its first season hosting the Milwaukee Bucks, Marquette men’s basketball, high-profile concerts and community events. With several dining and entertainment venues opening nearby, Fiserv Forum is providing yet another downtown destination.
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But that’s just one of several projects that are redefining the region.
