Experience your building design before you break ground by KEN SEELOW - Eppstein Uhen Architects7/17/2017
![]() Picture this: a client meets with the design firm they have entrusted to create their new headquarters. They’ve spent countless hours and resources to ensure employees will have a space that is comfortable, inviting and integrates into their overall brand. The client sits down and the design firm presents plans and renderings. But, the client struggles to understand how the design relates to their goals. Let’s flip the switch. What if, instead of the singular view these plans and renderings provide, the architect hands each member of the client’s team a pair of virtual reality goggles allowing them to experience the proposed headquarters firsthand. Technology’s role Technology plays a critical role in Eppstein Uhen Architect’s (EUA) approach to designing spaces and ensuring client satisfaction. While Building Information Modeling (BIM) is still the standard among architects, Virtual Reality (VR) allows us to leverage it in a new way. VR immerses users in a 3D virtual environment, bringing our designs to life in a way that was not possible even a few years ago. Not only does the technology allow clients to better understand what a space will look like in final form, it also can track critical performance data, saving money throughout the various phases of design and construction. Augmented reality The next advanced technology option that is being perfected is Augmented Reality (AR). This technology allows the architectural team to overlay 3D virtual images over real-world spaces, enhancing the model to the point that programming and design options can be altered and vetted from various locations in real-time. VR advantages There was a time, just a few years ago, when one-dimensional plans would go out early for the contractors to budget from, so a client would have a sense of early project budgets. This left the door open to assumptions and design details being missed in early estimates. VR has aided our clients and contractors in understanding design details that are being planned for in the built environment. Contractors pick those details up in the early budgets and owners have a greater level of confidence in the design and corresponding budget. With the ability to leverage these new and improving technology tools, we are now able to give clients confidence that the final design will provide exactly what they want. What they see is what they will get. For more info, contact Heather Turner Loth at 414.291.8143 or to see VR in action, visit http://www.eua.com/innovation/ ![]() In today’s technology landscape — which includes email as the preferred communication tool and internet browsing as the conduit of information—organizations of all sizes are at risk from cyber attacks. The latest large scale ransomware attack dubbed “WannaCry” was first detected the morning of May 12, 2017 and affected an estimated 200,000 computers globally. As the methods of intrusion become increasingly sophisticated, protection of your organization’s data should be a top priority. Here are some quick protection tips in order of importance: End User Education Most hacker attempts are no longer attacks on firewalls or servers. It is far easier for a nefarious character to pose as a known entity or a trusted brand. Identification of oddities, suspicious timing, or peculiar content in the form of email messages or websites are keys to prevent infections. Ongoing training of your end users to identify common tactics used by hackers will greatly reduce the potential for a virus outbreak. E-Mail Protection This tool is the first line of defense when it comes to e-mail phishing attacks and scams. In-depth heuristics and verification methods are critical to eliminate the majority of e-mail phishing attempts. Secure E-Mail Environment Many organizations may be unaware of simple and often overlooked configuration details that allow spam filters to work at their top potential. Default configurations may allow invisible hackers to pose as users allowing the transmission of malicious e-mails through the organization’s e-mail server. Offsite Backup Since there is no guaranteed method to prevent all intrusions, a reliable offsite backup solution is extremely valuable when a breach occurs. Utilizing cloud-based backup solutions that can run multiple times per day will limit how much data may be lost in the event of an infection. Correct User Permissions Similar to protecting your e-mail environment, it is critical to limit file access for users that do not require rights to certain file locations. Correct permissions and proper design of file structures will protect sensitive information and limit any potential infection or breach that may occur. Antivirus Software What used to be the #1 preventer of infections is now the last line of defense as cyberattacks today are more likely to succeed by exploiting people rather than technology infrastructure. In light of this shift in cyberattack methodology, AV solutions that analyze end user behavior instead of code are recommended. To learn more about this topic, MMAC members are invited to attend the “Cyber Security & Disaster Recovery” seminar presented by Technology Resource Advisors, Inc. on Thursday, September 14 at the Harley Davidson Museum. The featured presenter will be Byron Franz, Special Agent of the FBI. To reserve your space, send an email to [email protected]. ![]() By Dr. Vicki Martin - President, Milwaukee Area Technical College Since our founding in 1912, Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC) has offered the education and training area residents need for in-demand careers that drive the region’s economic prosperity. Our college and, more importantly our graduates, are integral to the vitality of southeastern Wisconsin. Every year, we graduate 2,800 students with the education and hands-on training needed to close the skills gap. Local business and industry leaders recognize the significant contributions our graduates make to the success of their companies. One question I have been asked frequently since becoming MATC president in 2014 is, “When will your students be ready to come work for us? We need them!” It truly is a great problem to have, but the reality is 90% of our students attend classes on a part-time basis. The average MATC student age is 30, which means family and work commitments often come first and students may delay their education, and ultimately their careers, to address these obligations. Unfortunately, our local employers do not have time to wait. 'Promise' provides tuition plus support services Enter the MATC Promise. In April 2015, after learning about successful Promise programs in other states, I formed a team to develop the MATC Promise, a program that would pay the tuition and fees for students who enroll at MATC directly from high school and meet certain eligibility criteria. The program is a “last dollar” scholarship, which means MATC pays the balance of a student’s tuition and fees (after federal and state aid awards have been applied) for five semesters, which is typically enough time to complete an associate’s degree. Our initial goal for the first Promise class was 1,000 applicants. More than 3,100 high school seniors applied to MATC, or 214% of our goal. Ultimately, close to 1,200 Promise applicants enrolled at MATC in the fall of 2016. The program is supported entirely by private funds and we rely on our generous donors to continue the MATC Promise program as long as the need for career and technical education exists. When students arrive at MATC, a network of support services is in place to help them succeed. I am extremely proud that more than 500 faculty and staff members serve as mentors to our Promise students. The Promise, which makes the dream of college a reality for young people, is just one example of MATC’s commitment to transforming lives, industry and community by preparing today’s students for the careers and workplaces of tomorrow. ![]() By Debbie Seeger - Senior VP & Co-Founder, Patina Solutions Finding and keeping good talent will continue to be a challenge for at least the next decade as significant shifts in the U.S. workforce are taking place: changes in generational work attitudes; an ever more global economy; companies re-sizing; and loss of experienced leaders and workers to retirement — it’s a Big Shift. Smart companies know they must get ahead of these challenges or they will not be an employer of choice as the competition heats up. Every day Patina is talking with business leaders who are challenged by doing more with less. Attracting the talent to help you not only grow, but to be cheaper, faster, better, smarter – is a huge challenge. The need to be agile and creative amid a firehose of change has created an environment where smart companies are thinking differently about how they make their talent programs match their growth needs. Here are a few strategies I’ve seen companies implement. Grow your own One company I’ve worked with recognized that they could not face increased loss of business opportunities, so they decided to create a “greenhouse” to grow their own talent. They worked with representatives across all levels of the company and identified the biggest skills gap for new entry level employees and for current employees considered as future leaders. Then they determined which of the skills could be learned. English as a second language was a major barrier in this company, so they decided to offer English courses to their employees. It became so popular that they decided to invite guests of employees (parents, cousins, neighbors). They found that their employees who were learning English were having fewer on-the-job accidents and safety violations, were more conscientious, had improved morale and retention improved. Man to man coverage (women too…it’s just a sports analogy) Another company decided that some of the skills gap it experienced was harder to address with traditional training programs (“soft skills” like work ethic, positive work attitude, being conscientious, etc.). They decided to implement a wrap-around program – or “Wrappers.” Each new hire is assigned another person in the company whose responsibility it is to mentor the person through their work experiences, and help build those soft skills into their core values. The Wrappers can help with any aspect that the new hire may find to be an obstacle: attendance; follow-through; quality; asking for direction; or having a crucial conversation. In this program, the new hire feels that there is someone rooting for them, expecting something of them, holding them accountable and helping them get the development they need. This company reports getting feedback from many of its younger employees that they’ve never had anyone support them like this – at all. Reverse mentoring We all know that mentoring is becoming a staple in the development toolbox. But have you heard of “Reverse Mentoring?” I first heard of it at a large financial institution where they brought employees together from different generations for sessions to learn from each other. Millennials led interactive hands-on sessions on topics such as how to use social media or store your photos in the cloud. Some of the Boomers led sessions like the basics of Financial Planning and Saving in a 401K. This supports my long-held belief that everyone brings gifts and as leaders it’s our job to tap our gifts and apply them in the best way possible. It also puts the focus on the ways that each generation in the workforce can help each other instead of highlighting the differences. Start by doing one thing, today If all of this seems too overwhelming, think about what you can do to just get something started, right now, right where you are today. A few things to consider:
Web-based platform facilitates career-based learning experiences by connecting students to local businesses
New approach to learning designed to graduate well-rounded, competent high school students2/13/2017
By Julia Burns - Co-founder, Pathways High
Unique curriculum at Pathways High addresses local challenges Inspired by their work with students in Destination Imagination and the documentary, "Most Likely To Succeed," Amber Regan and I created Pathways High, a personalized, project-based high school opening in downtown Milwaukee in August 2017. Diverse by design, Pathways High has enrolled approximately 100 students from varied socioeconomic, racial and ethnic backgrounds from both city and suburban neighborhoods. The goal: to graduate more students fluent in academic, technological and interpersonal skills. Broad exposure to careers Through extensive research, Burns and Regan saw the need to provide high school students with broad exposure to career options and 21st century skills required for success in college, career and life. Also, best practices at schools across Wisconsin and the country revealed the importance of providing industry certifications as early as possible so students can demonstrate mastery. Re-purposing the STEM acronym as Science, Technology, Entrepreneurship and Mastery as coined by the highly successful STEM School in Denver, a partner of Pathways High, echoes Pathways High's mission. Mastery of academic and technical content and skills such as collaboration, critical thinking, communication and problem solving, is accomplished through student engagement in projects that are co-designed by businesses and teachers and create connections to the community via their IMPACT program. Connections and networks can dramatically alter the trajectory of a young person’s life, especially a young person who lives in a disadvantaged zip code. The goal of IMPACT is to expose students to careers and mentors in 12 industry clusters including:
Optional fifth year IMPACT takes the form of classes, week-long inter-sessions at a partner’s location and an optional fifth/gap year. The IMPACT year will be personalized for each student, blending internship/apprenticeship and dual enrollment in college courses. This hybrid model provides a student with a deep understanding of both the workplace and academic requirements of a career pathway before s/he graduates and enrolls in a postsecondary program. The result is less costly experimentation in college and lower college debt burdens. If you are interested in learning more about the IMPACT program and becoming an IMPACT partner, please contact me at [email protected] By Steve Baas – MMAC Senior VP of Governmental Affairs
Governor Walker's proposed budget invests more than $6 billion in new money for Wisconsin's transportation infrastructure. While these investments are a good start, the "perfect storm" of major highways in the state reaching the end of their serviceable lifespans and an under-performing revenue stream into the state Transportation Fund means that, despite this generous levels of spending, some projects still face delay. Most notably for the metro Milwaukee region is the delay of the I-94 East-West between the Zoo Interchange and the Marquette interchange. With the majority of the truck traffic in Wisconsin going through the Zoo or Marquette interchanges, increasing capacity and safety along the East-West corridor linking them is not only a regional mobility concern but also a statewide economic concern. MMAC is grateful for the generous funding the Governor has proposed in his transportation budget that keeps projects like the reconstruction of the Zoo Interchange and I-94 North-South on track. We will continue to work with the legislature, however, as the budget moves forward to find a sustainable long-term solution to our transportation funding challenges that will allow critical projects like the I-94 East-West to be put back on track without jeopardizing other critical road projects statewide. By Steve Baas – MMAC Senior VP of Governmental Affairs
Increasing the state share of education funding to its highest level in nearly a decade, Governor Scott Walker introduced his state budget yesterday with a clear focus on building the workforce of Wednesday. Over the biennium, Walker is proposing spending an additional $649 million in state aids for K-12 education and more than $140 million in new funding for the University of Wisconsin System. Under the Walker proposal, school districts around the state will receive an additional $200 in state funding per pupil in 2017-18 and another $204 increase in 2018-19. In addition to this new funding for school districts, the Governor also increased support for alternative education options in Milwaukee by proposing a $217 per-pupil increases in each year of the biennium for students in the Milwaukee Parental Choice Program and in independent charter schools. Even with these increases, Choice and Charter schools would still receive several thousand dollars less per pupil in taxpayer support than MPS, but the additional funds will help narrow the gap for these schools between the amount of state support they receive and the actual cost of education for their students. The Governor also is proposing a new incentive program for high-performing or rapidly improving schools in Milwaukee. Under his budget, schools earning one of the two top grades on the state report card or schools that have improved by three grade levels on the report card would be eligible for an additional $100 per pupil in performance bonus funds. Finally, the Governor is proposing $1.4 million each year in summer school grants for MPS. This week’s budget announcement is only the first step in a budget process that will extend through the legislature over the next 4 months. We are pleased, however, that the initial outline Governor Walker has laid out places such a high priority on the same education issues that our MMAC members consistently tell us are key to our region’s economic success. Click here for the text of the Governor’s Budget Address and to see more details in the Budget in Brief. Milwaukee-area businesses expressed measured optimism toward 2017 according to MMAC’s annual Business Outlook Survey. Seventy-three percent of those businesses surveyed see sales increases, 71 percent predict profit gains and 61 percent expect employment growth in 2017 for their local operations. (jump rest of article to website)
Metro businesses are generally optimistic toward future business prospects, but expectations suggest a slow start to 2017. Overall, expectations for 2017’s first quarter are significantly lower than those expressed for the calendar year as a whole. Sales expectations among Milwaukee-area businesses have been consistently moderate over the course of the past year. Seventy-three percent of those surveyed expect increases in real sales levels in 2017. Only 7 percent predict sales declines, while the remainder (21 percent) see no change. The proportion predicting 2017 sales growth is similar to both the 75 percent who began 2016 predicting sales increases for that year as a whole, and the 72 percent who forecast 2017 sales gains just three months ago. Sales optimism is strongest among manufacturers; 77 percent of manufacturers surveyed predict sales growth in 2017, versus 70 percent among non-manufacturers. Expectations by employer size are more similar. Seventy-four percent of small employers (with fewer than 100 employees) see 2017 sales gains, while 71 percent of large employers have such expectations. Manufacturers are also more likely to predict rising profit levels. Eighty-two percent of manufacturers see 2017 profit increases, versus 65 percent among non-manufacturers. Overall, 71 percent of all employers surveyed see profit increases in 2017. Conversely, only 9 percent see declining profit levels. The remaining 20 percent see no change. A moderate growth trend is expected for capital spending plans among Milwaukee employers. The largest number (42 percent) of those surveyed see increased capital spending levels for local operations in 2017. Eighteen percent see capital spending decreases, while 39 percent see no change. The employment trend in the metro area was on a bit of a roller coaster ride throughout 2016, from slow year-over-year growth over 2016’s first three quarters to employment declines posted in the two most recent months available (October and November). To date, jobs in 2016 are up a modest 0.6 percent, down from the 1.1 percent growth posted in 2015. Nonetheless, businesses overall remain confident that job growth will continue into 2017. A strong majority (61 percent) of businesses expect increases in their local workforces in 2017, with those seeing job increases outnumbering those predicting declines (6 percent) by more than a 10-to-one margin. Thirty-three percent see no change. Despite a flat manufacturing job trend in 2016, manufacturers are more likely than non-manufacturers to predict 2017 job gains. Currently, 68 percent of manufacturers predict job increases during calendar year 2017, higher than the 57 percent of non-manufacturers who see such gains. By comparison, 49 percent of manufacturers forecast employment increases at the beginning of 2016. Increases in wages and salaries for area workers in 2017 are expected to be slightly higher than those projected in 2016. The average change in per person employee wages and salaries is forecast to rise 2.9 percent over the next 12 months, up from the 2.5 percent annual increase projected at the opening of 2016. 2017 Executive Roundtable Platinum SponsorsCENTRAL OFFICE SYSTEMS Central Office Systems is a Waukesha based office equipment company that services, supports, and sells digital multifunctional printer scanner copier systems. Central Office Systems provides HP, Konica Minolta, Kyocera, and Muratec equipment. Our offerings provide significant benefits for all organizations. • Improve network security • Improve regulatory compliance • Improve output quality • Create significantly better equipment reliability • Reduce costs Now that we have all of the important key words in our profile, so the people who try to figure out relevant search terms for SEO rank Central Office Systems properly, let’s cover things in a less formal way. Central Office Systems sells and services copiers and printers. There are not a lot of local providers for this equipment here in the 7 county area. Many organizations like yours probably put up with sub- standard indifferent service, and crappy equipment, because they just don’t have the time to evaluate every product offering in this category. And they are all the same anyway. So you send your money out of the area. Maybe you say to yourself, “there has got to be a better alternative,” but, you have a business to run, and the last thing your staff needs to do is evaluate 10,000 different printer and copier companies. If you would like to keep your money in the 7 county marketplace,(you should because we support 36 different non-profits in Wisconsin, and your business does make a difference to us), work with an organization that actually cares about you, your business, and this community, and a company that actually answers their phone, you should be working with us. Central Office Systems client service scores beat Nordstrom and Apple by 20 percentage points. We are the local alternative with exceptional equipment, superior service, and a real community impact. Call Art Flater at 262 436 9230. CREATIVE BUSINESS INTERIORS Creative Business Interiors specializes in designing, building, painting and furnishing commercial, educational and healthcare spaces. Our expert staff guides clients through a discovery phase called “programming” to assess your needs current and future. Planning adaptable spaces that fit your business model is our specialty. From design concepts to on-going facility upkeep, Creative Business Interiors helps our clients attract and retain both customers and top talent. We offer a variety of value-added services including asset management in our climate-controlled warehouse, move management and facility maintenance services. Each Account Executive has a client-dedicated project manager providing a consistent team for your ongoing interior needs. All field work performed by Creative Business Interiors is done by our own on-staff carpenters, painters and furniture installers. If you have questions about how we could help you design, build, paint or furnish your space, please feel free to reach out to me by phone, email or view our website for more information. Kind regards, Gary Zimmerman Jr. President / CEO NATIONAL EXCHANGE BANK & TRUST National Exchange Bank & Trust is honored to be a 2017 Council of Small Business Executives Platinum Sponsor. National Exchange Bank & Trust is an independent, family-owned financial institution that has been held in high regard as one of the highest rated financial institutions in the Midwest for many years. The bank has proudly served Southeastern Wisconsin since 1933. Our performance is supported by a strong balance sheet, prudent asset management, a strong commitment to community investment as a consistent leader in lending to homeowners and businesses, and an experienced team of bankers with an outstanding reputation. In September 2016, National Exchange Bank & Trust merged with its sister bank, American Bank. The combined bank has $1.8 billion in total assets with 33 locations in Southeastern Wisconsin. The ownership, which did not change, remains committed to our clients, employees and the communities we serve. Please visit Nebat.com for additional information. Richard S. Hensley President - Southeast Wisconsin (262) 523-5726 [email protected] Member FDIC SVA CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS As a diversified professional services firm with over 40 years of experience, SVA has developed specializations in both industries and services. We, however, have not lost sight of what is at the core of all the unique services we provide – accounting, assurance, tax and business consulting. Our professional’s recognize businesses rely on accurate, insightful and comprehensive financial information to maintain profitability and succeed in their industry. From start-up businesses to established enterprises, SVA offers a full array of accounting services ensuring accurate record-keeping and reporting from initial accounting system set up to compiling year-end statements. The SVA Business Advisory Services group specializes in helping business owners improve their company’s performance and reach their business and personal goals. They operate with the understanding every business, organization, industry and individual is unique. Whether you’re just entering the business world and need a trusted advisor to help you get started, or a seasoned veteran looking for a new strategic partner, our extensive range of traditional and specialty services are available to maximize and grow your business. Our Business Consulting Services include • Business Management • Building Company Value • Fraud and Forensic Services • Financial Analysis • Financial Reporting • Small Business Accounting Software • Succession Planning • Retirement Plan Services for Business To learn more about how the experts at SVA can assist your small business, call Joel Nettesheim at (262) 923-5150, [email protected] or Barb Ecklond at (262) 923-5157, [email protected]. SVA is proud to be a Platinum sponsor of COSBE events. 2017 CEOs of Growing Businesses Platinum SponsorsASSOCIATED BANK Associated Bank is honored to be a 2017 Platinum sponsor of the CEOs of Growing Businesses. We are proud to partner with the organizations and individuals who make a difference in our community. Associated Banc-Corp has total assets of $29 billion and is one of the top 50 publicly traded U.S. bank holding companies. Headquartered in Green Bay, Wisconsin, Associated Bank is a leading Midwest banking franchise, offering a full range of financial products and services in over 200 banking locations serving more than 100 communities throughout Wisconsin, Illinois and Minnesota, and commercial financial services in Indiana, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio and Texas. At Associated Bank, we are committed to exceeding clients’ expectations by earning their loyalty, trust and respect in order to build and maintain deep and lasting relationships. To learn more about how we can help you and your business, now and in the future, call 262-446-4749 or visit AssociatedBank.com. DELTA DENTAL Anyone who has ever had a dental problem knows how distracting it can be, making even the basics like eating and talking uncomfortable. Employed adults lose 164 million hours of work each year due to their own oral health problems or dental visits, according to a report by Qualis Health. They’re at an even greater risk of missing work due to their children’s poor oral health. Business leaders working to keep health benefits costs down and productivity up are increasingly considering dental care as part of the preventive package that drives employee wellness. When people have dental benefits, they are 2.5 times more likely to visit the dentist, making it more likely that issues can be discovered and treated sooner, and preventing the need for expensive procedures or medical costs. At Delta Dental of Wisconsin, we know a smile helps promote confidence and is essential to a healthy, productive life. And no one protects smiles like us. With the largest network of dentists nationwide, quick responses and personalized service, we make it easy to keep their smiles healthy. Learn why more businesses trust Delta Dental of Wisconsin with their dental benefits by calling 888-456-2711 or email [email protected]. David Peterson Vice President, Sales & Marketing Delta Dental of Wisconsin GODFREY & KAHN At Godfrey & Kahn, S.C., we believe we succeed when our clients do. We are committed to building strong relationships within our community and are proud to sponsor and support CEOs of Growing Businesses in carrying out its mission. We serve clients by first understanding their business and needs, and then by offering strategic legal advice and smart, practical solutions to real world problems. We are quick to collaborate to achieve client success and provide efficient and responsive legal services. We have a diverse and deep client base, ranging from multinational publicly traded and privately held companies to middle market and family-owned businesses. We also have significant experience advising entrepreneurs, their emerging businesses and investors in those businesses. Our clients rely on us to serve as outside general counsel and provide them with an array of business, financial and legal advice to help manage and grow their operations; and to identify, manage and reduce their risk. Whether advising in-house counsel or acting as a client’s outside general counsel, our goal remains the same ─ understand our client’s business and strategic objectives, and work with them to find and implement solutions that will help them be successful and reduce risk. While many CEOs and entrepreneurs may identify us with our core business practice, we also have significant, broad experience in the areas of Commercial Lending, Environment & Energy Strategies, Estate Planning, Labor & Employment, Litigation, Real Estate and Tax & Employee Benefits. With six locations across Wisconsin and in Washington D.C., we have made it a point to become an integral part of the communities we serve. We are proud to be strengthening bonds with our community through our affiliation with CEOs of Growing Businesses. For more information, please visit www.gklaw.com or contact John R. McDonald at 414.287.9442 or [email protected]. 16591096.1 SIKICH LLP Sikich LLP, a dynamic accounting, advisory, investment banking, technology and managed services firm, has been helping corporations, government entities and non-profit organizations elevate performance for more than 30 years. Growth is something Sikich has experienced first-hand, making our professionals uniquely qualified to provide business guidance. In fact, in 2013, the firm was recognized by Inc. magazine as one of the fastest-growing private companies in the nation; moved up seven spots on Accounting Today’s Top 100 firms list; and received a number of other awards for both business growth and workplace commitment. With over 800 employees throughout the country and international alliances, Sikich provides dedicated industry teams, personalized attention, solutions for unique client challenges and expertise in a variety of integrated services, including: • Accounting & Assurance • Business Valuation • Dispute Advisory • ERP & CRM Software • Human Resources Consulting • Insurance Services • Investment Banking & Corporate Finance • IT Services • International Services • Marketing & Public Relations • Outsourced IT • Retirement Planning • Supply Chain • Talent Acquisition • Tax Planning • Wealth Management To learn more about Sikich, our services and our people, visit our website or follow us on LinkedIn. Securities are offered through Sikich Corporate Finance LLC, a registered broker dealer with the Securities and Exchange Commissions and a member of FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services offered through Sikich Financial, a Registered Investment Advisor. General securities offered through Triad Advisors, Member FINRA/SIPC. Triad Advisors and Sikich Financial are not affiliated. ![]() by MMAC President Tim Sheehy Metro Milwaukee’s number one goal for 2017 is economic growth. Growing the region’s economy is the best bet for delivering bottom line benefits to its citizens. And not just to some of its citizens, in some parts of the region, but opportunities for all. We can always be more efficient in providing public services. We should always strive for better, more effective ways to spend our tax dollars. But for those services in need of more revenue, like K-12 schools, universities, workforce training, roads, and public safety, the answer lies not with higher taxes, but top line growth that delivers more tax revenue. There are exceptions, where the region must choose wisely to invest in its quality of life assets that keep the region attractive. Cost cutting is temporary, efficiency is permanent, but growth is the answer. What Milwaukee makes is what makes Milwaukee. The source of ALL top line growth comes from the products and services exported from the region that bring in new revenue and new jobs. Making things and shipping them to other parts of the U.S and around the globe, managing other people’s money, selling insurance, developing software security, making beer, pizza, flavorings and sausage - this is what drives growth. Serving corporate headquarters, bringing in patients, research dollars, and visitors strengthens our economic base. We need to invest in developing the talent, quality of life, and infrastructure to support this economic activity so we can reap the personal and public revenues that flow from this type of economic growth. MMAC members represent almost 40% of the region’s economy, by jobs and economic output. We have an aggressive agenda for 2017, the Blueprint for Economic Prosperity, which advocates for policy priorities aimed at supporting and spurring growth. Encourage your peers to join with you in driving the success of this agenda. Our economy has plenty of competition, and it has its challenges, but with your help it also has focused regional business leadership. To borrow from Henry Ford, “If you think you can, you can. If you think you can’t, you can’t.” We think metro Milwaukee can make big strides in 2017. To a prosperous and growth filled 2017! The Milwaukee Press Club hosted a panel of experts at the Lake Express Ferry Terminal on January 11 to tackle the hot topic issue of how to fund Wisconsin's transportation system and what the future holds for taxpayers.
MMAC's Steve Baas, Senior VP of Governmental Affairs along with Todd Berry, Wisconsin Taxpayers Alliance; Bill Johnsen, formerly of the Urban Economic Development Association; John Nygren, State Rep. and co-chair of the Joint Finance Committee; and Ken Yunker, SEWRPC, faced a panel of journalists to answer questions and share thoughts about current problems and possible solutions Wisconsin’s transportation issue in not merely a political, it is an economic issue as well. The Transportation Development Association found that Wisconsin roads rank 3rd worst in the nation with 56% of Milwaukee roads classified as ‘mediocre/poor.’ Steve Baas identified three areas that he hopes policy and lawmakers will keep in mind when meeting the state’s transportation challenges in the upcoming budget:
“Providing a temporary patch in this budget and kicking the can down the road for a comprehensive solution ultimately drives up costs and creates uncertainty,” said Baas. >> Watch the event on Wisconsin Eye. ![]() Chad Cundiff has been president of Astronautics Corporation of America since 2013. He is responsible for the development and execution of long-term business strategies and all day-to-day operations of the company. Prior to joining Astronautics, he led strategy and business development for UTC Aerospace Systems. Before this, he was at Honeywell Aerospace for over 15 years where he served in positions of increasing responsibility including vice president of Crew Interface Products, responsible for Honeywell’s display, terrain warning, and flight management systems. He began his career as an engineer with The Boeing Company developing the Boeing 777 airplane. His career has included assignments in flight test, engineering, program management, sales, marketing, and business leadership. He serves on the board of directors for Astronautics, the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA), and Junior Achievement of Wisconsin. Cundiff holds a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from the University of Kansas, a Master of Science degree in Aeronautical Engineering from the University of Washington, and an MBA from the University of Missouri. He has been awarded two patents and is an instrument-rated pilot. ![]() By Tim Sheehy, MMAC President As we look ahead at the priorities for the MMAC, it's worth taking stock of the current metro Milwaukee balance sheet from a business perspective. On the asset side, Metro Milwaukee has a solid foundation: a concentration of global corporate headquarters; an enviable footprint of next generation manufacturing; industry diversification that spans financial services to water technologies; and a workforce recognized for its ingenuity and productivity. In addition, we boast some of the best health care in the world, outstanding educational institutions at all levels and a quality of life that is accessible and exceptional.
By Steve Baas – MMAC Senior VP of Governmental Affairs The state of Wisconsin is in the midst of a long overdue discussion over how to create a sufficient and sustainable long-term revenue stream for the state Transportation Fund. It is a debate that is coming to a head as transportation needs and funding in Wisconsin reach a critical point.
Your One-stop Online resource to Engage with Students and Build Your Future Workforce The Milwaukee 7 Talent Partnership’s new Grow Here Campaign and its Inspire online career-development portal can help you expand your company’s talent pipeline by connecting with students (6th grade through college), their parents and educators to learn about your company’s workforce needs and work-based learning opportunities.
COSBE'S "Be the Spark" program connects Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) students to potential career pathways by touring local businesses.
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