The Greater Milwaukee Committee's mission is to keep Southeastern Wisconsin the best community to live, learn, work and play.

Our membership - comprised of our region's business, labor, academic, philanthropic, nonprofit and civic leadership - believes that intelligent, active interest in public affairs is the true measure of citizenship, and the foundation for community.

GMC releases Public Policy Forum report on Milwaukee County

The GMC-commissioned Public Policy Forum report on Milwaukee was released Wednesday, January 27, 2010. The report, entitled Should It Stay Or Should It Go?, explores the county's fiscal situation and current governance structure, along with potential alternative solutions. Rob Henken (left) of the Public Policy Forum presented the report; reaction was provided by GMC County Task Force Chair Sheldon Lubar.

You can view the GMC meeting at the Milwaukee Hilton by clicking on the image or by linking here.

 Download the full report here. 

 Download the executive summary here.

The Public Policy Forum has the report divided by sections on its website.  You can download the full report or the executive summary above, or download the report in sections here from the Public Policy Forum page.

Strong show of support for regional transit

Business leaders, including a number of GMC members, joined Governor Doyle and representatives from the legislature, unions, and the community at large to voice support for a regional transit authority at Bucyrus' world headquarters in South Milwaukee Tuesday morning.

Bucyrus International President & CEO Tim Sullivan welcomed the standing room-only crowd. Following were comments from Governor Jim Doyle, as well as GMC members Ed Zore, Bob Mariano and Scott VanderSanden. A strong Racine contingent was present in the form of Fisk Johnson, Chairman & CEO of S.C. Johnson, Jeff Van Koningsveld, President of IBEW Local 430, and Racine Mayor John Dickert.

GMC achieves "Well Workplace" status

The Greater Milwaukee Committee, a major supporter of the Well City Milwaukee initiative, joins a series of other Milwaukee area companies and organizations by achieving "Well Workplace" status. The goal continues for Milwaukee to achieve "Well City" status this year.

January GMC meeting: quality school research can build capacity for school reform

The January GMC membership meeting, held on Monday, January 11th at the University Club, featured guests from the Chicago Consortium on School Research (CCSR), explaining their model of using high-quality, comprehensive research on factors affecting student performance to help improve graduation rates.

CCSR representatives Nick Montgomery (pictured at left) and Emily Krone (center) presented and described their methods, their model and results during the organization's 20-year history. They also took a series of questions from members, led by chair Mike Grebe (right).

The shocking statistic, although unfortunately not uncommon in large urban school districts, is that only 6% of the children entering high school in Chicago went on to graduate from a 4-year college. CCSR developed a method known as the "On-Track Indicator" to help determine contributing factors leading to better student and school performance and track them for each student in the district. Graduation rates have since improved and the data from CCSR is being used by all parties involved in Chicago Public Schools, from administrators to the teachers' union to the business community.

Video of the meeting is available by clicking here or on the image to the left. Download their presentation by clicking on the title slide to the right.  You can also find out more about the book Organizing Schools for Improvement: Lessons from Chicago by clicking on this link.

The November GMC membership meeting featured Rob Henken, President of the Public Policy Forum, as the keynote speaker. The Public Policy Forum has been commissioned by the GMC to research the fiscal, legal and logistical issues involved with transferring the various pieces of county government to other entities, and what options might exist for doing so. Mr. Henken's presentation included questions, examples and initial observations on their research thus far, and cautioned members that the full report must be absorbed in it's entirely before any conclusions can be reached.

The complete report will be released at a joint GMC-Public Policy Forum breakfast meeting on January 27, 2010. Watch the video from the meeting here.

The GMC October meeting moved to the Pfister Hotel Monday, October 12th in order to hold the 170 attendees who came to see the release of Milwaukee Women inc.'s report, Driving Results with Diversity of Thought. 

Details of the report were presented by Kris Rappe (center), Senior Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer of Wisconsin Energy Corporation.  Ernst & Young LLP Managing Partner Keith Burns (left) presented his company's initiatives with his presentation, titled A Framework for Inclusiveness: A Journey to the Future Workforce. Tracey Klein (right), Partner at Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren S.C., provided reaction and the call to action: that companies fill one-third of their available board positions with women during the next 5 years. This will allow Wisconsin to reach the level where the typical of board is made up of 25% women by 2014.

 Download the entire Milwaukee Women inc. report here.

Download the PowerPoint slides from the meeting here.

Health Care Reform gets a checkup at September GMC meeting

The GMC September meeting covered one of the most controversial topics facing our nation today: Health Care Reform. Led by Froedtert Hospital & Health Systems President & CEO Bill Petasnick, a panel featuring United Health Care Wisconsin CEO Wendy Arnone, Secretary Karen Timberlake of the Wisconsin Department of Health Services and VP/Operations for QuadMed John Neuberger discussed health care options, where we are currently, where we could be, and how the debates on the federal level are shaping the future possibilities.

Check out video of the meeting here. 

You can also download the slides from Bill Petasnick's presentation here.   

From left to right: John Neuberger of QuadMed; Secretary Karen Timberlake from the WI Dept. of Health Services; Wendy Arnone from United Health Care of Wisconsin; Bill Petasnick of Froedert Hospital; and GMC Chair Mike Grebe.

Also, courtesy of Bill Petasnick, here are three articles on health care reform for your reference:

"Bending the Cost Curve", Engleberg Center, 09-01-2009 

"Get Fundamental", David Brooks of the NY Times, 09-04-2009 

"How American Health Care Killed My Father", Goldhill, Atlantic Online, Sept. 2009

Governor Doyle proposes new regional transit framework

Governor Jim Doyle announced a new plan for transit with a regional eye in southeastern Wisconsin Tuesday, September 8th at the Intermodal Station in Milwaukee. The proposed framework involves the use of a 0.5% sales tax in Milwaukee County to serve as a dedicated source of funding for the bus system. The sales tax would be offset by a corresponding reduction in the property tax, so in essence for residents this would serve as a tax "shift".

Above: GMC President Julia Taylor introduces Governor Doyle at the press conference, held at Milwaukee's Intermodal Station on Tuesday, September 8, 2009. 

Meanwhile, Racine and Kenosha (and presumably other) Counties in the region have the option to join in to form what will truly be a regional transit authority over time.

Find out more from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel here.

The Summary of Our Summer: Latest GMC Newsletter is here.

Water Summit III convenes over 200 to discuss water's true costs and opportunities

Governor Jim Doyle, US Senator Russ Feingold, Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett welcome attendees

The Milwaukee 7 Water Council, a group co-chaired and provided staffing support by the Greater Milwaukee Committee, convened its highly successful Water Summit III inside the Pilot House atop Discovery World on Monday, July 20th.

Attendees from across the region came to discuss water-related issues and hear from prominent speakers representing water from the business, academic, research, policy, investment and environmental angles. Using the information gathered, they formed afternoon breakout sessions and worked on water-related opportunities for the Milwaukee region's future. Video and more coverage will be posted soon!

Track media coverage of Water Summit III on the Water Council website.

The 2016 (Chicago?) Olympics

The 2016 Olympic games could be coming to Chicago. Pat Ryan, CEO of Chicago 2016, and his staff discussed their plans for bringing the Olympics to Chicago - and what some of the positive ramifications could be for Milwaukee. He joined GMC members for a special lunch on June 25th.  View the video here!

GMC June Meeting covers talent: recruitment, training and retaining

The Greater Milwaukee Committee's June 2009 meeting featured talent as the topic. How do some GMC member companies find, train and retain top talent for long-term success? We found out from panelists David Myers from Johnson Controls, Paul Purcell from Robert W. Baird & Company, and Peggy Troy from Children's Hospital & Health Services. Manpower CEO Jeff Joerres served as moderator.

Watch video of the panelists by clicking on the above image or this link.

See the Business Journal story on the meeting here.

Also, County Executive Scott Walker addressed the GMC and discussed the 2009 and 2010 budgets and strategies for the coming year (download Scott Walker's slides here) and John Kissinger provided an update on the Earn & Learn program. Videos are both are available below.

GMC May meeting covers social media; online stream viewed by over 130 across several states
Click HERE for coverage, videos, downloads and more! 

GMC & Water Council instrumental in making Milwaukee a UN Global Compact City

Milwaukee is truly a world water hub - and now the UN is formally recognizing it.

The announcement came April 28th from Dr. Paul James, Director of the UN Global Cities Compact Programme, in an address to the Water Council at Discovery World.

Check out Paul James' address to the Water Council (left) and WISN-TV Channel 12 coverage (right).

Transit takes center stage at April GMC Meeting

Working to get things moving in the transit arena, the Greater Milwaukee Committee focused its April meeting on bringing together panelists to lay out plans, opportunities and critical needs for the future of transit in southeastern Wisconsin.

Transit panelists included (from left to right): Rod Clark from WisDOT; Ken Yunker from SEWRPC; Chris Larson from the Milwaukee County Board; and Michael Cudahy. Julia Taylor served as moderator.  View video here!

You can read the Business Journal's coverage here.

GMC member Michael Cudahy discussed the urgent need to shore up the local system and stressed the economic and development value from rail lines, as exemplified in cities like Portland and Denver.  Milwaukee County Supervisor Chris Larson addressed the Milwaukee County Transit System and the importance of shoring up bus service. Both he and Ken Yunker, Executive Director of the SEWRPC (the Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission) addressed the need for dedicated funding for transit. Yunker went on to discuss the RTA (Regional Transit Authority) and how systems tie together, including the KRM Commuter Rail Line. Rod Clark from the State Department of Transportation also gave the membership a good overview of the Midwest High-Speed Rail Initiative and where Wisconsin stood for getting stimulus funds and engineering underway to begin construction.

Inner City Business Awards salute seven Milwaukee companies

The GMC, the Business Journal and Generation Growth Capital congratulate winners in the 6th Annual Inner City Business Awards, which took place at the Pfister Hotel on Monday, March 9. Winners include Cross Management, Diamond Discs International, Eclipse Contols, Frentzel Products, Palermo Villa, Inc. and Thomas A. Mason, as well as We Energies, which won the ICBA's first-ever Trailblazer Award.

Cross Management's Carla Cross is congratulated by Mayor Tom Barrett. In the background are co-chairs and award presenters Mark Sabljak (left) of the Business Journal and Cory Nettles (right) of Generation Growth Capital and Quarles & Brady.

Mayor Barrett and Ugo Nwagbaraocha, owner of Diamond Discs International, at the Inner City Business Awards.

"Well Workplace" Awards highlight wellness programs in Milwaukee area companies

In pursuit of a "Well City" designation for Milwaukee, the Well City Milwaukee team hosted its second Awards & Celebration Presentation at the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts Wednesday, March 4.  The awards honored Aurora Health Care, Helwig Carbon, Northwestern Mutual, PyraMax Bank, We Energies and Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare for their comprehensive wellness programs and ability to derive bottom-line results.

Michael Grebe confirmed as new Chair of GMC

Following today's 2009 Annual Meeting, Michael Grebe was confirmed by the Board of Directors as Chair of the Greater Milwaukee Committee as Chair.  Mr. Grebe, President of the Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation, is the 34th person to assume this role with the GMC.  Outgoing Chair and Northwestern Mutual President & CEO Edward Zore was presented with a gift that will grow in Lake Park for many years - his own tree - as he was thanked for his service and leadership.

View the videos here:
The transit update from Julia Taylor
Rich Meeusen's presentation on the Milwaukee 7 Water Council
Carlos Santiago's presentation on the UWM School of Freshwater Sciences
Ed Zore's outgoing Chair gift and comments
Message to members from Sister Joel
Also, you can download the GMC's new Annual Report here!

GMC hosts MKEKre8Kamp Creative Community Summit

Hot on the heels of the Cultural Assets Report released to GMC members in November, the MKEKre8Kamp took place last week. This Creative Community Summit was designed to stimulate ideas for arts and cultural institutions in the Milwaukee Region and keep our creative community and economy strong.

Check out the MKEKre8Kamp website

Follow MKEKre8Kamp on Twitter here

Get updates from Julia Taylor's blog here

---

Governor Doyle addresses GMC members

 The New Year kicked off with Wisconsin's top official visiting with GMC members. On January 12th, Governor Jim Doyle spoke to over 100 GMC members and shared his vision and expectations for the coming year and how state government will respond. Budgets, priorities and initiatives were the order of the day... including GMC pursuits such as rail transit, education and water as an economic cluster for the Milwaukee region. 

View Governor Doyle's address to GMC members here or by clicking the image.

Mayor Barrett also spoke to the membership on the Earn & Learn Program taking place in Milwaukee. Click to view here.

The Earn & Learn Program has set a lofty goal to provide employment opportunities for young people in Milwaukee this summer, and GMC members are invited to help. More information is on the way!

November Meeting: the Cultural Assets Report

The November GMC meeting featured a report on the Milwaukee Region Cultural Assets Study from the Cultural Alliance and the GMC Quality of Life Committee.

Reactor Panel Videos:
 
Chris Abele    Cristy Garcia-Thomas  Howard Halaska  Thomas Ellis

 Download the Executive Summary of the Cultural Assets Report

 Download the entire Cultural Assets Report