The M7 Continue to Drive Economic Growth Through Its ‘Choose Milwaukee’ Initiatives

Michael Reader

Kenosha, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Walworth, Washington and Waukesha Counties came together in 2005 in order to create a regional cooperative economic development platform with the sole mission to attract, retain and grow diverse business and talent in southeastern Wisconsin.  This initiative is known as  Milwaukee7’s ‘Choose Milwaukee‘.

In the 8 years since its launch, this collaborative initiative has been credited with bringing 10,000 jobs to the region with over $500 million in payroll and over $700 million in capital investment. According to Milwaukee Business News, “The M7 has also leveraged millions of dollars in federal earmarks, state assistance and other municipal investments for business projects.”

This year’s Milwaukee7 Council meeting took place on November 5, 2013, at the Museum of Wisconsin Art (MOWA) and featured the following keynote speakers on current initiatives:

  • Paul Byrne of Modine Manufacturing who spoke about exports;
  •  Julia Taylor of the Greater Milwaukee Committee whose subject was ingenuity and entrepreneurship;
  • David Mitchell of Monarch Corp., who spoke about manufacturing career awareness and training programs; and
  • Giacomo Fallucca of Palermo Villa and FaB Milwaukee, who promoted food and beverage manufacturing.

The M7 has published a detailed program outlining the topics covered during the council meeting.   Their next meeting is scheduled for February 2014 in Racine County.