Greater Milwaukee Committee

Greater Milwaukee Committee
2009-2010 Annual Report
leadership
diversity
collaboration
leverage
February 8, 2010
2009-2010 Board of Directors
Daniel Bader
Lyle Balistreri
William Bertha
T. Michael Bolger
Virgis Colbert
Francis Croak
Curt Culver
John Daniels, Jr.
Michael Grebe
Beverly Greenberg
Timothy Hoeksema
Jeffrey Joerres
Ted Kellner, CFA
Gale Klappa
Dennis Kuester
Gail Lione
Fred Luber
P. Michael Mahoney
Stephen Marcus
Marc Marotta
Daniel McKeithan, Jr.
Jill Morin
H. Carl Mueller
Candice Owley, R.N.
Paul Purcell
Betty Quadracci
Agustin Ramirez
Nancy Sennett
Steven J. Smith
Mary Ellen Stanek
Robert A. Wild, S.J.
Edward J. Zore
We began 2009 knowing the year would be filled with challenges – and opportunities.
We extend our personal thanks to our GMC committee members, our collaborative partners
and organizations, and others throughout the community whose accomplishments this
year set the stage for a truly transformative 2010. This report details our accomplishments
from 2009 and work plans for 2010. Some highlights include:
Milwaukee 7, co-chaired by Mike Grebe and Gale Klappa and co-sponsored with the
MMAC and the Spirit of Milwaukee, has generated a $256 million return in ongoing,
direct payroll, $180 million in capital investment and created or retained more than
4,320 jobs in the region. The Regional Workforce Alliance aligns jobs with education to
help grow the regional economy. Under guidance of the Water Council, Milwaukee is
now a UN-recognized world hub for freshwater research, economic development and
education. The Regional Transit Task Force has leveraged strong support for a regional
transit system into the state’s creation of SERTA, a new, permanent regional transit
authority which will coordinate development of the KRM commuter rail line. Saving
and coordinating regional bus transit systems through support of a local, dedicated
funding source is the next step. The Health Care Task Force has helped expand “Well
Workplace” programs to over 91,000 employees in the region through their companies;
meanwhile, health care cost indices are decreasing throughout the region. We stand
ready in 2010 to become one of the nation’s largest cities to achieve the “Well City”
designation from the Wellness Council of America (WELCOA).
The Education Committee, co-chaired by Bill Jenkins and Paul Roller, continued to
focus on the MPS Working Together, Achieving More strategic plan. Because the education
of our children is critical to the vitality of our region, the committee feels that no matter
what the outcome of the political process in Madison or Milwaukee, involvement in
the improvement process within MPS will be an ongoing effort. Meanwhile, Bradley
Tech under the direction of GMC member and Commission President Lyle Balistreri
continues its ascension as a nationally-recognized technical school that is aligning
young talent with today’s jobs. The school cut the ribbon on their new athletic facility,
Jack MacDonough Field, and increased both graduation and retention rates. College
scholarship awards and internship placements have also risen, thanks in part to
corporate support from GMC members.
Reflecting the progress of past efforts and today’s employer needs, the Diversity Committee
has evolved into the Future Workforce Committeee, co-chaired by Jeffrey Joerres and
Betty Quadracci. Continuing work and development of beneficial resources in collaboration
with the MOSAIC Partnership Program, FUEL Milwaukee and BizStarts Milwaukee will
help attract and retain diverse talent, provide area companies with the best talent pool
possible and give new residents and entrepreneurs the necessary resources for networking
and access to opportunities.
Michael W. Grebe
Chairman
The Quality of Life Committee, co-chaired by Sheldon Lubar and Jill Morin, was catalytic
in the formation of the Creative Coalition, the purpose of which is to move the creative
industry sector in our region forward as an innovation driver. Already generating an
estimated $250 million in regional economic impact, creative industry sector growth will
increase jobs and attract businesses and talent. The County Task Force commissioned a study
from the Public Policy Forum, released in late January 2010 that provides a thorough
analysis of alternative governance options for Milwaukee County.
The GMC continues to link and leverage initiatives, taking advantage of each committee’s
special strengths and applying them across different areas of our work. Our work continues in the
spirit that is reflected in our motto from the day this organization began: It Can Be Done.
We thank you, our members, and look forward to your continued engagement.
Julia H.Taylor
President
Quality of Life
The Quality of Life Committee provided leadership on several fronts, ranging from
arts, parks and cultural assets to county governance – issues that affect our quality
of life and serve to retain, attract and grow innovative talent. As a result of February’s
Cultural Summit, the Creative Coalition was formed to help move the creative
industry sector in our region forward as an innovation driver. Already generating an
estimated $250 million in regional economic impact, creative industry sector growth
will increase jobs and attract businesses and innovative talent. The Coalition will
help ensure the sustainability of our vibrant creative community by completing
a strategic action planning process by the end of 2010. As part of its ongoing work,
the County Task Force commissioned a study from the Public Policy Forum that
provides a thorough analysis of alternative governance options for Milwaukee County.
The committee also continues to work with key regional marketing and branding
efforts, especially in the burgeoning area of water. Speaking of water, on the heels
of last year’s transformation led by this committee, Bradford Beach received national
recognition with official “Blue Wave” certification, counting Bradford among the
nation’s cleanest beaches.
Mission
Establish and enhance the reputation of the Milwaukee region as the arts and culture
Mecca of the Midwest.
Strategy
Promote the Milwaukee region’s overall quality of life through support of Milwaukee
area arts and cultural institutions, parks and leadership through identifying and
developing stable funding sources and strong collaborative efforts, including defining
Milwaukee County governance and fiscal problems and proposing viable solutions.
2010 Work Plan
Release the report commissioned from the Public Policy Forum analyzing alternative
governance options for Milwaukee County.
Analyze results of the Public Policy Forum report and formulate recommendations.
Collaborate with county, city and suburban leaders and the Milwaukee business
community to develop a plan to implement those recommendations.
Identify innovative and creative clusters, maps these creative assets and prepare
a focused strategic action plan that links and leverages the potential of the creative
sector, and identify ways in which to sustainably support our existing cultural
assets and organizations.
Continue to engage and support the work of the Milwaukee 7 Water Council as
it pertains to promoting Milwaukee’s quality of life assets.
Serve as a sounding board and resource for community quality of life issues and
organizations on an ongoing and as-needed basis.
2009 Accomplishments
Commissioned and released research, including Milwaukee County’s Fiscal Condition – Crisis on the Horizon (Public Policy Forum, March 2009)
Convened a Creative Community Summit attended by stakeholders from across
the creative sectors, including corporate, foundation and civic leadership, to begin to outline a vision and roadmap for building a thriving creative economy.
Formed the Creative Coalition, which is being facilitated by the Cultural Alliance
of Milwaukee as a direct outcome of the Creative Community Summit.
The Creative Coalition’s mission is to integrate creative individuals, for-profit creative
businesses, and nonprofit arts and culture groups into a cohesive, sustainable creative economy that furthers the distinctiveness and growth of our region.
The Coalition hired a top consulting team to facilitate next steps. The outcome
of the process will be to establish an economic development framework, process
and strategy to support private capital investment and job creation in the region.
The Coalition also received a US Department of Commerce Economic
Development Administration Grant for $146,250. The purpose of the grant is
to fund a strategic action plan.
2009-2010 Annual Report
Sheldon Lubar, co-chair
Jill Morin, co-chair
Chris Abele
Timothy Donnelly
Alec Fraser
Christy Garcia-Thomas
William Haberman
Mark Hanson
Nancy Hernandez
Neil Hoffman
Daniel Keegan
John Kissinger
Harold Laufer
Steven Laughlin
Peter Mahler
Gregory Marcus
Stephen Marcus
David Meissner
Carl Mueller
Jill Pelisek
Betty Quadracci
Gregory Ryan
Nancy Sennett
Kevin Steiner
Julia Taylor
Marilyn Vollrath
Jay Williams
Don Wilson
Regional Economic Development:
Regional Transportation
RTA (ended 9/1)
Karl Ostby, chair
Julia Taylor, vice-chair
Len Brandrup
Brian Dranzik
David Eberle
Jody Karls
Sharon Robinson
SERTA (began 11/23)
Karl Ostby, chair
Chris Layden, vice-chair
John Antaramian
Earl Buford
Jon Hendersen
Lee Holloway
Jody Karls
Michael Mayo
Julia Taylor
Collaborative
Organizations
Coalition for Advancing Transit
(CAT)
Kenosha Area Business
Association (KABA)
Milwaukee 7
Mueller Communications
Northwestern Mutual
Public Policy Forum
Racine Area Manufacturers
and Commerce (RAMAC)
Roundy’s
S.C. Johnson
Southeastern Wisconsin
Regional Planning Commission
(SEWRPC)
Transit NOW
We Energies
The GMC made great strides with its efforts related to transit in 2009.
We delivered major wins that set the stage for a transformational 2010
to re-shape transportation in the region for decades to come. A balanced
transportation system with a regional scope is paramount for a vibrant
economic landscape and mobile population. Along with an efficient
highway system, transit services including buses and commuter rail attract
workers and companies who have such choices elsewhere, and provide
a critical service for those without reliable auto transportation. A stable,
dedicated funding source for transit services and regional oversight for
a permanent Regional Transit Authority is crucial. A complement to bus
transit, the KRM (Kenosha-Racine-Milwaukee) Line in particular has
the capacity to add mobility and opportunity for thousands of jobs and
provide stronger economic ties to Chicago’s regional economy. A better
transportation mix will not only attract and retain a creative workforce, but
also expand our arts and culture market, encourage greater regional use
of our airports and other transportation facilities, and facilitate sustainable
business development and growth.
Mission
Build awareness, understanding and support for a comprehensive solution
to funding our region’s public transit and commuter rail system as an
integral part of our region’s economic development efforts.
Strategy
Establish the permanent SERTA Board and continue to work with business,
civic and elected leadership to secure dedicated funding for bus transit as part
of the region’s comprehensive transit plan, which includes commuter rail.
2010 Work Plan
Establish the SERTA Board and outline short- and long-term regional transit goals.
Work with the legislature to support and implement dedicated funding for
regional transit.
Work to shift Milwaukee County Transit System funding from the property
tax to a dedicated sales tax to provide property tax relief and ensure the
system’s viability.
Support the FTA NewStarts Grant application for preliminary engineering
activities on KRM.
Foster support from business and community action groups to build
local consensus for SERTA, dedicated funding sources and governance
recommendations as outlined in the 2009-11 Wisconsin state budget.
Continue pursuit of positive media coverage and support across the region
for SERTA, transit and KRM, including social media efforts that proved
useful in 2009.
2009 Accomplishments
Secured permanent status for SERTA (South East Wisconsin Regional Transit Authority) from the State of Wisconsin.
Secured a dedicated source of funding from the State of Wisconsin as
part of the state budget for 2009-2011 for the KRM Commuter Rail line.
Secured federal stimulus funds for the Milwaukee County Transit System,
Belle Urban Transit in Racine and Kenosha Transit.
Played a significant role in a transit conference in October at the
Italian Community Center with UEDA (Urban Economic Development
Association.)
Ensured that already-approved federal and state dollars are encumbered
in future budget cycles.
Supported update and finalization of Federal NewStarts Grant requests.
Continued social media efforts to help spread the word about transit
activities.
Hosted several briefings with key state leaders and GMC CEOs to stress
the importance of transit as a key business issue and support for
dedicated transit funding.
Played a key role in keeping transit issues at the forefront of a
contentious state budget.
Conducted multiple briefings with the Governor and state officials to
design standalone transit legislation.
Received continuous positive media coverage throughout the year across
the region supporting both the RTA and KRM.
Greater Milwaukee Committee
Regional Economic Development:
Regional Workforce Alliance
The Regional Workforce Alliance (RWA) is a collaboration of organizations
representing workforce development, economic development and
education across the seven county region of southeastern Wisconsin.
The RWA is leading the implementation of the $5.1 million WIRED
grant from the U.S. Department of Labor. The RWA is investing in
strategies to build the skilled workforce that regional businesses
need to compete.
Mission
To grow talent that fuels the driver industries identified by Milwaukee 7,
and link and leverage assets that transform the delivery system.
Regional Workforce Alliance
Steering Committee
Julia Taylor, chair
William Berezowitz
Bruce Connolly
Charles Colman
Franz Hoffmann
Jack Keating
Barbara Prindiville
Mary Wehrheim
Wallace White
Strategy
The Regional Workforce Alliance works toward its mission by leveraging
the WIRED Innovation Fund to foster collaboration between individual
institutions and organizations, resulting in a stronger ‘talent development
network’ with the region.
2010 Work Plan
The talent development network will be strengthened beyond the
foundation established through the WIRED initiative through the launch
of iLink which will:
Staff the Talent Dividend initiative and establish regional metrics.
Continue the Innovation Fund investments that foster connections
between organizations.
Coordinate on regional grant development.
Publish industry sector talent projections.
Launch the employer resource network as a joint venture between selected
manufacturing companies to stabilize, develop and engage their
employee base.
Provide staff support to the Education/Talent Committee of the Water Council.
Continue to integrate the Milwaukee 7 Strategic Framework into K-16
education throughout the region through the Regional Workforce Alliance.
2009 Accomplishments
With over $2.1 million invested and $1.6 million leveraged to date, the RWA and
WIRED initiative continued to engage and align educational systems, economic,
and workforce development organizations across the region, including:
Articulation Agreement Task Force - Over $130,000 of WIRED Innovation
Funds has been invested toward this endeavor. Educational, workforce,
industry and other talent advocates were brought together to establish
a regional advisory committee to align programs between two year and
four year colleges for a seamless education for the student and develop
articulation agreements for the colleges. The focus is in two main areas:
water and applied health science. This process will serve as model
throughout the Milwaukee 7 region and the State of Wisconsin.
Building the Water Generation - Nearly $400,000 was invested in several
projects under this effort, which will help the water industry grow in our
region by ensuring a steady supply of talent and developing a critical mass
of students, educators, industry leaders and the public who understand
and are engaged in the water opportunities.
Supporting Milwaukee 7 Prospects - When the Milwaukee 7 is working
with a prospect to potentially relocate in the region, one critical factor
is in the presentation is the availability of talented employees. In order
to demonstrate to the prospect that the region has the capacity to meet
their talent needs, the RWA staff provides support through data collection,
research, and convening educational institutions.
2009-2010 Annual Report
Oversight Board
of Local Elected Officials
Tom Barrett
Mark Cronce
James Kreuser
William McReynolds
Nancy Russell
Herb Tennies
Dan Vrakas
Regional Economic Development:
Milwaukee 7 Water Council
Water Council Board
Paul Jones, co-chair
Richard Meeusen, co-chair
Laurent Auguste
Daniel Bader
Barry Grossman
Franz Hoffmann
Mary Jean Huston
Mike Jones
Dick Leinenkugel
Paul Purcell
Carlos Santiago
Julia Taylor
Robert Wild, S.J.
Fresh, clean water is an essential requirement for life, a high standard of
living and a sustainable, modern economy. Finding the right balance to the
dilemma of water as an economic commodity versus water as a human
right will be one of the great social, economic and political challenges which
will dominate geopolitics this century, because water is finite and has no
substitute. The Milwaukee Region is uniquely positioned to take the lead in
this incredibly important industry. Over 120 water-related companies locate
operations here, including five of the 11 largest water firms in the world and
the only School of Freshwater Sciences in the U.S. By aligning and linking
these companies with academic institutions and research facilities while
providing resources, support and connections to talent and outside markets,
the Water Council is dedicated to expanding this regional economic engine,
putting Milwaukee on a global stage when it comes to water.
Mission
To make the Milwaukee Region a world hub for water research, economic
development and education.
Strategy
Align the regional freshwater research community and water-related industries to
further establish the Milwaukee Region as a world hub for water-related research
and economic development, giving the region a leading role in water issues that
will continue to dominate economic and political considerations worldwide.
2010 Work Plan
Further develop and implement the Water Council organization’s business plan.
Add dedicated staff for the organization, including an Executive Director.
Attract more grant funding through specific projects related to water.
Increase membership to include at least 100 companies.
Host Water Summit IV, currently scheduled for July.
Develop three new committees: International, Policy and Investment.
Work with local, state, national and international officials to bring more
water conferences to the region.
Attend national and international water conferences and events to represent
the Milwaukee region and our membership.
Leverage increasing relationships with press outlets to continue promoting Milwaukee
as a World Water Hub.
Continue building a comprehensive directory of water-related companies for suppliers,
customers and partners in the region.
Further develop the Water Council website into a more comprehensive resource used
by Water Council members and interested parties.
2009 Accomplishments
Achieved designation for Milwaukee as a UN Global Compact City, recognized internationally as a center of freshwater expertise.
Incorporated as a 501(c)(3) organization with over 100 members.
Assisted with the development of the proposed UWM School of Freshwater Sciences, which
has been included in the 2009-2011 state budget and is on track for a Fall 2010 opening.
Initiated collaborations between UW-Milwaukee and Marquette University with private business and industry on the submission of a National Science Foundation
grant for research and development.
Hosted successful workshops on internship training and technical transfer R&D.
Consulted with Marquette University and UW-Whitewater to help launch water-
related courses in their respective law and business schools.
Hosted highly successful Water Summit III, featuring keynote speaker Assaf Barnea of Kinrot Ventures in Israel. Guests came from as far away as Japan.
Established an internship program connecting students and graduates in water-related
fields with water-related companies in need of talent.
Participated in conventions and trade missions locally and internationally to develop
relationships and promote Milwaukee as a World Water Hub.
Completed a water-related CEO call program to communicate goals, gather feedback
and identify collaboration opportunities.
Partnered with local public relations firms to generate coverage of Milwaukee’s water
cluster with local, regional, national and international publications, including the
Wall Street Journal and several airline magazines and trade publications.
Greater Milwaukee Committee
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Regional Economic Development:
Health Care
Our population’s health and wellness remains a top priority for our quality
of life. Health care and the healthcare industry continue to be a major
economic driver, and is in fact the top employment sector, in the Milwaukee
region. The GMC’s Health Care Task Force promotes wellness in Milwaukee
to improve the health, well-being and productivity of our workforce and
community, reduce the burden of healthcare costs, increase recruitment and
retention of top talent by enhancing Milwaukee’s image and promotes our
region as a leader in both healthcare and wellness. By working with employers
around the region, the Health Care Task Force has actively moved the region
toward “Well City” status, a national accreditation anticipated for 2010 that
recognizes the healthiest regions and workplaces across the United States.
Mission
Improve the overall health of the people in our region and aggressively
pursue strategies through wellness, end of life care, education and access
to health care coverage and care to increase our competitiveness and
lower healthcare costs.
Strategy
Leverage partnerships with groups on a local and national scale, including
YMCA, United Way, Wellness Councils of America, Well City Milwaukee,
Milwaukee Health Care Partnership, national, state and local governments
and others to improve access to health care coverage, primary care and
programs that promote wellness.
2010 Work Plan
The GMC initiative promoting
advanced directives involves
educating and promoting
three important areas:
•Broader use of advanced
directives, particularly
the Power of Attorney
for Health Care document
• Wider acceptance of the
POLST form (Physician
Orders for Life Sustaining
Treatment) by individuals
and physicians
• Better understanding
of the use of palliative
medicine in the care
for patients
Achieve “Well City” designation in March.
With partners, host third annual event in April to recognize employers achieving
well workplace status and celebrate Milwaukee’s “Well City” designation.
Work with local and state initiatives and promote wellness to help reduce
infant mortality rates in southeastern Wisconsin.
Support proper education and promotion of end of life care programs in
conjunction with health systems.
Encourage more non-health care businesses to participate in health initiatives,
provide input and share in wellness programs.
Continue promoting programs that help make healthy workplaces the norm.
Increase Well City Milwaukee membership from 50 to 150 employers in
the next three years, with the goal of 35% of the workforce employed by an
accredited Well Workplace.
Continue to work with the Milwaukee Health Care Partnership (MHCP) to
secure coverage, increase access and improve care coordination for underserved
populations to improve health outcomes and reduce the total cost of care.
Understand and act upon key elements of any federal health care reform
legislation passed during 2010 and provide education for the membership.
2009 Accomplishments
Implemented benchmarks for the Well City Initiative and developed
report card.
Supported the expansion of BadgerCare Plus for low income people and
the work of the MHCP members to increase access to primary care and
reduce avoidable Emergency Department visits.
With partners, hosted the second annual Well City Milwaukee event in
March, recognizing six employers achieving “Well Workplace” designations.
Kicked off the Advanced Directives Initiative in January, forming work
groups addressing each of the initiative’s three primary objectives.
Through better education and wellness initiatives, helped contribute to the
overall lowering of health care costs in the Milwaukee region during 2009.
Hosted September GMC meeting featuring Bill Petasnick exploring various facets of potential health care reform.
To date, enrolled over 91,000 area employees from 51 companies in the
Well City Initiative, working towards “Well Workplace awards” given out
by the Wellness Councils of America.
Supporting of the Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) School Nurse Advisory
Council, in conjunction with the State of Wisconsin to promote accountability
in serving children’s health care needs in our schools.
2009-2010 Annual Report
T. Michael Bolger, co-chair
Dr. Mary Meehan, co-chair
Rana Altenburg
Bevan Baker
Lyle Balistreri
John Bartkowski
Donna Bembenek
Bill Bizan
Leo Brideau
Richard Canter
Dr. William Cullinan
Jason Halgerson
Jon Hammes
Robert Harris
Jerome Janzer
Dianne Kiehl
Karlene Kerfoot
Harold Laufer
Dr. Michael Lischak
Dr. Sally Lundeen
Vincent Lyles
Kathleen Murphy
John Oliverio
Candice Owley, R.N.
William Petasnick
Larry Rambo
Agustin Ramirez
Sister Joel Read
Joy Tapper
Julia Taylor
Arvid R. Tillmar
Dr. Nick Turkal
Dr. Bruce Van Cleave
Robert Yamachika
Education
William Jenkins, co-chair
Paul Roller, co-chair
Robert Bellin
Michael Bolger
Jim Clark
Francis Croak
Jacquelyn Fredrick
William Haberman
Scott Jansen
Paul Jones
John Kersey
James Kuehn
Fredrick Lautz
Jack MacDonough
David Meissner
Linda Mellowes
George Mosher
H. Carl Mueller
Peter Ogden
William Randall
Sister Joel Read
Mark Sabljak
Eileen Schwalbach
Nancy Sennett
Michael Spector
Julia Taylor
Linda Timm
Gregory Wesley
Beth Wnuk
A functional, relevant educational system is the key to a city, a region and
a country’s economic success. Since the 1980s, a central focus of the Greater
Milwaukee Committee has been on improving the K-12 educational system in
Milwaukee. The Educational Trust, School Partnerships, the creation of Bradley
Technical and Trade High School and, most recently, development of the MPS
Strategic Plan and the Accountability and Support Group (ASG), are all GMC efforts
involving hundreds of thousands of dollars and many hours of staff and civic time.
Throughout 2009 the Education Committee continued that focus; meeting
with the MPS Superintendent, MPS Board President, Department of Public
Instruction (DPI) State Superintendent and other key stakeholders. In addition,
members provided input for the McKinsey Report.
Although MPS governance is a key issue going forward and is yet to be determined,
the GMC remains committed to improving the academic achievement of
Milwaukee’s children. The Education Committee’s involvement in the improvement
process within MPS will be an ongoing effort regardless of the political outcome.
Mission
Improve the academic achievement of Milwaukee area K-12 students and
increase both the public’s understanding of Milwaukee Public Schools and its
support for them.
Strategy
Create an environment of achievement in Milwaukee Public Schools with
accountability to the greater Milwaukee community by facilitating collaborative
efforts of the MPS Administration, School Board, and Union officials.
2010 Work Plan
Assess what MPS governance leadership needs from the business community,
how best to provide the support needed and its impact on the MPS Strategic Plan.
Conduct a survey of the GMC membership to increase the number of Civic
Partnerships between MPS school principals and CEO’s of member GMC companies.
2009 Accomplishments
Convened meetings between the Accountability and Support Group (ASG)
and MPS administration to receive updates from MPS on their progress in
implementing the Working Together, Achieving More Strategic Plan.
Raised additional funds to provide for continuing work in support of the
MPS Strategic Plan.
Supported the successful launch of Teach For America in Milwaukee; welcoming
an inaugural corps of 38 teachers.
Greater Milwaukee Committee
Bradley Tech
The renaissance of the Lynde and Harry Bradley Technology and Trade School
has re-designed the educational experience. Integrating 21st century
equipment with an innovative curriculum, students are bring trained for the
manufacturing and technical jobs of tomorrow; connecting directly with
local employers and building a bridge to future success.
Ten years ago, the GMC got behind this project. The business community
has helped rescue Bradley Tech, which once had a graduation rate of 55%
and placed only six students in MATC. Since then, placement into MATC
increased more than tenfold and during 2009, the graduation rate increased
to 90%. The school is now one of the few schools in the Midwest offering
all five facets of Project Lead the Way, a program that promotes more
students pursuing engineering degrees. Tracking studies of former students
two months past graduation found that, despite the downturn in this year’s
economy, over 90% of Bradley Tech graduates have a job in their field, an
apprenticeship or are enrolled in a 2-4 year college. The school consistently
ranks within the top four Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) High Schools
in grade point average, attendance and graduation rates and is cited as an
example throughout the system as a model for lowering suspension rates.
The Greater Milwaukee Committee continues its involvement in this
institution because of its ability to impact the future of the Milwaukee region,
both as a successful example of community involvement in a public high
school and the improved education of 1,300 students each year.
2010 Work Plan
Continue collaboration with GrowPower on a green solar project and garden.
Secure additional funding to upgrade the athletic field to a full-time
competitive varsity stadium for Bradley Tech and MPS, which will aid in
recruitment of quality students.
Secure a sponsor for the Bradley Tech Design Academy to match current
sponsors of Engineering Processes, Communication and Construction.
Continue the Business Partners Liaison Program successes through funding
from local businesses and foundations.
Use the Aviation Program as a tool for recruiting quality students and
develop the program into an Aeronautics Academy.
Increase the number of companies Bradley Tech actively works with
from 60 to 75.
2009 Accomplishments
Increased graduation rate to 90%, due in part to daytime and nighttime
GED programs.
Achieved an 85% retention rate, one of the highest rates across MPS.
Increased the number of companies Bradley Tech actively works with
from 40 to 60.
Completed athletic field construction and began raising additional funds
for lighting, a scoreboard and stands at the facility.
Added an Aviation Mechanics Program to existing Academy.
Added Civic Engineering to existing Project Lead the Way options.
Students at Bradley Tech received over $550,000 worth of scholarships
in 2009.
FIRST Robotics Team from Bradley Tech and Rufus King High School
took first place out of 87 team in a regional competition held this year
in Chicago and achieved the semi-finals in a worldwide competition.
The team went on to mentor robotics teams from Thomas More, Messmer
and Marquette High schools.
2009-2010 Annual Report
Lyle Balistreri, chair
William Andrekopoulos
Jan Breitbach
Pedro Colon
Francis Croak
Mike Heerhold
Jack MacDonough
Vickie Martin
Michael Morales
Carlos Santiago
Willie Sinclair
Future Workforce
Jeffrey Joerres, co-chair
Betty Quadracci, co-chair
Keith Burns
John Busby
Virgis Colbert
Robert Davis
Susan Ela
Beverly Greenberg
Ralph Hollmon
Alonzo Kelly
Shelley Jurewicz
Gail Lione
Aldo Madrigrano
Carl Mueller
Wayne Oldenburg
Mark Sabljak
Richard Schmidt
Eileen Schwalbach
Thelma Sias
Helen Sobehart
Daniel Steininger
David Stroik
Julia Taylor
Arthur Wigchers
Scott Wrobbel
Great strides have been made building awareness about diversity, encouraging
people and organizations to embrace and respond to the demographic changes in
our community. In recognition of the progress of today and promise of tomorrow,
the GMC’s Diversity Committee changed its name this year to the Future Workforce
Committee, reflecting the critical need to embrace the future and offer the
environment required to attract, retain and promote diverse talent for proper
economic development. The Greater Milwaukee Committee (GMC) remains
committed to making Milwaukee a place of opportunity for both male and female
talent from a wide range of races, ethnicities, orientations and backgrounds.
Mission
Catalyze the region to be a model for effective workforce and inclusion practices;
recognized as a region of choice for diverse talent.
Strategy
Develop a process to find and showcase successful workplace initiatives embracing
diverse talent and provide GMC members with resources and easier ways to
incorporate such initiatives into their organizations.
2010 Work Plan
Develop Talent Dividend strategy and become part of a demonstration project
with selected U.S. cities and CEOs for Cities.
Increase the number of qualified candidates on the GMC Board Candidates List
to over 100, and increase board and c-suite placements across the region.
Distribute a comprehensive, flexible, ongoing toolkit illustrating successful
workforce, inclusion, retention and best practice initiatives in conjunction with
FUEL Milwaukee and BizStarts Milwaukee. Feature toolkit in a GMC meeting.
Provide support for the Inner City Business Awards in March and maximize
GMC member attendance.
Continue the Mosaic Partnership Program, now in its fourth year, and serve
at least 80 individuals during 2010.
Begin Mosaic Alumni Involvement Strategy and convene the first event this year.
2009 Accomplishments
Transitioned to “Future Workforce” Committee and updated the committee’s
mission statement, strategy and goals.
Incorporated the Talent Dividend into its strategy, recognizing that increases
in educational opportunities among the future workforce will result in
significant economic returns.
Established a relationship with Carol Coletta of CEOs for Cities and began
working towards making Milwaukee a nationally-recognized model for
future workforce development.
Forged stronger working relationships with FUEL Milwaukee and BizStarts Milwaukee to coordinate strategies and begin work on resources for employers.
Developed a Toolkit Partner Work Team with 55 employers to generate a toolkit
illustrating successful workforce, inclusion, retention and best practices initiatives.
Achieved the level of 500 alumni participating in the Mosaic Partnership Program.
Greater Milwaukee Committee
301 West Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 300 Milwaukee, WI
www.gmconline.org
53203
414.272.0588