Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce receives 2023 Leadership Award

The Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce has received the 2023 Leadership Award from the Conference of State Manufacturers Associations. The members of this organization serve as the National Association of Manufacturers’ (NAM’s) official state partners and drive manufacturers’ priorities on state issues, mobilize local communities, and help move federal policy from the ground up in the U.S. and Puerto Rico.

WMC was recognized for its work to attract and maintain the manufacturing workforce.

“We congratulate Kurt Bauer and the entire team at WMC for their incredible work this year to not only educate the next generation of manufacturing workers in Wisconsin, but also engage the business community at large to help spur investment in the state,” said Utah Manufacturers Association President/CEO, NAM board member, and COSMA Chair Todd Bingham. “Their work shows the impact that we can all have to help make the United States the top destination in the world for manufacturing investment.”

The Leadership Award recognizes the achievement of a state manufacturing association that has developed impactful initiatives to support manufacturers and strengthen manufacturing in its state. Some of the initiatives that set WMC apart were its Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin and Business World, which teach young people about entrepreneurship and free enterprise and promote manufacturing job opportunities in the state. Additionally, as part of WMC’s official mission to make Wisconsin the best place for business, the Future Wisconsin Project brings together diverse interest groups to identify and address the state’s long-term economic challenges and opportunities, including solutions to workforce challenges.

“The work of WMC to inspire the workforce of the future is a prime example of what’s needed to address the critical challenges that our sector faces today,” said NAM President/CEO Jay Timmons. “Under Kurt Bauer’s leadership, the WMC is advancing the solutions needed to make manufacturers more competitive and ensure manufacturing remains a key driver of Wisconsin's economy.”