Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce

Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce
Name	Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce
Founded	1975 (merger)
Headquarters	Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Region	Wisconsin, United States
Type	Trade association

Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce is a statewide trade association and chamber of commerce based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, representing manufacturers, employers, and businesses across multiple industries. The organization engages in policy advocacy, lobbying, legal action, and member services related to taxation, labor, regulation, and commerce. It serves as a nexus among corporate members, state officials, and allied organizations in the Midwestern United States.

History

The organization was created in 1975 by the merger of legacy groups including the Wisconsin Manufacturers Association and the Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce during a period of consolidation among private-sector interest groups. Its antecedents trace to 19th- and early 20th-century industry associations in Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay, and Racine that responded to industrialization, the growth of firms such as Allis-Chalmers and Harley-Davidson, and statewide labor disputes like strikes involving the International Brotherhood of Teamsters and the United Auto Workers. Throughout the late 20th century the association interacted with governors from both the Republican Party and the Democratic Party, including administrations such as Tommy Thompson and Jim Doyle, shaping debates on taxation and regulatory reform. In the 21st century it played roles in legal challenges tied to decisions by the Wisconsin Supreme Court and actions by the Wisconsin Legislature.

Organization and Leadership

The association is governed by a board of directors drawn from member firms headquartered in cities like Milwaukee, Madison, Kenosha, and La Crosse. Executive leadership has included chief executives who previously worked with statewide business groups and national organizations such as the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the National Association of Manufacturers. Staffed with lobbyists, policy analysts, and legal counsel, the organization maintains offices that coordinate with agencies including the Wisconsin Department of Revenue and municipal governments such as the City of Milwaukee and City of Madison. It convenes advisory councils composed of C-suite executives from companies like Kohler Co., Modine Manufacturing Company, Froedtert Hospital (corporate affiliates), and others in manufacturing, energy, insurance, and agriculture.

Policy Positions and Advocacy

The association advocates for lower business taxes and regulatory relief, engaging on state legislation involving the Wisconsin Act 10 era reforms, tax credits tied to firms resembling Johnson Controls and SC Johnson, and occupational safety standards influenced by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. It supports tort reform measures debated in the Wisconsin Legislature and has filed amicus briefs in cases before the United States Supreme Court and the Wisconsin Supreme Court. The group promotes workforce development initiatives in partnership with institutions like the University of Wisconsin System, Madison Area Technical College, and the Wisconsin Technical College System, while also lobbying on energy policy affecting utilities such as Alliant Energy and We Energies and infrastructure projects involving the Port of Milwaukee.

Political Activity and Campaign Financing

The association operates political action committees and engages in campaign finance activities across state legislative and gubernatorial races, coordinating with national organizations like the American Legislative Exchange Council and the National Federation of Independent Business. It has supported candidates from the Republican Party and engaged in issue-based advocacy during elections involving figures such as Scott Walker and Tony Evers. The organization has been active in independent expenditures, ballot measure campaigns, and get-out-the-vote initiatives, interacting with state election authorities including the Wisconsin Elections Commission. It files expenditure reports with the Federal Election Commission when national activity triggers federal rules and discloses state-level contributions under Wisconsin campaign finance law.

Programs and Services

The association provides legal defense services, insurance programs, and workplace training for members, partnering with providers such as Marsh & McLennan Companies-style brokers, benefits administrators, and human resources consultants. It organizes conferences, roundtables, and trade events featuring speakers from institutions like the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design and policy briefings with experts from think tanks such as the American Enterprise Institute and the Heritage Foundation. Workforce apprenticeship programs are coordinated with labor entities including the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and trade schools affiliated with the Associated Builders and Contractors. The group offers compliance resources addressing statutes like the Family and Medical Leave Act as interpreted by courts including the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit.

Membership and Industry Representation

Membership spans manufacturing sectors—metal fabrication, food processing, and paper—alongside firms in insurance, finance, transportation, and agriculture. Prominent member companies and sectors include firms historically based in Wisconsin such as Harley-Davidson, Kettle Foods, A.O. Smith, and suppliers to automotive and heavy equipment manufacturers. The association represents small businesses and large corporations, trade associations, and regional chambers, linking to regional development entities like the Milwaukee 7 and the Greater Green Bay Chamber. It maintains industry-specific councils for sectors including healthcare, biotechnology, and advanced manufacturing, collaborating with research institutions like Marquette University and University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee.

Controversies and Criticism

The organization has faced criticism for its political spending and positions on labor policy, attracting scrutiny from unions such as the AFL–CIO and advocacy groups including One Wisconsin Now. Critics have challenged its involvement in litigation against public-sector collective bargaining, contested positions during debates on Act 10, and questioned transparency in campaign finance reported to the Wisconsin Ethics Commission. It has been the target of public protests in labor disputes in cities like Madison and Milwaukee. Defenders argue that its advocacy supports job retention and investment, while opponents cite influence on regulatory rollbacks and judicial appointments.

Category:Business organizations based in the United States Category:Organizations based in Milwaukee Category:Trade associations