MADISON – Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce (WMC) – the combined state chamber and manufacturers’ association – celebrates each October as Manufacturing Month and the first Friday of the month as Manufacturing Day. Throughout October, WMC, its members and partners, and communities across Wisconsin will showcase the importance of manufacturing to the state’s economy.
Manufacturing is Wisconsin’s economic super sector, contributing $73.8 billion to the state’s GDP and $46.4 billion in earnings for manufacturing workers. The industry employs one in six Wisconsin workers, providing nearly half a million high-tech, high-skill, high-wage jobs.
“Wisconsin is a state built by makers,” said WMC President & CEO Kurt Bauer. “Manufacturing is the backbone of our economy, creating high-quality careers, strengthening local communities, and producing the products that power our state and nation.”
In recognition of Manufacturing Day, WMC Executive Vice President of Government Relations Scott Manley will join Congressman Tom Tiffany on a tour of a Chippewa Falls manufacturer to discuss the importance of the Manufacturing & Agricultural Tax Credit (MAC), the state’s most effective tool for supporting manufacturing growth, investment, and job creation.
Throughout October, WMC will also release a series of manufacturing-focused content celebrating the industry’s impact on Wisconsin. This includes a new poster illustrating how Wisconsin manufacturers “Make Your Day” by producing many of the products residents rely on from morning to night, as well as a video commemorating the essential role Wisconsin manufacturing has played throughout America’s 250-year history.
WMC also partnered with Baker Tilly and Michael Best & Friedrich LLP to open nominations for the annual Manufacturer of the Year awards program. Now in its 38th year, the program recognizes Wisconsin manufacturers dedicated to quality careers, sound business practices, financial growth, innovation, and reinvestment in their local communities. Nominations are now being accepted at www.wimoty.com.
Each year, WMC sets out to find the Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin. The contest, presented by BMO, celebrates the industry and the products made across the state. Now in its 11th year, the contest has featured nearly 2,000 products and generated around 2 million votes since its inception. The public is encouraged to vote daily throughout the month at www.madeinwis.com.
WMC will also host a number of manufacturing-focused events throughout October, including manufacturing roundtables and its largest annual event, Business Day, where the Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin winner will be revealed.
Local manufacturers are encouraged to participate in activities such as student engagement programs, facility tours, hiring events, and other community outreach efforts.
“Wisconsin’s manufacturers deserve to be celebrated for the tremendous value they bring to our state,” Bauer continued. “By highlighting their contributions, we can help more people understand the critical role manufacturing plays in our economy and the rewarding career opportunities it creates for future generations.”
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