Conference of State Manufacturers Associations Presents WMC with 2023 Leadership Award
MADISON – Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce (WMC) – the combined state chamber and manufacturers’ association – was honored with the 2023 Leadership Award from the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) and the Conference of State Manufacturers Associations (COSMA) on Tuesday. The Leadership Award recognizes the achievements of the top state manufacturing association in the country that has developed impactful initiatives to support manufacturers and strengthen the manufacturing industry.
“WMC has the best staff, board and members in the country, and the 2023 Leadership Award reflects all the efforts they do throughout the year to strengthen the manufacturing industry and make Wisconsin more economically competitive,” said WMC President & CEO Kurt R. Bauer. “It is incredibly humbling to be recognized by our peers from across the country for the impact we are having here in the Badger State. I am incredibly proud of our team whose work is so richly deserving of this award.”
Some programs that set WMC apart from other nominees include the creation of the Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin contest, which is now in its eighth year; the growing Wisconsin Business World program that teaches young people about free enterprise, entrepreneurship and the rewarding career opportunities in the state; and the WMC Foundation Future Wisconsin Project that works to identify and address the state’s long-term economic challenges and opportunities, including solutions to workforce challenges.
“We congratulate Kurt 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.”
COSMA members serve as 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 all 50 states and Puerto Rico.
“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.”
Oregon Business & Industry and the Kansas Chamber of Commerce were additional finalists for the 2023 Leadership Award.
This is the second time in recent years that WMC has been recognized nationally by its peer organizations for the work it does in Wisconsin. In 2020, WMC earned the State Chamber of the Year Award from the National Association of State Chambers for its efforts to support the business community.
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