POLICY AGENDA2020

The Waukesha County Business Alliance provides a clear and persuasive voice for the business community and advocates for business-friendly legislation at local, state and federal levels. Here are our 2020 areas of focus:

• Workforce Development. Talent is the number one issue facing Waukesha County, the region and the state. An Alliance survey found that 84 percent of Waukesha County employers plan to expand their workforce in the next three years. We are committed to developing, identifying and supporting policy solutions that strengthen the talent pipeline.

• Education. We support Waukesha County students in being both college and career ready and helping families and educators understand job opportunities in the marketplace today and in the future. We recognize that high quality schools are critical to developing educated citizens and a strong future workforce.

• Infrastructure. Waukesha County’s economic vitality depends on modern, safe and efficient infrastructure networks, from our transportation systems, to technology, to our water supply. The effective flow of goods, services and people is fundamental to business growth and a vibrant economy.

• Economic Development. The Alliance is a key partner in promoting economic development in Waukesha County. We advocate for local, state and federal policies that support business growth and allow Wisconsin to remain competitive with other states.

• Government Efficiency. To ensure adequate resources are available to meet our most critical public needs, the Alliance supports policies that promote and increase government efficiencies and collaboration at all levels. We serve as a connector between the public and private sectors to facilitate best practice sharing and problem solving.

If you are interested in learning more about how we’re driving economic growth in Waukesha County, please contact us.

Suzanne Kelley Amanda Payne President and CEO Vice President, Public Policy 262-409-2623 262-409-2620 skelley@waukesha.org apayne@waukesha.org

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Workforce development is the number one issue facing Waukesha County, the Milwaukee 7 region and our state. An Alliance survey found that 84 percent of Waukesha County employers plan to expand their workforce in the next three years, yet 76 percent are unable to find enough qualified workers. The Alliance is committed to developing, identifying and supporting policy solutions that strengthen our region’s talent pipeline.

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

Support programs that assist targeted populations to enter or re-enter the workforce. Expand availability of Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development training grants. Support cost-effective, efficient, flexible transportation to connect employees with jobs in Waukesha County. Advocate for the state’s apprenticeship program. Collaborate to find solutions to the shortage of housing in Waukesha County for workers and young families. Identify and promote innovative employee retention solutions. Support a state and regional talent attraction program. Educate businesses on policy changes and private sector solutions that impact delivery and cost of health care.

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We Energies donates a van to enhance transportation for the Joseph Project; November 2018.

Recognizing that high quality schools are critical to developing educated citizens and a strong future workforce, the Alliance is focused on fostering effective business-education partnerships at all levels. We support Waukesha County students in being both college and career ready and helping families and educators understand job opportunities.

EDUCATION

Support programs that help students, parents and educators understand career opportunities and pathways. Promote expansion of youth apprenticeship, dual enrollment and other programs that help students obtain career skills and experience and/or receive higher education credits. Expand school accountability beyond traditional measures to include workforce development outcomes. Support collaboration among K-12 institutions to maximize course offerings and replicate best practices. Advocate for increasing Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM) education, including expansion of the Wisconsin’s Fabrication Laboratories (Fab Labs) Grant Program. Support expansion of innovative post-secondary academic offerings in Waukesha County and the region. Support transferable credits among higher education institutions. Advocate for effective and flexible programs to address the teacher shortage.

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Students from Waukesha South attend a Schools2SkillsTM tour; December 2019.

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EDUCATIONOur strong business / education partnerships ensure that students are informed consumers of education through awareness and engagement of all available post-secondary options. By preparing students to be successful in the job opportunities that exist in the marketplace, we are able to provide businesses with a pipeline of skilled talent to support the economic vitality of our region.

Kids Building Wisconsin

Manufacturingthe Future Expo

DiscoveringHealth Care Expo

Mini Business World

CAREER CRUISING & INSPIRE

CAREER EXPOS

Classroom projects

Schools2SkillsTM • Job shadow • Mentoring

YOUTH APPRENTICESHIP & DUAL ENROLLMENT

INTERNSHIP OR CO-OP

INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE

INDUSTRY EXPOSURE

COLLEGE- & CAREER-READY

If you’re a business that wants to get plugged in at any point in the funnel, contact us.

If you’re a school that wants to learn more about getting students involved, contact us.

262-542-4249

GRADES 4-9GRADES 7-10

GRADES 10-12GRADE 12+

1-2hours

1 day/1 week

1 semester

2 years

Life

2,000

1,000

200

ALL

BUSINESS/EDUCATION PARTNERSHIPSPreparing students for success

BUSINESS / EDUCATION PARTNERSHIPS

Students from Waukesha South attend a Schools2SkillsTM tour; December 2019.

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EDUCATIONWaukesha County’s economic vitality depends on modern, safe and efficient infrastructure networks, from our transportation systems, to technology, to our water supply. In particular, we recognize the need for a sustainable funding solution to meet the critical transportation infrastructure needs of our state. The effective flow of goods, services and people is fundamental to business growth and a vibrant economy.

INFRASTRUCTURE & ENVIRONMENT

Advocate for statewide, sustainable, long-term transportation funding solutions. Advocate for completion of the I-94 East-West corridor between 16th Street and 70th Street. Support cost-effective, efficient, flexible transportation to connect employees with jobs in Waukesha County. Support the evaluation of intermodal facilities for Wisconsin that could enhance freight rail service for Wisconsin shippers. Advocate for policies that support and streamline the deployment of 5G (5th generation) networks and educate municipal leaders on the benefits of 5G to businesses and the economy. Support the City of Waukesha in the implementation of borrowing and returning water from Lake Michigan.

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The I-94 East-West corridor carries between 140,000 and 160,000 vehicles per day.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTEDUCATIONINFRASTRUCTURE & ENVIRONMENTThe Alliance is a key partner in promoting economic development in Waukesha County. To enhance the work of the Waukesha County Center for Growth, the county’s economic development organization, we advocate for local, state and federal policies that support business growth and allow Wisconsin to remain competitive with other states. Waukesha County’s economy is inextricably linked to Milwaukee and the broader region – as such the Alliance is also an active participant in the efforts of the Milwaukee 7 to build a vibrant regional economy.

Monitor Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) initiatives to drive economic growth and share business growth opportunities with Waukesha County suppliers and service providers. Advocate for pro-business tax and regulatory measures that allow Wisconsin to be competitive. Promote the use of Tax Increment Financing (TIF) as an economic development tool for local municipalities. Advocate for policies and programs that increase exports and improve trade for Wisconsin businesses. Support policies that help companies automate, implement new technology and prepare for a digital economy. Promote entrepreneurship by connecting start-ups to regional resources. Serve as an advisor and advocate for the Waukesha County Center for Growth and promote the organization’s GROW Fund.

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Governor Tony Evers visits with local leaders at Metal-Era to discuss priorities for WEDC; November 2019.

GOVERNMENT EFFICIENCYTo ensure adequate resources are available to meet our most critical public needs, the Alliance supports policies that promote and increase government efficiencies and collaboration at all levels. We strive to serve as a resource that connects the public and private sectors in order to facilitate best practice sharing and problem solving.

Advance efforts to promote government efficiencies between various agencies at the state, county and municipal levels. Increase transparency for residents of their Emergency Medical Services (EMS) by advocating for publicly available countywide data that shares level of EMS service, responding entity and cost. Support the continued advancement of municipal service consolidation among Waukesha County communities. Advocate to remove state and federal barriers that prevent schools from being flexible and responsive in meeting the changing needs of area employers. Advocate for greater government transparency.

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The Waukesha County Communications (WCC) fields 9-1-1 calls from municipalities throughout the county.

LEGISLATIVE PROCESS

INTRODUCTION

Bill is introduced before the Assembly or Senate (1st reading). If they support it, legislators from the same house can sign on as co-authors, while members of the opposite house sign on as co-sponsors.

IN COMMITTEE

The legislature usually assigns a bill to a relevant committee. While in committee, legislative service agencies research the bill to determine its impact.

Bills that involve spending state money or raising taxes are also sent to the Joint Committee on Finance to discuss the cost and financial impact. Committees also generally hold public hearings.

A committee may offer amendments to a bill. Then, it sends its analysis back to the legislature, usually with a recommendation.

BACK TO THE FLOOR

A bill is read again before the legislature (2nd reading). Legislators vote on individual amendments and may offer more amendments.

Then, the bill is read a third time, and legislators vote on the completed bill with any amended changes. If it passes, it’s sent to the other house to undergo the same process. If amendments are made in the second house, the bill is sent back to the first house, to make sure that they agree.

TO THE GOVERNOR

When a bill has passed both houses, it’s sent to the governor to sign it or veto it. If it’s an ‘appropriations bill,’ (for which state money is set aside, like the state budget), the governor may veto parts of the bill, and pass the rest. The legislature may override a veto, if two-thirds of both houses vote in favor of the bill. When the bill is passed, it becomes an act, and its changes are added into the statutes as law.

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POLICY BOARD

Brian Nemoir, Chair Full Impact Communications, LLC

Mike Payne, Vice Chair R&R Insurance Services, Inc.

Peter Bacon ProHealth Care

Greg Bauer BMO Harris Bank

Brian Carroll Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren s.c.

Elizabeth Cliffe Ascension Wisconsin

Bob Dennik VJS Construction Services

Tom Dieckelman Wisconsin Coach Lines/Coach USA

Phil Dougherty Dougherty LLC

Mike Farrell Community Leader

Margaret Farrow Community Leader

Mike Flynn First Business Bank

Tom Fotsch EmbedTek LLC

Susan Fronk MRA - The Management Association

Sarah Grooms Town Bank Mike Gryczka National Exchange Bank & Trust

Pat Henderson Quad/Graphics

Jeff Hoffman Cushman & Wakefield | The Boerke Company

Rick Kalscheuer R&R Insurance Services, Inc.

Tom Kissinger The Marcus Corporation

Patti Kneiser Froedtert & The Medical College of Wisconsin

Andy Kowske HNTB Corporation

Kent Lorenz Community Leader

Susan Marshall Backbone Institute, LLC

Bill Mielke Ruekert & Mielke, Inc.

Michael Mooney MLG Capital LLC

James Mueller Mueller QAAS, LLC

Tim Nettesheim von Briesen & Roper, s.c.

Reginald Newson Ascension Wisconsin

Joe Pieper Westbury Bank

Mike Pjevach Wisconsin Coach Lines/Coach USA

Tom Schreibel Michael Best Strategies

Tracy Shilobrit Meta4 Marketing & Communication

Tim Stewart DeWitt LLP

Fred Stier Stier Construction, Inc.

Stan Sugden Ruekert & Mielke, Inc.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT POLICY COMMITTEE

Patti Kneiser, Chair Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin

Ryan Amtmann Ruekert & Mielke, Inc.

Ann Barry Hanneman von Briesen & Roper, s.c. Greg Bauer BMO Harris Bank

Roxanne Baumann Wisconsin Manufacturing Extension Partnership

Joe Bitter River Run

Joanne Blaesing CIBM Bank

John Burgan raSmith Meghan Busalacchi Lichtsinn & Haensel, S.C.

Bob Dennik VJS Construction Services

Mike Eckl U.S. Bank

Chad Ferguson Tri-North Builders Inc.

Jeff Garretson J.H. Findorff & Son Inc.

Troy Giles Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren s.c.

Kyle Haug First Business Bank

Pat Henderson Quad/Graphics

Gus Hernandez Associated Bank

Peter Holewinski Gillware

Michael Johnson We Energies

Mike Judson Judson & Associates S.C.

Bradley Kussow CLA

Tony Laszewski Waukesha State Bank

Patrick Mulvey M3 Insurance

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Mary Nicoson First Citizens State Bank

Joshua Nissen Engauge Workforce Solutions Chad O’Brien Baker Tilly Virchow Krause LLP

Erik Owen Oak Hill Business Partners

Clark Rasmussen Town Bank

Chad Ritterbusch TRG Marketing

Jay Rosencrantz Pappas Delaney LLC

Ben Woodward Byline Bank Timm Walker GRAEF

EDUCATION POLICY COMMITTEE

Susan Marshall, Chair Backbone Institute, LLC

Francis Bauer ITU AbsorbTech, Inc.

Nate Butt Quad/Graphics

Elizabeth Cliffe Ascension Wisconsin

Jerry Fons Executive Power LLC

Michael Frohna Junior Achievement

Kat Goetz TLX Technologies, LLC

Holly Hawkins Tri-North Builders Inc

Nate Hoffman Carrus Group

Ildiko Huppertz ProHealth Care

Rick Kalscheuer R&R Insurance Services, Inc.

David Kane The Gund Company

Kevin Scott DeWitt LLP

Melanie Varin TopLine Results Corporation

Brad Wells U.S. Bank

Greg Wilgenbusch Human Capital Mentors

INFRASTRUCTURE POLICY COMMITTEE

Andy Kowske, Chair HNTB Corporation

Stan Sugden, Vice Chair Ruekert & Mielke, Inc.

Jeff Bauer Jacobs Engineering John Burgan raSmith

Joshua Davenport KPRG and Associates

Tom Dieckelman Wisconsin Coach Lines/Coach USA

Tom Fotsch EmbedTek LLC

Don Gallo Axley Brynelson, LLP

Troy E. Giles Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren s.c.

Mark Gorski Judson & Associates S.C.

Mike Gryczka National Exchange Bank & Trust

Patrick Hawley raSmith

Jeff Hoffman Cushman & Wakefield | The Boerke Company

Sean Leppert Interstate Sealant & Concrete, Inc

Lori Lorenz American Transmission Company

Susan Marshall Backbone Institute, LLC

John McGinnis ProHealth Care

Andrew Narr Tri City National Bank

Mike Payant Ayres Associates

Joe Pieper Westbury Bank

Mike Pjevach Wisconsin Coach Lines/Coach USA

Bill Schilling AECOM

Tom Schreibel Michael Best Strategies

Pat Stevens Axley Brynelson, LLP

Tim Stewart DeWitt LLP

Fred Stier Stier Construction, Inc.

Todd Taves Ehlers & Associates Inc

Charlie Webb Jacobs Engineering

Jennifer B. Zierer We Energies

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Waukesha County Business Alliance, Inc. | YOUR County Chamber2717 N. Grandview Blvd., Suite 300, Waukesha, WI 53188 p: 262.542.4249 | www.waukesha.org

The Alliance provides a clear and persuasive voice for the business community and advocates

for business-friendly legislation at local, state and federal levels.