Contact: Nick Novak
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WMC: Wisconsin to celebrate Manufacturing Month in October
WMC to Release New Video Each Week Highlighting the State’s Top Industry
MADISON – Gov. Scott Walker proclaimed October as Manufacturing Month, and Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce (WMC) will be promoting the state’s top industry throughout the month.
Manufacturing is the number one contributor to Wisconsin’s booming economy, producing more than $59 billion in total output in 2017 – nearly 20 percent of Wisconsin’s total Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Additionally, the state’s more than 9,000 manufacturers employed nearly 470,000 people in 2017.
“Our state’s rich manufacturing heritage is well-known throughout the world, but it is the industry’s future that is now sparking international attention,” said WMC President & CEO Kurt R. Bauer. “Thirty years ago, the industry was viewed as dumb, dirty and dangerous. Today, it is high-tech, high-skill and high-pay.”
Throughout the month of October, manufacturers all across the state are opening their doors to communities and Wisconsinites to showcase the industry and highlight the rewarding careers available to those interested in manufacturing. Currently, 73 events are taking place in Wisconsin.
A full list of events throughout the state is available at WIManufacturingMonth.org.
“Manufacturing Month gives employers, educators and others a timely opportunity to discuss the family-supporting careers that are available in the industry,” Bauer added. “Our state’s manufacturers continue to grow, and they need a ready and talented workforce to take advantage of these outstanding careers.”
To celebrate Manufacturing Month, WMC Foundation will be hosting the State of Wisconsin Manufacturing Tour – making stops in Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay and Wausau. WMC will also be announcing the winner of the Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin contest on Oct. 9 at the State of Wisconsin Business & Industry Luncheon.
Additionally, WMC will release a new video each week featuring a different topic important to the manufacturing industry. The first week’s video focuses on military veterans who choose a career in the industry. It features Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Daniel Zimmerman, Rockwell Automation’s Joe Allie and Academy of Advanced Manufacturing graduate and U.S. Air Force veteran Erik Nordstrom, who is now working for a Wisconsin manufacturer.
Check out the video.
For more information about Manufacturing Month, please visit WIManufacturingMonth.org.
