MILWAUKEE, Wis. – Join us Thursday, May 8 in downtown Milwaukee to hear from leaders who understand manufacturing as they debate a core question: Is it possible to bring back manufacturing in the United States after decades of decline?
A core reason behind President Trump’s tariff policies is his pledge to revive American manufacturing, which he claims “will come roaring back” in the form of factories and jobs because tariffs essentially tax foreign-made goods that could be made at home.
Many economists doubt whether such a comeback is even possible, given the decline in domestic manufacturing that began in the 1980s and continues today in sectors as varied as parts of the automotive supply chain, apparel and textiles, furniture, other durable goods and more.
Panelists this far include Buckley Brinkman, executive director and chief executive officer of the Wisconsin Center for Manufacturing & Productivity; and Dale Kooyenga, president of the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce. Another prominent panelist has been invited. This discussion will be moderated by Tom Still, president of the Tech Council.
Join us at Quarles & Brady’s office in downtown Milwaukee, 411 E. Wisconsin Ave., Suite 2400, for networking, lunch and the program. This is a new location for our Milwaukee luncheons, with spectacular 24th floor views and ample parking in the building’s underground lot. Registration and networking start at 11:30 a.m., buffet lunch at noon and the presentation at 12:30 p.m. The cost is $10 for students and returning veterans, $25 for individual members; $40 for general admission and included for Tech Council corporate members. Click here to register.
“Manufacturing remains core to the Wisconsin economy, even today,” Still said. “However, the state has not been immune to manufacturing losses and it’s important to be question whether it’s possible to ‘bring back’ something that may be gone for reasons well beyond globalization.”
This luncheon is sponsored by Microsoft. The Wisconsin Technology Council is the independent, non-profit science and technology adviser to the governor and Legislature, with events, publications and outreach that contribute to Wisconsin’s tech-based economy. To join, go to www.wisconsintechnologycouncil.com or call 608-442-7557.
