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A group of prominent Milwaukee-area business executives weigh in on what their business wish is for the region for 2024. Find out what they had to say below.
What do you think? Send me your business wish for the region for the next 12 months. You can reach me at [email protected] or on X, formerly Twitter, at @markkassmbj. I will use some in future coverage and on social media.
“I wish for our business community to coalesce around principles and actions underscoring our country’s unique democracy. Hosting the RNC can be our moment to shine, showcasing for the world how bipartisanship has accomplished outcomes that we’ve not seen in decades: averting the city’s financial collapse, retaining the Brewers and more. We have only just begun to realize our potential and through joint commitment to the common good (e.g., neighborhood safety; educational, income and health equity), this region can achieve greatness.”
Mark Mone, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
“My business wish for Milwaukee for 2024 is that all business leaders continue to strive towards diverse, equitable and inclusive work environments where everyone is treated with dignity and respect for a sense of collective belonging with the same energy in 2024 as we did in 2020. It is my business wish that we don’t allow the conversations to learn and make ourselves better leaders fade into a smolder.”
Jasmine Johnson, Versiti Inc.
“We have an unprecedented year ahead of us in terms of being able to shape perceptions of Milwaukee – and we must capitalize on it. We should be united in our ambassadorship, which is so much more than any individual attribute or challenge. Milwaukee is a place where bold ideas come to life and fresh opportunities await. It is where big, bright flavors reflect the cultures that call our community home. With this new collective sense of optimism and energy pushing us forward, now is the time to shout about your love of our community.”
Peggy Williams-Smith, Visit Milwaukee
“My business wish for Milwaukee in 2024 is amplifying the focus on micro businesses, as ALL business owners will continue to navigate through a challenging economic environment. I believe that advancing partnerships between micro businesses and larger businesses will result in strengthening the local business presence. Also, it will be great to witness the benefits to our city from smaller businesses gaining further exposure and affordable access to capital and the current advancements in technology including AI (artificial intelligence).”
Denise Thomas, The Effective Communication Coach
“My wish is for us all to move forward and succeed as a region, continuing to collaborate frequently and create more opportunities for both our businesses, the people who make them work and the communities who depend on them. May our business, civic and elected officials keep working together to face difficult issues head on, focus on shared solutions to our shared challenges and foster more equitable places to live and work – a Milwaukee region where people can live the best, healthiest and fullest lives possible.”
Cristy Garcia-Thomas, Advocate Health
“I wish for a thriving local business scene in Milwaukee in 2024, propelled by creative innovation and a strong sense of community. With dynamic sports teams chasing championship aspirations and outstanding entertainment and dining options around every corner, I envision 2024 as a massive opportunity to showcase Milwaukee as one of the most vibrant cities in the country. I wish for a year filled with flourishing businesses led by a group of local community members committed to making a long-lasting impact on our community through meaningful economic and philanthropic initiatives.”
Zach Eisendrath, Kacmarcik Enterprises
“My business wish for 2024 is to see the city and county continue to work to attract businesses to downtown Milwaukee. This helps bring people to the city to not only work but consider living here. That in turn makes our city more vibrant and attractive to all kinds of businesses. It’s a tremendous domino effect.”
Harris Turer, Milwaukee Admirals
“Ride the momentum and continue to accelerate. A vast audience has taken notice of Milwaukee perhaps like never before – DNC host city selection, Bucks world championship, RNC host city, booming development projects throughout the region. Let’s be boastful, prudently bold and capitalize on being in the spotlight in positive ways.”
Christopher Roche, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Athletics
“Our business wish in 2024 is for funders, donors and partners to fully integrate with LSS on forging a path forward for young children earlier in their development. Too many children need mental health services and do not receive them. These same children experience negative educational outcomes including learning delays, poor grades, frequent school absences and involvement with the justice system. Through our generous partners, we will expand our early intervention and special needs programs to empower success for younger Wisconsin children and their families, leaving an indelible mark on generations yet to come.”
Héctor Colón, Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin & Upper Michigan (LSS)
“My wish for 2024 is to build on the collaboration between Milwaukee’s nonprofit social enterprises and corporate partners. There are infinite opportunities that allow all entities to bring their strengths to the table and ‘partner to build a healthier Milwaukee.’ The more bridges we build between the innovators in our community, regardless of their organizational tax status, the greater chance we have of meeting our collective business and social impact goals – improving the lives of everyone who calls Milwaukee home.”
Mark Shapiro, Harry & Rose Samson Family Jewish Community Center
“As a community, let’s own the momentum and excitement surrounding 2024. Milwaukee will be showcased on an international stage with initiatives like the new Baird Center, ‘Top Chef,’ the RNC and, of course, Summerfest and the cultural festivals. We should use this attention to bring future business development, potential employees, new residents and visitors to Milwaukee for years to come.”
Sarah Smith Pancheri, Milwaukee World Festival
“Balance. My business wish for Milwaukee in 2024 is balance. And by that, I mean I hope we can see the cost to do and conduct business level out so that business owners and leaders can afford to keep doors open and people gainfully (and happily) employed. Increased expenses both in controllables and uncontrollables categories on balance sheets have shifted the last few years, and I hope through market correction, we’ll see consistency in our future so businesses can get back to fair predictions for future growth and sustainability alike.”
Wes Shaver, Milwaukee Pride
“Milwaukee should fully embrace and invest in its creative entrepreneur economy and the cultural arts and affirm deeper collaboration amongst industry leaders, both public and private. 2024 is the time to support all the individuals and pioneers that make us a unique Midwestern destination. Put the resources and support behind those working diligently to enhance residents’ quality of life and be intentional about being the city we envision for the future. In addition, double down on investments to retain and attract diverse talent and acknowledge and invest more deeply in our future as a technology region and innovation hub.”
Ranell Washington, American Family Insurance
“My business wish for 2024 is for more of the exciting momentum with jobs and development downtown, in the Third Ward and Bronzeville. I would love to see more companies following the lead of Fiserv, Milwaukee Tool and Rexnord, moving jobs into our historic city center and more residential development along the lines of the Couture and 333 Water. While other Midwestern cities struggle, our thriving downtown is a catalyst for economic development for the whole state of Wisconsin.”
Tom Hughes, Milwaukee Athletic Club
“Milwaukee, let’s not take our foot off the gas pedal. We are no longer the little brother to some larger cities nearby, and everyone is taking notice. Milwaukee is proving to the world that we have everything it takes to stand on our own as a destination for families and professionals alike to live, work and thrive. May 2024 be a year of increased growth and collaboration for our brightest and best to continue moving our city forward.”
Joe Flick, Ignite the Spirit
“We always want to see more women formalizing and organizing their commitments (time, talents and treasures) to advance and create pathways for others. We need more commitment and collaboration from women across sectors and identities – injecting inclusion and innovation that will advance our city. We already have incredible leaders at the helm across a variety of sectors and industries, and I want to see their collective leadership activated, resourced and celebrated. For this to be true, we’ll need new metrics that center the success of inclusive collaborations versus individual pursuits. 2024 can be a year of building the collective ‘better’ that advances the triple bottom line.”
Lauren Feaster, Professional Dimensions
“My business wish for Milwaukee for 2024 is that we see a firm recommitment to DEI. In the past year, there has been a wave of social and political dialogue that seemingly undercuts the traction and momentum that was made in the DEI space in recent years. My hope is that, in spite of this, local businesses see the value in business models that promote DEI in the workplace, workforce and marketplace and prove that any efforts in recent years weren’t simply performative.”
Isioma Nwabuzor, Modine Manufacturing Co.
“My hope is that when Milwaukee is in the world spotlight with the 2024 RNC: 1. the media tells the stories that showcase only ‘the best’ that Milwaukee and Wisconsin offers; 2. the economic impact exceeds the $200 million projection; and 3. that Milwaukee realizes other opportunities to host large-scale events and conventions for many years to come. Let’s bring on 2024 and rise above the rest in terms of positive impact.”
Anne Zizzo, Zizzo Group Engagement Marketing
Economic Forecast 2024
2024 Economic Outlook
Women of Influence – 2024
The Milwaukee Business Journal is looking for remarkable businesswomen in greater Milwaukee for our annual Women of Influence awards. Please nominate and share their story with us.
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What they said: Local execs on their business wish for Milwaukee for 2024 – Milwaukee Business Journal – The Business Journals
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