MADISON – Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce (WMC) – the combined state chamber and manufacturers’ association – celebrates each October as Manufacturing Month and the first Friday of the month as Manufacturing Day.
Throughout October, WMC, its members and partners, and communities throughout the state will recognize the importance of manufacturing to Wisconsin’s economy. Manufacturing contributes $68 billion to the state’s economy. As the state’s largest industry, it employs one in six Wisconsin workers – the equivalent of nearly half a million jobs.
“Manufacturing is the backbone of our state’s economy, and the hardworking men and women of this industry deserve to be celebrated,” said WMC President & CEO Kurt Bauer. “Throughout October, we hope to educate young Wisconsinites about the rewarding careers available in manufacturing along with highlighting the outsized impact the industry has on our state.”
To celebrate Manufacturing Month, WMC plans to host a number of manufacturing-centric events and will also release a video showcasing Wisconsin’s robust manufacturing supply chain. In addition, WMC has partnered once again with Johnson Financial Group to host the seventh annual Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin contest.
More than 100 Wisconsin-made products were nominated this year, and voters have narrowed down the field to a Top 16. Those products will compete in a bracket-style tournament called Manufacturing Madness until only four remain. A final popular vote will determine the winner, which will be announced at WMC’s Business Day Event in Madison on October 19.
More information about Manufacturing Month can be found at www.wmc.org/manufacturingmonth.