Advocate
The Alliance provides a clear and persuasive voice for the business community and advocates for business-friendly legislation at the local, state and federal levels. Our policy board and three policy committees conduct in-depth research to identify issues and policy areas for which to advocate. Below are our five policy areas of focus for 2021.
We encourage our members to get involved and support our efforts to ensure a strong, pro-business climate in Waukesha County and its surroundings. If you are interested in joining a policy committee, please contact us.
Click here to view our 2022 Policy Agenda.
Economic Development
The 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 incorporating entrepreneurship, innovation and transformational technology.
Workforce Development
Workforce development is the number one issue facing Waukesha County, the Milwaukee 7 region and our state. The Alliance is committed to developing, identifying and supporting policy solutions that strengthen our region’s talent pipeline.
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 strive to serve as a resource that connects the public and private sectors in order to facilitate best practice sharing and problem solving.
Education
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 in the marketplace today and in the future.
Infrastructure & Environment
Waukesha 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.
Spring Election Local Candidates
To keep our 1,200 business members informed prior to the spring election on Tuesday, April 5, the Alliance has interviewed several of the local candidates running in mayoral and presidential races. Below are unedited responses from the candidates interviewed.
Policy Board
Sarah Grooms
Town Bank
Chair
Ann Barry Hanneman
von Briesen & Roper, s.c.
Brian Carroll
Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren s.c.
Bob Dennik
VJS Construction Services
Tom Dieckelman
Wisconsin Coach Lines
Phil Dougherty
Dougherty LLC
Raquel Filmanowicz
BMO Harris Bank
Tom Fotsch
EmbedTek LLC
Susan Fronk
MRA – The Management Association
Mike Gryczka
National Exchange Bank & Trust
Pat Henderson
Quad
Jeff Hoffman
Cushman & Wakefield | Boerke
Marc Holland
Inpro Corporation
Rick Kalscheuer
R&R Insurance Services, Inc.
Kevin Kane
First Business Bank
Tom Kissinger
The Marcus Corporation
Patti Kneiser
Froedtert & The Medical College of Wisconsin
Andy Kowske
HNTB Corporation
Kent Lorenz
Community Leader
Susan Marshall
Susan A. Marshall
Michael Mooney
MLG Capital LLC
Reggie Newson
Ascension Wisconsin
Mike Payne
R&R Insurance Services, Inc.
Joe Pieper
American Deposit Management Company
Jackie Pride
Eaton
Tom Schreibel
Michael Best
Tracy Shilobrit
Meta4 Marketing & Communication
Tim Stewart
DeWitt LLP
Fred Stier
Stier Construction, Inc.
Stan Sugden
Ruekert & Mielke, Inc.
Brad Treichel
ProHealth Care
Sandy Wysocki
Sharon Lynne Wilson Center for the Arts
Tracy Wymelenberg
Ascension WI
Todd Zakreski
HUSCO International