Milwaukee, WI

Opinion: Manufacturing is Wisconsin’s fastball. Opportunities abound for economic growth.

Published

1 year ago

September 26, 2024

Press Room

Opinion: Manufacturing is Wisconsin’s fastball. Opportunities abound for economic growth.

Opportunity is knocking in our region.

Dale Kooyenga
| Special to Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

As our Milwaukee Brewers are headed to the playoffs a baseball analogy seems appropriate.

Fans know a successful pitcher needs a repertoire of weapons in his arsenal. A potent curveball or slider are nice for any pitcher to have in his back pocket. But that overpowering fastball is typically what gets the job done.

The same holds true for a regional economy. A diverse make-up of business sectors defines any successful economic climate, but you need that one sector to drive the region forward. For generations here, it’s been manufacturing.

Companion column: Manufacturing opportunities come to Wisconsin. Do we have a workforce ready?

Manufacturing is our fastball in Wisconsin. We have the highest concentration of these jobs in the country. We are makers and producers here.

Manufacturing jobs pay about 20% higher than service industry

Have the jobs changed? Yes. Advances in technology provide efficiencies that help companies increase productivity while protecting the bottom line.

Has the volume of manufacturing jobs decreased? Again, yes. Over the past quarter century, those same efficiencies coupled with the offshoring of jobs, have caused the overall volume to decrease. In the four-county Milwaukee metro, the latest figures showed about 114,000 area residents employed in manufacturing compared to about 165,000 in 2000.

That said, the loss of manufacturing jobs is not indicative of a post-manufacturing economy here. Quite the contrary. We need to continue growing the sector through expansion and attraction efforts as well as advocating for common-sense policy at the local, state and federal levels.

The future of manufacturing job fair and town hall: Register for the free event Oct. 3 at MATC

Growing our manufacturing base is vital for a strong local economy. These are good jobs – paying about 20 percent more on average compared to those in the service industry. We can lift the fortunes of this generation and those that follow by providing the right opportunities.

On a macro level, investing in manufacturing is also in the best interest of our national well-being. Growing a resilient supply chain will ensure parts are made right here in the United States. Countries like China are cheating by stealing intellectual property and knowhow while providing direct government support to bolster manufacturing and exports. This is a clear threat to the rules of international free trade and presents a substantial threat to national security, our economy and, therefore, our way of life.

Milwaukee is fast becoming home to advanced manufacturing

The cliché about manufacturing floors being dirty, dark and dangerous is a relic of decades past. Today, Milwaukee is fast becoming home to advanced manufacturing. Our density of advanced manufacturing jobs is nearly twice the national average.

Look no further than Rockwell, a global leader in industrial automation, manufacturing products that help businesses optimize their production. Rockwell’s operations paint a perfect picture of advanced manufacturing, conducting it themselves while helping clientele move in the same direction.

At the same time, Microsoft’s historic $3.3 billion investment in a cutting-edge data center will drive AI-powered production in the region. Having forward-thinking manufacturers in an environment where an investment like this is being made makes it clear that Milwaukee is a place where the information technology economy is intersecting with the manufacturing sector. It’s a good spot to be in.

There’s more good news. This spring, the region was named one of 12 U.S. Regional Technology and Innovation Hubs. The designation, focused here on biohealth and personalized medicine, is expected to create more than 30,000 direct jobs, 110,000 indirect jobs and produce a $9 billion economic impact over the next decade.

But the work is just beginning.

Organizations like MMAC, it’s economic development arm – the Milwaukee 7 Regional Partnership (M7) – and partner organizations driving economic growth are working on a number of fronts to create an environment welcoming to manufacturers moving to or expanding in our region. We have a story to tell, this region is where the software economy is intersecting with the traditional hardware economy.

We need to recruit and retain talent. And welcome immigrants.

One of the demands this will place on southeastern Wisconsin is a workforce ready to meet the moment. We already hear our manufacturing members say attracting and retaining talent is a huge challenge. That said, MMAC is working to bring real-world manufacturing programming, such as robotics and other advanced manufacturing education, to high school classrooms in our area. Sparking an interest in our students and making them realize they can thrive in this sector is the first step in getting them into a manufacturing career.

In a region where population has stagnated, we also need to be welcoming to an immigrant population that can help us meet the staffing needs necessary to be competitive. Smart immigration policy is paramount in building a strong, growing workforce in southeastern Wisconsin so the history of manufacturing brainpower and muscle is intertwined with the story of immigration.

A historic opportunity: Wisconsin’s largest cities have synergies to make tech hub flourish with new partnership

Lastly, our tax policy needs to be economically feasible for companies looking to move, or even stay here. That’s why it’s critical Wisconsin retains the Manufacturing and Agricultures Activities Credit – which allows business to keep income derived from manufacturing tax free. Losing this credit would force many to look elsewhere – most likely states with no income taxes – to do business.

Opportunity is knocking in our region. In getting back to baseball, one could liken our current situation to being at the plate with the bases loaded. If we take the right approach, it could be a really productive at bat.

Dale Kooyenga is president of the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce.

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Milwaukee, WI

Illegal dumping plagues closed Milwaukee Pick ‘n Save

Published

30 minutes ago

March 5, 2026

Press Room

Illegal dumping plagues closed Milwaukee Pick ‘n Save

Illegal dumping plagues closed Pick ‘n Save

Neighbors say since a Milwaukee Pick ‘n Save at 35th and North closed in 2025, the parking lot has been filling up, but not with cars or people. It has been attracting illegal dumpers.

MILWAUKEE – Neighbors say since the Milwaukee Pick ‘n Save at 35th and North closed in 2025, the parking lot has been filling up, but not with cars or people. It has been attracting illegal dumpers.

Trash piling up

What we know:

There are old mattresses and furniture in the parking lot. There are piles of garbage at the entrance of the old grocery store. Behind the building, there are tires, more mattresses and more trash.

Illegal dumping at former grocery store near 35th and North, Milwaukee

The Pick ‘n Save stores closed in July 2025. Since then, the building has sat empty.

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FOX6 News was contacted by a man who manages senior and family housing in the area. He said in the last couple of months, he has noticed the stile turn into a place for illegal dumping. The man said he was so fed up, he called the office of Milwaukee Alderman Russell Stamper about the problem. The man said the whole site is an eyesore, and something needs to change.

Illegal dumping at former grocery store near 35th and North, Milwaukee

Change sought

What they’re saying:

“As the snow melts, it’s full of garbage. People are dumping furniture on it, tires,” said Jeffrey Sessions, who manages nearby property. “If you drive around it, it’s garbage everywhere. It’s unsightly for the neighborhood, and it’s probably going to create rats and mice problems.”

FOX6 News reached out to the Department of Neighborhood Services. Officials said the dumping has not been reported. They said the department’s commercial team will now be made aware of the issue.

Illegal dumping at former grocery store near 35th and North, Milwaukee

“It makes the whole neighborhood look like garbage, like nobody’s taking care of anything around here,” Sessions said. “It’s a detriment, it’s unsightly, and it needs to be addressed.”

Illegal dumpers could face fines

Dig deeper:

If the dumpers are caught on camera, they could face fines.

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The owner of the property may also be ordered to clean it up.

Illegal dumping at former grocery store near 35th and North, Milwaukee

The Source: Information in this post was provided by a person who owns property near the former grocery store, as well as Milwaukee Department of Neighborhood Services.

Crime and Public SafetyMilwaukeeNews

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Milwaukee, WI

Things to do in the Milwaukee area this weekend, including Sports Show

Published

13 hours ago

March 5, 2026

Press Room

Things to do in the Milwaukee area this weekend, including Sports Show

Travel to Ireland, learn how to catch a fish, visit wildlife at the zoo, and see costumed characters this weekend in Milwaukee.

Anime Milwaukee

The 2026 “Magical Academy” themed animation convention comes to the Baird Center, 400 W. Wisconsin Ave., and Hilton Milwaukee City Center March 6-8. The weekend features Japanese industry guests and cultural experts, artists and official merchandise, gaming, music, dance, manga, cosplay, anime and Asian fashion. New this year is the Nocturna Anime Bar with a lounge and specialty drinks, including nonalcoholic beverages. Exhibit hall hours are 1 to 8 p.m. March 6, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. March 7 and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 8. Full weekend access is $100; single day access is $50-$75. animemilwaukee.org

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Sports Show

The 85th year of the Sports Show is at State Fair Park’s Wisconsin Exposition Center, 8200 W. Greenfield Ave., West Allis, from noon to 7 p.m. March 6, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. March 7 and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 8. Along with outdoor exhibitors, see what’s swimming in the trout pond, watch the lumberjack show and the fastest retriever race, or catch the archery and air rifle tournaments. General admission tickets at the door are $15; youth tickets (ages 6-14) are $6. In honor of Women’s Day on March 8, all women receive $10 admission at the door. Check out the full schedule at jssportsshow.com.

Gardens & Gears: Steampunk Faire

Celebrate the industrial age at the Gardens & Gears art fair from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 7 at the Mitchell Park Domes, 524 S. Layton Blvd. The immersive garden event features creators, costumes and live entertainment, with gears, goggles and handcrafted mechanical curiosities on display in the gardens. Domes admission required. mitchellparkdomes.com

Milwaukee County Zoo Family Free Day

Everyone receives free admission at the Milwaukee County Zoo, 10001 W. Blue Mound Road, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. March 7. See the red pandas in their outdoor habitat, lions, penguins and more. Parking and regular attraction fees still apply. milwaukeezoo.org

Irish Family Day

Travel to the Irish countryside during “Passport to Ireland” from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 8 at the CelticMKE Center, 1532 N. Wauwatosa Ave., Wauwatosa. With Irish dance, arts, crafts and storytelling, each county will be featured with an activity that celebrates Irish culture, history and traditions. Buy one, get one free Irish Fest tickets will be available to purchase, with lunch, beverages and snacks served in the Celtic Café. Admission is $10 at the door. celticmke.com

What’s new in Milwaukee-area theaters this weekend

Marcus Theatres: See a marathon of the 2026 Best Picture nominees at select theater locations. Day one of the marathon is March 7 and features “Sentimental Value,” “F1: The Movie,” “The Secret Agent,” “Bugonia,” and “Sinners.” The marathon resumes March 14 with a new set of films. Visit marcustheatres.com.

Milwaukee Film: Women’s History Month programming features the action films of Michelle Yeoh. See her Oscar-winning performance in “Everything Everywhere All At Once” screening at 6 p.m. March 6 at the Oriental Theatre.

“Hoppers”: A robotic animal with a human mind helps real animals thwart a plot to destroy their habitat in this Disney and Pixar feature film. See it at AMC Mayfair Mall; Avalon Theater; Marcus Theatres’ BistroPlex Southridge, Hillside, Majestic, Menomonee Falls, Movie Tavern Brookfield Square, North Shore, Ridge, South Shore cinemas; Rosebud Cinema.

“The Bride!”: A lonely Frankenstein (Christian Bale) travels to 1930s Chicago to ask a scientist (Annette Bening) to create a companion. See it at AMC Mayfair Mall; Marcus Theatres’ BistroPlex Southridge, Hillside, Majestic, Menomonee Falls, Movie Tavern Brookfield Square, North Shore, Ridge, South Shore cinemas.

“Protector”: A veteran war hero (Milla Jovovich) must use the violent skills she thought she left behind to save her daughter. See it at Marcus Theatres’ BistroPlex Southridge, Hillside, Majestic, Menomonee Falls, Movie Tavern Brookfield Square, North Shore, Ridge, South Shore cinemas.

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Milwaukee, WI

MPD officer accused of using Flock cameras to monitor dating partner resigns

Published

1 day ago

March 4, 2026

Press Room

MPD officer accused of using Flock cameras to monitor dating partner resigns

Josue Ayala has resigned from the Milwaukee Police Department days after he was charged with a crime over his alleged misuse of license plate-reading Flock technology.

Ayala, 33, pleaded not guilty to one count of attempted misconduct in public office during his initial court appearance on March 4.

The charge is a misdemeanor that carries a potential maximum penalty of nine months in jail and $10,000 fine.

Milwaukee is one in a growing number of communities nationally that have started using Flock cameras to help locate stolen vehicles, identify vehicles used in violent crimes, and track vehicles associated with missing persons. The technology is controversial and been criticized by civil rights and privacy advocates.

Conducting searches for personal reasons is a violation of department policies.

Prosecutors say Ayala used the Flock camera system while on duty more than 120 times to look up the license plate of someone he was dating. They believe Flock technology also was used on a second license plate, one belonging to that person’s ex, 55 times, according to a criminal complaint, filed Feb. 24 in Milwaukee County Circuit Court.

Ayala joined the Milwaukee Police Department in 2017, and his total gross pay was about $120,000 in 2024, according to the most recent city salary data available.

Milwaukee police confirmed in a March 4 email to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel that Ayala has resigned from the department.

Ayala and his attorney Michael J. Steinle, of Milwaukee, would not speak to reporters as they left the courtroom.

Prosecutors say the department became aware of the allegations against Ayala after a driver saw that they were the subject of searches through the website, www.haveibeenflocked.com, which collects and publishes “audit logs” of searches of the Flock system by police agencies.

The driver saw that Ayala had searched the plate numerous times, which prompted the driver to file a complaint with the Milwaukee Police Department.

Detectives then audited Ayala’s searches in the Flock system from March 26, 2025, through May 26, 2025.

Ayala is at least the second Wisconsin officer to face criminal charges for misuse of the Flock system. A Menasha police officer was charged in January for tracking an ex-girlfriend’s car.

Milwaukee police began using Flock cameras in 2022. MPD has a $182,900 contract with Flock for the use of the technology. That contract is active through January 2027.

Court Commissioner Dewey B. Martin released Ayala on a $2,500 signature bond March 4.

Signature bonds, sometimes referred to as a personal recognizance bond, allow a defendant to leave custody without paying cash as long as they sign a promise to appear for their upcoming court dates.

Martin also ordered Ayala not to contact the two victims in the case.

Ayala also must report to the Milwaukee County Jail to be booked on March 9. If he doesn’t show up, a bench warrant will be issued for his arrest.

Ayala is scheduled to appear for a pre-trial conference on April 17.

David Clarey of the Journal Sentinel contributed to this story.

Chris Ramirez covers courts for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. He can be reached at caramirez@usatodayco.com.

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