The Wisconsin Manufacturing Summit presented by the Independent Business Association of Wisconsin (IBAW) was held on Friday, September 16, 2016, at the Wisconsin Club. Vrakas CPAs + Advisors was proud to sponsor the event, alongside fellow sponsors Annex Wealth Management and Bank Mutual. The event featured Edward Bogle, Senior Investigator of the U.S. Department of Labor and keynote speaker Tim Sullivan, former CEO of Bucyrus International, Inc. (now Caterpillar) and new CEO of the REV Group, who addressed the state of manufacturing in SE Wisconsin and the State. As an event sponsor, John Staehler representing Vrakas CPAs + Advisors, introduced the firm and the keynote speaker, Tim Sullivan.
Sullivan touted the relatively low tax climate here, excellent technical college system and exceptional recreational opportunities Wisconsin has to offer.
But with a flat projected labor force growth – incredibly only .4% over the next 23 years! – Sullivan noted that it’s time for innovative strategies in talent development. The opportunity for new thinking in workforce development is now.
The State of Wisconsin is well positioned to redirect workforce training dollars to new skill development in manufacturing, particularly those companies in advanced manufacturing. Automation, robotics and process controls skills will help our companies compete in a truly global economy.
“It’s time for an adult conversation on these issues, not the electoral rhetoric of politicians,” said Sullivan.