Episode description

In the latest episode of “Talking Trade,” outgoing MMAC President Tim Sheehy discusses his 31-year tenure with the Milwaukee chamber and the importance of business exports. 

The Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce in October announced former Republican state Sen. Dale Kooyenga of Brookfield will take over as the group’s president early next year. 

Sheehy said one of his most important accomplishments while leading the MMAC has been helping more Wisconsin governors and mayors to understand the competitive global environment for corporate investment, as well as related opportunities. 

“One of the things I’ve learned from the countless trade missions that I’ve been on to Canada, South America, Mexico, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, is that every day those regions are getting up and competing for capital investment and jobs,” Sheehy said. 

He also touts the strength of Wisconsin’s workforce and talent pool, noting it helps attract investments by large manufacturers such as Haribo, which has a large production facility in Pleasant Prairie. And he touches on international transportation infrastructure development in the state as well. 

“Something like 86% of the companies in Wisconsin that export are small or mid-sized companies, maybe exporting to one or two markets primarily, but as they start to expand, they need the service providers here that have that expertise to help them do that along with the physical infrastructure,” he said. 

Given the global uncertainty linked to conflicts in the Middle East and tensions between China and Taiwan, Sheehy said some businesses are turning inward to focus on domestic markets rather than opportunities overseas. 

“I think that’s a mistake,” he said. “And so, I think the message I would leave is, it’s a tough world out there, but buckle up and go at it and you’re going to be better for it.”