Chambers Of Commerce Will Meet To Discuss Future Of State’s Economy

Wisconsin Manufacturers And Commerce President Says Demographic Shifts Will Significantly Change Workforce

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A host of local Chambers of Commerce will meet in Milwaukee on Wednesday to discuss what the state’s economy and job force will look like in 20 years.

The first Future Wisconsin Economic Summit,” will be sponsored by Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce. According Jim Morgan, president of the WMC Foundation, the state’s future boils down to demographics. He said that 25 years from now, the number of Wisconsin residents over the age of 65 will double, and that people in their prime working years won’t keep pace.

Morgan said people who come to the summit will be asked for “concrete ideas,” not material for a study that goes nowhere.

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“Maybe we commit to saying we need to get more of our employers into the K-12 system to get them to understand where the jobs and careers are,” said Morgan. “Or we need to take teachers out into our workplaces and provide internships for them so they can see how their schooling relates to the jobs that are out there.”

Morgan said he hopes WMC can follow through on suggestions within the year.