The group formerly known as Food and Beverage Milwaukee (FaB) has changed its name to FaB Wisconsin to reflect a statewide focus as the group is now being led by the Milwaukee 7.
The Milwaukee 7 is the regional economic development collaborative of SE Wisconsin, which includes seven counties — Milwaukee, Racine, Kenosha, Walworth, Washington, Waukesha and Ozaukee. Officials with the organization targeted the food and beverages industry for regional economic growth in 2010.
“We recognize that our cluster, while highly concentrated in the Milwaukee region, extends throughout Wisconsin. And we want to welcome our fellow makers, suppliers and customers from adjacent counties and across the state to benefit from FaB’s efforts and resources supporting industry growth and awareness,” said Giacomo Fallucca, FaB Leadership Council co-chair and president and chief executive officer of Milwaukee frozen pizza manufacturer Palermo Villa Inc.
With 47,000 employees in food and beverage processing and manufacturing, the state ranks fifth in the nation for total employment in the sector and second in the nation for cluster employment growth.
“There is genuine pride among makers when we are able to source and serve companies with operations in Wisconsin. Changing our name reflects that,” said Eric Olesen, fellow co-chair and president and owner of O&H Danish Bakery in Racine.
The group now has the opportunity to grow to a statewide organization, said Shelley Jurewicz, executive director of FaB.
“The FaB website already offers a statewide industry job board and has the capability to serve as an umbrella site to the industry – an easy one-stop shop for professionals, entrepreneurs, students and educators,” she said.