President and CEO
Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce | Madison
Kurt Bauer has led Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce, the state’s largest business association, since 2011. WMC represents 3,800 employers of all sizes and from all economic sectors. Prior to joining WMC, Bauer spent 18 years working for financial industry trade groups, including as CEO for the Wisconsin and Arizona Bankers Associations. He serves as vice chair of the National Association of State Chambers.
Education: Bachelor’s, University of Wisconsin-Madison
What would you like to change about Wisconsin: “Wisconsin needs a more competitive business climate, especially personal income tax rates. That one little reform could stimulate significantly more in-migration and spur more economic activity.”
If you could time travel: “I recently learned that my maternal grandfather won the Iron Cross while serving in the Imperial German Army during World War I. I would love to witness the act of valor he performed to earn that medal.”
First concert and recent concert: “Pink Floyd at Camp Randall Stadium, and this past spring, I took my youngest to his first concert: Taylor Swift in Paris, which was actually cheaper than seeing her in the U.S.”
Definition of success: “My children will be, by far, my most enduring legacy. Making sure they are equipped with a moral compass, common sense, work ethic and compassion is how I will be judged.”
2022 Wisconsin 275 Profile
Real Estate and Development | Economic Development
President and CEO
Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce | Madison
Kurt Bauer leads Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce, the state’s largest business association, with more than 3,800 member companies. A combined association of the state Chamber of Commerce, Wisconsin Manufacturers’ Association and Wisconsin Safety Council, WMC advocates for pro-business policies – such as lower health care costs, school choice funding and tax reform – and particularly wielded its influence as COVID-19 mitigation policies were enacted throughout the early stages of the pandemic.
Education: Bachelor’s, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Career advice: “Write down your goals and make a plan to achieve each of them, and then outwork your competition in executing that plan.”
Hobby/passion: “I took my oldest on his first backpacking trip this past summer. The activity has always been one of my favorite escapes. I also enjoy hiking and mountain biking, and I just recently started golfing again after giving the sport up when my kids were born.”
Toughest business challenge You’ve ever faced: “I led the Wisconsin Bankers Association through the Great Recession, with all the challenges it presented to financial institutions. And I also led WMC through the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent business shutdowns and economic consequences. Neither crisis was easy, but I wouldn’t trade the experience for anything.”
Nonprofit cause: “The WMC Foundation’s Business World program, which teaches young people about free enterprise and entrepreneurship.”
