The Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce announced that Paul Jones, chairman and chief executive officer of Milwaukee-based A.O. Smith Corp., has been named Wisconsin chair of the new Tri State Alliance for Regional Development.
Jones is the third and final chairman to be confirmed, joining Illinois Chair Michael Mullen, co-founder of Centerpoint Properties, and Indiana Chair Jim Stanley, chairman and CEO for Northern Indiana Public Service Company.
The Tri State Alliance for Regional Development was created to implement recommendations provided by The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).
The OECD consists of 40 countries that represent 80 percent of world trade and investment, playing a pivotal role in addressing challenges facing the global economy.
The Alliance’s mission is to help develop the regional economy that extends from Gary, Ind., through Chicago to Milwaukee. The Alliance is a neutral platform to bring together the leaders from government, academia and the private sector.
The Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce commissioned the OECD to conduct an economic analysis of the Tri State Chicago Metropolitan Region of Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin.
Subsequently, the Tri State Alliance for Regional Development was launched to create and execute an implementation plan for the OECD’s recommendations.
Wisconsin was represented at a conference for the project in Paris, France, by a contingent that included Carmel Ruffolo, corporate engagement and regional development director at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and UW-Parkside; Dean Amhaus, executive director at the Milwaukee Water Council; and Racine Mayor John Dickert.
“I am pleased and honored to represent Wisconsin as part of the Alliance for Regional Development,” Jones said. “The focus of the OECD’s review, which includes workforce development, innovation, logistics, and ‘green’ initiatives, fits well with the priorities of our state as well as those of A. O. Smith. I am enthusiastic about working with Mike Mullen and Jim Stanley to implement the OECD recommendations, execute the strategy, and enhance the competitive position of the Tri State area.”
The 21-county region includes six Wisconsin counties: Milwaukee, Waukesha, Racine, Kenosha, Washington and Ozaukee.
The Tri State area is home to 9.5 million people, exceeded in the nation only by the Los Angeles and New York markets.
“Paul Jones’ selection will help us explore the regional relationship and opportunities on economic development,” said Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. (WEDC) vice president of business and industry development Lee Swindall.
“Paul Jones is a thoughtful and effective executive,” Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett said. “Paul is a respected CEO of a global company, and he is a prominent leader in our region’s philanthropic and business development efforts. He is ideally suited to take on a leadership role in the Tri State Alliance.”
“The three chairmen and strategic funding partners will begin meeting this month to discuss goals and initiatives for the region. Insights gained from the OECD Review will be instrumental in developing our agenda, maximizing assets and overcoming obstacles as a region,” said Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce senior vice president Kelly O’Brien.
Ruffolo and O’Brien said the Allliance will focus on four targeted sectors: green business growth; human capital; innovation; and transportation and logistics.
The Alliance is a neutral platform to bring together the leaders from government, academia and the private sector and has the support of the U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration, Central Area Committee, Chicago Community Trust, City of Kenosha, County of Kenosha, Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Kenosha Area Business Alliance, Milwaukee 7, the Greater Milwaukee Committee, Northern Indiana Public Service Company (NIPSCO), Northwest Indiana Forum, Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority, Purdue University, Racine County Economic Development Corp., University of Illinois, University of Wisconsin, the WEDC and many others.
Jones was a founder of the Milwaukee Water Council and currently serves as co-chairman of the organization.
