Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce issued the following announcement on Oct. 7
Seeking new avenues to build enthusiasm and interest in technology careers within the next generation of the Milwaukee Region’s work force, the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce (MMAC) is announcing a partnership with the MKEsports Alliance.
Formed in 2020, the MKEsports Alliance’s mission is to grow the culture and connectivity of the regional esports groups, gamers, businesses and community partners. Through these efforts, the alliance also hopes to advance metro Milwaukee’s standing as a national leader in this space, poised for future infrastructure and development.
Short for electronic sports, esports refers to competitive video gaming watched by spectators – both online and, when possible, in person. It is one of the fastest-growing sectors of the worldwide sports and entertainment economy.
“Any worldwide industry that’s on track to produce a billion dollars-plus in revenue and captures millions of eyeballs should grab our attention as a region,” MMAC President Tim Sheehy said. “While the sports may be virtual, the benefits are tangible: Developing an engaged and enthusiastic esports community will help grow the Milwaukee Region as a place that welcomes the next generation of talented tech professionals to put down roots and grow their careers.”
MMAC will look for opportunities to involve the Milwaukee Region’s business community in the esports community. This partnership aligns with MMAC’s broader talent development and retention goals and initiatives.
“A growing number of regions nationally, very similar in size and demographic to Milwaukee, are investing heavily into the development of their esports ecosystem,” said Brandon Tschacher, Founder of the Alliance. “These potential investments include brick-and-mortar facilities, large-scale events and tournaments, all the way up to passing supportive tax incentives from city and state legislature. Engaging our business community through the MMAC, alongside supportive partners in areas such as education, tourism and local government, is going to be pivotal to capturing this once in a generation opportunity.”
According to an estimate from Business Insider Intelligence, total esports viewership is expected to grow at a 9 percent compound annual growth rate between 2019 and 2023, up from 454 million in 2019 to 646 million in 2023.
Deloitte estimates that investments in the esports industry totaled $4.5 billion in 2018, up from $490 million the year before.
The Milwaukee Region currently features an esports team sponsored by the Milwaukee Bucks, along with developing esports initiatives at our higher education institutions and private efforts. According to the alliance, Wisconsin benefits from more than $330 million added to the local economy thanks to the growing video game industry’s impact on the state.
The alliance’s name is pronounced “Milwaukee esports alliance.” For additional information, visit mkeesports.com
About the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce
For more than 150 years, the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce has been serving area businesses as a private, not-for-profit organization. Today we represent approximately 1,800 member businesses with 300,000 employees in Milwaukee, Waukesha, Washington and Ozaukee counties and beyond. Our mission is to improve metro Milwaukee as a place to invest capital, grow business and create jobs. mmac.org
If your company is already a member of MMAC, thank you for your investment in growing your business and building the Milwaukee Region. If your company is not yet a member, but is interested in exploring the benefits of joining, please contact our membership team.
Original source can be found here.
Source: Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce
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