Milwaukee has been selected as the site for the 2013 convention of the National Society of Black Engineers. The gathering, to be held in March 2013, will bring about 10,000 delegates to the Milwaukee area with an estimated local economic impact of approximately $9 million.

"Being selected to host this prestigious convention will provide tremendous exposure for the greater Milwaukee area," said Doug Neilson, president and CEO of VISIT Milwaukee. "These professional and aspiring student engineers will have an opportunity see first-hand Milwaukee's diversified manufacturing economy and the potential career opportunities available in our community." 

The National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), based in Alexandra, Va., is a non-profit association that began in 1975. NSBE's mission is "to increase the number of culturally responsible Black engineers who excel academically, succeed professionally and positively impact the community." The organization counts more than 27,000 collegiate and professional members, including about 8,900 pre-college students.

NSBE has local chapters at UW-Milwaukee, Marquette University and the Milwaukee School of Engineering.

Neilson added that it takes significant local support to win large national conventions and NSBE was no exception. A video (below) was prepared by NSBE alumni members Jamon Omar Lewis and Tarence Smith that features Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett, Ald. Joe Davis, Rick Kuester, executive vice president of WE Energies, Dr. Stanley Jaskolski, Dean of the Marquette School of Engineering and Van Walling, executive director at Engineers and Scientists of Milwaukee.

Others involved in helping bring the convention to Milwaukee include: Lt. Gov. Barbara Lawton, Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker and Milwaukee Common Council President Willie Hines.