Politics & Government

Mayor Hopes to Capitalize On Master Lock's Success

Foeckler wants to bring together local CEOs.

National attention continues to descend on Oak Creek-based Master Lock, thanks to President Barack Obama's visit Wednesday and his mention of the company in January's State of the Union address.

But it isn't the only large corporation with roots in Oak Creek. The city is home to several other nationally-known companies, including PPG Industries and Caterpillar's Global Mining Division.

On the heels of Wednesday's visit from the president, Mayor Al Foeckler said he hopes to form a council of local business leaders that would help guide job-growing strategy.

Find out what's happening in Oak Creekwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Foeckler said he hopes to bring in those companies' leaders and form a "mayor's council." He plans to reach out to Master Lock Chief Executive John Heppner and others with the idea that "you guys make the agenda, tell us what we as a city can do to help you grow jobs in the area and continue to be productive," he said.

Foeckler represented Oak Creek at Obama's visit to Master Lock's plant in Milwaukee Wednesday. While he didn't get to meet the president, he spoke with many other local elected officials and Master Lock employees.

Find out what's happening in Oak Creekwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The looks of pride on workers' faces was clear, Foeckler said.

"I was certainly proud to be the mayor of a city with the world headquarters of Master Lock," he said.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here