Why leading globally matters for Wisconsin

APPLETON, Wis. (WBAY) - Wisconsin's role in foreign policy was the topic of discussion at a forum in Appleton on Thursday. More than a hundred local leaders participated in the discussion led by Washington DC based, US Global Leadership Coalition.

Why leading globally matter for Wisconsin was the question being asked. The state's role in agriculture -- specifically dairy -- was a major topic of discussion.

According to Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-Green Bay), "If you're a farmer in Wisconsin, 96% of your potential customers around the world live outside the United States, so we really need to be in the business of identifying markets so when our farmers, when they compete on a level playing field, sell on those markets and beat and out compete anyone around the world."

But it's not just farming. Wisconsin also plays a major role when it comes to national security, through manufacturing. From Oshkosh Corporation to Marinette Marine, Wisconsin is not only protecting the United States but its allies as well.

"We've seen time and time again in our history that when we fail to lead abroad, it actually endangers our safety and drags us in to unnecessary and costly wars over the long term," adds Rep. Gallagher.

Building relationships with foreign countries is something constantly being done in the Fox Valley. As Mayor Tim Hanna, who addressed the crowd said, Appleton's sister city program as well as its welcoming of foreigners, he believes is helpful in foreign relations.

Hanna adds, "It doesn't matter what their national politics is, what their religion, it doesn't matter any of that. When we can connect on a person to person basis that is so powerful and we need more of that. We need more of the ability to do that, just to address some of the bigger problems, it really starts at the personal level."

Having personal conversations with others is what attendees were asked to do as they left the forum, to continue to stress the importance they can all play on the world stage.