"The Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce (MMAC) and its Council of Small Business Executives (COSBE) serve as advocates for metro Milwaukee companies to encourage business development, capital investment and job creation. MMAC and COSBE also provide networking Milwaopportunities, events, and volunteer opportunities. Founded in 1861 as a private, not-for-profit organization, MMAC represents more than 2,200 member businesses in Milwaukee, Waukesha, Ozaukee and Washington Counties, employing 200,000 people. COSBE was created by the MMAC in 1986 to address the specific needs of companies with 1-300 employees."