The Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce had its origins in the Merchants Association of Commerce, founded in 1861 to safeguard and promote the economic advancement and welfare of commercial and civic enterprises in Milwaukee. The Merchants Association was designated as a clearinghouse for various problems, while encouraging the moral and educational progress of the community. In May 1894 the Association merged with the Manufacturers Club to form the Merchants and Manufacturers Association. A further name change to the Milwaukee Association of Commerce was followed by the recent adoption of the current name.
Today the MMAC continues to promote and organize a variety of projects, many of which follow traditional lines. Several committees encourage economic development of the community, communicate with state legislators, endorse and support political candidates, and attempt to revise current tax structures for the benefit of business. Other Association work includes the areas of energy, school desegregation, anti-shoplifting campaigns, transportation (both bus and car-ferry service), youth jobs programs, and support of Milwaukee's professional sports teams. Each year the Association sponsors the downtown Christmas parade.
