Tempo was organized in 1975 in response to the lack of professional business groups for
prominent women executives and managers in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Tempo's main mission is to
enhance the professional careers of its members by offering networking opportunities. To
promote its mission of networking, the organization offers its members newsletters,
bi-monthly meetings, speakers, seminars and various social events. Community outreach
programs have included a College Day program to introduce select female students to
Milwaukee's business community, a series of Mentor Awards for those who foster management
skills, public seminars on financial matters, and a National Speaker program which
publicizes Tempo's mission to the Milwaukee business community. The organization has also
been active in aiding the formation of similar groups in neighboring cities, and has worked
with other local professional groups to expand its members' opportunities for
networking.
Membership is by invitation and requires full-time employment in a responsible, upper
level management position. Prior to 1993, membership was restricted to women, but a change
in the organization's by-laws allowed for the admittance of men who supported Tempo's
mission. By 1995, membership was approaching 200 and represented a wide cross-section of
Milwaukee women in professional and business positions. Tempo is governed by an annually
elected board of directors, to which Tempo's committees report.
