Our History

History

40Plus of Southeastern Wisconsin is an independent, all-volunteer, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization.

40Plus was established in 1939 by Henry Simler, an executive with Remington Rand. He created a “40 Plus Committee” at New York City’s Sales Executive Club to help the many over-forty executives (hence the name) he knew who were having difficulties finding jobs. Serving as a job clearinghouse and mutual support group, the club soon became an independent organization, while the concept spread to cities throughout the U.S. The first chapter was organized in Boston, and the second in New York City. Historically, there were over 20 chapters.  Over the years, 40Plus chapters had the unusual mission of losing their members by helping them find full-time professional or executive jobs. There are very few chapters remaining in the United States. In fact, there is only four:  New York City, Washington, D.C., Ohio, and 40Plus of Southeastern Wisconsin. 

The New York organization’s first Advisory Board included well-know business and societal leaders of the period, including Thomas J. Watson, president and founder of IBM; James Cash Penney, founder of J.C. Penney & Co.; Arthur Godfrey, the radio and TV personality; and Norman Vincent Peale, a minister, inspirational speaker, and author of “The Power of Positive Thinking.”  (Parts of History were found on Wikipedia)

40Plus of Southeastern Wisconsin began in 1976 as the Dr. William Needler Job Forum. It started at a bank off of South 27th & College, under the leadership of Bill Needler and Ron Kampworth.  Bill and Ron, two local HR professionals, saw an unmet need for job seekers who did not get outplacement help.  Through a program of weekly speakers and support groups to listen to job seekers’ needs, 40Plus has made a difference in the lives of thousands in Southeastern Wisconsin, helping them through this challenge in life. This organization has continued for 45+ years through various individuals who have gone through job loss themselves and volunteer their time.  Job seeking has changed over the years.  40Plus continues to provide relevant job-seeking tools and support meetings today as it did back in 1976.   

Today

40Plus of Southeastern Wisconsin continues the commitment of job seeker “support” which includes: accountability and support group meetings. Meetings are offered on Monday, Friday, and Saturday mornings, occasionally on Wednesday evening, and periodic workshops, all of which are hosted by experienced volunteers, enabling networking, providing coaching and support to attending job seekers.  Our niche is to support those with work experience as we are, “Putting experience to work.”

Our Mission, Vision and Core Values, as stated in the 40Plus Bylaws, are :

Mission and Vision  
The mission of 40Plus is to be a self-help, free resource and advocate for job seekers in career and job transition in Southeastern Wisconsin. 

Our vision is that we believe “Putting Experience To Work” changes lives.

The Core Values of the Corporation to reach its mission and vision are:

  • Empowerment: Equip job seekers with best practices, tools, and confidence to achieve successful employment.
  • Accountability: Facilitate peer-to-peer and group interaction to promote self-awareness, continuous growth, and goal achievement.
  • Safe Environment: Ensure a safe and trusting environment where empathy and openness are encouraged in order to increase self-awareness.
  • Relevant: Stay current and connected to inspire job seekers to do the same.