16 MiMfg Magazine January 2017
“
If you aren ’ t sure how to connect with a Legislator or if time is a concern , the MMA Government Affairs team is happy to help member companies connect with state leaders in Lansing and local leaders across Michigan .
“ The MMA can provide resources to help you understand what issues are under consideration in Lansing and how those issues may impact their operations ,” says Chris Masciantonio , general manager of governmental affairs for U . S . Steel Corporation . “ All manufacturers — regardless of their size — must develop relationships with their federal , state and local elected officials . Use MMA ’ s existing relationships to educate officials and their staff members about the importance of manufacturing to their communities and constituents .”
What Can You Do ?
• Print your copy of the MMA 2017-2018 Legislative & Regulatory Agenda ( learn more on page 5 )
• Get updates all year long with by subscribing to MMA ’ s Manufacturing Voice e-newsletter
• Connect with your elected officials during MMA Lobby Day
• Stay engaged on policy issues through MMA Policy Committees ( see page 26 for more )
• Interact with state policymakers at the annual MMA Legislative Reception
Issues to Watch For
Focus # 2 : The People
With the changes coming at the federal level in 2017 , I think there will be some serious attention given to the need for corporate tax reform . The incoming administration and congressional leadership have made it clear that ’ s a priority , and frankly it ’ s long overdue . The rest of the world has gotten more competitive while the U . S . has really maintained an outdated system . That will be a good thing for manufacturers .
Keep talent the top priority .
The challenge of talent echoes across all sectors of manufacturing and participants of the MMA Annual Survey ( see page 16 ) agreed — now is the time for manufacturers to talk talent .
“ The most rapidly developing issue of interest is workforce development and education ,” says Wolter . “ A common theme I hear is that companies are hiring but have trouble finding the right skill sets in applicants . MMA has really taken up this issue and is an invaluable partner in helping manufacturers operate in the education policy space , which is often not their main area of expertise .”
Ranked as the second-highest government barrier to business growth , nearly 54 percent of manufacturers pointed to the process of finding , attracting , hiring , training and retaining talent as an issue they expect will keep them up nights in 2017 .
There IS a solution to your talent challenge and you CAN get involved today .
With input and advice from the MMA Talent Advisory Council , MMA entered into a partnership with two nationally recognized organizations to help address manufacturing ’ s pipeline and image challenges . MMA is excited to announce our partnership with The Manufacturing Institute ’ s Dream It Do It ® program and the SME
”
Daniel Wolter Pfizer Inc . Government Relations Director for Indiana and Michigan
Education Foundation ’ s Partnership Response In Manufacturing Education ( PRIME ®) initiative .
“ Seven out of 10 manufacturers see the talent pipeline , recruitment processes and locating training resources as their company ’ s greatest talent challenge ,” says Mike Johnston , MMA vice president of government affairs . “ This is a true partnership ; by working together , employers and educators can create a sustainable pipeline of talent in the K-12 system in Michigan .”
Combining PRIME ’ s proven success with the Manufacturing Institute ’ s robust messaging strategy , MMA members and manufacturers across the state will be provided the opportunity to create customized curricula in their local schools to gain the skills necessary to fill available manufacturing careers . The PRIME program creates a more direct connection with local educators and a more efficient method for getting students access to the hands-on knowledge and skills they need to pursue a well-paying career .
“ Coordinated efforts between schools , local community leaders and businesses , that support vocational education at the high school level will be beneficial in preparing students for manufacturing and engineering careers ,” says Doug Peterson , vice president of human resources for Grand Havenbased Shape Corp . “ Integrating forward-thinking curriculum that supports problem solving and readiness for technological changes will generate a workforce that is nimble and advanced .”
What Can You Do ?
• Connect with MMA ’ s Mike Johnston , at 517-487-8554 or johnston @ mimfg . org , for information on PRIME ® and Dream It Do It ®, ways to increase community interest , and resources to share with local partners .
Stay Informed ! Make sure we have your e-mail address for updates on MMA talent initiatives . Contact 517-487-8542 or membership @ mimfg . org .