MiMfg Magazine November 2019 | Page 8

8 MiMfg Magazine November 2019 Michigan’s Next Generation of Leadership and Talent Manufacturing is ever-evolving. To continue that progress, employers need to fill their facilities with the leaders and talent to push the industry into the next decade and beyond. For their efforts to ensure a strong future for manufacturers, MMA recognized Cheslie Stehouwer of Continental Dairy Facilities and Erika Nielsen of BorgWarner and the Michigan Alliance for Greater Mobility Advancement (MAGMA). Cheslie Stehouwer started as an administrative assistant with no experience in manufacturing. Her confidence in herself and her willingness to step up and lead is an example for all future industry leaders and she was honored with the MFG Emerging Leader Award. “Graduating with a degree in criminal justice, I think I can say that manufacturing wasn’t the first choice, but it has been the right choice,” Stehouwer expressed. “I am forever grateful to the leaders at Continental who have helped to show me the way, supported me as I’ve worked to grow and encouraged me to grow. I hope I can live up to this award, follow in their footsteps and be the leader they see me as.” Discover what drives Stehouwer on page 20. Through Erika Nielsen’s efforts, multiple winning talent partnerships have been forged for both BorgWarner and MAGMA members located across Michigan. She believes in collaboration, has started a dialogue between stakeholders, keeps conversations going even when it gets difficult and exemplifies a true MFG Talent Champion. “I’m proud to be a third-generation worker in automotive manufacturing — I’ve traveled the world, immersed myself in a variety of cultures, seen some extraordinary technology and met some awe- inspiring world leaders. I can think of no better industry to have grown up in,” said Nielsen. “In Michigan we have compelling talent initiatives like the Going PRO Talent Fund and alliances like MAGMA that work to ensure companies are communicating their talent needs with educators so that the curriculum of the future can help fill those needs. It is more important than ever that we be students of the industry, continue to learn and advance our skills.” Learn more about what makes Nielsen a talent champion for all manufacturers on page 24. Recognizing Great Companies Get More! Check out MMA’s Facebook album for more highlights from the 2019 MFG Excellence Awards: facebook.com/MIManufacturers The manufacturers who will lead the industry forward are deeply involved in their communities and focused on innovating new products and better processes. In 2019, two companies were highlighted for their efforts to elevate the reputation of manufacturing — DeWys Manufacturing and KMS Designs Inc.