March 2021 MiMfg Magazine 17
Getting Back to “ Normal ”
What Manufacturers Need to Know : The COVID-19 vaccine is our path back to the lives we love and a strong economy . MMA is helping to accelerate the vaccination distribution process .
The process of vaccinating the entire world is a colossal scientific , manufacturing and logistics effort . The initial rollout has seen some challenges but progress is improving .
“ Rolling out the vaccine is massively complex and dynamic ,” admits Johnston . “ State agencies are working with 45 different public health directors because everything needs to happen locally .”
MMA ’ s plan is to help members figure out how they can integrate into the process — from large companies like General Motors with 7,000 employees in one plant where it may make sense to set up their own clinic to much smaller companies that need to find their place in the vaccination rollout that identifies critical industries , including some manufacturing sub-sectors , for priority vaccination .
“ We ’ re working hard with state agencies , as well as our members , to help coordinate the process ,” says Johnston .
Outperform Other States for Manufacturing Investment
What Manufacturers Need to Know : Michigan is in intense competition with other states to attract new jobs and create capital investment but , at present , they have few tools to lure new businesses to the state or entice existing companies to stay . MMA is advocating for tax incentives that will allow Michigan to compete in the national economic development competition .
Every state in the country offers some form of economic development incentive to attract new and retain existing jobs . Agreements under the successful MEGA program were stopped in 2011 and the Good
About MMA Policy Development
MMA Policy Committees meet regularly to review issues and developments impacting Michigan ’ s manufacturing sector .
Through conversations with agency leaders , elected officials , and each other , committee members help develop the policy direction of MMA and , both directly and indirectly , influence Michigan ’ s continued role as a global hub for manufacturing .
MMA members may serve on as many Policy Committees as needed to ensure their voice is heard at the Capitol .
MMA Policy Committees focus on key manufacturing policy areas , including :
• Air
• Employment & Workforce
• Energy
• Environmental
• Food & Beverage
• Health Care
• Mining & Natural Resource Industries
• Tax
The MMA Government Affairs Committee and Lawyers Committee round out MMA ’ s policy and advocacy efforts .
Learn more at mimfg . org or contact MMA ’ s Eleanor Surtman at surtman @ mimfg . org or 517-487-8552 .
Jobs for Michigan incentive program sunsetted in 2019 , leaving Michigan without strong tools in the economic development toolbox . MMA has historically been a strong advocate in the endeavor to keep Michigan in the game . “ Doing nothing is not an option ,” reminds Johnston . “ There is a lot of debate in Lansing about whether we should be engaging in incentives but one thing is clear : unilateral disarmament is a losing strategy .”
Your Support is Critical
Contributing to the MMA-PAC is an investment in Michigan ’ s future and one of the most affordable and effective ways to support pro-manufacturing legislators and candidates .
Donate at mimfg . org or contact Mike Johnston at 517-487-8554 or johnston @ mimfg . org .
“ Our ability to support pro-manufacturing candidates is imperative as antimanufacturing voices are working strategically against our industry .”
— Patrick Curry , MMA-PAC Chair and President of Fullerton Tool
MMA-PAC can accept personal contributions or contributions from sole-proprietorships , partnerships or limited liability companies ( LLCs ). State Law prohibits acceptance of corporate checks .