18 MiMfg Magazine May / June 2022
MMA Welcomes Bill Rayl to Help Members Tackle Talent Challenges
By John J . Walsh • MMA
Talent continues to be a primary barrier to growth for our industry , our state and our employers . The shortage of people interested in and prepared for a career in manufacturing is a persistent challenge exacerbated by the global pandemic and related economic disruption .
To navigate the gaps between workforce supply and demand , manufacturers need a connector to chart an effective path of collaboration with potential talent producers — including K-12 schools , community colleges , universities and private training providers . And it is my honor to welcome one of the country ’ s most recognized manufacturing talent experts to the MMA family to serve as that connector for Michigan ’ s industrial sector .
Bill Rayl , MMA ’ s new Executive Director of Workforce Solutions , has spent most of his career helping manufacturers attract , retain and develop a world-class workforce . In his role at MMA , Bill will continue his lifelong work of developing new
Watch a short video from Bill to hear what drives him and what his new role will mean to you on the MMA Blog at mimfg . org .
partnerships and collaborations to empower Michigan manufacturers to thrive . His work will benefit the full spectrum of manufacturers of all sizes in communities large and small across the state by connecting the needs of our members with the training and pipeline needed to fill the same .
In the coming weeks and months , Bill and the MMA team will be reaching out to members and potential partners to develop collaborative solutions for Michigan manufacturers to win the war for talent . I invite you to check out the MMA Blog for a brief video from Bill and encourage you to reach out to him at rayl @ mimfg . org or 517-487-8513 . 6
John J . Walsh is MMA ’ s President & CEO . To share your feedback , please contact communications @ mimfg . org .
Bill Rayl is widely regarded as one of the most successful creators of talent development programs for manufacturing careers in the nation . In 2013 , he was named MMA ’ s firstever MFG Talent Champion .
Upcoming MMA Policy Committee Meetings
Make your voice heard on the issues affecting your company by joining an MMA Policy Committee . Learn more at mimfg . org .
Air Policy Committee Tuesday , June 7 , 2022 Tuesday , July 12 , 2022 Tuesday , August 2 , 2022
Employment & Workforce Policy Committee Friday , May 20 , 2022 Friday , July 15 , 2022
Environmental Policy Committee Tuesday , June 21 , 2022 Tuesday , July 19 , 2022 Tuesday , August 9 , 2022
Food Manufacturers Policy Committee Wednesday , May 25 , 2022 Wednesday , July 27 , 2022
Mining & Natural Resource Industries Policy Committee Thursday , May 19 , 2022 Thursday , July 21 , 2022
Tax Policy Committee Monday , May 23 , 2022 Monday , July 18 , 2022
Contact MMA ’ s Eleanor Surtman , at 517-487-8552 or surtman @ mimfg . org , to attend an upcoming meeting .