From pre-registration to the evening reception, MFG Legislative Day is all about networking. The 2023 annual event was held September 12 in Lansing with industry advocates, legislative leaders and regulatory officials. Save the date for the 2024 Legislative Day on Tuesday, April 30, 2024 to advocate for the future of Michigan’s manufacturing industry at the MMA Headquarters, Michigan State Capitol and Heritage Hall in Lansing.

2023 Program Highlights

2023 MMA Legislators of the Year

Senator John Damoose was recognized as an MMA Legislator of the Year because he epitomizes the kind of champion we want in our legislators. He does the pro-manufacturing speech as well or better than the MMA Government Affairs team. He actively promotes pro-manufacturing policies and vocally opposes legislation that will hinder manufacturing growth. He strongly supports economic development efforts and advocates for increased skilled trades initiatives.

Senator Sarah Anthony was selected as an MMA Legislator of the Year because she recognizes the importance of training and career-based education to Michigan’s economy and her leadership as Chair of Senate Appropriations highlighted her commitment. She also championed the robust economic development efforts that will keep Michigan leading in the automotive industry.

Representative Curt VanderWall was chosen as an MMA Legislator of the Year for his perennial leadership for the manufacturing community, whether it’s standing tall on tough politically-charged issues like controlling the cost of health care by voting against mandated coverage for oral chemotherapy or advocating for economic development incentives as primary tools for economic growth when many legislators oppose them.

Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II

Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist has dedicated his career to solving problems. An engineer by training, he uses thoughtful and fact-based practices to help make government work better for Michigan families. As part of the Whitmer Administration, Lt. Governor Gilchrist has focused on helping Michiganders in communities across our state realize their full economic and political potential. He is committed to building a more just, equitable, prosperous and connected Michigan where everyone can thrive.

Speaker of the House Joe Tate

Speaker Joe Tate is serving his third term and now represents the 10th House District, a diverse community that covers Detroit’s northeast side and the communities of the Village of Grosse Pointe Shores, Grosse Pointe Woods, Grosse Pointe Farms, Grosse Pointe city, Grosse Pointe Park and part of Harper Woods. After an honorable discharge from the Marine Corps, he earned both an MBA and a master’s in environmental policy and planning from the University of Michigan. Before joining the Legislature, Tate helped small businesses grow their capacity as a program manager for the Detroit Economic Growth Corp.

Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks

Senator Winnie Brinks (D-Grand Rapids) is the Senate Majority Leader. She is proud to have earned the historic distinctions as the first woman to ever hold this position in the Michigan Senate, as well as being the first woman to represent Grand Rapids in the Michigan Senate since 1920. Before being elected to the state House, where she served three terms, Brinks was a caseworker at The Source, helping businesses and nonprofits improve workplaces and retain employees. She also worked as the director of a community-based corrections agency and as a school paraprofessional.

Senate Republican Leader Aric Nesbitt

Senator Aric Nesbitt (R-Porter Twp.) grew up on a six-generation family farm in West Michigan. He went on to earn an economics degree from Hillsdale College, later earning a master’s in international business. He served three terms in the Michigan House of Representatives, achieving results for hardworking Michiganders, before being elected to the Michigan Senate. He represents the 20th Senate District, which includes portions of Berrien, Van Buren, Allegan and Kent counties and currently serves as Senate Republican Leader.

House Republican Leader Matt Hall

Representative Matt Hall (R-Richland Twp.) is serving his third term as State Representative from Southwest Michigan and was elected by his colleagues as House Republican leader for the 2023-2024 term. Since taking office in 2019, he has led efforts to make Michigan a better place to live and state government more responsive to the citizens it serves. Representative Hall is a constitutional law attorney and served as the West Michigan liaison for the Michigan Department of Attorney General. Previously, he had worked in the private sector for a combat vehicle propulsion manufacturer. He represents the 42nd House District, which includes portions of Kalamazoo and Allegan counties.

Sponsorship

Opportunities are available throughout the year to get your company brand in front of manufacturing’s leaders. Contact MMA’s Ashley Wakefield, at 517-487-8523 or wakefield@mimfg.org, or see the Three Ways to Expand Your Brand with MMA to build a strategy that works for you.

Thank You to Our 2023 Legislative Day Sponsors

Support Michigan manufacturing success by sponsoring this opportunity to put industry leaders front and center with decisionmakers. Contact MMA’s Ashley Wakefield, at 517-487-8523 or wakefield@mimfg.org, to discuss the best sponsorship investment for your brand.

Contact for Sponsorship

Ashley Wakefield
Director of Membership, Marketing & Events
Call 517-487-8523
E-mail wakefield@mimfg.org

Contact for Registration

Elizabeth Maciejewski
Membership Specialist
Call 517-487-8542
E-mail maciejewski@mimfg.org