MMA Blog

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• Leading the Way in Manufacturing Sustainability

  March 16, 2023    150

  For years, Michigan manufacturers have led the way on innovative sustainability programs and protecting the environment. From reducing landfill waste to conserving water, industry leaders have developed best practices to support sustainability and are willing to share their ideas to have a larger impact.
  

• Van Dam Continues the Legacy of Wooden Boat Craftsmanship as an Art Form

  March 16, 2023    83

  Handcrafting boats exclusively from wood, Van Dam Custom Boats is ensuring that old-world craftsmanship lives on as an art form, all while incorporating modern technology, outstanding durability and innovative design into each boat they build.
  

• FCCI Offers Training Tools, Customized Insurance Solutions and More through Manufacturers Premier Program

  March 16, 2023    98

  To provide manufacturers with additional tools and solutions, insurance provider FCCI Insurance Group has partnered with MMA to offer a Manufacturers Premier Program.
  

• Premium Associate Member Spotlight: Warner Norcross + Judd LLP

  March 16, 2023    196

  Interview with Michael Brady, executive partner at Warner Norcross + Judd LLP and co-chair of its large Automotive Industry Group.
  

• Industry Member Spotlight: BlueTriton Brands

  March 16, 2023    120

  Interview with Arlene Anderson-Vincent, the Natural Resources Manager for the Midwest Region of BlueTriton Brands’ Ice Mountain water bottling company.
  

• Duo Form - 2022 John G. Thodis Michigan Manufacturer of the Year (Large Tier)

  March 16, 2023    53

  From Duo Form’s company culture to their dedication to customers and protecting the environment, they are a very deserving winner of the 2022 Large Tier John G. Thodis Michigan Manufacturer of the Year Award.
  

• Approaching Talent Challenges Through a Sustainability Lens

  March 16, 2023    66

  There’s a proven strategy designed to help employers build scalable, sustainable pipelines of talent that uses tools and methods already familiar to manufacturers. It’s called Talent Pipeline Management (TPM).
  

• Fighting for Michigan Manufacturers in All Three Branches of Government

  March 16, 2023    51

  For more than 35 years, the MMA Lawyers Committee has closely followed cases involving the misapplication of a law, rule or regulation that may affect Michigan manufacturing interests.
  

• What is Your Business Exit Strategy

  March 16, 2023    54

  If you have a business and you intend to retire or sell it at some point in your lifetime, you need to plan your exit strategy early on. Even if you plan to exit decades into the future, what you do now will set you and your business up for long-term success and avoid large challenges for a sale or transition later.
  

• 10 Things Every Manufacturer Should Do to Control Energy Costs - But Too Many Don’t

  March 16, 2023    55

  Virtually every manufacturer wants to cut its energy costs, optimize energy use and improve their sustainability footprint. This can be achieved by taking a few fundamental steps to control how energy is used and paid for.
  

• A 360° Leadership Approach

  March 16, 2023    75

  An authentic leader is someone who can lead in all directions — leading down to those you have authority over, leading laterally to those across the hierarchical structure, leading up to those who supervise over you and leading yourself before leading others. This concept is called 360° leadership.
  

• The Purpose of the Workplace Has Changed

  March 16, 2023    38

  For many businesses, a necessary step in attracting talent is making the workplace a space people want to come by offering flexibility, streamlined systems and employee-centered design. To maximize the potential of technological upgrades, it is essential to equally invest in training existing employees and attracting new talent.
  

• Creating Empowering Benefits Communication Beyond Open Enrollment

  March 10, 2023    277

  With open enrollment now a distant memory for most employees, it is time to revisit your employee benefits communication plan. Taking a year-round communication approach ensures your employees are aware of and utilizing the entirety of your benefit offerings.
  

• Right-to-Work Repeal Will Hurt Michigan

  March 9, 2023    99

  If Michigan loses its decade-long status as a Right-To-Work state, the Great Lakes State will remove itself from the list of states for potential new investment for both companies outside of Michigan and those who are already here. Whether the new investment is related to electric vehicle and battery production, or based in the knowledge economy, semiconductors or green energy, Michigan will lose future investment and we will lose good-paying manufacturing jobs.
  

• House Committee Passes Right-to-Work Repeal

  March 8, 2023    237

  MMA is fighting to retain the core of the state’s economy by ensuring that we’re competitively positioned to attract and maintain manufacturing capital investment and talent. Please join us in this fight by making your voice heard to state representatives who are planning to advance this legislation this afternoon of Wednesday, 3/8/23.
  

• MMA and MCC Announce Formal Partnership

  March 1, 2023    666

  MMA's formal relationship with the Michigan Chemistry Council (MCC) is a brand new day of opportunity for both organizations with long histories of success that, together, can build upon Michigan’s manufacturing legacy.
  

• How Technology Can Help Manufacturers Maintain Economic Resiliency During a Recession

  February 9, 2023    467

  As an industry that increasingly relies on technology, manufacturers have many things to consider when planning for the future. MMA Member Convergence Networks helps you evaluate the best use of your technology and current processes.
  

• 2023 Legislative Outlook

  February 2, 2023    545

  MMA’s Government Affairs team engages at the Capitol to enact change for the greatest benefit of our members and the manufacturing industry. Learn about MMA’s 2023-2024 priorities.
  

• Online Training Courses Streamline Forklift Operator Standards and Safety Protocols

  January 27, 2023    314

  Proper training also reduces liability and the dramatic costs associated with damaged products, property and equipment, which is why MMA has partnered with TrainMOR to offer a 20 percent discount on all training programs.
  

• Addressing Global Food Waste Challenges with Local Technology

  January 27, 2023    398

  Two Michigan companies — MMA Member DISHER and GTF TEchnologies — have worked together to address these critical issues by developing the RENU™ Drying and Milling System
  

• Industry Member Spotlight: Fleetwood Electronics

  January 27, 2023    215

  MMA Industry Member Fleetwood Electronics' Angel Chavez talks about how they provide simple solutions to complex electronics challenges
  

• Premium Associate Member Spotlight: Rehmann

  January 27, 2023    507

  MMA Premium Associate Member Rehmann's Tom Shemanski helps clients identify solutions through advisory, financial and consulting services.
  

• Commemorating 120 Years of Supporting and Advocating for Michigan Manufacturers

  January 27, 2023    202

  For more than a century, the manufacturing industry has propelled Michigan forward — through good times and in challenging times. A lot has changed from the introduction of the Model T or Michigan’s Arsenal of Democracy but one thing has remained steady: MMA has been the state’s unwavering advocate for the manufacturing industry for 12 decades.
  

• Maximize the Going PRO Talent Fund Application with an Industry-Led Collaborative

  January 27, 2023    455

  Locating, training and retaining talent remains a top business challenge for manufacturers and the Going PRO Talent Fund has been a critical tool since 2014. More than $55 million is available to Michigan employers for Fiscal Year 2023, which began 10/1/22 and significant changes have been announced to the award timeline, application and reporting requirements.
  

• What to Know About the CHIPS Act

  January 27, 2023    169

  The CHIPS Act will provide funding over five years to build, expand or modernize domestic facilities and equipment for semiconductor fabrication, assembly, testing, advanced packing or research and development.
  

• The Evolution of Cyber Threats

  January 27, 2023    150

  The modern cyber security framework has changed immensely, traditional antivirus is just not enough to keep threats at bay. Cyber threats are always evolving, stay on top of your game and prevent yourself from becoming another unfortunate statistic.
  

• Is Your Business Prepared to Face a Supply Chain Disaster?

  January 27, 2023    154

  The key to ebbing potential supply chain threats, if not to avoid them altogether, is to consider supply chain management as a part of your business’ entire risk management plan. Whether your business is in the throes of a messy manufacturing and supply chain ordeal or worried about a future debacle, now is the time to build out a strong risk management plan that will help avoid supply chain shortages and de-escalate their effects.
  

• Compete to Succeed: Manufacturing Vision for Michigan 2023-2024

  January 25, 2023    231

  In January, we released to our members our priorities for the 102nd Michigan Legislature in Compete to Succeed: Manufacturing Vision for Michigan 2023-2024, an outline and call-to-action of the most significant challenges facing Michigan manufacturers.
  

• 3 Cybersecurity Tips for Remote Workers

  January 20, 2023    380

  The opportunity -- and expectation -- to work from home has become prevalent in the US, which adds another layer of cybersecurity considerations to your company's operations. MMA member SensCy offers cybersecurity tips for your remote workers.
  

• Bob Jacquart - Jacquart Fabric Products Home of Stormy Kromer - 2022 MFG Lifetime Achievement

  December 13, 2022    1167

  For all that he has done and all that he is, the MMA is proud to recognize Stormy Kromer's Bob Jacquart with the 2022 MFG Lifetime Achievement Award.
  

• Dave Yancho & Robin McConnell - Armor Protective Packaging - 2022 John G. Thodis Michigan Manufacturer of the Year (Small Tier)

  December 13, 2022    696

  The leadership 's recipe for success and culture of innovation and dedication makes Armor Protective Packaging the 2022 Small Tier John G. Thodis Michigan Manufacturer of the Year Award winner.
  

• Terri Datz-Siegel - Hemlock Semiconductor Operations LLC - 2022 MFG Woman of the Year

  December 13, 2022    558

  With her passion for people, leadership and the impact she’s had both inside Hemlock Semiconductor Operations LLC and within the manufacturing community, Terri Datz-Siegel is certainly a deserving recipient of the 2022 MFG Woman of the Year Award.
  

• Steve Heethuis - NN Mobile Solutions - 2022 MFG Talent Champion

  December 13, 2022    274

  Steve Heethuis’s dedication to improving the industry’s reputation and inspiring current and future manufacturing professionals makes him a well-deserved recipient of the 2023 MFG Talent Champion award
  

• Kristen Opperman - Hemlock Semiconductor Operations LLC - 2022 MFG Emerging Leader

  December 13, 2022    669

  Kristen Opperman’s passion for being an employee advocate at Hemlock Semiconductor Operations LLC and her ability to connect with and inspire people truly make her an Emerging Leader.
  

• Industry Member Spotlight: SwiftWall

  December 12, 2022    502

  SwiftWall Director of Engineering Zach Cesa talks about how Midland-based Swiftwall, a company that makes temporary walls and barriers, hopes their product will have a serious impact on the mark and the environment.
  

• Premium Associate Member Spotlight: DST Advisory Group

  December 12, 2022    478

  The Research Tax Credit (RTC) is a little-known program that could mean big tax savings on your bottom line. Find out more from DST Advisory Group President Diane Stogiannes to see if your company qualify.
  

• Longtime Partnership with MetLife Means Big Benefits For MMA Members

  December 12, 2022    465

  MMA’s 25-year partnership with MetLife has created millions in savings for members through discounted benefits for dental, life and disability coverage. Learn more about flexible options that may be right for your employees.
  

• Industry 4.0 Offers Creative Solutions for Manufacturing’s Most Pressing Challenges

  December 12, 2022    477

  More manufacturer than ever are taking advantage of Industry 4.0 technologies to find solutions for some of their most stubborn challenges. See how some Michigan companies are embracing Industry 4.0.
  

• Improving Operations and Training with Augmented Reality

  December 12, 2022    496

  Looking for creative ways to connect with the next generation of manufacturing talent? Why not make training more fun? Read how LightGuide's “gamification of training” will be groundbreaking for the industry.
  

• How to Approach Industry 4.0 if You’re Still Grappling With 3.0: A Guide for Middle-Market Manufacturers

  September 7, 2022    429

  Many manufacturers have faced financial underperformance or disruptive changes in their customer base or end market, resulting in outdated information systems. But late adopters can still bridge the gap with more advanced firms.
  

• Don't Become a Statistic: Protect Yourself from Check Fraud

  August 10, 2022    834

  Payment fraud is insidious. It chips away at corporate profitability, jeopardizes your reputation, consumes staff time with remediation and puts your business’ viability at risk. Learn steps to protect your business from MMA member Paymerang.
  

• Minimum Wage/Paid Sick Leave Laws Stayed by Court of Claims

  August 1, 2022    483

  The ruling that would have increased the state’s minimum wage to $12/hour and required practically all Michigan employers to provide at least 72 hours of paid sick leave has been stayed by the Court of Claims.
  

• What MMA Members Need to Know About the Court’s Ruling on Minimum Wage/Paid Sick Leave Laws

  July 20, 2022    614

  The Michigan Court of Claims that ruled declared Michigan's Improved Workforce Opportunity Wage Act and the Earned Sick Time Act as unconstitutional. These Acts were originally 2018 ballot initiatives which the Legislature adopted and then amended in an effort to ease the burden the original ballot initiatives would have placed on employers.
  

• Loss Control Solutions for MMA Members

  July 13, 2022    1011

  For nearly 50 years, MTMIC has specialized in providing loss control solutions to their clients. Having a trusted and experienced partner helps create a healthy and safe workplace for all employees. And the news gets even better for MMA members who are able to take advantage of a 3 percent discount on insurance premiums through MTMIC.
  

• The Shyft Group Delivers Groundbreaking EV Ecosystem

  July 13, 2022    1296

  The Shyft Group has stepped up to the challenge with its groundbreaking Blue Arc™ EV Solutions. Blue Arc started with an idea to develop an EV chassis that could be used for a variety of commercial and fleet vehicle markets. Before long, engineers were developing an entire ecosystem of products to support and advance the future of electrified mobility.
  

• Starting From the Ground Up

  July 13, 2022    726

  Learn how employers like Autocam, Humphrey Products, Orbitform and Toyota are connecting with students to support the next generation of talent.
  

• Gearing Up for the 2023 Going PRO Talent Fund: Michigan’s #1 Talent Funding Source

  July 13, 2022    747

  Talent — locating, training and retaining —  remains a top business challenge for manufacturers and the Going PRO Talent Fund has been a critical tool since 2014. More than $55 million will be available to Michigan employers for Fiscal Year 2023, which begins 10/1/22.
  

• How Automation Helps Manufacturing Accounts Payable Departments Manage Labor Shortages, Attract New Hires and Retain Workers

  July 13, 2022    468

  Automation eliminates the manual, repetitive tasks that bog AP staff down. Automating work that is repetitive and rules-based can reduce employee burnout and turnover. And automation enables AP departments to efficiently scale their operations without the need to hire and train additional staff.
  

• New Hire Training to Accelerate Productivity and Quality

  July 13, 2022    700

  Effective Certified Operator Training (COT) is similar to a traditional apprentice program. Read how The Luminous Group worked with the MAHLE St. Johns plant over a six-week period to integrate COT into their existing training program.
  

• What Investors Look for in a Business

  July 13, 2022    470

  Business owners seeking to expand their business or start new ventures often seek out funding. Finding investors to partner with is one viable funding strategy among many to enable your vision. What do investors look for in a business, and how can you successfully approach them with your idea?
  

• Preparing Students for Vital Careers of the Future

  July 13, 2022    420

  As Michigan’s economy continues to evolve, STEM learning will play an even more significant role. The MiSTEM Network, established by the council, unites education, business and community partners across the state to create pathways for all students to consider and pursue high-wage, high-demand careers.
  

• New Financial Wellness Tool and Workshop Series from MetLife Available to MMA Members

  July 13, 2022    525

  MMA is partnering with MetLife to bring our members and their employees UpwiseTM and Retirewise®.
  

• Manage Productivity and Protect Your Employees

  July 11, 2022    611

  Managing productivity and protecting employees isn’t just smart business — it’s the right thing to do. Find out how the MetLife’s team of professionals is making it easier to do both when faced with the unexpected.
  

• 2022 Primary Election Endorsements

  June 28, 2022    1039

  Elections matter, especially to manufacturers in Michigan looking for pro-manufacturing legislative policies. With so much at stake in the 2022 election, MMA has completed our process to endorse pro-manufacturing candidates for the Michigan Primary on Tuesday, 8/2/22.
  

• Industry Member Spotlight: ISAIC

  June 24, 2022    890

  Interview with Industrial Sewing and Innovation Center (ISAIC) President and CEO Jennifer Guarino
  

• Congratulations to MMA's Larry Janicki on his Retirement

  June 24, 2022    800

  Change isn’t always easy but it can present opportunities. Even as we wish MMA’s Larry Janicki well in his retirement after 26 years, we look to the future with internal promotions that guarantee a continuity of service to our members.
  

• Growing and Thriving Along With Our Members

  June 8, 2022    1257

  MMA has experienced a tremendous amount of change and growth in the last two and a half years. I’m proud to say that our team has responded to and overcome the challenges to provide our members with outstanding service and support.
  

• MMA-Supported Term Limit Reform Proposal Headed to November Ballot

  May 10, 2022    517

  Following a recent vote by the MMA Board of Directors to support changes to Michigan’s legislative term limit law proposed by Voters for Transparency and Term Limits, the Legislature today passed House Joint Resolution R, which places the proposed constitutional amendment to reform Michigan’s term limits on the November 2022 ballot.
  

• Navigating Change

  May 9, 2022    874

  Supply chain disruptions are having a major impact on manufacturing. Like many industry changes over the past two years, it’s a phenomenon rooted in the COVID-19 pandemic that has had far-reaching impact on manufacturers, distributors and consumers. Learn how some Michigan manufacturers have adapted and evolved in the face of supply chain disruptions.
  

• Industry Member Spotlight: Amway

  May 9, 2022    854

  Interview with Amway Vice President of Manufacturing Brian Kraus