February Digital Whistle

Innovators to be Recognized – Calling All Manufacturers!

Have you created a new solution to your processes? Developed a new product? Found a better way to interact with the community? Reduce energy costs?

We will be convening amazing manufacturers, who will be highlighted in person and in press, at a future event this spring.

We want to recognize and promote some of the great manufacturers in our region. To apply, please email me at [email protected].

Tee Up for our Golf Event!

This spring, we are embarking on a mission to raise $100,000 to bolster programs that foster the entry of new talent into the manufacturing workforce while equipping existing manufacturers with training and incentives to fortify their businesses.

On June 3, 2024, the MCIE will host our first Manufacturing Careers Charity Golf Event

to be held at the Bear Valley Country Club in Victorville.

We are calling all our members and supporters to attend as players, as sponsors, or as volunteer helpers. It’s guaranteed to be a fun day including:

Shotgun Start,
Breakfast Snacks,
Beverage Cart,
Lunch and Awards.

This is a great opportunity for supporters to meet and be seen by regional manufacturers who attend. Visit MFGcouncilie.com/golf for more information on sponsorships and registration.

The MCIE Welcomes New Director:

In February, the MCIE Board of Directors welcomed Luis Mota, Director of Production Operations for General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc.

Luis replaces Dave Hyatt, of General Atomics. Dave served the High Desert Manufacturers for many years and will be missed.

Funding Program for Manufacturers:

The Department of Energy has re-opened applications for the Industrial Assessment Grant Program, where small-to-medium manufacturers can qualify for a 50% cost share up to $300,000 to make their manufacturing processes more efficient. The deadline for applying during this cycle is March 31, 2024. If you would like to explore how to apply or whether you qualify, contact the MCIE at [email protected] who can help you with the process.

New Bill Restricts PFAS

California Senate Bill 903 (Skinner) is now in print, and the text of the bill would prohibit PFAS substances in products where it has been deemed the addition of PFAS is not necessary by the California Department of Toxics and Substances Control. PFAS substances are commonly used in applications for grease, oil, water, and/or heat resistance such as paints, carpets, fabrics, cleaning products, and fire-fighting foams. (CMTA Government Relations Committee)

Economic Update:

Unemployment rate held at 3.7% in January as payrolls increased by 353K across professional services, health care, retail, and social assistance. Mining and quarrying, as well as oil & gas realized a net decline. (Bureau of Labor Statistics, February 8, 2024)
The Inland Empire Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI), managed by the Institute of Applied Research at the California State University at San Bernardino published January numbers, with the PMI crossing 50.0 to 50.4. It will take two more months above 50 to say for sure that the Inland Empire manufacturing sector has returned to growth mode. The report notes that Production and New Orders rose significantly over December, the Employment part of the index rose sharply from 48.1 to 56.0. This growth was offset by an increase in the Commodity Price Index from 51.0 to 60.0 with panelists expressing rising gas and electricity prices “needed to return to affordability.” (Institute of Applied Research, CSUSB, published February 1, 2024)