Campaign Promotes Modern Manufacturing to Students

Jack M. Stewart, President of the Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA), met with local manufacturers at to discuss the future of the industry at an event hosted by the Manufacturers’ Council of the Inland Empire (MCIE) on June 27. Stewart shared CMTA’s new campaign to re-brand the image of California’s manufacturing industry to attract students and workers seeking opportunities for innovative careers that are technology and knowledge based.

Stewart shared that the California regulatory climate is one reason for slow growth of the manufacturing industry following the Great Recession of 2008. This issue was recently highlighted at the 2014 MCIE Summit in February when Keynote speaker Dorothy Rothrock, current Vice President for Government Relations and future President of the CMTA, implored manufacturers to seek improvements in the state by making personal contact with their state legislators and supporting the campaigns of candidates who share their values.

Stewart shared that manufacturing is in need of re-branding because of the misconceptions often associated with the industry as one offering few opportunities to those seeking employment in an exciting and challenging field that implements modern technology.

Stewart told the 30 attendees of the event that the new campaign, called the Champions of Manufacturing, seeks to build a network of manufacturers, workers, stakeholders and individuals interested in promoting and supporting the future growth of manufacturing. Stewart explained that “champions” in the industry can change the current image of manufacturing by sharing their personal success stories related to modern manufacturing and the employment opportunities available to those seeking fulfilling careers.

The campaign kicked off with the Champions of Manufacturing Summit in Sacramento on June 18. Among those honored at the Summit were two local manufacturers, California Steel Industries and Vista Metals Corp., who were named champions for contributions to furthering the cause of manufacturing in California.

Rod Hoover, Manager of Human Resources for California Steel Industries, Inc. and current Vice Chairman of the MCIE, shared his support of the campaign. “This program is designed to help the public and legislators understand the importance manufacturing plays in creating good paying middle class jobs for the California economy,” said Hoover.  On a state level, they are recognizing California manufacturers who have made an impact to improve the lives of their employees and the local community.”