NAM, Make It in Union County, and the NC Chamber to Open Doors, Open Minds on Manufacturing Day

Manufacturers set to inspire and attract the next generation of modern manufacturers

Washington, D.C. – The Manufacturing Institute, the social impact arm of the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), Make It in Union County and the NC Chamber are joining forces to educate the next generation on 21st-century, modern manufacturing opportunities and inspire and recruit them to become the next generation of manufacturers. As a State-Presenting sponsor of Manufacturing Day, Make It in Union County is providing substantial support for the nation’s largest one-day celebration of manufacturing, which focuses on showing young people, parents and educators the opportunities a career in manufacturing offers.

“Manufacturers need the next generation to join the team. We thank our many generous sponsors like Make It in Union County, as well as our state partners, like the NC Chamber, who are working together to show young people the future they can create in modern manufacturing,” said NAM President and CEO Jay Timmons, who also serves as board chairman of The Manufacturing Institute. “Our industry is facing a workforce crisis—with far more jobs open than we have people to fill them. It’s a challenge all manufacturers are tackling—but it also presents promising opportunities for those looking for a meaningful, rewarding career.”

“North Carolina’s manufacturers continue to be a major driving force behind our state’s economic growth. But despite that key role in NC’s success, manufacturers are struggling to fill their open positions while students and job seekers who aren’t aware of advanced manufacturing careers are missing out on the limitless opportunities in this field,” said Lew Ebert, President and CEO of the NC Chamber. “Manufacturing Day is our chance to bridge this gap and to showcase all the engaging, challenging and well-paying manufacturing jobs available in our state. We’re proud to work alongside our members, the NAM and Make It in Union County to support the next generation of North Carolina’s manufacturers.”

“Make It in Union County is all about manufacturing. Our mission is to elevate local awareness of manufacturing in Union County and provide a forum for manufacturers to network and discuss the issues and challenges relevant to today’s manufacturing environment,” states Fred Edwards, Make It in Union County Co-Chair and President/COO of Goulston Technologies, Inc. “One of our goals is for every student, parent and educator to know that modern manufacturing is not ‘just settling for a job,’ it is a career choice … and one that pays!”

“Our Manufacturing Day initiative provides so many great opportunities to show young people the endless possibilities of modern manufacturing, and thanks to Make It in Union County’s leadership, I’m confident we’ll be able to inspire even more to picture themselves in an exciting, new manufacturing career. That has never been more important,” said Manufacturing Institute Executive Director Carolyn Lee. “Manufacturing faces an industry workforce crisis with nearly half a million jobs going unfilled today and millions more projected to go unfilled in the years to come. That’s why The Manufacturing Institute, in concert with good sponsors like Make It in Union County and good partners like the NC Chamber, works so hard every day to promote modern manufacturing and jumpstart new approaches to growing manufacturing talent—especially through important programs like this one.”

First held in 2012 and organized by its founder—the Fabricators & Manufacturers Association, International—Manufacturing Day gives manufacturers the opportunity to address the skills gaps they face, connect with future generations, take charge of the public image of manufacturing and ensure the ongoing prosperity of the industry as a whole. Learn more about Manufacturing Day and the significant impact this event has across the nation here: www.mfgday.com/northcarolina

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The NC Chamber is the state’s driving force for business. We exist to shape statewide public policy by initiating forward-thinking, market-driven change within the legislative, regulatory and political arenas, making North Carolina a leading place to do business.

The Manufacturing Institute is the social impact arm of the National Association of Manufacturers. We drive programs and research to promote modern manufacturing and jumpstart new approaches to growing manufacturing talent. For more information, please visit www.themanufacturinginstitute.org.