October 31, 2019 – Missouri is one of a few states chosen for support in developing a state manufacturing policy. A listening session was held at the offices of Associated Industries of Missouri yesterday to discuss the policy and allow manufacturers and manufacturing advocates to offer ideas and suggestions.
The move to establish a manufacturing policy in the states originated in and is being driven by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) through the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP). Missouri Enterprise serves as Missouri’s MEP center. Along with representatives of Governor Mike Parson’s office and key legislators, the Missouri Department of Economic Development, Missouri Enterprise, Associated Industries of Missouri, the University of Missouri system, The Missouri Economic Development Council, the St. Louis Economic Development Partnership, private manufacturers and many other economic development and manufacturing advocates are leading the effort.
A capacity crowd at the Associated Industries of Missouri offices met in the first listening session to share ideas and begin formulation of a state manufacturing policy.
Senator Mike Cierpiot, Chairman of the Senate Economic Development Committee, was present at the hearing, as well as many manufacturers and thought leaders from across Missouri.
“I remember when the state and federal governments were not interested in ‘chasing smokestacks’ and they ceded manufacturing to other countries,” said Ray McCarty, president and CEO of Associated Industries of Missouri. “Now, that trend has reversed and, thanks to the leadership of President Trump and Governor Mike Parson, American and Missouri manufacturing is rebounding in importance. We need to use this opportunity to set the table for future generations and ensure manufacturing remains a priority regardless of changes in political leadership,” he said.
Attendance at this first listening session was at capacity and many were turned away, but the group plans to hold future listening sessions to gather as many ideas as possible.
A leadership team will consider the ideas offered at the forum as they move forward in establishing goals over the coming year. We will continue to update you on the progress of this effort.
Photo courtesy of Robert Harrington
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