Dow Doubles Commitment to $2 Million for Manufacturing’s Largest Workforce Campaign

Investment Will Enable Creators Wanted to Build on Its Historic Impact in More Communities Across the Country

MIDLAND, Mich. – Dow, the National Association of Manufacturers and The Manufacturing Institute announced today that Dow has committed an additional $1 million to the Creators Wanted campaign. This new pledge is on top of the $1 million Dow has already contributed to the NAM and the MI’s campaign designed to educate, inspire and empower the next generation of manufacturers.

Dow’s latest financial contribution ensures Creators Wanted can continue to recruit new manufacturers online and in person throughout 2022, bringing the experience to thousands of additional students, parents, career mentors and community leaders nationwide. Creators Wanted will make its next public stop at the Ladies Professional Golf Association’s Dow Great Lakes Bay Invitational July 13–16, bringing the experience to thousands of tournament goers and students.

“It is now more important than ever to invest in America’s future manufacturing workforce,” said Dow Chairman and CEO and NAM Board Chair Jim Fitterling. “Not only does the fate of U.S. manufacturing competitiveness rest in significant part on our ability to build the future workforce, but we also have an opportunity to lift up more people with the promise and possibility of manufacturing careers. Dow is proud to invest an additional $1 million in the NAM and MI’s Creators Wanted campaign. We’ve already been able to inspire thousands of students through Creators Wanted and look forward to bringing this experience to Midland and other communities moving forward.”

In addition to the upcoming Creators Wanted activation at GLBI, Dow’s new round of support will bring the mobile experience to several more cities, including Chicago, Columbia, South Carolina, and Baton Rouge, Louisiana, among others, throughout fall 2022 and into spring 2023. This capitalizes on the momentum from Dow’s previous contribution that helped bring Creators Wanted to six U.S. cities⁠—Columbus, Ohio; Columbia, South Carolina; Pella, Iowa; Charlotte, North Carolina; Fort Worth, Texas; and Freeport, Texas⁠—for its inaugural fall 2021 tour.

Manufacturing in the United States today has more than 900,000 open jobs. By 2025, Creators Wanted aims to recruit 600,000 new manufacturers; increase the number of students enrolling in technical and vocational schools or reskilling programs by 25%; and increase the positive perception of the industry among parents and career mentors. The campaign features a first-of-its-kind student- and teacher-endorsed traveling immersive experience and jobs tour, which has brought together more than 5,000 students in person and recruited more than 200,000 students and career mentors to learn more about modern manufacturing careers after only seven brief stops.

“Dow’s unwavering commitment to manufacturing and Creators Wanted will allow us to do more to tackle the critical need for workers now and reach into more local communities to educate teachers, parents and other career mentors and students about rewarding careers in modern manufacturing,” said NAM President and CEO and MI Board Chair Jay Timmons. “The NAM is proud to announce our continued and strong partnership with Dow to strengthen U.S. manufacturing competitiveness and build the American manufacturing workforce of tomorrow.”

The campaign is also underpinned by sustained workforce development and education initiatives at the MI, targeting youth, veterans, women and other underrepresented communities throughout the country.

“The MI is grateful to Dow whose support bolsters our ability to achieve a critical component of our mission—to attract and develop world-class manufacturing talent,” said MI President Carolyn Lee. “With Dow’s support, the MI can expand our reach, furthering our opportunities to educate the next generation of manufacturers on the lucrative and fulfilling careers that exist in modern manufacturing for people of all backgrounds and interests.”

Through the campaign, the NAM seeks to continue its mission to remediate common misperceptions about careers in manufacturing and provide resources and opportunities that will help reduce the skills gap and improve lives. 

For more information on the campaign, visit CreatorsWanted.org and view results from previous tour stops here.

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-NAM- 

The National Association of Manufacturers is the largest manufacturing association in the United States, representing small and large manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states. Manufacturing employs more than 12.7 million men and women, contributes $2.71 trillion to the U.S. economy annually and accounts for 58% of private-sector research and development. The NAM is the powerful voice of the manufacturing community and the leading advocate for a policy agenda that helps manufacturers compete in the global economy and create jobs across the United States. For more information about the NAM or to follow us on Twitter and Facebook, please visit www.nam.org.

-The Manufacturing Institute-

The MI grows and supports the manufacturing industry’s skilled workers for the advancement of modern manufacturing. The MI’s diverse initiatives support all workers in America, including women, veterans and students, through skills training programs, community building and the advancement of their career in manufacturing. As the workforce development and education partner of the NAM, the MI is a trusted adviser to manufacturers, equipping them with resources necessary to solve the industry’s toughest challenges. For more information on the MI, please visit www.themanufacturinginstitute.org.

-Dow-
Dow (NYSE: DOW) combines global breadth; asset integration and scale; focused innovation and materials science expertise; leading business positions; and environmental, social and governance (ESG) leadership to achieve profitable growth and deliver a sustainable future. The Company’s ambition is to become the most innovative, customer centric, inclusive and sustainable materials science company in the world. Dow’s portfolio of plastics, industrial intermediates, coatings and silicones businesses delivers a broad range of differentiated, science-based products and solutions for its customers in high-growth market segments, such as packaging, infrastructure, mobility and consumer applications. Dow operates 104 manufacturing sites in 31 countries and employs approximately 35,700 people. Dow delivered sales of approximately $55 billion in 2021. References to Dow or the Company mean Dow Inc. and its subsidiaries. For more information, please visit www.dow.com or follow @DowNewsroom on Twitter.


CONTACT: NAM Media Relations

Microsoft Celebrates Manufacturing Month with Official Sponsorship of MFG Day Event

Throughout the month of October, business leaders recognize the importance of modern manufacturing and inspires the next generation of talent nationwide 

(Washington, D.C.) – October 21, 2020 — Industry leader Microsoft announced its commitment as an official national sponsor for MFG Day 2020 with a flagship event on October 28 at 4:00pm ET. Launched annually on the first Friday of October, MFG Day is a flagship initiative of the workforce development and education partner of the National Association of Manufacturers, The Manufacturing Institute (MI). MFG Day shows the reality of modern manufacturing careers by encouraging thousands of companies and educational institutions around the nation to host events for students, parents, teachers and community leaders. Because of the unique challenges that this year poses, MFG Day 2020 will be like no other by being celebrated virtually throughout the month of October, Manufacturing Month. 

“The COVID-19 pandemic has reaffirmed for all of us the importance of modern manufacturing in our lives—from making masks, gloves and hospital equipment to researching vaccines and treatments, from producing our food supply to developing the electronics that make remote learning and work possible. In the coming months and years, it will be modern manufacturing that leads our recovery and renewal. This year’s MFG Day is a uniquely powerful opportunity to bring awareness to the high-paying, rewarding and meaningful career opportunities in our industry all October long,” said Manufacturing Institute Executive Director Carolyn Lee. “Across the country, manufacturers are saying, ‘Creators Wanted.’ We have hundreds of thousands of jobs to fill—and will have millions more over the coming decades. MFG Day will open minds to what’s possible with a modern manufacturing career.”

To celebrate MFG Day, Microsoft will host the final flagship MFG Day event on October 28 at 4:00pm ET called: Creators Wanted: Empowering a Diverse and Sustainable Manufacturing Workforce with Microsoft. The event will feature a keynote fireside chat between Jacky Wright, Chief Digital Officer at Microsoft US and The Manufacturing Institute’s Executive Director Carolyn Lee. They will be joined by special addition Debra King, Senior Vice President, Chief Information Officer for Corteva Agriscience™. The virtual event will also include a panel discussion on the skills required for a modern manufacturing workforce and the unique role that data, artificial intelligence, remote work and sustainability play in the future of manufacturing. 

“Along with the National Association of Manufacturers and all our manufacturing clients, we are excited to celebrate Manufacturing Month together. This is our largest annual opportunity to inspire the next generation about the industry and dynamic careers in modern manufacturing,” said Tracy Galloway, US Vice President of Manufacturing, Microsoft. “Over the next decade, 4.6 million manufacturing jobs will need to be filled in the United States alone. As a National Sponsor, the Manufacturing Team at Microsoft is proud to join the #CreatorsWanted movement to fill the skills gap and inspire a diverse workforce with intelligent and data-driven manufacturing.” Since its founding in 2012, MFG Day has been the keystone manufacturing education and awareness day that gives manufacturers the unique opportunity to address the skills gap, connect with future generations of talent, reframe the public perception of what modern manufacturing is and ensure the ongoing prosperity of the industry as a whole. 

Watch the live event at CreatorsWanted.org and flow the conversation on Facebook and Twitter using #MFGDAY20.

Press Contact: 
John Chibnall
Senior PR Manager
[email protected] | 314-623-8659

About Microsoft 
Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT” @microsoft) enables digital transformation for the era of an intelligent cloud and intelligent edge. Its mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. For more information on how manufacturers are transforming digitally using technologies from Microsoft, please visit www.microsoft.com/manufacturing 

About Manufacturing Institute
The Manufacturing Institute grows and supports the manufacturing industry’s skilled workers for the advancement of modern manufacturing. The MI’s diverse initiatives support all American workers and emerging workers, including women, veterans and students, through skills training programs, community building and career growth. As the workforce and education partner of the National Association of Manufacturers, the MI is a trusted adviser to manufacturers, equipping them with resources necessary to solve the industry’s toughest challenges. For more information, please visit www.themanufacturinginstitute.org.

Manufacturing Institute Celebrates Manufacturing Throughout The Month of October

Walmart named as platinum sponsor for annual celebration of U.S. manufacturing

(Washington, DC) October 6, 2020 – In recognition of U.S. manufacturing and the millions of jobs created across the country, the Manufacturing Institute and the National Association of Manufacturers will celebrate MFG Day 2020 on Friday, Oct. 2. Walmart will serve as a Platinum sponsor of the month-long event.

Companies celebrating MFG Day 2020 will do so through virtual workshops, seminars, open houses, competitions, awards ceremonies, and many other creative activities, targeting students, parents, educators, and community leaders. 

Walmart kicked-off Manufacturing Month with the company’s annual Open Call event on Oct. 1, inviting qualified entrepreneurs to pitch their U.S. manufactured products to its team of buyers. Walmart reported a 44% increase in applications to participate in the event and announced that more than 175 businesses had received initial approval for placement in Walmart stores and Sam’s Clubs. More than 450 businesses are receiving further consideration. 

“Walmart is proud to sponsor MFG Day 2020 and celebrate the contributions domestic manufacturers make to our local communities,” said Laura Phillips, Walmart senior vice president for global sourcing and U.S. manufacturing. “Domestic manufacturing creates jobs and Walmart is committed to sourcing an additional $250 billion in products that support U.S. job creation. Together with NAM and the Manufacturing Institute, we also want to inspire the next generation of creators and innovators.”

In addition, Walmart is partnering with state chambers and economic development organizations in Washington, Oregon, Wisconsin and Missouri states in support of their MFG Day activities. The company is also the presenting sponsor, and will participate in NAM/MI’s flagship event on Oct. 13, from 12-1pm EDT. “Creators Respond: Inspiration from America’s Creators.” Creators Respond is a virtual event focusing different ways creators mobilized in response to COVID-19. The event can be accessed on www.CreatorsWanted.org.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has reaffirmed for all of us the importance of modern manufacturing in our lives. In the coming months and years, it will be modern manufacturing that leads our recovery and renewal. This year’s MFG Day is a uniquely powerful opportunity to bring awareness to the high-paying, rewarding and meaningful career opportunities in our industry,” said Manufacturing Institute Executive Director Carolyn Lee. “Across the country, manufacturers are saying, ‘Creators Wanted.’ We have hundreds of thousands of jobs to fill—and will have millions more over the coming decades. MFG Day will open minds to what’s possible with a modern manufacturing career.”

Since its founding in 2012, MFG Day has been the keystone manufacturing education and awareness day that gives manufacturers the unique opportunity to address the skills gap, connect with future generations of talent, reframe the public perception of what modern manufacturing is and ensure the ongoing prosperity of the industry as a whole.

About Manufacturing Institute The Manufacturing Institute grows and supports the manufacturing industry’s skilled workers for the advancement of modern manufacturing. The MI’s diverse initiatives support all American workers and emerging workers, including women, veterans and students, through skills training programs, community building and career growth. As the workforce and education partner of the National Association of Manufacturers, the MI is a trusted adviser to manufacturers, equipping them with resources necessary to solve the industry’s toughest challenges. For more information, please visit creatorswanted.org/mfgday.

MFG Day 2020 to Educate Students Across the Country on the Importance of the Modern Manufacturing Industry

The 8th annual and first virtual MFG Day, organized by The Manufacturing Institute with Microsoft, PTC and Salesforce, aims to inspire the country’s next generation of talent to learn about the modern manufacturing industry throughout October

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Oct. 2, 2020 – Today, The Manufacturing Institute, the charitable nonprofit workforce development and education partner of the National Association of Manufacturers, announces the official start to MFG Day 2020, which will run through October. The MI’s flagship initiative, MFG Day, showcases the many and diverse modern manufacturing careers and addresses the skills gap, which may leave more than 2.4 million American jobs unfilled by 2028 due to outdated misconceptions surrounding the industry and the lack of highly skilled workers to fill those jobs. 

MFG Day encourages companies and educational institutions around the nation to host events where students, parents, teachers and community leaders can learn more about the exciting field of modern manufacturing. These events, which range from virtual—and safe in person—factory tours to panels featuring the world’s leading CEOs, help the country’s next generation of workforce talent better understand the well-paying career opportunities modern manufacturing offers as well as what a modern manufacturing career looks like, including: 

  • The chance to work in a diverse range of companies manufacturing offers, from small, local businesses to global Fortune 500 companies, in exciting industries, from aerospace to pharmaceuticals;
  • Earning $88,406 annually on average, including pay and benefits;
  • Working in an industry that employs more than 12.13 million workers across the country;
  • Hands-on experience with the most innovative technology, including 3D printing, drones and virtual reality; 
  • The opportunity to work on real, tangible products that improve people’s lives, from lifesaving medical equipment to food products; and
  • Career growth that starts at entry level but allows for additional training and promotion opportunities. 

“As we celebrate MFG Day across the country over the next month, we are reminded of the important role that modern manufacturing plays in each of our lives. From the masks and clothes we wear to the food we eat, modern manufacturing is at the heart of our country and, as the pandemic continues, will lead the way to our recovery and renewal,” said MI Executive Director Carolyn Lee. “This year’s MFG Day, more so than ever before, is a uniquely powerful opportunity to bring awareness to the high-paying, rewarding and meaningful career opportunities in our industry and to open minds to what’s possible with a career in modern manufacturing.”

Transforming the annual tradition of manufacturing open houses into a series of mostly virtual events, this year’s MFG Day will be like no other, with opportunities for more connection, reach and participation across the industry and the country without the limitations of physical events and travel. This year, MFG Day will be celebrated with more than 300 events throughout October kicking off on Friday, Oct. 2, with the flagship event “Creators Wanted: A Program for America’s Students” sponsored by MFG Day’s National Sponsors Microsoft, PTC and Salesforce, featuring leaders in the manufacturing industry and Netflix star Emily Dawn Calandrelli of Emily’s Wonder Lab. A full schedule of national, local and regional events can be found at creatorswanted.org

To reach more people across the country and meet the needs of this unique moment in time, MFG Day will run throughout October, Manufacturing Month, and will feature engaging virtual events on CreatorsWanted.org, including the following events: 

  • Friday, Oct. 2, at 12:00 p.m. EDT The official kick-off to MFG Day with the following special guests and speakers: 
    • Jay Timmons, president and CEO of the NAM
    • Dr. Walt Copan, under secretary of commerce for standards and technology and NIST director
    • Emily Dawn Calandrelli, The Space Gal, host and co-executive producer, Emily’s Wonder Lab 
    • Carolyn Lee, executive director, the MI 
    • Jenny Gai, industry solutions manager, Salesforce 
    • Matt Miller, build prep supervisor, SLS, Protolabs 
    • Chelle Travis, executive director, SkillsUSA 
    • Richard Grimsley, director, career and technical education, Dallas ISD 
    • Leah Curry, president, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Indiana
  • Monday, Oct. 5, at 12:00 p.m. EDT – A program honoring National Teachers’ Day that will highlight how teachers and educators can use their role to inspire the next generation of creators, featuring Allen Gannett, technology entrepreneur and author of The Creative Curve.
  • Tuesday, Oct. 13, at 12:00 p.m. EDT – A deep dive into creators’ response to the COVID-19 pandemic, presented by Walmart; the event will feature an interview of manufacturers involved in the nation’s COVID-19 response by legendary broadcaster Elvis Duran.

MFG Day is receiving great support from both the private and public sectors. The governors of Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, New Mexico, Ohio and West Virginia have all issued proclamations celebrating the day and marking October as a time to celebrate the importance of manufacturing and its contributions to our local and national communities. 

The platform of MFG Day for manufacturers to educate and inspire new talent is made possible by the support of leading American businesses, including National Sponsors Salesforce, PTC and Microsoft and Platinum Sponsors Walmart and ABB. 

Other sponsors include Gold Sponsors Siemens, Polaris and Emerson; Silver Sponsors NIST Manufacturing Extension Partnership, Kronos, Ceridian and Plex; State Sponsors Ohio MEP Network and Ohio Manufacturers’ Association; and Industry Sponsors The Plastics Industry Association and Alliance for Automotive Innovation. Additional sponsors include Stanley Black & Decker and Marvin. 

As sponsors, all of these companies have signaled their commitment to highlighting the essential and innovative work modern manufacturers do and energizing a future pipeline of skilled workers. 

Since its founding in 2012 by the Fabricators & Manufacturers Association, International and subsequent organizing by the MI, MFG Day has been the keystone manufacturing education and awareness day that gives manufacturers the unique opportunity to address the skills gap, connect with future generations of talent, reframe the public perception of what modern manufacturing is and ensure the ongoing prosperity of the industry as a whole. Follow MFG Day on Facebook and Twitter and #MFGDAY20.

Press Contact: 
John Chibnall
Senior PR Manager 
[email protected]
314-623-8659

About the MI
The MI grows and supports the manufacturing industry’s skilled workers for the advancement of modern manufacturing. The MI’s diverse initiatives support all workers in America, including women, veterans and students, through skills training programs, community building and the advancement of their career in manufacturing. As the workforce development and education partner of the NAM, the MI is a trusted adviser to manufacturers, equipping them with resources necessary to solve the industry’s toughest challenges. For more information on MFG Day, please visit creatorswanted.org

Leaders of American Business Line up to Keep MFG Day in 2020

The 8th Annual MFG Day, organized nationally by The Manufacturing Institute, will recognize the importance of modern manufacturing and inspire the country’s next generation of talent through virtual and safe in-person events 

(WASHINGTON, D.C. – September 28, 2020) The Manufacturing Institute, the workforce and education partner of the National Association of Manufacturers, announces its growing list of sponsorship commitments and partner events ahead of MFG Day 2020. 

Kicking off this year on Oct. 2, MFG Day is a flagship initiative of The Manufacturing Institute and aims to showcase the reality of modern manufacturing careers and address the skills gap that is leaving more than 2.4 million American jobs unfilled by 2028. This skills gap is in part due to a lack of awareness of the incredible career pathways in manufacturing, and the National Association of Manufacturers, The Manufacturing Institute and manufacturers across the country are proactively addressing this issue with MFG Day. MFG Day encourages thousands of companies and educational institutions around the nation to host virtual or safe in-person events for students, parents, teachers and community leaders to learn more about the exciting field of modern manufacturing and to better understand the challenges of the skills gap. 

Transforming the annual tradition of manufacturing open houses into a series of mostly virtual events simulcast across the country, this year’s MFG Day will be like no other, with opportunities for more connection, reach and participation across the industry and the country without the limitations of physical events and travel. These events will be hosted by key partners and manufacturers nationwide including. 

“The COVID-19 pandemic has reaffirmed for all of us the importance of modern manufacturing in our lives—from making masks, gloves and hospital equipment to researching vaccines and treatments, from producing our food supply to developing the electronics that make remote learning and work possible. In the coming months and years, it will be modern manufacturing that leads our recovery and renewal. This year’s MFG Day is a uniquely powerful opportunity to bring awareness to the high-paying, rewarding and meaningful career opportunities in our industry,” said Manufacturing Institute Executive Director Carolyn Lee. “Across the country, manufacturers are saying, ‘Creators Wanted.’ We have hundreds of thousands of jobs to fill—and will have millions more over the coming decades. MFG Day will open minds to what’s possible with a career in modern manufacturing.”

The platform of MFG Day for manufacturers to educate and inspire new talent is made possible by the support of leading American businesses, including National Sponsors Salesforce, PTC and Microsoft. 

Other sponsors include Gold Sponsors Siemens and Polaris; Silver Sponsors Kronos and Manufacturing Extension Partnership; and Industry Sponsors The Plastics Association and Alliance for Automotive Innovation.

As sponsors, all of these companies have signaled their commitment to highlighting the essential and innovative work modern manufacturers do and energizing a future pipeline of skilled workers. 

Since its founding in 2012 by the Fabricators & Manufacturers Association, International and subsequent organizing by The Manufacturing Institute, MFG Day has been the keystone manufacturing education and awareness day that gives manufacturers the unique opportunity to address the skills gap, connect with future generations of talent, reframe the public perception of what modern manufacturing is and ensure the ongoing prosperity of the industry as a whole.

Press Contact: 

John Chibnall 
Senior PR Manager
[email protected]
314-623-8659

About Manufacturing Institute

The Manufacturing Institute grows and supports the manufacturing industry’s skilled workers for the advancement of modern manufacturing. The MI’s diverse initiatives support all American workers and emerging workers, including women, veterans and students, through skills training programs, community building and career growth. As the workforce and education partner of the National Association of Manufacturers, the MI is a trusted adviser to manufacturers, equipping them with resources necessary to solve the industry’s toughest challenges. For more information, please visit creatorswanted.org/mfgday

Polaris To Celebrate Manufacturing Day 2020 As Official Sponsor

The day, organized by The Manufacturing Institute, recognizes the importance of modern manufacturing and inspires the next generation of talent nationwide

(MEDINA, MN) September 24, 2020 – Polaris Inc., the global leader in powersports, today announced its participation as an official sponsor of Manufacturing (MFG) Day 2020, a flagship initiative of the Manufacturing Institute which serves as the workforce development and education partner of the National Association of Manufacturers. With October recognized as National Manufacturing Month, the annual MFG Day event is held the first Friday of October, with this year’s event taking place on Friday, October 2. As an official MFG Day sponsor and a leading U.S. manufacturer, Polaris joins thousands of companies and educational institutions around the nation celebrating and showcasing modern manufacturing and the incredible career opportunities made possible by the manufacturing industry. 

“Polaris has a rich history in manufacturing, and its common theme is delivering value for our customers. Whether for work or play, on trails or farms or waterways, we encourage people to be outdoors and Think Outside,” said Polaris Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Scott Wine. We can deliver on that premise because of our thousands of dedicated and skilled employees who engineer, design and build our vehicles. From our very first plant in Roseau, MN to our newest facility in Huntsville, AL, Polaris encapsulates the story of American manufacturing and we are proud to support and celebrate MFG Day 2020. We hope that our support for this day excites the next generation about the terrific opportunities a future in manufacturing can provide.”

Due to the unique challenges this year presents, MFG Day 2020 is going virtual with activations helping connect participants across the country. Through digital and social content, Polaris will showcase its American manufacturing operations, including use of an interactive 3-D Virtual Tour of its manufacturing facility in Roseau, and highlight the employees that help bring its vehicles to life. Roseau is significant to the Polaris story as it is where the company was originally founded in 1954, demonstrating the important connection manufacturers play in the lives of the communities where they operate and serve.

“This year’s MFG Day is a uniquely powerful opportunity to bring awareness to the high-paying, rewarding and meaningful career opportunities in our industry,” said Carolyn Lee, Manufacturing Institute’s executive director. “Across the country, manufacturers are saying, ‘Creators Wanted.’ We have hundreds of thousands of jobs to fill—and will have millions more over the coming decades. MFG Day will open minds to what’s possible with a modern manufacturing career.”

Polaris is one of those manufacturers looking for ‘Creators’ to join the team. With record demand for its products, Polaris’ manufacturing facilities are searching for qualified candidates interested in becoming a part of the Polaris team. Career opportunities are available at multiple locations, including Anaheim, CA; Battle Ground, WA; Elkhart, IN (Bennington); Elkhart (Highwater); Huntsville, AL; Monticello, MN; Osceola, WI; and Roseau, MN. More information on current openings also can be found at polaris.com/careers.   

Since its founding in 2012, MFG Day has been the keystone manufacturing education and awareness day that gives manufacturers the unique opportunity to address the skills gap, connect with future generations of talent, reframe the public perception of what modern manufacturing is and ensure the ongoing prosperity of the industry as a whole.

Press Contact:

John Chibnall
Senior PR Manager

[email protected] | 314-623-8659

About Polaris

As the global leader in Powersports, Polaris Inc. (NYSE: PII) pioneers product breakthroughs and enriching experiences and services that have invited people to discover the joy of being outdoors since our founding in 1954. With annual 2019 sales of $6.8 billion, Polaris’ high-quality product line-up includes the Polaris RANGER®, RZR® and Polaris GENERAL™ side-by-side off-road vehicles; Sportsman® all-terrain off-road vehicles; Indian Motorcycle® mid-size and heavyweight motorcycles; Slingshot® moto-roadsters; snowmobiles; and deck, cruiser and pontoon boats, including industry-leading Bennington pontoons. Polaris enhances the riding experience with parts, garments, and accessories, along with a growing aftermarket portfolio, including Transamerican Auto Parts. Polaris’ presence in adjacent markets includes military and commercial off-road vehicles, quadricycles, and electric vehicles. Proudly headquartered in Minnesota, Polaris serves more than 100 countries across the globe. www.polaris.com

About Manufacturing Institute

The Manufacturing Institute grows and supports the manufacturing industry’s skilled workers for the advancement of modern manufacturing. The MI’s diverse initiatives support all American workers and emerging workers, including women, veterans and students, through skills training programs, community building and career growth. As the workforce and education partner of the National Association of Manufacturers, the MI is a trusted adviser to manufacturers, equipping them with resources necessary to solve the industry’s toughest challenges. For more information, please visit creatorswanted.org/mfgday.

NAM Unveils Historic “Creators Wanted” Campaign Showcasing Modern Manufacturing

Industry Unites with Over $14M in Sponsorships to Fund First-of-Its-Kind National Tour

The National Association of Manufacturers and The Manufacturing Institute, the workforce and education partner of the NAM, today unveiled their “Creators Wanted” campaign, an unprecedented, nationwide effort to reshape America’s perception of manufacturing and confront the industry’s growing skills gap.

By 2025, the impact of “Creators Wanted” aims to reduce the skills gap in the United States by 600,000, expand the number of students enrolling in technical and vocational schools or reskilling programs by 25% and increase the positive perception of the industry among parents to 50% from 27% today.

As part of the campaign, the NAM announced more than $14 million in initial sponsorships from manufacturing companies for the “Creators Wanted Fund,” which will support programs and activities in 2020 and beyond to engage and interact with kids and parents in communities nationwide and support important workforce programs to inspire and drive more Americans to pursue careers in modern manufacturing.

“It’s inspiring to see the industry come together, from small family-run businesses to iconic global brands, to address these critical challenges, reshape America’s perception of manufacturing and close the skills gap. ‘Creators Wanted’ is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to leverage the manufacturing industry’s unmatched strength to confront the workforce crisis with immediate and long-term solutions,” said NAM President and CEO Jay Timmons. “Thanks to the generous contributions from our sponsors, we have the ability to build the talent pipeline and secure the future of manufacturing in the United States.”

The “Creators Wanted” campaign will feature an on-the-ground, interactive mobile tour designed to inspire Americans in more than 20 states to pursue high-tech, high-paying jobs in modern manufacturing. In addition, the campaign will include a year-long nationwide digital campaign to recruit new talent to the industry and host a culminating Making America Festival in Cincinnati, Ohio, in September, featuring interactive exhibits, thought leadership forums and entertainment to showcase the future of modern manufacturing in America.

The NAM also recognized sponsors of the “Creators Wanted” campaign, stressing their support in narrowing the skills gap facing manufacturing in America.

“Creators Wanted” Campaign Sponsors:

Legacy Sponsors

  • Ariel Corporation
  • The Dow Chemical Company Foundation
  • Emerson
  • Honda
  • Ingersoll Rand, plc (future Trane Technologies)
  • Stand Together
  • Timken Foundation of Canton

Innovator Sponsors

  • Anheuser-Busch Companies, Inc.
  • Novelis Inc.
  • Stanley Black & Decker, Inc.
  • Toyota

Leader Sponsors

  • Ball Corporation
  • BASF Corporation
  • Cornerstone Building Brands
  • J&J
  • Merck & Co., Inc.
  • Microsoft
  • Nephron Pharmaceuticals Corporation
  • PPG

Champion Sponsors

  • The Boeing Company
  • Caterpillar Inc.
  • Ceridian
  • CRH Americas, Inc
  • Ecolab Inc.
  • Exxon Mobil Corporation
  • Goodyear Foundation
  • Honeywell International
  • JDA
  • Leggett & Platt, Incorporated
  • Lockheed Martin Corporation
  • Nestle
  • Nucor Corporation
  • Pella Corporation
  • Rockwell Automation, Inc.
  • Salesforce
  • Snap-On, Inc.
  • Vermeer Corporation
  • Volvo Group
  • Walmart, Inc.
  • Zoro Corporation

Ally Sponsors

  • BKD, LLP
  • GE Appliances
  • Polaris

Advocate Sponsors

  • Adient US LLC
  • Ashley Furniture Industries
  • Click Bond, Inc.
  • Covestro LLC
  • FORCAM, Inc.
  • Fresenius Medical Care N.A.
  • Greene, Tweed & Co.
  • Smithfield Foods

Supporters

  • BTE Technologies, LLC
  • Centennial Bolt, Inc.
  • Greenerd Press & Machine Company, Inc.
  • Irex Corporation
  • Jamison Door Company
  • Ketchie, Inc.
  • Marlin Steel Wire Products LLC
  • Phoenix Closures, Inc.
  • Protolabs
  • Staub Manufacturing Solutions
  • Winton Machine Company

The NAM also announced that Ingersoll Rand Chairman and CEO Michael Lamach, Emerson Chairman and CEO David Farr and retired Fluor Corporation Chairman and CEO David Seaton will co-chair the campaign.

-NAM-

The National Association of Manufacturers is the largest manufacturing association in the United States, representing small and large manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states. Manufacturing employs more than 12.8 million men and women, contributes $2.37 trillion to the U.S. economy annually and has the largest economic multiplier of any major sector and accounts for 63% of private-sector research and development. The NAM is the powerful voice of the manufacturing community and the leading advocate for a policy agenda that helps manufacturers compete in the global economy and create jobs across the United States. For more information about the Manufacturers or to follow us on Twitter and Facebook, please visit www.nam.org.

Timmons Delivers 2020 NAM State of Manufacturing Address in Iowa

Speech Marked 125th Anniversary of NAM’s Founding and Highlighted ‘Creators Wanted’ Campaign to Address Growing Workforce Shortage

National Association of Manufacturers President and CEO Jay Timmons delivered the eighth-annual NAM State of Manufacturing Address today at equipment manufacturer Vermeer Corporation in Pella, Iowa. Speaking to Vermeer Corporation employees, business and community leaders and local manufacturers, Timmons highlighted the NAM’s ambitious plan to address the industry’s growing workforce crisis with the groundbreaking, multimillion-dollar “Creators Wanted” campaign.

In his remarks, Timmons said:

“For 125 years, NAM has led the business community and fought for all who make things in America. And all of you in this room, and the 13 million men and women in our industry, some of whom are watching today, are part of the storied history of building an exceptional nation. And Vermeer, this very company, embodies the story of manufacturers’ progress.”

. . . .

“In this pivotal year, the NAM and The Manufacturing Institute, our workforce and education partner, are setting out on an unprecedented campaign to inspire a new generation—and tell the real story of our industry. . . . Our historic effort, called “Creators Wanted,” is a capital campaign that will support the programs of the Manufacturing Institute—including the STEP Women’s Initiative, youth engagement and Heroes MAKE America, which trains our returning servicemembers for high-paying manufacturing jobs.”

. . . .

“Just yesterday, in his remarks at the World Economic Forum, President Trump touted manufacturing’s growth and success during his presidency. As I’ve said before, from tax reform to regulatory certainty to leveling the playing field, promises made to manufacturers have been promises kept—and the employment and output numbers show it.”

. . . .

“Here’s what I will say about this election . . . It’s not the label next to a candidate’s name—whether an “R,” a “D” or an “I”—that determines whether he or she will be a good president or even a good member of Congress. The test is whether he or she will work to uphold the values that make America exceptional. These are the same four values, the same four pillars, that make our industry’s success possible.”

Timmons also noted the generous contributions made by Vermeer and Pella Corporation to the NAM’s Creators Wanted campaign.

“And I am proud to announce today that Vermeer Corporation, along with your foundation and Mary and Dr. Dale Andringa, have contributed $100,000 to this cause. And another local manufacturer, Pella Corporation, is also leading by example with a $100,000 contribution of their own,” said Timmons.

Vermeer Corporation President and CEO Jason Andringa thanked Timmons for his visit and the NAM’s commitment to ensuring the long-term success of manufacturing in the United States.

“Thank you to Jay Timmons and the National Association of Manufacturers for visiting Vermeer Corporation and recognizing the incredible work of our team members and manufacturers across the country,” said Andringa. “These men and women truly demonstrate the impact our industry makes every day and represent the success of American manufacturing.”

To watch the full address, click here.

-NAM-

The National Association of Manufacturers is the largest manufacturing association in the United States, representing small and large manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states. Manufacturing employs more than 12.8 million men and women, contributes $2.37 trillion to the U.S. economy annually and has the largest economic multiplier of any major sector and accounts for 63% of private-sector research and development. The NAM is the powerful voice of the manufacturing community and the leading advocate for a policy agenda that helps manufacturers compete in the global economy and create jobs across the United States. For more information about the Manufacturers or to follow us on Twitter and Facebook, please visit www.nam.org.