How Can I (and the U.S. Economy) Benefit from Manufacturing Day?

The Baldrige Program recently became an endorser of Manufacturing Day, which is co-produced by several organizations, including the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP), National Association of Manufacturers, Manufacturing Institute, and the Science Channel.

The goal of the day, which occurs this year on October 2 (although many states and manufacturers plan events for a full week or throughout the year), is to give manufacturers an opportunity to open their doors and show, in a coordinated effort, what they and manufacturing as a whole offer to the economy. They also can work on their challenges: addressing a skilled labor shortage, connecting with future generations, taking charge of the public image of manufacturing, and ensuring the ongoing prosperity of the whole industry.

A recent MEP blog outlined the top challenges keeping manufacturing CEOs up at night: continuous improvement, growth, workforce needs, technology needs, supply chain needs, and product innovation/development.

The Baldrige Program is a natural participant in Manufacturing Day. In 1988, it was created by Congress and named after the Secretary of Commerce to develop, educate about, and promote a criteria to help manufacturers become more competitive with their global counterparts. Baldrige continues to promote manufacturing through its products and services, including the free, downloadable, self-assessment Baldrige Excellence Builder.

If you want to learn more about how to participate, consider attending a free webinar on June 8 from 2 to 3 pm EST on how and why to get involved in Manufacturing Day. I

n addition, anyone can find a local event in his/her community that is associated with the day.

Schools and students at all levels may find particular benefit from Manufacturing Day by participating in real or virtual field trips.