Next generation of manufacturing leaders graduate from TMA and Judson University program
Fourteen future manufacturing leaders and executives became the second graduating class from the Technology & Manufacturing Association's Manufacturing Leadership Program offered in partnership with Judson University.
The 10-month MLP program is designed to enhance the knowledge, skills, and abilities of area manufacturers' current managers and supervisors who will be taking on higher leadership roles.
MLP students learn the economics of manufacturing, manufacturing business strategy, finance and accounting, HR and legal, manufacturing operations, lean manufacturing, leadership, and marketing. When they complete the program, they have all the resources needed to move up within the organization.
As part of the program, the students had to participate in an exercise showing they have the ability to improve a struggling manufacturing operation. They developed and presented strategic plans to a panelist of judges which included four local manufacturers and TMA members: Mike Chester (past TMA chairman), Janet Kaiser (Century Metal Spinning Co.), Eileen Cunningham (Meyer Tool & Manufacturing), and Matthew Chirgwin (Meyer Tool & Manufacturing).
"This program has a challenging curriculum with direct application to the manufacturing world. It provides a unique and invaluable learning experience for these future leaders," said TMA President Patrick Osborne. "If our industry hopes to have a robust future, we must be preparing and equipping the next generation of manufacturing leaders with the tools they will need to lead us to that future."
An added benefit of the Manufacturing Leadership Program is graduates can receive credits upon completion of the program to apply to future education at Judson University. TMA recognizes Judson University's President Dr. Gene Crume for being an integral part in expanding this partnership and helping lead the way for tomorrow's manufacturers.
"It is always a wonderful thing to witness these dedicated students at the end of the 10-month program, how they have progressed since the beginning," said TMA's Director of Training and Workforce Development Leigh McConnell. "Knowing that after each session they are able to apply the lessons right away at their jobs is part of why this is such a beneficial program. I'm excited to see what these graduates do next to help improve our industry."
About TMA: Founded in 1925, the Technology and Manufacturing Association is an independent trade organization exclusively focused on assisting small and midsize manufacturers by providing a diverse portfolio of benefits and services, including: community, information, training, resources, and advocacy. TMA has nearly 1,000 members representing over 35,000 manufacturing employees and more than 25 million square feet of manufacturing plant.