Manufacturing continues to be the foundation of North Carolina’s competitive economy, employing 10.9 percent of the state’s workforce in 2015 and generating 20.9 percent of total state GDP in 2016. And with the state’s manufacturing sector well positioned to experience growth benefits from a looming “next generation” global manufacturing revolution, that fact is not likely to change any time soon. But many manufacturers are grappling with the widening skills gap impacting talent pipelines around the world as modern job creators struggle to find the talented workers they need to fill modern jobs. Fortunately, Manufacturing Day (MFG DAY) – the annual celebration of all the positive benefits manufacturing brings to our national economy – is set for next Friday, October 7, giving you the perfect chance to plan an event that engages the next generation of manufacturers in your community.

Recent studies have shown that positive exposure to manufacturing makes students twice as likely to pursue a career in the field. With our state set to gain a significant advantage over competitors by spearheading innovative solutions to close the skills gap, it is more important now than ever for North Carolina manufacturers to engage with their future workforce through opportunities like MFG DAY. According to the official MFG DAY website, 54 celebrations have been planned for MFG DAY 2016 in North Carolina. And if you haven’t already, it’s still not too late for your organization to plan an event of your own. While the official date is set for October 7, any day of the year can be Manufacturing Day for your organization and community. Simply visit the official MFG DAY website to find all the tools and information you will need to plan an event, then create an account and register your event to join the MFG DAY movement that is spreading across North Carolina.

MFG DAY offers a unique chance for manufacturers to engage with students, teachers, parents and others in their local communities and put the development of the next generation of local manufacturers into their own hands. As the sole state affiliate for the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), the NC Chamber wants to help you spread the word about your MFG DAY plans to our members in your communities. So click here to fill out our MFG DAY survey and let us know how you plan to take part in this important celebration of all things manufacturing in North Carolina!

Gary J. Salamido
Vice President, Government Affairs
North Carolina Chamber