Oct. 2 is Manufacturing Day 2020!
10/01/2020

10 Ways to Celebrate Manufacturing Month

Manufacturing drives local, national and global economies, providing affordable consumer products and fueling critical industries like healthcare, transportation, agriculture, food, communications, computing, and more.

Unfortunately, not enough of the general public knows or appreciates this. And too many young people overlook manufacturing as a career path.

Manufacturing Day, founded by the Manufacturing Institute and observed nationwide each year on the first Friday in October, is devoted to celebrating modern manufacturing and shining a spotlight on manufacturing careers as an exciting option for the next generation.

In Illinois, today also kicks off Manufacturing Month. The coronavirus pandemic has forced many events to be cancelled or postponed—including Elk Grove Village’s Manufacturing Expo—but there are still ways you can raise awareness of all manufacturing has to offer.

We’ve rounded up 10 things you can do in October to make a difference …

#1 ENGAGE IN EVENTS

While live events are limited, a number of virtual gatherings are being held. See round-ups of opportunities provided by the Manufacturing Institute, Illinois Manufacturers' Association, Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center, and TMA (Technology & Manufacturing Association).

#2 HOST YOUR OWN VIRTUAL EVENT

Plan and invite members of your network to a video call where you share each other’s stories, discuss challenges you share, and solutions you can tackle together. Or, plan a video tour. This Marketing Institute toolkit has lots of tips for planning and recording.

#3 GET SOCIAL WITH #MFGDAY20 AND #MANUFACTURINGMONTH

Get posting on your company and personal social accounts and sharing great manufacturing-related content from others today and all month. The Manufacturing Institute marketing toolkit includes visuals to download and sample social media copy—just copy and paste.

#4 KNOW YOUR IMPACT STATS

Use these stats in your social posts, communications and conversations ... manufacturing accounts for 11.9% of the total output of the U.S. economy, employing 8.51% of the nation’s workforce. For every $1.00 spent in manufacturing, $1.89 is added to the economy. In 2018, there were an average of 12.8 million manufacturing employees in the U.S., with an average annual compensation of $84,832.13 in 2017.

#5 KNOW YOUR SKILLS GAP STATS

Nearly 3.5 million manufacturing jobs will likely be needed over the next decade, and 2 million are expected to go unfilled due to the skills gap. More facts here.

#6 GET INSPIRED

Manufacturing is at the heart of some of the most impactful work being done during the pandemic. Elk Grove companies are no exception. Check out these stories to inspire how you respond to challenge and opportunity:
Crafts Technology: “The Most Stress In My Career”
Story Round-Up: Elk Grove Makers Step Up in the Face of Coronavirus
Strengthening Your Mindset in This Crisis - ENCLAVE Foundation for Entrepreneurs

#7 BUILD YOUR WORKFORCE

Connect with the Golden Corridor Advanced Manufacturing Partnership (GCAMP), which is committed to building a sustainable manufacturing workforce. Also listen to GCAMP Executive Director Kathleen Burley discuss how her organization is addressing the need to fill manufacturing jobs.

#8 ADVOCATE: BE A VOICE

Take steps to contact lawmakers and be a voice to promote establishing a strong manufacturing climate in Illinois. Review the Illinois Manufacturers Association legislative agenda and see how you can take action.

#9 CONNECT WITH EGV OFFICIALS AND STAFF

Learn about scheduling a Business Ambassador Visit with Elk Grove officials to have a confidential discussion about your business. Meeting either live or virtually, they can help you in many ways, including by identifying possible vendors, suppliers, service providers, and customers within Elk Grove.