Expansion Management

Why Were These Communities Chosen as Manufacturing Hubs? [SLIDESHOW]

May 29, 2014

The White House launched the Investing in Manufacturing Communities Partnership initiative last September as a means to link federal agencies with local governments to make them more competitive in attracting foreign manufacturers and their supply chains.

Adrienne Selko

U.S. Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker on May 28 named the first 12 communities that will receive federal aid to attract global companies under the Obama administration's Investing in Manufacturing Communities Partnership (IMCP) initiative.

IMCP, launched last September, is an Administration-wide initiative that aims to link federal agencies with local governments to make them more competitive in attracting foreign manufacturers and their supply chains.

The program will “accelerate the resurgence of manufacturing and help cultivate an environment for businesses to create well-paying manufacturing jobs in regions across the country,” according to the U.S. Economic Development Administration. “The IMCP is designed to reward communities that demonstrate best practices in attracting and expanding manufacturing by using long-term planning that integrates targeted investments in workforce training, infrastructure, research, and other key assets. “

Reach more on which manufacturing companies are located in the twelve communities.

About the Author

Adrienne Selko | Senior Editor

Focus: Workforce, Talent

Follow Me on Twitter: @ASelkoIW

Bio: Adrienne Selko has written about many topics over the 17 years she has been with the publication and currently focuses on workforce development strategies. Previously Adrienne was in corporate communications at a medical manufacturing company as well as a large regional bank. She is the author of Do I Have to Wear Garlic Around My Neck? which made the Cleveland Plain Dealer's best sellers list. She is also a senior editor at Material Handling & Logistics and EHS Today.

Editorial mission statement: Manufacturing is the enviable position of creating products, processes and policies that solve the world’s problems. When the industry stepped up to manufacture what was necessary to combat the pandemic, it revealed its true nature. My goal is to showcase the sector’s ability to address a broad range of workforce issues including technology, training, diversity & inclusion, with a goal of enticing future generations to join this amazing sector.

Why I find manufacturing interesting: On my first day working for a company that made medical equipment such as MRIs, I toured the plant floor. On every wall was a photo of a person, mostly children. I asked my supervisor why this was the case and he said that the work we do at this company has saved these people’s lives. “We never forget how important our work is and everyone’s contribution to that.” From that moment on I was hooked on manufacturing.

I have talked with many people in this field who have transformed their own career development to assist others. For example, companies are hiring those with disabilities, those previously incarcerated and other talent pools that have been underutilized. I have talked with leaders who have brought out the best in their workforce, as well as employees doing their best work while doing good for the world.