6 MiMfg Magazine August 2020
Keynote
Conversation
Mallory McMorrow
Senator
Michigan State Senate
Q:
Share your thoughts about
Michigan manufacturing, the
role it plays today and what
it means to the state’s future.
McMorrow: There are few other
legislators who better understand
the supply chain, global markets or
who have a stronger desire to see
more manufacturing here in Michigan.
Michigan is the state that changed
the world. As a co-chair of the State’s Legislative
Automotive Caucus, I’m proud to say that Michigan
created the automotive industry, revolutionized
manufacturing and is uniquely positioned to take on
future mobility and innovation challenges while
creating thousands of new career opportunities.
And, for a dose of inspiration, go out to any robotics
competition in Michigan schools. Today’s kids build
entire businesses from scratch. They know graphic
design, coding, building, and branding — then they
go out and execute entire marketing strategies. It’s
incredible and a sign of our exciting future.
Q:
What is one goal you want to accomplish
as a Michigan State Senator?
McMorrow: Michigan should be positioned as the
global leader in the transition to electric vehicles and
advanced mobility. Without leaning into rapid changes
within the auto industry, we risk falling behind states
like California and foreign countries like China and
Germany who invest heavily in these high-tech fields.
We continue to work with automakers, suppliers,
utilities and major stakeholders and worked closely with
the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity
(LEO) to create Michigan’s new Office of Future
Mobility and Electrification earlier this summer.
Last year, I spearheaded a bipartisan package of bills
to expand Michigan’s electric vehicle (EV) charging
infrastructure and position us to be the country’s first
fully-networked state. The legislation would create an
EV infrastructure council to help leverage leading
research and inform proper charger placement. This
will lead to stronger partnerships with charging network
companies, greater incentives for small business owners
and allow state parks to lease out charging space
and promote Pure Michigan’s “Green Getaways.”
Michigan can lead the world in advanced
manufacturing. Our efforts will help attract investment
and increase jobs in vehicle manufacturing and across
11Currently in her first term as a Michigan
State Senator and serves as the Assistant
Democratic Floor Leader.
11Has more than a decade of experience in
product design, media and advertising
through her work with Mazda, Mattel, Gawker
Media, Hearst and other global brands.
the necessary charging infrastructure and supply
chains that support connected vehicle production.
Q:
How do we get our economy back on track in
the wake of the global COVID-19 pandemic?
McMorrow: There is no choice between public health
and the economy — they’re intricately linked.
There are easy things we can do to control the
spread of COVID-19: wear a mask, social distance,
keep surfaces clean and wash your hands.
Goldman Sachs’ chief economist estimates that
by doing so we can save as much as $1 trillion —
money that can go toward stabilizing state budgets
and providing much-needed stimulus for workers.
We face a nearly $6 billion revenue shortfall over
the next two years. Our budget must focus on getting
our basics right and investing in our state. We have
to fully fund our schools to strengthen our future
talent pipeline and sufficiently fund local municipalities
to invest in and manage essential services.
Our basic infrastructure must remain safe and
properly maintained to prevent costly and avoidable
catastrophes like the dam collapse we saw in Midland.
Q:
Name one challenge facing the industry
that you would like to tackle and how.
McMorrow: The No. 1 challenge I hear about is talent,
attracting and retaining it. Michigan leads in advanced
manufacturing yet so many jobs remain unfilled.
I’m proud to have been appointed to the Governor’s
Michigan Workforce Development Board where I will
work with LEO and stakeholders from manufacturing,
minority-, female-, and veteran-owned businesses
and Michigan’s K-12 and career training programs
to help us achieve 60 percent postsecondary
educational attainment by 2030.
I look forward to exploring how training and
education can be made more affordable and accessible.
We can create opportunities to expand awareness
of manufacturing careers, and we must invest in
community skills training programs that keep our
current workers and attract new ones to Michigan. 6