G
reetings to all of our MMA members! It is an
absolute honor to address you as the new
President & CEO. Having served Michigan both as
a member of the House of Representatives and as
the State Budget Director, I worked with dozens of
associations but few had the consistent reputation
for impeccable service and dedication as the MMA.
When working with [former President & CEO]
Chuck Hadden and the Association’s Government
Affairs team, it was evident to me that the MMA
was fully invested in advancing the interests of its
members and promoting manufacturing.
And manufacturing is also something deeply
important to me as a lifelong resident of Michigan
and having worked with manufacturers throughout
my career. The industry is forever linked to our state’s
history and remains a crucial part of our future success.
This is why, when given the opportunity to succeed
Chuck as MMA’s President & CEO, I said “Yes.”
This is a huge responsibility! With a dedicated
mission focused solely on securing a prosperous
future for Michigan manufacturers, the MMA is
the state’s only association solely invested in this
unique and impactful industry. Manufacturing is
responsible for nearly one-fifth of the state GDP
and we cannot underestimate the important role MMA
can and should play in supporting manufacturing
innovation, investment and job creation.
With a clear vision and a strong and motivated
team, I am convinced that our best days as an
association are ahead.
Across our nearly 120-year history, MMA has
remained a critical force in the manufacturing industry.
While honoring that history and recognizing changes
within the industry, I outlined my strategy for moving
the Association forward during my interviews with
the search committee and in subsequent conversations
with the MMA Board of Directors. This is not
about changing for the sake of change or disrupting
our best work, but rather a desire to position the
organization for success in all fundamental areas of
operation, including aggressive strategies for membership
growth, a powerful advocacy team and competitive
insurance and service products.
My plan going forward is focused entirely on
our members and requires time, resources and your
support. My goal is to ensure that MMA’s foundation
remains firmly rooted in member service and
effective advocacy while planning for additional
investments and support services to make our brand
more valuable to members.
To that end, MMA has implemented an internal
staff reorganization that will ensure a unified and strong
value proposition to manufacturers, policymakers
and stakeholders across the state. This realignment
will solidify our status as the go-to advocate and voice
for manufacturing at the State Capitol, and ensure a
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greater awareness of manufacturing and the MMA
brand across Michigan while elevating our service
offerings to meet the changing needs of industry.
This was my plan in early March and it remains
my plan today, but I cannot pretend that the world
is the same as it was just four months ago.
The Impact of COVID-19
and MMA’s Response
COVID-19 has certainly presented challenges
beyond what could have ever been expected. We’ve
seen economic disruption, a new talent and workforce
crisis, concerns about cash shortages and questions
about how to locate resources essential to an effective
restart of local businesses. It has been the most
difficult moment Michigan has faced since the
recession of 2009 — but it doesn’t have to become
our darkest hour.
John was unanimously approved as CEO
by the MMA Board at the culmination of a
rigorous search process. He has hit the
ground running and effectively reintroduced
the MMA as Michigan’s premiere voice for
manufacturing during the COVID-19
pandemic. MMA membership has been
indispensable for my manufacturing
business, and as a board member I am
excited about John’s plans to build upon
and expand that success.
— Bill Henderson, President of Aircraft
Precision Products and Chairman of
the MMA Board of Directors
I have been so inspired by the response of MMA
members and of all manufacturers during these last few
months. In the face of unforeseen and unimaginable
obstacles, hundreds of manufacturers stepped up
and offered to help. Even as COVID-19 has resulted
in stay at home orders and social distancing, I believe
it’s also helped bring manufacturers together.
Looking at MMA’s trajectory going forward,
our response to COVID-19 will be a moment we
can look back on with pride. Stakeholders have taken
note of our efforts to provide immediate, clear and
relevant information to our membership. We’ve
connected with stakeholders like never before.
We’ve been able to highlight our resources and the
value we can bring to the industry and to the state
of Michigan. I’m more certain now than ever that
manufacturers are ready for any challenge in
the next decade. If we can face it like we’ve