July 2020 MiMfg Magazine 15
networking opportunities, and for others it is about
cost-savings. The services we provide — like cyber
threat protection, shipping services, parts cleaning
and decontamination, discounts on office supplies
and car rentals — and the insurance programs we
offer — health, life, disability, dental, vision, 401(k)
programs and workers’ compensation — create
incredible value-add propositions for our members…
and we want to do more!
MMA’s response to the COVID-19 crisis led to
the creation of MFG Tools for Safe & Productive
Operations, an interactive resource providing concise
practical guidance that connects manufacturers with a
variety of services and products to help expedite
their restart efforts. This resource has also connected
MMA with new providers including HoMedics and
Safely6ft.com. I am confident that MMA’s portfolio
of value-added services will grow as the Association
looks for additional ways to offer competitive
member value under the continued leadership of
Larry Janicki, President of the MMA Service
Corporation (MMASC).
Moving forward, we will be asking members what
they need and non-members what would entice them
to join. Let us know if you have an idea for MMA
to consider, one that might offer a valuable solution
or cost-savings tool for all members.
Building Awareness & Brand Identity
With a 24/7 news cycle and the public advocacy
stage noisier than ever, MMA must strengthen our
brand and set ourselves apart to demonstrate our service
commitment, value proposition and influence.
MMA has already dramatically increased our
communications with members and the public. The
rapid pace at which government guidance, relief and
restrictions have been issued related to COVID-19
has provided a unique opportunity to elevate MMA’s
value to members, prospects and other external
stakeholders. We have been able to attract new interest
and in 2020 have surpassed the media outreach of
past years in less than six months. We are committed
to accelerating these efforts to ensure that Michigan
is talking about us and our members every day.
The value of serving all manufacturers rather
than a small subset ensures a stronger MMA.
John’s goal of strengthening our portfolio of
services will allow us to positively represent
more manufacturers and meet the needs of
more employers who may not know where to
go for insurance and other services. This gives
us the clout needed to continue to advocate
for the best interests of all manufacturers.
— Larry Janicki, MMASC President
This publication, MiMfg Magazine, will continue
to provide you with information and strategies to
solve your most difficult challenges, COVID-19 or
not. Moving forward, it will shine a much brighter
spotlight on manufacturers themselves — your
stories and your strategies.
MMA’s Focused Future
The last few months have taken a toll on everyone.
Businesses have struggled and those pains won’t
disappear overnight, but during this time I’ve seen
the best of manufacturing and am confident that
MMA, our members and manufacturing in Michigan
can achieve great things.
In order to stay the course, continued engagement
with you, our members, is more essential than ever.
You can expect better, more valuable communication
from us and we ask that you continue to share your
successes and your concerns with us. We have to work
together in order for MMA to serve you better.
Since 1902, MMA has been the voice for industry
because, like you, we don’t stay still and we don’t go
backward. I’m so excited about what the future of
this Association looks like.
Thank you for allowing us to be your voice;
I look forward to serving you.
John J. Walsh, MMA President & CEO
[email protected] • 517-487-8550
Your Support is Critical
Contributing to the MMA-PAC is an investment in
Michigan’s future and one of the most affordable
and effective ways to support pro-manufacturing
legislators and candidates.
Donate at mimfg.org or contact Brianna Mills at
517-487-8523 or [email protected].
“Our ability to support pro-manufacturing
candidates is imperative as antimanufacturing
voices are working
strategically against our industry.”
— Patrick Curry, MMA-PAC Chair
and President of Fullerton Tool
MMA-PAC can accept personal contributions or contributions from sole-proprietorships, partnerships or limited liability companies (LLCs). State Law prohibits acceptance of corporate checks.