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MiMfg Magazine
June 2019
Keynote
Chuck Hadden
Conversation MMA
MFG Excellence Awards
Q: The
are back for a third year on
11/7/19. The first two events
were sold out and well
received, with the inaugural
receiving the top award for
events from the Michigan
Society of Association Executives.
Why do you think the Awards
have resonated so well?
Hadden: Manufacturers do so much for Michigan’s
local communities and most of it the general public
never hears about. The MFG Excellence Awards
allows manufacturers to share their stories and
recognize the hard work of their people and of their
peers. Manufacturers work to create great products
while people drive by without knowing the
amazing stuff happening inside these buildings.
Not enough organizations recognize that. The
MFG Excellence Awards is our annual effort for
helping manufacturers step away from the shop
floor and into the spotlight.
are open until August 23. Do you
Q: Nominations
have suggestions for first-time nominators?
Hadden: There are plenty of things I think new
nominators, and returning ones, can do to receive
recognition on Awards Night. First, don’t wait
until the last minute. We’ve streamlined the
nomination process to make it easier than ever,
but that doesn’t mean you don’t want to put in the
time to make your nomination(s) shine. Second,
fresh eyes are best so find ways to let your nomina-
tions get reviewed by multiple eyes — and step
away for a day or two, you may find things worth
changing or adding.
Third, include letters of recommendation, news
items or other resources where possible. Talk
with colleagues, customers, your state senator or
representative or members of your local chambers.
Finally, consider self-nomination. Nobody can tell
your story like you can. If your leaders are shy about
taking credit, remind them that even individual
success is a product of the whole team’s hard work.
1 1 Joined MMA in 1993 and named
President & CEO in September 2008.
1 1 Inducted into the Michigan Society of
Associate Executives Hall of Fame in
September 2018.
1 1 Was instrumental in obtaining passage of
significant legislation that will benefit the
manufacturing sector for years to come in
Michigan’s tax and energy policies.
2019 Awards feature a great deal of
Q: The
history plus new awards like the MFG Woman
of the Year. What led to this new award?
Hadden: Women are an integral part of manufacturing.
The fact that they make up half the population but
not even a third of the industry’s workforce should
be proof we are not doing enough to make
manufacturing a realistic career option for women.
A young girl can be interested in robotics or
engineering or metalwork, but for that interest to
remain a part of her, she needs to see it as a
possibility. Having a role model can help. Having
someone she can point to and say “I want to be
like her” can be the difference between a childhood
dream and a career reality.
The MFG Woman of the Year Award helps us
to both recognize female manufacturers for their
achievements today and to provide young women
with real role models doing amazing things.
“Coolest Thing Made in Michigan” Award,
Q: The
debuted last year, was presented to Stormy
Kromer during a live reveal at the 2018 Awards.
The entry process is a little different for this
category; what can you tell us about recognizing
Michigan’s coolest products?
Hadden: This was one of my favorite awards from
last year. The reaction from the Stormy Kromer team
was so great. And this isn’t recognition from MMA
or just other manufacturers, the Coolest Thing
award is decided by votes from the general public.
Nominations are simple. You snap a photo,
write a couple sentences on why it’s cool and share
it with the hashtag #coolestmimfg. There are two
rounds of voting and it’s all done on MLive. But
remember, social media requires action so get your
team voting and sharing when voting opens.
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