November 2018
Stormy Kromer’s globally recognized cap was announced
as the winner in a surprise on-stage reveal.
“Given the rich history of manufacturing in our
state, to be voted the winner is truly an honor,” said
Gina Thorsen, president of Stromy Kromer, a division
of Jacquart Fabric Products located in Ironwood.
“We work hard every day to make apparel and caps
that people can be proud of; whether they are the
person making it or the person selling it or, most
importantly, the people wearing it.”
The cap is a unique six-panel hat hand-stitched
by some of the world’s best craftspeople. Rich, warm
and wonderfully-fitted, the cap has been available since
1903 and continues to build on its legacy of being the
one piece of winter apparel every person has to own.
“This hat is made in a little, small town that is as
far away from this spot as I could be and still be in
our great state and we sometimes feel isolated; but
without the support we get, we couldn’t do this,”
Thorsen expressed.
Going Beyond Your Four Walls
The world’s most successful manufacturers
influence beyond their four walls. They represent
their communities. They give their time, they invest
their resources, they create connections.
MFG Community Impact Award
The team at Aircraft Precision Products, Inc.
(APPI) is comprised of men and women — from
the C-level to the shop floor — who understand the
important role manufacturers must play in their local
communities. In addition to their philanthropic
efforts, they also embrace the role of stewards for
the future through their commitment to education
and growing awareness of manufacturing careers.
MiMfg Magazine
“Businesses have a symbiotic relationship with
their communities; they create wealth, they create
jobs and new opportunities for businesses to grow,”
offered Bill Henderson, third-generation president
of the Ithaca-based manufacturer. “In return,
communities aid in preparing future employees and
aid in recruitment – we don’t operate in a vacuum.
A strong community helps everyone.”
Learn more about APPI’s belief that a rising
tide, and strong business-community connections,
really can lift all ships on page 20.
Kellogg Company: Celebrating
100 Years of Industry Support
In 1906, W.K. Kellogg founded the Battle
Creek Toasted Corn Flake Company. In 1918, the
company which would soon become the Kellogg
Company joined MMA and has since become a
trusted part of our effort to keep all manufacturers
competitive with other states and around the world.
MMA was proud to honor Kellogg Company
for 100 years of dedicated membership.
“When I look at the partnership between MMA
and Kellogg, I think the reason it works is because
both of us have stayed true to the mission and values
that we started with,” said Tracy Mihas, Kellogg’s
senior director for state government relations.
“Kellogg has always been dedicated to nourishing
families so that they can thrive. MMA remains
committed to effective advocacy, meaningful
education and strategic business services. The words
may have changed over the last century, but the
missions and their intent remain.”
Looking Forward
Michigan’s success, from top to bottom, is
manufacturing’s legacy and you all deserve to be
recognized and celebrated for making it possible.
For more information about the 2018 MFG
Excellence Awards or to learn about plans for
2019, contact MMA’s Sarah Martin, at
517-487-8521 or [email protected].
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The winner of the “Coolest Thing”
was announced live by the Luminous
Group’s Murray Sittsamer.
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