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MiMfg Magazine
September 2019
2019 MMA Legislators of the Year
Without the support of pro-manufacturing legislative champions at the Capitol, MMA’s effort to advocate
on behalf of manufacturers for a competitive business environment would be severely hindered.
Senator Ken Horn
(R-Frankenmuth)
In recognition of:
Steadfast leadership in
securing Michigan’s Going
PRO Talent Fund as a
resource for manufacturers
now and in the future
Senator Jim Stamas
(R-Midland)
In recognition of:
Constant and unwavering support,
even in the face of numerous
obstacles, toward legislation
which will improve awareness of
available manufacturing careers
Q: What does Michigan manufacturing mean to you? Q: What does Michigan manufacturing mean to you?
Senator Horn: When I was named chair of the
Senate Small Business and Economic Development
Committee, I asked employers what they needed to
make Michigan great again and continue our economic
recovery. Everyone shared the same story — they
need skilled workers. They are willing to pay to
train and retain good employees. As we’ve pushed
students toward college in recent decades, we’ve left
thousands of high-paying jobs unfilled that, by the
way, cost much less to train for. We have to address
the changing landscape now. If we don’t adjust our
focus, our manufacturing industry can’t grow.
Senator Stamas: Michigan manufacturing is the
heartbeat of our economy — accounting for nearly
one-fifth of our gross state product and employing
over 620,000 workers. It led our economic recovery
and helped us reduce our state unemployment
by 70 percent — from 14.2 percent in 2009 to
4.2 percent in June 2019.
Manufacturing is more than just creating jobs,
it’s about people building a better place. It’s about
a fulfillment of American ingenuity — innovative
problem-solving for our societies and assembling
a dedicated team to make those ideas a reality.
Q: Talent is one of the top concerns for manufacturers Q: In what ways will your commitment to skilled
of all sizes. How will the continuation of Michigan’s
Going PRO Talent Fund aid in offering employers
solutions to their workforce challenge?
Senator Horn: The Going PRO Talent Fund has
successfully created jobs and advanced employee
opportunities. However, its dependence on an annual
appropriation created uncertainty from year to year.
Last term I proudly sponsored Senate Bill 946
which solidified the program firmly into state law
for the future. Changing the name to Going PRO
better reflects the broad nature of training and
promotes the significance of our professional trades,
but more importantly we expanded the timeline for
training completion. With training now occurring
within a year of the award, employers have more
flexibility in the training programs they can offer.
Because Going PRO has a strong emphasis on
enhancing talent and productivity from within,
workforce retention is a significant outcome.
Q: What does this Award mean to you?
Senator Horn: I’m proud to accept the MMA’s
Legislator of the Year award, but this is really a part
of a team effort working closely with MMA during
all my years in the Legislature. MMA helps me be
a better legislator because our relationship is a true
partnership to grow jobs. If I had an award to
present to an association of the year, I would
wholeheartedly present it to MMA.
trades talent help Michigan prepare its future
workforce for the careers of a modern,
manufacturing-driven economy?
Senator Stamas: None of Michigan’s success or our
current recovery would be possible without a skilled
workforce. As manufacturing and our economy
continue to grow in the future, we must ensure our
workers are ready for success.
Schools must prepare our students to meet the
growing needs for skilled workers or we risk
manufacturers moving jobs and new investment
outside of Michigan. That is not acceptable. We
must continue to support science, technology,
engineering and mathematics (STEM) education in
our schools and encourage students to consider
careers in manufacturing and other skilled trades.
Q: What does this Award mean to you?
Senator Stamas: It’s an honor to be recognized by
the MMA and its members for the work we have
achieved together to make Michigan the best place
possible for families, workers and job creators.
We’ve worked hard to create a positive environment
where manufacturers can thrive and create new
opportunities. Manufacturers employ thousands of
Michigan workers and contribute billions of dollars
each year to our state, our communities and our schools,
and I look forward to continuing to work with
them to improve our state for generations to come.