FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
Tuesday, August, 30 2016
Contact: Robynn Albert, VMEC Marketing & Training Manager
Vermont Manufacturing Extension Center (VMEC)
P.O. Box 12, Randolph Center, VT 05061
(802) 793-2078 / [email protected]
National Manufacturing Day & Vermont Manufacturing Month in October
Randolph Center, VT – The Vermont Manufacturing Extension Center (VMEC) is spreading the word about the 5th annual “National Manufacturing Day” (MFG DAY) scheduled Friday, October 7, 2016 and for “Manufacturing Month” in Vermont, as officially proclaimed by Vermont Governor Peter Shumlin on August 4. This is a great opportunity for companies to showcase to their local communities their facilities and career opportunities available in manufacturing.
Last year during National MFG DAY 2015, thousands of manufacturers across the United States opened their doors to guests in a coordinated effort to help illustrate what modern manufacturing means and inspire the next generation of manufacturers. Local celebrations may feature open houses, public plant tours and career- and education-related activities designed to increase public awareness of manufacturing. In addition to the day-long national celebration on October 7, Vermont participants are encouraged to shine their own spotlight on manufacturing by hosting events throughout the month of October and to register for free all Vermont events on the national website, www.MFGDAY.com, for easy discovery by members of the public.
According to VMEC Director & CEO Bob Zider, “Manufacturing makes a critical contribution to Vermont’s economy. It has a significant economic multiplier effect where every $1 in manufactured goods generates an estimated $1.37 in additional economic activity, the highest of any other economic sector. It also provides good paying jobs and benefits to about 32,000 Vermonters which is over 10% of Vermont’s working population and it contributes about $2.9 billion annually or 10% of our state’s gross domestic product (GDP). Every manufacturing job supports at least an additional 1.6 jobs, with each ‘advanced’ manufacturing job supporting as many as 4.9 other jobs. Vermont is fortunate to be the home of many excellent manufacturers that produce and sell innovative products and services, with quite a few companies considered to be world leaders in their respective industries. Many folks don’t know that our manufacturers provide about two-thirds of all private sector research and development, driving more innovation than any other sector. Importantly, most also provide outstanding career opportunities with many excellent jobs being available right now in our companies! We need to do all that we can to proactively celebrate Vermont’s manufacturers and support their long-term growth. Participating in “National MFG DAY” and “Manufacturing Month in Vermont” activities throughout October is an outstanding way to learn about our great companies, demonstrate support for them and perhaps enjoy a variety of fun-filled family adventures involving manufacturing.”
The National MFG DAY effort is co-produced by the Fabricators & Manufacturers Association – International (FMA), the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), the Manufacturing Institute (MI) and the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s (NIST) Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) with whom VMEC is affiliated.
To learn more or register your MFG DAY 2016 event, log on to www.MFGDAY.com where many free resources and ideas are available to companies, organizations and educational institutions desiring to host special events.
About VMEC: Hosted by Vermont Technical College (VTC) since 1995, VMEC has operated as a not-for-profit with a primary mission, “To help improve and grow manufacturing in Vermont and strengthen the global competitiveness of the state’s manufacturers.” A local resource and trusted adviser to enterprises of all sizes, The VMEC Team brings world-class expertise in consulting, coaching, hands-on implementation support, training and education for leaders and workers. Through the VMEC PSG business unit established in 2006, on a selected basis VMEC also brings its process, strategy and innovation expertise to non-manufacturing business, non-profit, healthcare and government sectors in Vermont. VMEC provides proven Systems and Solutions focused on Strategies, Processes, Products, Technologies and People.
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