#14 Being Future-Ready with Jennifer Deamud, ED of the Manufacturing Growth Alliance

In this episode, Willie’s travels take him to Benton Harbour, Michigan, to talk with Jennifer Deamud – the executive director of the Manufacturing Growth Alliance (MGA). Jennifer has over twenty years’ experience leading teams, establishing strategic direction, and achieving operational excellence. Respected for helping organizations innovate, thrive, and grow, and known for optimizing resources to achieve core mission while satisfying stakeholders, Jennifer has a successful track record as a forward-thinking leader who has a passion to serve others. Jennifer earned a master’s degree in Public Administration and a second master’s degree in Communications from Grand Valley State University (GSVU). She participates on a number of national, state and community boards and, in her spare time, Jennifer is also a Girl Scout troop leader and mentor to women exiting jail through the New Beginnings program at the Women’s Resource Center. A very impressive portfolio! Today’s episode covers how Jennifer Deamud’s organization, the Manufacturing Growth Alliance (MGA), seeks to nurture and support second stage manufacturers in the state of Michigan – helping them get ‘future-ready’ by attracting both women and young people to the industry, even partnering with the education sector to ensure that training is provided for future talent! Jennifer also defines ‘opportunity zones’ in the state of Michigan and how attractive they are to manufacturing businesses. Finally, Willie and Jennifer discuss how the MGA helps small and second stage manufacturers, particularly those with 100 employees or less, through the various phases of their development, as well as six key areas that small manufacturers should consider in order to remain competitive. Tune in to this great episode today!

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