February 3, 2021
Event Schedule (event details subject to change)
8:45 - 9:15 AM
9:15 - 10 AM
10 - 10:15 AM
10:15 - 10:30 AM
10:30 - 11:30 AM
11:30 - 11:45 AM
11:45 AM - 12:45 PM
12:45 - 1:30 PM
1:30 - 2:25 PM
2:25 - 2:30 PM
Welcome - David Moore, President & CEO Paul Mueller and Chairman of the MAM Board of Directors
Introduction and Commitment - Michael Eaton, Missouri Association of Manufacturers Executive Director
Perspective - Terri Tucker, Tucker Resources - Exceptional Cultures of Engagement and Responsibility
Keynote Address - Aron Ralston, Author - Outdoor Adventurer - subject of the
movie, 127 Hours
Q & A with Aron - Aron will answer questions posted through our chat feature
Autographed Book Drawings and Personal Break - Recognition of Sponsors
Promoting, Preserving and Advancing Manufacturing Panel Discussion
Join panelists from Red Crow Marketing, Boeing, and KPMG as they discuss
moving forward in 2021
Morning Wrap Up and Announcements
Lunch Break
Manufacturing Virtual Plant Tour - Cambridge Air Solutions, Chesterfield, MO
Missouri Governor, Mike Parson will join us to welcome attendees and our panelists
State by State: The Voice of Manufacturing Panel Discussion - Hear industry
leaders from Alabama, Michigan, Missouri, Minnesota and Kentucky discuss
the challenges they face, issues from manufacturers in their state and how
they are 'gearing up' for a better 2021.
Closing Comments
State by State: The Voice of Manufacturing - Panelists
MIKE PARSON - Missouri Governor
Michael L. Parson was sworn in as Missouri’s 57th Governor on June 1, 2018, and after winning the November election, was sworn in again on January 11, 2021. He came into the role of governor with a longtime commitment to serving others with over 30 years of experience in public service. Paron was re-elected and sworn in on January 11, 2021
From day one, workforce development has been a major focus for Governor Parson. In many ways, Missouri’s economy is strong – incomes are up, taxes are down, and new markets are opening up for trade. Since January 2017, Missouri’s unemployment rate has fallen and remains at near-historic lows.
The Governor’s proposal to improve economic and workforce development through a reorganization of state government was overwhelmingly supported by the General Assembly. Through these reorganization efforts, government will be more efficient and accountable to the people. The restructuring also included several measures to address the state’s growing workforce challenges.
GEORGE CLARK - President, Manufacture Alabama
George Clark is the president of Manufacture Alabama, the only trade association in Alabama dedicated to creating a business and political climate that promotes a positive, competitive environment and enhances the opportunity for growth of Alabama manufacturers." As president,
Clark acts as CEO and principal for the organization.
Clark is a graduate of Marion Military Institute, before going on to earn a bachelor's degree in commerce and business from the University of Alabama and his Juris Doctorate degree from the University of Alabama School of Law. He served two terms in the Alabama House of Representatives.
He was president of the Alabama Industry and Manufacturers Association (AIM) trade organization after he helped start the organization in 1996 before it became Manufacture Alabama.
In 2013, Clark was appointed by Governor of Alabama Robert J. Bentley to the Governor’s College & Career Ready Task Force, which studied methods to help Alabamans in the labor force.
Clark currently serves as the Chairman of the Alabama Workforce Investment Board. The AWIB oversees Alabama’s WIOA programs and aims to provide "advice and policy guidance to the governor on building a strong workforce development system that aligns with economic development and skills training goals in the state."
Clark is also the former Vice-chair of the Alabama Workforce Council (AWC). The AWC came out of the College & Career Ready Task Force and works "to foster collaboration between government, industry and education" to ensure "that all Alabamians have the capacity to pursue their educational goals and realize long-term career opportunities." Clark remains a member of the AWC.
In addition to his roles on the WIOA Board and the AWC, Clark serves on the Alabama Apprenticeship Council and Governor Kay Ivey’s STEM Council.
LEE LINGO - Executive Director, Kentucky Association of Manufacturers
Lee Lingo has two decades of leadership experience in non-profit management, sales, and marketing. He has successfully worked with stakeholders at the local, state, and national level to strengthen economic opportunities.
He is a graduate of Murray State University, the US Chamber of Commerce’s Institute for Organizational Management, Leadership Hopkins County, and is a World Trade Center Kentucky Board Member and Certified International Commerce Specialist. He also serves on the Kentucky Community and Technical College Foundation.
JOHN WALSH - President & CEO, Michigan Manufacturing Association
John was named President & CEO of the Michigan Manufacturers Association (MMA) in January 2020. MMA is the state’s leading advocate dedicated to securing a prosperous future for Michigan manufacturers through effective advocacy, meaningful education and strategic business services. Before taking on the role as MMA’s leader,
John served as the State Budget Director for Michigan where he was responsible for coordinating all aspects of the State’s $57 billion budget. Prior to that he served as Director of Strategic Policy for Governor Rick Snyder and for three terms in the Michigan House of Representatives. He was recognized by his peers as the most effective legislator in 2013 and as Legislator of the Year by MIRS News in 2014.
As Speaker Pro Tempore of the Michigan House, John led the legislative effort as part of the “Grand Bargain,” contributing to the successful conclusion of Detroit’s historic bankruptcy. A year later, he led negotiations on behalf of Governor Snyder to avoid a $3 billion bankruptcy facing Detroit Public Schools, resulting in the restoration of local control and a stable financial position for the district.
John previously served as an executive at Schoolcraft College where he was responsible for development, government and external relations, grants and related administrative and legal matters. He was also responsible for the College’s Business Development Center and served as Executive Director of the internationally recognized Schoolcraft College Culinary Arts program.
Prior to joining Schoolcraft College, John was founder and principal with the law firm of Raymond, Walsh & Enwright, PC, specializing in mergers and acquisitions, finance and general corporate law. He had previously been a member of Lewis, White & Clay, PC, and was senior counsel with Unisys Corporation.
He received a Juris Doctorate from Wayne State University College of Law and a Bachelor of Arts in public policy analysis from James Madison College of Michigan State University.
John also is an Aspen Rodel Fellow and serves on numerous civic and philanthropic boards.
ROY SMITH - Director of Talent/Workforce Development, Minnesota IRRRB
Roy Smith is a graduate of Hibbing Community College, holds a Bachelor’s degree from Bemidji State University, a Master’s degree from St. Cloud State University, and an Educational Specialist degree in education leadership from Southeastern University.
Roy brings with him over 20 years in education as a teacher and school administrator as well as an extensive network of industry partnerships. In 2005, recognizing the critical links between education, economic development and industry, IRRRB and the Northeast Minnesota Higher Education District appointed Smith as Director of Workforce Development responsible for developing and tracking a trained workforce to enhance economic growth across northeastern Minnesota.
Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton recently appointed Smith to the Governor’s Workforce Development Council.
MICHAEL EATON - Executive Director, Missouri Association of Manufacturers
Michael Eaton joined Missouri Association of Manufacturers, the only organization dedicated solely to representing the interests of manufacturers in Missouri with the primary focus of promoting, preserving and advancing manufacturing, in 2020.