MBN is excited to announce the relaunch of a show on our network, Build Smart. Lead Strong. The show highlights the innovative work being done by Michigan manufacturers.

In this inaugural episode, Chris Holman welcomes to the network, show host and Executive Director of Manufacturing Growth Alliance, Elizabeth Bernhard, Executive Director of the Manufacturing Growth Alliance. She is also joined by Jennifer M. Deamud, of Kinnexus who preceded Elizabeth in leading MGA. Elizabeth then shares a five-part interview with Steve Jackson, COO of Eagle Technologies, and a board member with MGA.

More than a year into the pandemic, 2021 is shaping up to be another interesting and historic year with a slew of impactful federal and state legislative action, requirements, and guidelines. There’s no shortage of critical areas for businesses to navigate. In this episode, MGA talks with Rehmann as we discuss planning opportunities and critical considerations for manufacturers -- including the employee retention credit, research and development credit, and navigating state and local tax guidance.

On this episode of Build Smart. Lead Strong. is Micro Visions Inc.'s President and Owner, Julie Lough, and Account Executive, Ben Knighton. Micro Visions Inc. is an IT solutions partner. They offer a wide variety of IT services, consulting, and project management expertise. Listen to the podcast to hear about how to prepare a manufacturing facility for a cyber-attack and the importance of protecting digital machinery.

Small manufacturers who need to expand their workforce have an opportunity to hear more about how Returning Citizens (those who have returned to the community after serving time) can be a great resource to alleviate workforce challenges. Returning citizens face many barriers as they return to the community from incarceration. Through the efforts of the Offender Employment & Opportunities Unit and the Offender Success Administrative Agencies, many of these barriers are reduced. Listen and learn how you can access a skilled workforce to support your manufacturing facility.

JEM Tech Group has been in business for 42 years. They provide mission-critical infrastructure to a wide variety of businesses, including manufacturers. New procedures, technologies, and practices are being introduced on almost a daily basis, which makes the manufacturing industry among the most interesting and challenging. Listen to Jami Moore, President of JEM Tech Group share insights and trends impacting manufacturers.

Michigan manufacturers need workforce solutions. MGA spoke with Roy Lemke, Director of Operations at Pro Services about their Full Maintenance Team resource. They provide a turnkey solution for manufacturers to consistently have the maintenance team. Listen to acquire a strategic approach to alleviating workforce challenges.

Since 1991, the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center (MMTC) has offered personalized services that enable Michigan manufacturers to operate smarter, compete and prosper.

A firefighter’s handmade toffee has evolved into an award-winning soft toffee manufacturing business. Andrew Chmielewski knew his father’s toffee recipe was one of a kind, so he started manufacturing the toffee several years ago. Andrew and his confectionary team have grown the business year-after-year. Along the way, they have been the recipient of many awards. Join Jenn as she interviews Andrew on what makes “Dave’s Sweet Tooth” toffee so great, and how they continue to innovate resulting in “sweet” company growth.