Manufacturing an American Century AMCC

This week, Matt sat down with the Director of Defense Industry Initiatives, Michael Mullins, out of North Carolina State University’s Industry Expansion Solutions to talk about North Carolina's integral role in national manufacturing; defense, textiles and more. As lead of defense initiatives with NC’s MEP Center, Mullins has an expansive view on how the state leverages its historical strengths in textiles to meet modern defense needs with the help of the MEP and driven by long-time and new manufacturing outfits. 

Mullins stresses the importance of a strong communication strategy to ensure small manufacturers are aware of the resources available to aid their growth and sustainability, and on the host of warm potential partnerships across academia, workforce ,state and local government and more to build a resilient manufacturing ecosystem capable of responding to national needs. To Mullins, a former Marine and retired Army Lieutenant Colonel, adaptability and responsiveness are key qualities of an effective manufacturing ecosystem to deliver value to its manufacturers. Thanks Michael for joining Manufacturing an American Century! 

Tune in, subscribe, and contribute as we continue to delve into the stories shaping American manufacturing today! New episodes are released every two weeks!

AMCC’s podcast is made possible in part by the pro bono expertise of Mike McAllen, founder of Podcasting4Associations. Are you part of an association also looking to produce a podcast? Let us get you in touch with Mike.

Thank you to the Economic Development Administration for their partnership in producing this podcast. This podcast was partly prepared using Federal funds under award 3070145 from the Economic Development Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce. The statements, findings, conclusions, and recommendations are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Economic Development Administration or the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Participants:Michael Mullins, Director of Defense Industry Initiatives, North Carolina State Industry Expansion Solutions (IES)Matt Bogoshian: Executive Director, American Manufacturing Communities Collaborative and host of the podcast.


💡 Key Ideas:Ecosystem Building: North Carolina's approach to building a manufacturing support ecosystem involves collaboration across various stakeholders to strengthen the regional manufacturing base.Federal and State Partnerships: The state works closely with federal programs and leverages state-specific initiatives to enhance the defense manufacturing capabilities of local businesses.Focus on Small Manufacturers: There is a significant focus on aiding small manufacturers, which are vital to the defense supply chain and local economies.


🔗Links to Learn More:Learn more about NCSU’s Industry Expansion Solutions MEP Center.Find Michael on Linkedin.Follow AMCC on Linkedin.Find Matt on Linkedin.Visit our website.


See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this week’s episode, Matt Bogoshian was lucky to have two exceptional guests from the global nonprofit, RTI International, come on Manufacturing an American Century to explain RTI’s history in supporting regional economic development, and where we all go from here to achieve sustainable growth. I had the pleasure of sitting down with RTI’s President & CEO, Tim Gabel, as well as Director for Economic Development, Sara Lawrence. As AMCC is leading an EDA Community of Practice, we had the good fortune to meet and learn about Sara through RTI’s Community of Practice for Build Back Better Regional Challenge award winners through this EDA initiative.

In the episode, Tim and Sara explore the transformative role of RTI in regional economic development. Originally established to combat brain drain and stimulate job creation around North Carolina's Research Triangle Park, RTI has grown into a global leader with a mission to improve the human condition. Tim shares this journey, and how the core of regional economic development that RTI originated from still guides its work in helping other regions advance their priorities. Sara goes on to detail how RTI supports broad-based economic growth with regional stakeholders through strategic planning, sophisticated data analysis, and effective storytelling. The two discuss RTI's role in the Build Back Better Regional Challenge, highlighting impactful strategies to adapt high-level information into approachable technical assistance that meets local needs. Curious about how regions can thrive through such innovative collaborations? RTI's journey offers compelling insights.

And, looking ahead, my guests talk about the importance of communities developing resilience to adapt and thrive even as external funding wanes. The conversation underscores a shared vision that we all ought to be working towards; that is the building of sustainable practices that leverage innovation and collective action to improve community well-being and economic competitiveness for American regions, onward!

Tune in, subscribe, and contribute as we continue to delve into the stories shaping American manufacturing today! New episodes are released every two weeks!

AMCC’s podcast is made possible in part by the pro bono expertise of Mike McAllen, founder of Podcasting4Associations. Are you part of an association also looking to produce a podcast? Let us get you in touch with Mike.

Thank you to the Economic Development Administration for their partnership in producing this podcast. This podcast was prepared in part using Federal funds under award 3070145 from the Economic Development Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce. The statements, findings, conclusions, and recommendations are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Economic Development Administration or the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Big Concept:

RTI’s Tim Gabel and Sara Lawrence speak from experience when they explain the importance of building lasting community capabilities for economic development beyond temporary public investment since they lived it! RTI played a major role in accelerating the “flywheel effect” driving North Carolina innovation and business development in Research Triangle Park. Now, RTI’s collaboration with the Economic Development Administration’s Building Better Regions initiative is bringing new energy to regions across the country to achieve sustainable development in manufacturing and across other sectors!

Participants:Tim Gabel, President & CEO; RTI InternationalSara Lawrence, Director, Economic Development; RTI InternationalMatt Bogoshian: Executive Director, American Manufacturing Communities Collaborative and host of the podcast.


💡 Key Ideas:Building “Muscle Memory”: Tim speaks to the importance of a region to continue collaborating iteratively and over a long period of time in order to build “reps” for greater community-level coordination.Focus in Noisy

In this episode of Manufacturing an American Century, Matt Bogoshian discusses the importance of public-private collaborations with William B. Eggers, Executive Director for Deloitte’s Center for Government Insights, author, and thought leader in government innovation and collaboration. Eggers has a storied history of investigating effective public policy vehicles and their implementation via real, on-the-ground actors. In his stories and several books, Eggers envisions a pathway to a more agile, collaborative government made up of “Bridgebuilders”, or those that practice Systems Leadership working outside of their specific siloes to produce greater benefits for all.

Eggers emphasizes the necessity of building trust networks and adopting regional strategies to leverage local strengths. He points out that solving big problems requires more than just policy formulation; it demands effective execution. Eggers shares examples from his book illustrating how diverse stakeholders, including governments, private sectors, and nonprofits, can come together to create impactful solutions. He highlights the role of data in building trust and ensuring accountability among partners. The critical conversation underlines the importance of viewing challenges through a regional lens, allowing for more tailored and effective interventions by more actors.

Tune in, subscribe, and contribute as we continue to delve into the stories shaping American manufacturing today! New episodes are released every two weeks!

AMCC’s podcast is made possible in part by the pro bono expertise of Mike McAllen, founder of Podcasting4Associations. Are you part of an association also looking to produce a podcast? Let us get you in touch with Mike.

Thank you to the Economic Development Administration for their partnership in producing this podcast. This podcast was prepared in part using Federal funds under award 3070145 from the Economic Development Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce. The statements, findings, conclusions, and recommendations are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Economic Development Administration or the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Big Concept:

How can we all work to create a nation of Bridge Builders? William Eggers, Executive Director for Deloitte’s Center for Government Insights, author, and thought leader in government innovation and collaboration, discusses the vital role of cross-sector partnerships in solving societal challenges and the importance of trust and regional strategies in implementing these solutions effectively.

Participants:William D. Eggers, Executive Director, Deloitte’s Center for Government InsightsMatt Bogoshian: Executive Director, American Manufacturing Communities Collaborative and host of the podcast.💡 Key Ideas:Cross-Sector Collaboration: Eggers describes the shift toward recognizing that no single organization can solve major challenges alone; almost every significant issue requires deep cross-sector collaboration.The Race to Trust: Building trust through consistent interactions among stakeholders is crucial for successful collaborations and achieving collective impact. Eggers proposes a regional approach to problem-solving that highlights the necessity for local autonomy and the importance of aligning regional strengths with national and global goals.Educating Bridge Builders: Eggers shares the urgent need to train individuals in cross-sector collaboration and systems thinking, as well as empowering government agencies to adopt agile methods to adapt to rapid changes and crises in today's world.🔗Links:Connect with William on LinkedinGet a copy of Bridgebuilders: How Government Can Transcend Boundaries to Solve Big ProblemsMore on William at Deloitte's Center for Government InsightsFollow AMCCFind Matt on LinkedinVisit our website


See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not

In the episode, Matt Bogoshian speaks with Michelle Burris from The Century Foundation about efforts to diversify the American manufacturing workforce.

Michelle explains how leveraging federal legislation and building partnerships with organizations across the country can increase workforce diversity.

She shares success stories from TCF’s Industry & Inclusion Cohort, with community colleges like Sierra College and Bishop State Community College, showcasing their initiatives to support women and people of color in manufacturing.

The conversation emphasizes the necessity of breaking down industry silos and working within ecosystems to meet diversity goals.

Michelle also shares her personal journey, from her upbringing in Washington, D.C., to her time with the Peace Corps in Rwanda, adding a unique perspective on the importance of diversity, education, and cultural understanding in shaping professional pathways.

The discussion also covers the positive impact of federal policies like the Chips and Science Act on diversifying and revitalizing the manufacturing workforce, highlighting the importance of policy advocacy and celebrating achievements in this area. Thanks to Michelle for joining Manufacturing an American Century and helping build pathways for ALL Americans that seize the opportunity in advanced manufacturing careers!

Tune in, subscribe, and contribute as we continue to delve into the stories shaping American manufacturing today! New episodes are released every two weeks!

AMCC’s podcast is made possible partly by the pro bono expertise of Mike McAllen, founder of Podcasting4Associations. Are you part of an association that is also looking to produce a podcast? Let us get you in touch with Mike.

Thank you to the Economic Development Administration for their partnership in producing this podcast. This podcast was prepared in part using Federal funds under award 3070145 from the Economic Development Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce. The statements, findings, conclusions, and recommendations are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Economic Development Administration or the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Big Concept:

How do we focus on equity in manufacturing workforce talent pathways? Michelle discusses innovative strategies for increasing diversity in the American manufacturing workforce, leveraging federal legislation and partnerships with organizations across the country through The Century Foundation’s Industry and Inclusion cohort.

Participants:Michelle Burris, Fellow, The Century FoundationMatt Bogoshian: Executive Director, American Manufacturing Communities Collaborative and host of the podcast.
💡 Key Ideas:Public-Private Partnerships: Michelle discusses the importance of cross-silo collaboration for increasing diversity in manufacturing, providing examples across the U.S. of community colleges and organizations creating opportunities for underrepresented groups.The Importance of Consistent Interactions: Building trust through consistent stakeholder interactions is crucial for successful collaborations and achieving collective impact. Michelle recommends industry roundtables as one strategy to achieve consistent meetings.Leveraging Federal Policies: Michelle shares her excitement about the federal policy landscape, such as the Chips and Science Act, which promises to bring manufacturing opportunities to economically disadvantaged communities.


🔗Links:Connect with Michelle on LinkedinMichelle at The Century FoundationFollow AMCCFind Matt on LinkedinVisit our website


See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this insightful episode, Matt Fieldman shares the success and strategies behind the America Works program, focusing on strengthening the manufacturing workforce across the United States.

Through collaboration with the Manufacturing Extension Partnership system, community colleges, and other stakeholders, America Works addresses critical workforce challenges by improving recruitment, upskilling current employees, and implementing company-focused strategies. Fieldman discusses specific examples of innovative partnerships, like those with Lincoln Electric and the Uniquely Abled Project, that demonstrate the program's commitment to creating inclusive opportunities for diverse and often underestimated populations. These initiatives not only fill immediate labor shortages but also contribute to the long-term sustainability and competitiveness of the manufacturing sector. 

The conversation highlights the program's broad reach, from inner-city youth apprenticeships to supporting workers with special needs, illustrating a comprehensive approach to workforce development that leverages the strengths of local communities and industries. It takes a (manufacturing) village!

Tune in, subscribe, and contribute as we continue to delve into the stories shaping American manufacturing today! New episodes are released every two weeks!

AMCC’s podcast is made possible in part by the pro bono expertise of Mike McAllen, founder of Podcasting4Associations. Are you part of an association also looking to produce a podcast? Let us get you in touch with Mike.

Thank you to the Economic Development Administration for their partnership in producing this podcast. This podcast was prepared in part using Federal funds under award 3070145 from the Economic Development Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce. The statements, findings, conclusions, and recommendations are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Economic Development Administration or the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Big Concept:

How does the nation create a robust, regional talent pipeline accessible to all Americans? Matt and Matt address workforce challenges in manufacturing through innovative partnerships, training programs, and strategies aimed at diverse and underrepresented populations, including youth, formerly incarcerated individuals, and people with special needs.

Participants:Matthew Fieldman: Executive Director, America Works Matt Bogoshian: Executive Director, American Manufacturing Communities Collaborative and host of the podcast.


💡 Key Ideas:Recruitment Strategies: America Works focuses on innovative recruitment methods to attract diverse populations to manufacturing jobs, highlighting the industry's potential for better career paths and job security compared to other sectors.Upskilling Current Workers: Emphasizing the need for continuous learning, particularly in emerging technologies like robotics and cybersecurity, to ensure the current workforce remains competitive and capable.Company-Focused Strategies: The program supports manufacturers in becoming employers of choice through assessments, leadership development, and creating supportive work environments that encourage retention and attract new talent.Partnerships and Collaboration: Success stories, such as the partnership with Lincoln Electric and the Uniquely Abled Project, underscore the importance of collaborative efforts between manufacturers, educational institutions, and community organizations in developing effective workforce solutions.


🔗Links:Connect with Matthew Fieldman on Linkedin.Follow AMCCFind Matt on LinkedinVisit our website


See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Episode Overview:

In this week’s episode, Matt and his guest Mark Muro from the Brookings Institution delve into the transformative journey of place-based strategies in American economic policy. They discuss the evolution from early conceptual models to their current role as foundational elements in significant federal legislation aimed at revitalizing manufacturing ecosystems and enhancing national competitiveness. The conversation highlights the importance of evidence-based interventions, bipartisan support, and the adaptability of regional economic development initiatives. Mark and Matt emphasize the critical role of community engagement and tailored approaches to address the unique challenges and opportunities of different regions. They advocate for continued support, funding, and evaluation of these strategies to ensure their effectiveness and sustainability in promoting economic growth and innovation. 

This episode serves as a testament to the power of collaboration, evidence-based policy, and the enduring value of focusing on local strengths and needs in national economic development efforts, in other words, we can make it happen together! 

Tune in, subscribe, and contribute as we continue to delve into the stories shaping American manufacturing today! New episodes are released every two weeks!

AMCC’s podcast is made possible in part by the pro bono expertise of Mike McAllen, founder of Podcasting4Associations. Are you part of an association also looking to produce a podcast? Let us get you in touch with Mike.

Thank you to the Economic Development Administration for their partnership in producing this podcast. This podcast was prepared in part using Federal funds under award 3070145 from the Economic Development Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce. The statements, findings, conclusions, and recommendations are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Economic Development Administration or the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Big Concept:

The fast-paced evolution and impact of evidence-based, place-based strategies for improving American manufacturing ecosystems, which emphasize the shift towards regional, bottom-up solutions and the role of new federal interventions in reinforcing these approaches.

Participants:Mark Muro: Senior Fellow at The Brookings Institution and longtime thought leader on place-based developmentMatt Bogoshian: Executive Director, American Manufacturing Communities Collaborative and host of the podcast.
Unique Insights from Mark:The Long Yet Promising Road Ahead: Mark identifies a critical gap between the excitement for new federal interventions and the reality of their long-term funding and sustainability.Regional Leadership Matters: Mark underscores the necessity of civics in policy implementation, suggesting that localized, community-driven efforts are more effective and sustainable than broad national programs.Getting to Kitchen Tables: Mark’s discussion on workforce development emphasizes the importance of reaching out to communities and engaging with educational systems to inspire future participation in manufacturing, reflecting a strategic approach to developing a skilled workforce for the 21st century.


Key Ideas:Evolution of Place-Based Strategies: Over the years, from early experiments within the Obama administration to recent bipartisan support for significant legislation, place-based strategies have gained traction as effective means to address regional and national economic challenges.Evidence-Based Interventions: The emphasis on data and evidence to guide policy and interventions, with a focus on manufacturing and supply chains, highlights the evolution towards more grounded and practical approaches to economic development.Federal Interventions and Funding: Recent federal legislation, including the Infrastructure Bill, ARPA, Chips and Science Act, and Inflation Reduction Act, has significantly increased the scale and scope of sup