Activities Designed to Highlight the Manufacturing Industry’s Impact on the Community and Career Pathways for Tomorrow’s Workforce
Gilbert, Ariz. – In celebration of the 6th Annual National Manufacturing Month, Mayor Jenn Daniels has proclaimed October 2018 Manufacturing Month in Gilbert, Arizona. Employment in Gilbert’s manufacturing industry has grown 27% over the past 10 years, represented by approximately 115 companies supporting over 3,000 jobs.
“From companies that make alternatives for single-use plastics to NASA-contracted satellites, Gilbert, Arizona has a diverse mix of manufacturers in the community,” said Mayor Jenn Daniels. “Gilbert manufacturers are high-tech, innovative, and leaders of industry.”
The Gilbert Chamber Foundation is working in partnership with Gilbert Public Schools (GPS), Higley Unified School District (HUSD), and Arizona State University’s Polytechnic Campus to organize the community’s inaugural Manufacturing Month Student Bus Tour. Approximately 54 students and chaperones from each of the junior high schools in both the GPS and HUSD will visit Gilbert manufacturers. During the tour, students will have the opportunity to learn about career opportunities, better understand educational pathways, and participate in a hands-on team engineering exercise.
“We hope that by giving these students an opportunity to see the many great manufacturers in Gilbert, we can shed some light on the value of a manufacturing career,” said Michael Jamison, Controller for Gilbert-based Wisdom Natural Brands. “We have some of the best schools in the country, yet our students have the impression that they have to leave our community to find a career. As employers, we want to attract and retain local talent. By sharing our story, we hope students see the possibilities that exist in their own backyard.”
Here is a brief summary of Manufacturing Month activities:
- 10/5/18: Arizona Manufacturing Summit & Awards Luncheon
- 10/23/18: Manufacturing Month Student Bus Tour
- Footprint Headquarters and Manufacturing Facility Ribbon Cutting and Open House
- Gilbert will spotlight several manufacturers in the community via social media
To learn more about Manufacturing Month and the manufacturing industry in Gilbert, visit www.gilbertedi.com/MFGMonth.
From left to right: Councilmember Jared Taylor, Dean Sheppard Office of Economic Development Business Retention and Expansion, Mike Jamieson Wisdom Natural Brands, Brett Manning Silent-Aire, and Duane Roen ASU PolyTech Campus