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S P R I N G 2 0 2 2 / W O R K F O R M E 5 S p o n s o r L e t t e r to convey the world of modern manufacturing to students, edu- cators, parents and the public. But with our efforts, we are mak- ing a difference. Together, MAME and Destina- tion Occupation, the workforce arm of the association, created Employee Growth Services. The EGS network is comprised of roughly 20 private and public organizations that coordinate workforce services for industry. Our message is simple. We take the mystery out of the workforce system, allowing companies to use the system while we work be- hind the scenes to figure out the best solution for each company. The EGS also hosts monthly series, "Where to go to find good people." Each month a provider and manufacturer share what has worked for them in recruit- ing, hiring and training people in today's market. Other EGS entities include Express Employ- ment Professionals, the Univer- sity of Southern Maine Student Services Center, KDT Consulting, Boots2Roots, Fedcap Rehabilita- tion Services, General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems, American Rheinmetall Systems, Coastal Enterprises Inc., Syn- ergy Workforce Solutions, Maine Department of Labor, Learning Works, ARPA Grant/DOL Career Center, Southern Maine Com- munity College and the Maine Prisoner Re-Entry Network. We continue to add entities to the EGS Network as resources be- come available that fit the needs of the business community. For years, the annual Maine MFG Summit has produced a report highlighting the top issues and challenges for the manufacturing sector. Since the launch of the annual MFG Sum- mit in 2009, the top concerns continue to be workforce avail- ability, energy costs, the cost of doing business in Maine and, most currently, the supply chain challenges facing the nation. Policy issues are also a con- cern as more legislation is being put in place that increases the cost of doing business in Maine. MAME is pro-growth, pro-man- ufacturing and it is imperative that our policy makers work together to keep the manufac- turing sector strong in Maine. We continue to implement activities with student and educa- tor outreach, tours and classroom activities, work to increase robot- ics programs across the state, employ transitioning military members, New Mainers and im- migrants, corrections populations and others seeking meaningful employment. We are proud of the efforts to add diversity to the workplace that is reflective of the Maine population. As we work to promote ca- reers in manufacturing, we must collaborate with industry, gov- ernment, service organizations and workers to assure the reten- tion and expansion of the manu- facturing sector. Our efforts to promote and grow manufactur- ing will create an environment where people, communities and businesses thrive. — Lisa G. Martin Executive Director Manufacturers Association of Maine lisa@mainemfg.com MAME OVERFLOW The average annual salary of a manufacturing worker is $62,300