Ep. 122: Looking forward with WMEP CEO Chris Baichoo

Following a year of federal funding uncertainty, the Wisconsin Manufacturing Extension Partnership (WMEP) led by executive director and CEO Chris Baichoo is ready to move forward. On this week's episode, Chris joins Kate and Ann in the studio to talk more about the past, present and future of WMEP. He says the yearlong period of uncertainty was difficult, but also clarifying in that it helped WMEP right-size its programs, focus on its mission and appreciate its partnerships.One area where WMEP has identified a fairly obvious gap for Wisconsin's small and medium-sized manufacturers is artificial intelligence. Next week on May 13, WMEP will launch its new AI Navigator program, which is a partnership with MKE Tech Hub. (Learn more at wmep.org/ai-in-manufacturing/.)Chris also shares what he learned over the course of a challenging year, what changes have been implemented at WMEP -- including its new coordinating entity, UW-Stout, and of course his best leadership insight.Connect with WMEP online at wmep.org.Thank you to Stoke RGA for sponsoring this and all 2026 episodes of NEW Manufacturing Insights. Learn more at stokerga.com.