Michigan Business Beat | John J. Walsh, MMA, 2025 MFG Excellence Awards & Industry Innovation...

Chris Holman welcomes John J. Walsh, President & CEO, MMA, Michigan Manufacturers Association, Lansing, MI. Welcome back John, breifly remind the listeners about MMA? How do the Manufacturing Excellence Awards strengthen Michigan’s manufacturing ecosystem and foster collaboration among industry leaders statewide? With new categories like the Sustainability Award, how is MMA recognizing companies driving both profitability and environmental responsibility? What economic or workforce trends stand out among this year’s award finalists, and what do they reveal about the future of Michigan manufacturing? How does public engagement in the “Coolest Thing Made in Michigan” competition help promote brand visibility and pride for local manufacturers? In what ways is the MMA adapting its support and advocacy to help Michigan’s 12,000+ manufacturers stay globally competitive in 2025 and beyond? » Visit MBN website: www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/ » Subscribe to MBN’s YouTube: www.youtube.com/@MichiganbusinessnetworkMBN » Like MBN: www.facebook.com/mibiznetwork » Follow MBN: twitter.com/MIBizNetwork/ » MBN Instagram: www.instagram.com/mibiznetwork/ Michigan Manufacturers Association Announces Winners and Finalists of 2025 Manufacturing Excellence Awards Opportunity to Speak Directly with Groundbreaking Manufacturing Executives LANSING (Oct. 16, 2025) — The Michigan Manufacturers Association (MMA) each year shines a light on the individuals, organizations and products that drive Michigan’s economy and improve our daily lives. MMA’s Manufacturing Excellence Awards is a one-of-a-kind program that recognizes what makes Michigan manufacturing the best in the world. MMA is hosting a press conference at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2025 at MMA’s Headquarters in Lansing to announce individual winners and company and product finalists for the 2025 Manufacturing Excellence Awards. During the press conference, members of the media will get a chance to speak directly with nearly a dozen manufacturing executives who are recipients of the 2025 Manufacturing Excellence Awards. To view a full list of finalists and winners, please visit mimfg.org/excellence. WHAT: A press conference hosted by the Michigan Manufacturers Association that will celebrate and announce winners and finalists for the 2025 Manufacturing Excellence Awards program WHO: Zack Bishop, President, 4 Flutes Machining George Cook, Vice President, TARUS Brian Cooper, President, Wire Wizard Welding Products Bill Dobbins, President, Caster Concepts Ryan Gingery, President, Armor Protective Packaging Nate Holstege, Owner, Preferred Machine, LLC Chelsea Jensen, Business Operations Manager, Llink Tech Inez Kaleto, CEO, Robinson Industries Bill Kerfin, President, Amsted Automotive Tyler Kring, Community Relations Manager, Michigan Sugar Company Steven London, President and COO, Bekum America Jim Miller, Director of Government and Legislative Affairs, Nexteer Automotive Olivia Ostrander, Parts Sales Specialist, Powell Paul Patrash, CEO, Elite Mold & Engineering, Inc Alyssa Tracey, Director of International Trade, Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) John Walsh, President & CEO, Michigan Manufacturers Association WHEN: 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2025 WHERE: MMA Headquarters 620 S. Capitol Ave Lansing, MI 48933