PMA District Leadership Edition – Philip Chacko, PMA East Michigan

"…If we want this industry to thrive, it starts at the community level."   In this special PMA District Leadership episode of the Destiny of Manufacturing podcast, host Dean Phillips is joined by Philip Chacko of Dallas Industries and Vice Chair of PMA's East Michigan District. Philip shares how the district is experiencing a resurgence, with a renewed focus on meaningful events, student outreach and creating strong industry connections. From a successful automotive industry forecast and auto show tour to exciting plans for engaging with FIRST Robotics, Philip is helping shape a district that brings value to members while inspiring the next generation of manufacturers.   Philip's passion for workforce development is personal. A FIRST Robotics alum himself, he's leading efforts to involve East Michigan PMA members in competitions and sponsorships to spark interest in engineering and manufacturing careers. He knows firsthand how powerful early exposure can be—and he's turning that experience into action. He also brings deep technical insight from Dallas Industries, where he's seen firsthand the shift toward complete system integration, smarter automation, and safer, more intuitive controls. Whether it's operator-friendly coil threading or reducing physical strain on workers, Philip believes technology should serve people—not replace them. Philip's message: "Connecting with students is how we shape the future. If we want this industry to thrive, it starts at the community level."