You’re likely not as familiar with the name James Carville as you are with a phrase he coined in 1992: “The economy, stupid.”
Carville served as Bill Clinton’s strategist during his successful presidential bid. It was one of three mantras given to the campaign team to upend incumbent George H.W. Bush.
That was then. This is now: “It’s the supply chain, stupid.”
I couldn’t help but think that after attending the Missouri Association of Manufacturers’ Trade Show & Conference on Feb. 8. After talking with several of the 80 vendors, the phrase seems fitting for the major, widespread struggles companies are facing to produce, well, most anything – doesn’t it? Might say the effects of the supply chain woes are agnostic.
One vendor, Missouri Enterprise, is doing something about it to help manufacturers. It’s called Connex Missouri. The searchable database is designed as a supply chain sourcing tool, and particularly to obtain goods locally, from other Missouri companies.
I got a crash course while visiting with the representatives from Missouri Enterprise. Here’s how it works: Think of it as a marketplace for manufacturers, suppliers and buyers to find specific needs and connect with other participants. Log on to search for equipment, services, capabilities and certifications available to access. There’s also a heat map for regional location searches.
The producers are billing it as the place for manufacturers to connect, with this overarching motto: “Source Domestic to Make it in the USA.”
But it’s user generated, so it requires people to register with their NAICS industrial codes and create their own profiles. I’m told there’s no cost to join the network through Missouri Enterprise. And it does have potential to sync up with the Manufacturers Marketplace database from the National Association of Manufacturers. This would enable searches outside of Missouri, should the needed pieces or equipment not be available among statewide members.
In a day when we might feel distant from industry products, peers and production goals, for various reasons, it sounds to me like Connex Missouri can help bridge those gaps.
Up next: I-Create
Another cool thing I learned at the MAM conference is an upcoming event called I-Create. It’s being billed as a manufacturing career day and industry showcase for students, similar to the successful Build My Future construction events for youth in town.
Though in the early stages, organizers of the first I-Create day are targeting October at the new Plaster Manufacturing Center at Ozarks Technical Community College. I’m told the career day will offer students hands-on opportunities to explore manufacturing career paths. In partnership with MAM, OTC, the city’s Workforce Development Department and Missouri State University, organizers are inviting employers, manufacturing groups and educational institutions. It sounds like a great complement to the construction industry’s Build My Future, and the more recent Build U, specifically targeting 15- to 18-year-olds. I often hear from those in manufacturing that modern operations are not the same that previous generations knew – they usually tout cleanliness and technologies – and that you just need to see it to understand. I-Create should allow the next workforce to see the best local manufacturing has to offer and to decide if the work is a fit for them or not.
Coolest Things
Speaking of cool things, don’t miss out on nominating a manufacturer for Springfield Business Journal’s inaugural Coolest Things Made in the Ozarks awards. SBJ is shining a light on those in-demand, one-of-a-kind products manufactured in southwest Missouri. Submissions are accepted through Feb. 28 for the event where the top 16 products selected by a judging panel will be on display April 28. The evening will culminate by declaring the Best in Show by a vote of the people. Readers can begin voting online once the top products are unveiled in SBJ’s April 18 edition, and votes will be tallied into the evening at the event.
Think about the products you buy, use or come across that are made in our backyard. Go to SBJ.net/CoolestThings and complete the nomination form, so those manufacturers can get the credit due. It could be anything from headbands and dog tags to boats and bike racks. What do you think? Let us know by nominating those products at the website above.
Springfield Business Journal Editorial Vice President Eric Olson can be reached at eolson@sbj.net.
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February 15, 2022 at 02:37AM
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Opinion: Help for 'the supply chain, stupid' - Springfield Business Journal
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