Commerce to Host Second Investing in Manufacturing Communities Partnership Summit

American manufacturing is making a comeback, and for good reason. For every $1.00 invested in manufacturing, the sector generates $1.32 for the economy. Moreover, manufacturing jobs are highly skilled, well-paying career opportunities that provide a key path to the middle class, with workers earning 17 percent more than similar workers employed in other sectors. That is why the Obama Administration has made supporting manufacturing a top priority. The Investing in Manufacturing Communities Partnership (IMCP) program is a great example of that support.

IMCP was announced in 2013 as new federal partnership among more than a dozen federal agencies to promote manufacturing investment and create jobs.  It encourages communities to develop comprehensive economic development strategies that will strengthen their competitive edge for attracting global manufacturer and supply chain investments. Communities were given the opportunity to apply to be designated as a “Manufacturing Community” under IMCP, and the first designees were named in May 2014. In October 2014, Commerce and its federal partners convened those designated communities along with applicants and other interested stakeholders to exchange ideas, discuss best practices, and help forge partnerships and connection. The first summit was hugely successful, attracting a diverse group of approximately 300 participants from all across the country. Now that the second round of designated communities has been announced, Commerce will be leading its second IMCP Summit on October 21-22 in Washington, D.C.

Over the two day summit, communities, applicants, and stakeholders will once again come together to discuss key issues, challenges, and opportunities with regard to American manufacturing. There will be sessions on innovation, workforce development, funding, and partnerships. Breakout session topics include issues facing rural communities, data and evaluation for assessment, exports and foreign direct investment, and equipping the next generation through STEM education. There will also be ample opportunity for networking – the biggest piece of feedback from last year’s summit.

It should be an engaging and enlightening two days, and we hope to see all of our designated communities and applicants there. Registration will open soon – keep checking EDA’s IMCP webpage for details.