By Angelia Erbaugh, DRMA president
21 Manufacturer and Affiliate members submitted ballots during the voting period that culminated at the annual meeting on December 2. We thank those members who voted and encourage those who did not to participate in future elections. The results are . . .
Ratification of Jon Schmiedebusch (STAP Industries) and Chuck Dryer (Industrial Tube & Steel) to serve on the Board of Trustees – approved
2022 budget – approved
By-laws changes - approved
In 2021, DRMA made significant progress in upholding our mission to strengthen member companies and to serve as the advocate for manufacturing in the Dayton Region. DRMA is recognized as the trusted voice of the industry to represent members’ needs and concerns so that they may stay focused on their business. The programs that DRMA provides members have experienced great success over the past year. These successes include:
Strengthen - DRMA strengthened our members by fostering innovation, partnerships, and connectivity while growing the industry through workforce development, economic development, and business tools, including: conducting the annual Wage & Benefit Survey; offering Legal Services, OSHA training, Workers Comp, and NAM health insurance discount programs; sending 23 business lead emails; establishing an Associate Board to foster participation of members’ younger employees; and conducting a General Management roundtable discussion group.
Additionally, DRMA leads the Dayton Region Manufacturing Workforce Partnership (DRMWP), an OMA-endorsed sector partnership, whose purpose is to develop and execute new and enhanced initiatives that strategically align workforce efforts to ensure manufacturing competence and growth throughout the region, including: organizing national MFG Day locally, resulting in over 1,500 students from 24 schools attending 16 in-person and 2 virtual member open houses to show manufacturing occupations and processes; conducting 20 in-person and virtual career events, including Power Lunches, career fairs, and presentations - all to foster students’ interest in manufacturing careers; working with schools to include industry-recognized credentials in their programs; expanding apprenticeships as a result of receiving a USDOL grant; serving on a number of advisory committees at area high schools and colleges; and collaborating with numerous organizations and schools to advocate for members’ workforce needs, locally, statewide, and nationwide.
Educate - DRMA educated our members through sharing relevant industry information, hosting events, conducting workshops, and providing avenues to share knowledge and learn from other industry professionals. Examples include: holding 4 member events, 28 Meet Ups, and 2 Lunch & Learn Webinars; organized an Ambassador Club and held 12 DRMA 101 sessions to ensure members feel connected to DRMA; holding the annual economic update featuring nationally-renowned economist Connor Lokar from ITR Economics at the Contractors and Manufacturers Regional Conference in partnership with the Associated Builders and Contractors; holding lean manufacturing and GD&T workshops; sending 24 News Bits newsletters; and expanding our social media outreach to facilitate member communication.
Advocate – DRMA advocated (advocates) on behalf of our members with local, state, and federal public officials, legislators, educators, parents, the business community, the media, and other regional stakeholders by fostering relationships, building trust, and strengthening the position of our region’s industry. Examples include: conducting the Top Issues Survey; connecting with organizations such as the Dayton Development Coalition, the Dayton Region Israel Trade Alliance, the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association, and the National Association of Manufacturers; building relationships with office holders such as Senators Portman and Brown, Congressman Davidson, Ohio Representatives White, Plummer, and Creech, Ohio Senator Antani, and Lt. Governor Husted; and serving on 19 educator advisory committees to convey skill needs of our members.
Fundraising – In addition to member dues, DRMA diligently pursued sources of revenue to help fund DRMA activities, including conducting two financially successful and fun golf outings, a 50/50 raffle, and participating in the Tour de Gem bicycle ride. The Funding Committee, working with the Board, implemented a fundraising campaign to solicit charitable donations for the DRMA Foundation from businesses, individuals, and philanthropic organizations with ties to manufacturing to help fund our workforce initiatives.
Membership – Even in this second tough COVID year, 14 Manufacturer, 6 Affiliate, and 13 Associate members were added in 2021; combined with an 90% Manufacturer retention rate and an overall 85% retention rate, total membership for 2021 is 326 member companies, which includes 200 Manufacturer members. More members = a stronger voice = stronger connections and more programs.
The leadership of DRMA (board, committees, and staff) is focused on increasing member value. (Click here for a detailed list of 2021 accomplishments.)
All this work would not be possible without the effort of 13 committees, sub-committees, and ad hocs with 100 dedicated volunteers. We are limited only by our volunteer horsepower. If you would like to get engaged, please let me know.
Looking forward to an exciting 2022!