Posted By Don Clouser, Chairman of the Board, Tuesday, December 10, 2019
I will be chairman of DRMA for only a couple more weeks. You would think that being a parent would have trained me to realize how fast time goes. But here we are about to wrap up 2019, and I am amazed at how fast it went. Like most roles, you come in thinking you are prepared. You do some learning, you roll up your sleeves, and before you know it, it’s time to pass the torch.
Many have said before, “It has been an honor and a privilege.” DRMA is an organization that has meant a lot to me, and I meant to serve it well. I appreciate all of you giving me the opportunity as well as the support to lead. Throughout the year I have felt that support in encouragement, volunteerism, and even in times of disagreement. I have often said that I am more concerned that a decision is well thought out than what it may be. I can assure you that every decision made while I have been on the board and sat as Chairman, has been well made. We have a great organization that challenges itself. We have a great Board that challenges itself. We have great committees that challenge themselves. And a staff that rises to their challenges. Those challenges make us stronger.
While a lot has gone on in DRMA this year, I am most proud of those accomplishments for workforce development. This is our members’ biggest issue, and we are starting to get other stakeholders’ attentions. Some strength that has come from the challenges mentioned are:
· the increasing stats on Power Lunches and other career events
· the ever-growing MFG Day
· the awareness created with the “Your Future Career” campaign
· the formation of the Dayton Region Manufacturing Workforce Partnership
· the receipt of a DOL apprenticeship grant through our coalition as a sector partnership
This is already sounding like one of those rambling reminiscing letters, so I am going to make sure to come up short on my word quota. Let me just say, “I agree. It has been an honor and a privilege.” Thank you for your support, and I look forward to working with you and DRMA in another capacity in the future.
