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Manufacturing an American Century

AMCC

About the American Manufacturing Communities Collaborative (AMCC)

AMCC is a non-profit organization assembled and led by a group of regional and national stakeholders dedicated to strengthening collaboration within and between regional manufacturing communities. AMCC works to achieve sustainable development in America through economic growth, improved environmental performance, and inclusive well-paid job creation to support the revitalization of American manufacturing.

Born out of an interagency program, the Investing in Manufacturing Communities Partnership (IMCP), AMCC was created as a national organization of regional stakeholders to continue the important work of deepening connections and sharing best practices within community ecosystems and between manufacturing regions. AMCC has championed the bottom-up, community-driven model of building ecosystems of support to help manufacturers thrive, and was recently designated by the U.S. EDA as the nation’s manufacturing Community of Practice. AMCC supports regional consortia organized to strengthen manufacturing in any number of public/private initiatives to include federal agency community designation programs like IMCP, DOD’s DMCSP, the EDA’s BBBRC and their emerging Tech Hub program.

About Manufacturing an American Century’s Host:

Matt Bogoshian leads the American Manufacturing Communities Collaborative (AMCC), a successor organization to the Obama Administration’s IMCP initiative he helped to lead as Senior Policy Counsel at the U.S. EPA. The work of IMCP and AMCC became a model for the Tech Hub program within the CHIPS and Science Act and other recently enacted federal interventions.

His range of law experience includes time as a business litigator and general counsel, policy official at the California EPA, consumer and environmental prosecutor, and U.S. Navy JAG Corps Officer. His past work includes co-founding the Fourth Sector Group, service on educational and affordable housing boards, writing, podcasting, and teaching environmental law enforcement at Georgetown University Law Center and sustainability law at King Hall, University of California, Davis Law School where he also serves on the board of the California Environmental Law and Policy Center.

He is the co-author with John Dernbach and Irma Russell of the 2022 book published by the American Bar Association, Sustainability Essentials: A Leadership Guide for Lawyers.

Matt can be reached at matt.bogoshian@amccmail.org.

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July 4 · 57 min
American Manufacturing at 250: MEP Leaders of the South
Happy Independence Day! This is the finale of our three-episode special edition of Manufacturing an American Century, produced in honor of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. On the Fourth itself, we close the series featuring the Southern states of Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia. As in the first two episodes, our guests lead their states' NIST Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) programs, the long-standing federal effort to help manufacturers in every state grow and compete. Our MEP leaders describe the early manufacturing activities taking place across their states, and the surprising ways those early industries formed in our nation's founding have evolved into competitive strengths today. Our guests today include: Scott Schein — Executive Director, GENEDGE (VA) KeAnne Hoeg — Interim Director, NC MEP (NC) Andy Carr — President & CEO, SC MEP (SC) Paul Todd — Operational Excellence Group Manager, GA MEP (GA) Our deep thanks to Scott, KeAnne, Andy, and Paul, and to all twelve leaders across the series who made this possible. As we aspire to the ideals of our nation’s founding to ensure the safety and happiness of our fellow Americans, we can’t thank these leaders, and all our national MEP partners, enough for putting that aspiration into practice, helping our 250,000 manufacturers make the things we need for our nation to prosper! Thank you for listening! AMCC’s podcast is made possible in part by the expertise of Mike McAllen, founder of Podcasting4Associations. Are you part of an association also looking to produce a podcast? Let us get you in touch with Mike. Thank you to the Economic Development Administration for their partnership in producing this podcast. This podcast was prepared in part using Federal funds under award 3070145 from the Economic Development Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce. The statements, findings, conclusions, and recommendations are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Economic Development Administration or the U.S. Department of Commerce. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
July 3 · 51 min
Celebrating American Manufacturing at 250 with MEP Leaders of the Mid-Atlantic
Happy Fourth of July week! This is part two of our three-episode special edition of Manufacturing an American Century, marking the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. As in each episode, I sit down with manufacturing leaders from the original states of 1776 to talk about manufacturing's place in their state's history and its importance today. Once again, our guests are the state leaders of the NIST Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP); the federally-supported program operating since 1988, that helps small and mid-sized manufacturers in every state stay competitive. Please join us for four insightful conversations on how the original states in the Mid-Atlantic region, to include Maryland, Pennsylvania, New York and New Jersey, developed from humble beginnings to power America’s rise as an industrial nation. You'll hear from each state's MEP leader on a bit of that heritage and on what their state produces today: Mike Kelleher — CEO & Executive Director, Maryland MEP (MD) Chris Scafario — President & CEO, Delaware Valley Industrial Resource Center (PA) Amy Erickson — Executive Director, Long Island MEP Program (NY) Peter Connolly — Chief Executive Officer, New Jersey MEP (NJ) Our thanks to Mike, Chris, Amy, and Peter for sharing their time and their stories, and to North Carolina's KeAnne Hoeg for suggesting this idea and arranging the interviews. Enjoy! AMCC’s podcast is made possible in part by the expertise of Mike McAllen, founder of Podcasting4Associations. Are you part of an association also looking to produce a podcast? Let us get you in touch with Mike. Thank you to the Economic Development Administration for their partnership in producing this podcast. This podcast was prepared in part using Federal funds under award 3070145 from the Economic Development Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce. The statements, findings, conclusions, and recommendations are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Economic Development Administration or the U.S. Department of Commerce. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
July 2 · 57 min
Celebrating American Manufacturing at 250 with MEP Leaders from New England
Happy Fourth of July week! This is the first of a three-episode special edition of Manufacturing an American Century, produced in honor of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence that went on to form this nation. Across the three episodes, we interview manufacturing leaders from the original American states of 1776 about the role manufacturing played in their state's past, and how that role has evolved into new opportunities for the future! We're doing this with the leaders of the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP); the long-running, federally supported program designed to help manufacturers in every state. Administered by the Commerce Department's National Institute of Standards and Technology and operating since 1988, the MEP is a public-private network with a Center in all 50 states and Puerto Rico and over 1,400 trusted advisors on the ground. Those advisors work hands-on with the small and mid-sized manufacturers that make up the backbone of American industry, helping them adopt new technology, strengthen supply chains, and develop their workforce. Now, be warned that, while none of us are formal historians of manufacturing during our nation’s founding years, it's still fascinating to learn a few bits of each state's manufacturing history. And, as you'll hear, there's often a through line connecting the importance of public-private partnership then to its importance now. This first episode covers the New England states of Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New Hampshire. In these short interviews, you'll hear from an MEP leader from each state on a bit of that history and on what their state makes today: Christian Cowan — Executive Director, 401k Tech Bridge, Polaris MEP (Rhode Island) Kathie Mahoney — President & CEO, MassMEP (Massachusetts) Beatriz Gutierrez — President & CEO, CONNSTEP (Connecticut) Tony Fernandez — President & CEO, NH MEP (New Hampshire) A big thank-you to Christian, Kathie, Beatriz, and Tony for joining the pod! And, a special thanks to North Carolina's KeAnne Hoeg, who suggested this idea and set up the interviews. AMCC’s podcast is made possible in part by the expertise of Mike McAllen, founder of Podcasting4Associations. Are you part of an association also looking to produce a podcast? Let us get you in touch with Mike. Thank you to the Economic Development Administration for their partnership in producing this podcast. This podcast was prepared in part using Federal funds under award 3070145 from the Economic Development Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce. The statements, findings, conclusions, and recommendations are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Economic Development Administration or the U.S. Department of Commerce. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
May 22 · 38 min
Building Utah's Manufacturing Ecosystem: Jeff Edwards on Composites, Collaboration, and the Long Game
I had the opportunity to sit down with Jeff Edwards, Senior Advisor on Materials and Manufacturing at 47G, Utah's Aerospace and Defense Association, and one of the original regional leaders behind what became AMCC. Jeff and I go back more than a decade to the early days of the EDA Investing in Manufacturing Communities Partnership (IMCP) program, where he was doing the hard, unglamorous work of organizing Utah's advanced manufacturing ecosystem before most people knew what that meant. We start where Jeff is now at 47G and then dig into the remarkable backstory behind it. Jeff traces the origins of Utah's advanced composites industry from its roots in Cold War missile programs to now, through the patient, deliberate work of building the Utah advanced materials and manufacturing ecosystem from the ground up, one relationship and one data point at a time. It's a textbook case study in how a region can identify a niche, build an ecosystem of support around it, and turn it into a world-class cluster. We also talk about what IMCP meant for Utah and for the broader national network. Jeff shares examples of how peer learning across IMCP regions led directly to new programs back home, from carbon fiber recycling to succession planning for family-owned defense suppliers. And we dig into the broader case of why regions can't afford to race to the bottom or go it alone, and what it looks like in practice to build the collaborative, multi-stakeholder structures that can actually move the needle. Thanks to Jeff for a great conversation, give it a listen! Links to Learn More: Find Jeff on LinkedIn. Explore 47G’s body of work. Follow AMCC on Linkedin. Find Matt on Linkedin. Visit our website. AMCC’s podcast is made possible in part by the expertise of Mike McAllen, founder of Podcasting4Associations. Are you part of an association also looking to produce a podcast? Let us get you in touch with Mike. Thank you to the Economic Development Administration for their partnership in producing this podcast. This podcast was prepared in part using Federal funds under award 3070145 from the Economic Development Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce. The statements, findings, conclusions, and recommendations are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Economic Development Administration or the U.S. Department of Commerce. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
May 1 · 43 min
Economic Development as a Team Sport: Dennis Alvord on Building Regional Economies That Endure
It was a real pleasure to sit down with Dennis Alvord, a nearly 30-year veteran of the federal civil service whose career at the Economic Development Administration and the OECD's Regional Development Policy Committee has made him one of the most experienced economic development practitioners in the country. Dennis and I first crossed paths about 15 years ago working to bring forward evidence on manufacturing's role as a cornerstone of regional economic development, and it was great to reconnect and dig into where we are today. We cover a lot of ground in this conversation. Dennis walks us through EDA's history as one of the federal government's more flexible and creative grant-making agencies, and how programs like IMCP and Tech Hubs have demonstrated the power of place-based, collaborative investment. We discuss what the US can learn from OECD member nations on sustained industrial policy, from Sweden and Japan's innovative approaches to offsite manufactured housing to the importance of consistent, structured federal investment in regional economic ecosystems. We also talk about the critical importance of civil servants as stewards of the public good, and Dennis shares his perspective on what it will take to build the structured, long-term regional investment frameworks that can truly move the needle on American prosperity. Thanks to Dennis for a great conversation, give it a listen! 🔗 Links to Learn More: Find Dennis on LinkedIn. Explore OECD’s Regional Development Policy Committee. Follow AMCC on Linkedin. Find Matt on Linkedin. Visit our website. AMCC’s podcast is made possible in part by the expertise of Mike McAllen, founder of Podcasting4Associations. Are you part of an association also looking to produce a podcast? Let us connect you with Mike. Thank you to the Economic Development Administration for their partnership in producing this podcast. This podcast was prepared in part using Federal funds under award 3070145 from the Economic Development Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce. The statements, findings, conclusions, and recommendations are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Economic Development Administration or the U.S. Department of Commerce. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
April 17 · 41 min
Turning Evidence into Action: ANL's Alison Peoples on Building Regional Manufacturing Ecosystems
It was a pleasure to welcome Alison Peoples from Argonne National Laboratory to the podcast. Alison is a statistician and economic development researcher whose career has taken her from the municipal bond trading desks of Boston to the Economic Development Districts of New Mexico — and ultimately to one of America's premier federal research institutions, where she We talk about the big challenge that has driven AMCC's work for over 15 years: how do regional leaders get organized around the best available data to assess their manufacturing ecosystem of support and craft smarter interventions? Alison walks us through Argonne's important work in this area, including the National Economic Resilience Data Explorer (NERDE) and the Economic Development Capacity Index (EDCI). We discuss the need for building a clearer picture of siloed public data that regional leaders need but rarely have easy access to, in order for their decisions to be driven by the best available data.. We also explore what it will take to close the gap between economic research and economic development practice and why Alison is genuinely hopeful about the next generation's ability to bridge the worlds of technology and humanity. Thanks to Alison for a great conversation, give it a listen! 🔗 Links to Learn More: Find Alison on LinkedIn. Explore Argonne's NERDE website. Check out the Economic Development Capacity Index. Download the AMCC Manufacturing Community Ecosystem Metrics Playbook. Follow AMCC on Linkedin. Find Matt on Linkedin. Visit our website. AMCC’s podcast is made possible in part by the expertise of Mike McAllen, founder of Podcasting4Associations. Are you part of an association also looking to produce a podcast? Let us connect you with Mike. Thank you to the Economic Development Administration for their partnership in producing this podcast. This podcast was prepared in part using Federal funds under award 3070145 from the Economic Development Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce. The statements, findings, conclusions, and recommendations are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Economic Development Administration or the U.S. Department of Commerce. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
April 3 · 41 min
Can Legacy Manufacturing Regions Reinvent Themselves? Kenan Fikri on Dynamism and Place
Matt had the pleasure of sitting down with Kenan Fikri, Senior Fellow at the Economic Innovation Group, an economic think tank dedicated to tackling the deep, longstanding challenges facing the American economy. Kenan got into some of the core ideas driving EIG's work, starting with economic dynamism: the health, vitality, and innovative intensity of an economy. We unpacked what that really means on the ground: not just whether jobs are growing, but whether new firms are starting, workers are moving to better opportunities, and regions are generating the kind of productive churn that drives long-term prosperity. We also discuss Kenan’s research in agglomeration, why industries cluster in specific places, how those clusters become self-reinforcing engines of competitive advantage, and what the spillover effects mean for entire communities. From Cleveland's industrial legacy to Silicon Valley's startup culture, Kenan brought it all to life with real examples. Be sure to check out Kenan's recently released article, Does a legacy in manufacturing preclude a future in it? — it's essential reading that connects directly to everything we discussed. And if you want to go deeper on EIG's worldview, look up their Substack, Agglomerations, where Kenan and the team are publishing their latest thinking. 🔗Links to Learn More: Find Kenan on LinkedIn. Subscribe to Agglomerations on Substack. Follow AMCC on Linkedin. Find Matt on Linkedin. Visit our website. AMCC’s podcast is made possible in part by the expertise of Mike McAllen, founder of Podcasting4Associations. Are you part of an association also looking to produce a podcast? Let us get you in touch with Mike. Thank you to the Economic Development Administration for their partnership in producing this podcast. This podcast was prepared in part using Federal funds under award 3070145 from the Economic Development Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce. The statements, findings, conclusions, and recommendations are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Economic Development Administration or the U.S. Department of Commerce. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
March 19 · 29 min
Building a Manufacturing Movement That Lasts with Manufacturing Happy Hour’s Chris Luecke
It was a pleasure to welcome Chris Luecke to the podcast. Chris is a podcast himself, as founder and host of the Manufacturing Happy Hour podcast, one of the most recognizable shows in the industry, with nearly 300 episodes exploring the people, ideas, and leadership shaping modern manufacturing. With a background at Rockwell Automation and experience spanning industries from oil and gas to semiconductors, Chris brings his experience and a sharp understanding of how to communicate manufacturing’s value in a rapidly changing world. In our conversation, we dig into the evolution of manufacturing storytelling and how it’s starting to change. We explore the importance of meeting people where they are, elevating peer voices, and creating relatable pathways into manufacturing careers, especially for the next generation. Chris also reflects on the diversity of perspectives across the manufacturing ecosystem, all the different roles needed to make it work, and why that range is essential for driving both innovation and resilience. We close with a message for manufacturers and ecosystem leaders alike: this moment calls for both courage and agility. Courage to adopt new technologies, share stories, and lead from the front—and agility to navigate uncertainty while building businesses that can endure across generations. Chris makes a compelling case that the future of manufacturing depends not just on policy or capital, but on people stepping up to tell the story of what they’re building and why it matters. Thanks to Chris for the energy, insight, and inspiration, and congratulations to 10 years of Manufacturing Happy Hour! 🔗Links to Learn More: Find Chris on LinkedIn. Listen to Manufacturing Happy Hour on your favorite platforms. Follow AMCC on Linkedin. Find Matt on Linkedin. Visit our website. AMCC’s podcast is made possible in part by the expertise of Mike McAllen, founder of Podcasting4Associations. Are you part of an association also looking to produce a podcast? Let us connect you with Mike. Thank you to the Economic Development Administration for their partnership in producing this podcast. This podcast was prepared in part using Federal funds under award 3070145 from the Economic Development Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce. The statements, findings, conclusions, and recommendations are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Economic Development Administration or the U.S. Department of Commerce. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
January 16 · 41 min
Building Manufacturing Ecosystems to Succeed in an Uncertain World with Dr. Nikhil Kalathil
It was a real pleasure to welcome Dr. Nikhil Kalathil to the Manufacturing in the American Century podcast. Nikhil earned his PhD from Carnegie Mellon in Engineering and Public Policy, and serves as a Senior Advisor of Ecosystem Assessment to AMCC. He brings a rare combination of engineering background and policy focus to the challenge of rebuilding U.S. manufacturing capacity. His work focuses on understanding regional manufacturing ecosystems and why certain places succeed in producing priority products that are critical to economic resilience and national security. In our conversation, we dig into what makes manufacturing uniquely well-positioned for deep federal policy and ecosystem-building activities: it has measurable inputs and outputs, requires coordination across complex systems, and generates powerful spillover benefits for workers, firms, and regions. Nikhil walks through the core elements of healthy manufacturing ecosystems, including workforce, innovation, infrastructure, supply chains, trade, and capital access, and explains how agglomeration, visibility, and regional fit shape real-world outcomes. Our conversation ended with Nkhil giving a grounded but hopeful charge for the field. In a moment defined by uncertainty, the smartest path forward for regions is to make bets that reduce risk by aligning state leadership, federal support, manufacturers, suppliers, universities, and startups around clear, mission-driven goals. When regions coalesce around shared conviction and a belief in what they are building, the noise of shifting markets matters less. Technologies, policies, and signals will always change, but building tangible things that improve people’s lives endures. Thanks, Nikhil, for all your work and contributions to the field! 🔗Links to Learn More: Find Nikhil on LinkedIn. Read Nikhil’s recent publications. Learn about CMU’s Critical Technology Initiative Follow AMCC on Linkedin. Find Matt on Linkedin. Visit our website. AMCC’s podcast is made possible in part by the expertise of Mike McAllen, founder of Podcasting4Associations. Are you part of an association also looking to produce a podcast? Let us get you in touch with Mike. Thank you to the Economic Development Administration for their partnership in producing this podcast. This podcast was prepared in part using Federal funds under award 3070145 from the Economic Development Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce. The statements, findings, conclusions, and recommendations are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Economic Development Administration or the U.S. Department of Commerce. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Dec 19, 2025 · 41 min
Access, Trust, and Talent: Building Workforce Pathways That Work with The Machinists Institute’s Shana Peschek
In this episode, I’m joined by Shana Peschek, Executive Director of the Machinists Institute, for a timely conversation about what it really takes to build a manufacturing workforce that can meet the moment. Workforce is one of the AMCC “Big Six” pillars of a functioning regional manufacturing ecosystem, and across the country, we’re falling short. Shana brings a practitioner’s lens to this challenge, drawing on her experience building apprenticeship and training models to support advanced manufacturing talent pipelines. We talk about how the Machinists Institute was founded by IAM District 751 to serve aerospace, manufacturing, and industrial trades; how Shana scaled the organization from an idea into a statewide—and now national—workforce platform; and why apprenticeship is fundamentally an educational modality, not a niche labor program. Along the way, she breaks down persistent myths around apprenticeship, explains how employer-driven curriculum keeps training relevant, and shares how the Institute partners with unions, non-union employers, community colleges, workforce boards, and community-based organizations without duplicating efforts. If you care about reindustrialization, aerospace and defense manufacturing, apprenticeships, or how regions can build real workforce capacity,this is a must-listen. Shana’s work shows what systems leadership looks like in practice, and why workforce development can’t be siloed from economic development if we’re serious about competing globally, way to go Shana! 🔗Links to Learn More: Find Shana on LinkedIn. Learn more about The Machinists Institute Follow the Machinists Institute on LinkedIn and Facebook Follow AMCC on Linkedin. Find Matt on Linkedin. Visit our website. AMCC’s podcast is made possible in part by the expertise of Mike McAllen, founder of Podcasting4Associations. Are you part of an association also looking to produce a podcast? Let us get you in touch with Mike. Thank you to the Economic Development Administration for their partnership in producing this podcast. This podcast was prepared in part using Federal funds under award 3070145 from the Economic Development Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce. The statements, findings, conclusions, and recommendations are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Economic Development Administration or the U.S. Department of Commerce. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Nov 21, 2025 · 45 min
Hyper-Local, High Impact: How to Build Manufacturing Talent Fast with the CNC Career Network
On this edition of Manufacturing an American Century, I sat down with Daniel Wierman, founder of CNC Career Network, to discuss His work builds bridges between workforce developers, manufacturers, and local nonprofits to strengthen the talent pipeline in advanced manufacturing. Daniel brings a powerful mix of industry insight, leadership, and entrepreneurial spirit to the conversation, matched only by his humility and eagerness to learn, test, iterate and apply his knowledge to help young people and adults get the training support they need for lifelong, meaningful careers in manufacturing. Daniel shares how his early experiences trying to recruit CNC operators exposed deeper issues of retention, training, and a lack of clear advancement paths. From launching registered apprenticeships with Goodwill Southern California to developing tools and training guides through CNC Career Network, Daniel has stayed focused on helping workers see a future for themselves in manufacturing. His insights on softening the transitions between nonprofits, educators, and employers are a must-hear for anyone working to rebuild America's manufacturing base at speed and scale. Thanks to Daniel for joining us and for the work he’s doing to grow and sustain a stronger, more connected manufacturing workforce ecosystem! 🔗Links to Learn More: Find Daniel on LinkedIn. Learn more about the CNC Career Network. Follow AMCC on Linkedin. Find Matt on Linkedin. Visit our website. AMCC’s podcast is made possible in part by the expertise of Mike McAllen, founder of Podcasting4Associations. Are you part of an association also looking to produce a podcast? Let us get you in touch with Mike. Thank you to the Economic Development Administration for their partnership in producing this podcast. This podcast was prepared in part using Federal funds under award 3070145 from the Economic Development Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce. The statements, findings, conclusions, and recommendations are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Economic Development Administration or the U.S. Department of Commerce. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Oct 18, 2025 · 37 min
From Passion to Pathways: How ASME is Building the Next Generation of Makers
It was a real pleasure to welcome Kathleen Kosmoski, Director of Workforce Development at the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), to Manufacturing an American Century. Kathleen leads national efforts to strengthen the engineering talent pipeline and is helping connect community colleges, manufacturers, and engineering societies in new ways to close the skills gap. Kathleen shares how ASME is engaging the next generation of engineers through its Community College Engineering Pathways and Mechanical Engineering Technology Apprenticeship programs, both designed to make engineering education more accessible and aligned with industry needs. She discusses how these initiatives are helping students enter the engineering profession as technicians and advance through hands-on learning and employer partnerships. We also talk about the unique role of professional societies in rebuilding America’s manufacturing base, ASME’s collaborations with other engineering associations, and Kathleen’s vision for a more connected and inclusive technical workforce. Her experience leading workforce initiatives and her passion for solving complex challenges shine through as she describes how trust, local partnerships, and persistence are key to lasting impact. Thanks to Kathleen for joining us and for the incredible work she’s doing to build the next generation of American engineers! 🔗Links to Learn More: Find Kathleen on LinkedIn. Learn more about ASME programs: Community College Engineering Pathways Mechanical Engineering Technology Apprenticeship Follow AMCC on Linkedin. Find Matt on Linkedin. Visit our website. AMCC’s podcast is made possible in part by the expertise of Mike McAllen, founder of Podcasting4Associations. Are you part of an association also looking to produce a podcast? Let us get you in touch with Mike. Thank you to the Economic Development Administration for their partnership in producing this podcast. This podcast was prepared in part using Federal funds under award 3070145 from the Economic Development Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce. The statements, findings, conclusions, and recommendations are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Economic Development Administration or the U.S. Department of Commerce. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Oct 3, 2025 · 50 min
The Infrastructure Behind the Industry: How Connex Marketplace is Connecting U.S. Manufacturing with Alan Davis and James Duncan
It was an absolute pleasure to welcome James Duncan, President of Connex Marketplace, and Alan Davis, President and CEO of i5 Services, to Manufacturing an American Century. Jim and Alan are two private-sector leaders who’ve rolled up their sleeves to tackle two of the biggest challenges facing small and midsize manufacturers today: access to capital and supply chain visibility. They describe how Connex is helping manufacturers find the capital they need, and share how their tools make it easier for business owners to understand their options. Alan gives us the big picture on how Connex Marketplace is reconnecting the U.S. industrial base, helping manufacturers find each other by capability – not just geography or keywords – in a way that connects them while safeguarding their competitive edge. We also discuss the trust they've established with manufacturers over more than a decade and why that trust is more important now than ever, given rising concerns about capital access, trade, and supply chain restructuring. Thanks to Alan and Jim for coming on the podcast! 🔗Links to Learn More: Find Alan Davis on Linkedin. Find James Duncan on Linkedin Learn more about the Connex Marketplace. Read about Connex’s work on small business lending support with the SBA. Follow AMCC on Linkedin. Find Matt on Linkedin. Visit our website. AMCC’s podcast is made possible in part by the expertise of Mike McAllen, founder of Podcasting4Associations. Are you part of an association also looking to produce a podcast? Let us get you in touch with Mike. Thank you to the Economic Development Administration for their partnership in producing this podcast. This podcast was prepared in part using Federal funds under award 3070145 from the Economic Development Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce. The statements, findings, conclusions, and recommendations are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Economic Development Administration or the U.S. Department of Commerce. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Sep 17, 2025 · 48 min
Manufacturing Careers for the Uniquely Abled; A Scalable National Model with UAP’s Ivan Rosenberg
In this episode of Manufacturing in the American Century, we’re joined by Ivan Rosenberg. Ivan’s had a long career as an engineer and as a management consultant for aerospace and defense manufacturers. In this new chapter of his leadership and discussed in this episode, Ivan is the founder of the Uniquely Abled Project, an initiative that connects and trains people with autism and other “unique abilities” for skilled jobs in advanced manufacturing. Ivan’s entry into this work is personal. As a father of two children on the autism spectrum, he saw firsthand the barriers they would face trying to enter the workforce. At the same time, he was working with manufacturers struggling to fill open jobs. That tension between labor demands and overlooked talent led him to a simple question: why aren’t we connecting these dots more effectively? The Uniquely Abled Project is built on the idea that cognitive disabilities don’t mean unemployability. In fact, many people with autism have strengths, such as attention to detail, comfort with repetition, and process thinking, that are a great match for family-sustaining roles in advanced manufacturing like CNC machining. Ivan walks us through how the program works, the importance of changing both language and assumptions, and what it takes to build effective cross-sector partnerships around this work. We also talk about mindset; how employers, parents, and institutions often limit what’s possible by framing disability in terms of deficits rather than abilities. Ivan offers a practical, clear-eyed approach to making this shift, and in doing so unlocking the opportunity for so many more individuals to have meaningful roles in meaningful work. Way to go, Ivan! UAP is looking to expand. If you are engaged in your region’s workforce ecosystem be sure to reach out to us or Ivan directly to see how to start an Uniquely Abled Academy in your area! Links to Learn More: Find Ivan on Linkedin. Learn more about the Uniquely Abled Project Find UAP on Linkedin, Instagram, and Facebook Follow AMCC on Linkedin. Find Matt on Linkedin. Visit our website. AMCC’s podcast is made possible in part by the expertise of Mike McAllen, founder of Podcasting4Associations. Are you part of an association also looking to produce a podcast? Let us get you in touch with Mike. Thank you to the Economic Development Administration for their partnership in producing this podcast. This podcast was prepared in part using Federal funds under award 3070145 from the Economic Development Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce. The statements, findings, conclusions, and recommendations are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Economic Development Administration or the U.S. Department of Commerce. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Jul 11, 2025 · 46 min
How Evidence-Based Strategies Are Reshaping Regional Manufacturing Ecosystems with Dr. Susan Helper
It was a real privilege to welcome my longtime collaborator and friend, Dr. Susan Helper, to the Manufacturing in the American Century podcast. Sue is not only a Harvard-trained PhD economist and professor at Case Western Reserve University, but also a seasoned federal leader who's served as Chief Economist at the U.S. Department of Commerce and on the White House Council of Economic Advisers. She’s a nationally recognized expert on manufacturing and one of the most influential thought leaders advancing bottom-up economic development in America today. In this episode, we dive into our shared work on the Investing in Manufacturing Communities Partnership (IMCP), which was an early and influential federal initiative that helped seed the emergence of place-based development strategies across the country. Sue offers fascinating insights into the practical, evidence-based methods for catalyzing regional growth through smarter manufacturing, to include the power of industrial ecosystems, the risks of "racing to the bottom," and the need for better structures, metrics, and coordination among federal, state, and regional actors. From her reflections on the enduring value of manufacturing to her passionate call for a long-term national industrial strategy, Sue’s clarity and conviction make her such a trusted leader in the field. Whether you're new to the AMCC network or a seasoned stakeholder, this episode is full of wisdom and takeaways from one of the nation's foremost champions for bottom-up, evidence-based sustainable development - it’s a must listen!! 🔗Links to Learn More: Find Susan Helper on Linkedin. Follow AMCC on Linkedin. Find Matt on Linkedin. Visit our website. AMCC’s podcast is made possible in part by the expertise of Mike McAllen, founder of Podcasting4Associations. Are you part of an association also looking to produce a podcast? Let us get you in touch with Mike. Thank you to the Economic Development Administration for their partnership in producing this podcast. This podcast was prepared in part using Federal funds under award 3070145 from the Economic Development Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce. The statements, findings, conclusions, and recommendations are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Economic Development Administration or the U.S. Department of Commerce. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Jun 22, 2025 · 39 min
How Regions Can Lead in Workforce Innovation: Building Apprenticeship Programs that Work with JFF’s Melissa MacGregor
In this episode, I sit down with Melissa MacGregor from Jobs for the Future (JFF) to talk about something that keeps coming up in our conversations with regional manufacturing leaders: how do we actually build stronger apprenticeship pathways that meet both worker and industry needs? Melissa brings deep experience and a practical perspective to the table. We get into the nuts and bolts of what makes a "quality job," how registered apprenticeships are structured, and what regional leaders can do to support them,even if they’re starting from scratch. Melissa also shares some hard-earned lessons from the field, including the real barriers that stall progress and where she sees opportunities for systemic change. If you’re wondering how to move from talk to implementation when it comes to workforce development, this conversation offers a grounded and honest look at what it really takes. Thanks to Melissa and JFF for their exceptional work and for partnering with AMCC to bring about more collective impact for American workers and businesses! Matt Links to Learn More: JFF on State Tax Credits and Tuition Support JFF Quality Job Framework Find Melissa on Linkedin. Learn more about Melissa on JFF’s website. Follow AMCC on Linkedin. Find Matt on Linkedin. Visit our website. AMCC’s podcast is made possible in part by the expertise of Mike McAllen, founder of Podcasting4Associations. Are you part of an association also looking to produce a podcast? Let us get you in touch with Mike. Thank you to the Economic Development Administration for their partnership in producing this podcast. This podcast was prepared in part using Federal funds under award 3070145 from the Economic Development Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce. The statements, findings, conclusions, and recommendations are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Economic Development Administration or the U.S. Department of Commerce. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
May 30, 2025 · 33 min
Trust, Place, and the Future of Regional Manufacturing Growth with Chuck Shoopman
In this episode, I sit down with my old friend and longtime collaborator Chuck Shoopman, president of Growth Innovations Group and a leader in Tennessee. We take a trip down memory lane back to our days with E3 and the early IMCP initiatives and talk about how those early bottom-up, place-based strategies have now become central to national economic revitalization efforts. Chuck shares relevant stories from his time at the Tennessee Valley Authority and the University of Tennessee, reflecting on how losing manufacturing jobs impacted rural communities and why rebuilding that foundation matters now more than ever. We dive into the critical role of trust in regional collaboration, the unique value that universities can bring when they truly partner with communities, and why private sector helpers like Chuck’s group are vital to strengthening local manufacturers. If you care about sustainable economic development, workforce readiness, and America’s role in a global manufacturing race, this one’s for you. We cover a lot but it all comes back to working together at the regional level to move the national project forward. AMCC’s podcast is made possible in part by the expertise of Mike McAllen, founder of Podcasting4Associations. Are you part of an association also looking to produce a podcast? Let us get you in touch with Mike. Thank you to the Economic Development Administration for their partnership in producing this podcast. This podcast was prepared in part using Federal funds under award 3070145 from the Economic Development Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce. The statements, findings, conclusions, and recommendations are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Economic Development Administration or the U.S. Department of Commerce. 🔗Links to Learn More: Find Chuck on Linkedin. Follow AMCC on Linkedin. Find Matt on Linkedin. Visit our website. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
May 10, 2025 · 37 min
Rewiring Investment for Manufacturing and Regional Resilience with Bert Feuss
I had the chance to sit down with Bert Feuss, a longtime leader in mission-driven capital deployment, to unpack what capital access actually means for regional manufacturing communities. Bert helped us understand how philanthropic dollars can go far beyond traditional grants. We explored how the other 95% of these funds (what Bert calls the “corpus”) can be aligned with community impact, including financing manufacturing-related efforts like workforce development, sustainable production, or even employee ownership transitions. What stood out to me was how real the opportunity is right now to connect regional manufacturing ecosystems with the world of impact investing. Bert talked about the need for place-based investment strategies that aren't just about writing checks, but about building relationships, de-risking innovation, and convening stakeholders across sectors. If you're a regional leader looking to strengthen your manufacturing base, this episode will give you a new lens on the role that philanthropic capital can play in fueling sustainable, long-term economic growth. AMCC’s podcast is made possible in part by the expertise of Mike McAllen, founder of Podcasting4Associations. Are you part of an association also looking to produce a podcast? Let us get you in touch with Mike. Thank you to the Economic Development Administration for their partnership in producing this podcast. This podcast was prepared in part using Federal funds under award 3070145 from the Economic Development Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce. The statements, findings, conclusions, and recommendations are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Economic Development Administration or the U.S. Department of Commerce. 🔗Links to Learn More: Find Bert on Linkedin. Follow AMCC on Linkedin. Find Matt on Linkedin. Visit our website. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Apr 17, 2025 · 44 min
A Roadmap for Purpose-Driven Business and American Manufacturing with Andrew Hoffman
In this episode, I had the pleasure of sitting down with my friend Andrew Hoffman, professor at the University of Michigan and author of 19 books, to talk about his latest, Business School and the Noble Purpose of the Market. Andy’s journey is remarkable, from his early days as a carpenter to becoming one of the most respected voices calling for a rethinking of social benefit enterprises and business education. We dug into why today’s business schools must evolve beyond outdated shareholder-first models and start preparing leaders to take on the big challenges of our time—climate change, inequality, and rebuilding trust in institutions. Andy makes a compelling case for how markets, when properly guided, can serve a noble purpose. He also shares a vision for how universities, government, and business can better align to drive meaningful change. If you're part of a regional ecosystem, a university, or simply someone working to make your corner of the nation work better for more people, Andy’s insights offer both a critique and a clear path forward. I hope this conversation sparks ideas—and more importantly, action—in your own work. AMCC’s podcast is made possible in part by the expertise of Mike McAllen, founder of Podcasting4Associations. Are you part of an association also looking to produce a podcast? Let us get you in touch with Mike. Thank you to the Economic Development Administration for their partnership in producing this podcast. This podcast was prepared in part using Federal funds under award 3070145 from the Economic Development Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce. The statements, findings, conclusions, and recommendations are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Economic Development Administration or the U.S. Department of Commerce. 🔗Links to Learn More: Find Andrew on Linkedin. Read Business School and the Noble Purpose of the Market Follow AMCC on Linkedin. Find Matt on Linkedin. Visit our website. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Mar 28, 2025 · 41 min
Inside the Push to Modernize Manufacturing Training: Insights from SME and New America
This week, I’m joined by two powerhouse leaders doing the heavy lifting to strengthen our country’s innovation economy—Shalin Jyotishi from New America and Deb Volzer from SME. These folks aren’t just talking about change—they’re out there building the systems to make it happen. Shalin walks us through how New America’s Future of Work and Innovation Economy initiative is working to ensure that technological advancement strengthens—not sidelines—the American middle class. He discusses the launch of a new national Accelerator for Community Colleges, designed to build capacity across institutions and regions engaged in tech-based economic development. Deb, meanwhile, shares how SME’s 90-year legacy is evolving with their new Manufacturing Imperative Workforce Pipeline Challenge; a bold initiative engaging 25 community colleges across 17 states. Her team is addressing workforce gaps through scalable, employer-driven models that align local needs with national priorities in manufacturing and advanced technologies. Their work offers a roadmap for how public, private, and educational sectors can come together to meet the moment.If you care about making workforce development more effective—or just want to hear from people who are rolling up their sleeves and doing the work—this is a conversation you won’t want to miss. AMCC’s podcast is made possible in part by the expertise of Mike McAllen, founder of Podcasting4Associations. Are you part of an association also looking to produce a podcast? Let us get you in touch with Mike. Thank you to the Economic Development Administration for their partnership in producing this podcast. This podcast was prepared in part using Federal funds under award 3070145 from the Economic Development Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce. The statements, findings, conclusions, and recommendations are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Economic Development Administration or the U.S. Department of Commerce. 🔗Links to Learn More: Find Shalin on Linkedin. Find Deb on Linkedin. Learn more about New America’s Future of Work and Innovation Economy Learn more about SME’s Manufacturing Imperative Workforce Pipeline Challenge Follow AMCC on Linkedin. Find Matt on Linkedin. Visit our website. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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