Fourth MEMA Policy Breakfast to Bring Together Thought-Leaders on Workforce Challenges Associated with Reshoring Jobs

The Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA) will host a policy panel discussion titled “The Trump Administration Aims to Bring US Jobs Back: Are Companies and Workers Ready?” on Wednesday, November 8, 2017, at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. The event is part of MEMA’s new Policy Breakfast Series, which aims to highlight and explain the complexities of critical issues that affect the motor vehicle supplier industry, such as tax reform, trade, workforce development, and intellectual property.

The November 8 Policy Breakfast will look at the policies the Trump administration is championing that aim to bring manufacturing jobs back to America. From the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and the rules of origin, trade policies on the table could force U.S. companies to hire more American workers. MEMA members report skilled labor shortages, long-term challenges in maintaining a qualified workforce, and full facilities. Even if companies are able to scale up facilities in this country, does the workforce exist to make it successful? How can we help American manufacturers meet the demand? The discussion will feature a distinguished panel of experts and will be moderated Catherine Boland, MEMA Vice President of Legislative Affairs

Panelists include:

• Ondray Harris, Senior Advisor, U.S. Department of Labor

• Paul N Myles, Senior Manager Government Workforce and Training Programs, Magna International, Inc.

• Erika Nielsen, Director, Global Government Affairs, BorgWarner

• Carla Whitlock, Senior Apprenticeship Consultant, Anderson, Greenville, Oconee, and Pickens Counties, Apprenticeship Carolina, SC Technical College System

With this policy event, MEMA, which represents the largest sector of manufacturing jobs in the US, has taken a leadership role as legislators and trade experts explore the potential impacts of renegotiating or modernizing the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and implementing other critical trade rule changes. This panel will explore the on-going challenges U.S. companies face in recruiting, hiring, and retaining qualified workers as well as what solutions employers are using or seeking to meet hiring demands.  

Registration is by invitation only. MEMA members who wish to attend may register here.