Header Image
The Virginia Manufacturer - Focusing on Manufacturing Issues of Today and Tomorrow

Virginia Manufacturer's Association
In This Issue


Untying the Gordian Knot of Misclassification
for an exclusive article about worker misclassification and payroll fraud from Courtney Malveaux, VMA Outside Counsel to the Safety Subcommittee.
Connect with VMA
Did you know VMA is on Twitter? Follow us for updates on manufacturing in Virginia!
Additional pictures from MFG Day















Keep in touch
Have an announcement or idea for our next newsletter? Let us know!
VOLUME 7 | EDITION 3 | OCTOBER 2014

Events
Virginia Industry Forum: Oct 16-17
Next week, the VMA is headed to Newport News to host the Virginia Industry Forum (Forum). Forum is VMA's biggest conference and annual meeting; a chance for manufacturers from across the Commonwealth to get together to tackle major issues facing industry. Automation, productivity, supply chain, and technology are some of the key themes for Forum this year and for manufacturers for years to come. This year, we'll be showcasing companies in the food, beverage, and tobacco industry.


Dream It Do It Virginia Symposium: Oct 16
The 3rd Annual Workforce Development Symposium will be held alongside the 2014 Virginia Industry Forum in Newport News on October 16.  The Symposium will include industry panels on the State of the Manufacturing Workforce in Virginia and interactive demonstrations on innovative workforce solutions to close the career planning and skills gaps.  In addition, several workforce training funding opportunities will be announced.  There is no cost to attend. 

Small Business Summit: Oct 10
This Friday, VMA President and CEO Brett Vassey and ODEC Director of Member and External Relations David Hudgins will co-moderate the economic development panel at the Small Business Summit in Falls Church. 
MFG Day recap

On Friday October 3, VMA joined with manufacturers across the country to showcase the advanced technology used in today's manufacturing industry. By working together during and after MFG DAY, manufacturers will begin to address the skilled labor shortage they face, connect with future generations, take charged of the public image of manufacturing, and ensure the ongoing prosperity of the whole industry.
Manufacturing News
McKee Foods Corp. plans to spend $34 million to expand production at its manufacturing facility in Augusta County, a project that is expected to create 54 new jobs. The Stuarts Draft plant currently employs 1,000 workers and is one of the largest employers in Augusta County. McKee Foods,  a privately held company based in Collegedale, Tenn., produces snack foods, cereals and baked goods.
To assist those re-entering the workforce or preparing for interviews, dozens of local businesses have joined Goodwill of Central Virginia Inc. and commercial real estate firm Cushman & Wakefield | Thalhimer to collect gently used professional clothing. 
German-based IMS Gear, which manufactures gears for car power seats, dedicated its new 112,000-square-foot plant in Virginia Beach after a significant expansion. With 10 plants around the world, IMS Gear now manufacturers gears for every major automobile company. 
Governor Terry McAuliffe signed executive order 23 establishing "The New Virginia Economy" Workforce Initiative, which will be led by Secretary of Commerce and Trade Maurice Jones. This initiative seeks to overhaul our economy in four ways: increasing postsecondary education and workforce credentials, securing employment for veterans, aligning education with the needs of businesses, and diversifying the economy. 
Governor McAuliffe announced appointments to his administration, including re-appointing VMA President and CEO Brett Vassey to the Virginia Board of Workforce Development Executive Committee and Chair of the Performance & Accountability Subcommittee. Congratulations Brett!