From The Chairman

RyanChism

Ryan Chism,Vice President, The Chism Company

2011 Chairman's Report

2011 Marked By Strengthened SAMA Advocacy Role

Alliances with numerous groups add impact to critical iniatives

As I transition into the role of Past Chairman and welcome our new Chairman, Mike McIver of PSI, it is a great time to review SAMA’s achievements. We began this year with the goal of growing SAMA’s role as the regional advocate for manufacturing.

While we continue to have important work ahead, I am pleased to say that with the help of SAMA’s board and committee leaders, we succeeded in creating awareness and growing our network for manufacturing advocacy.

This has involved the dedicated work of Rey Chavez (SAMA’s Presdient) and John Dewey (2007 Chairman) forging stronger working relationships with other organizations to increase SAMA’s exposure and broadcast both the needs of manufacturing and its significant contribution to our regional economy.

I am also appreciative of the leadership and support of SAMA’s Board as well as the cooperation of key organizations such as The Greater SA Chamber of Commerce, the SA
Economic Development Foundation, the City’s Office of Economic Development, the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the Bexar County Office of Economic Development, the Texas Association of Manufacturers and the National Association of Manufacturers.

Additionally, SAMA’s leadership framed a set of national legislative priorities this year to guide our dialogue with elected officials and direct our efforts within the local community. These priorities include:

• Developing a skilled workforce capable of meeting current and future Manufacturing Industry demands.
• Positively addressing regulations and mandates that undermine employer flexibility and discourage hiring of new employees.
• Establishing a stable legislative climate that encourages capital investment.
• Implementing a comprehensive national plan for growth of the U.S. manufacturing industry.

In response to local workforce development initiatives, I want to thank Dan Antis of Toyota; Don Kenton, SAMA’s Education Committee Chair; Danny McQuay, Immediate Past Chairman; and Gene Bowman, Alamo Area Academies Director, for their efforts to establish Toyota of Texas as an industry partner of the Advanced Technology and Manufacturing Academy (ATMA). Toyota’s generosity and partnership greatly expands ATMA’s capability to provide meaningful and challenging internships to the next generation of skilled manufacturing technicians.

It has been my great pleasure to serve as Chairman. I want to thank our membership for their
participation that has made 2011 a dynamic and rewarding year.

2011 Highlights
During 2011,SAMA provided the following benefits to member and the industry at large:

21 manufacturers completed SAMA’s Lean Manufacturing Certification training program
31 members attended SAMA’s first “Introduction to Lean Office” workshop
100 members attended SAMA’s Employment Law Seminar training program
54 members attended SAMA’s Environmental Seminar training program
30 members participated in SAMA’s safety program for manufacturers
59 members attended SAMA’s “MPower" marketing workshops and presentations
198 members attended SAMA’s free Plant Operations Special Interest Groups (SIGs)
15 members attended SAMA’s Lean Human Resources for Small Business program
96 companies exhibited at SAMA’s annual Trade Show with more than 700 attendeesOver
1,200 people attended SAMA’s monthly luncheons to network and gain knowledge on topics ranging from Texas legislative updates to regional economic assessments
50 members attended SAMA’s annual Tour of Manufacturers showcasing four regional firms
47 manufacturing executives attended SAMA’s annual “CEO Event” with Susan Combs, Texas Comptroller, as the guest speaker
SAMA provided position papers regarding manufacturing’s federal and state legislative priorities in support of regional agendas
In conjunction with the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) Manufacturing Institute, SAMA implemented a web-based training program “Business Growth for theManufacturing Industry”

In addition SAMA sponsored a number of social and community networking activities:

Raising more than 62,500 lbs. of food for the San Antonio Food Bank
Hosting the annual SAMA bowling tournament with 160 members attending
Hosting the Annual Spring and Fall Golf Tournaments with 189 members attending
Approximately 400 people attended the SAMA quarterly mixers highlighting area manufacturing firms
174 members and spouses attended SAMA’s Annual Membership Banquet

SAMA has helped develop manufacturing related educational programs with key regional and national organizations:

Alamo Colleges’ Alamo Area Academies has 58 students currently enrolled and graduated 30 students from the Advanced Technology and Manufacturing Academy (ATMA)
ATMA Academy placed 24 student interns with local manufacturers for hands-on training
Coordination and development of a national program for manufacturing skills certification

Ryan Chism, SAMA Chairman, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

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