Recognizing all that is good

Addressing weighty issues is an important part of this column, and there will be no shortage of them to debate and discuss in 2016.

With that in mind, it seems appropriate to focus on the positive as we end an otherwise tumultuous year. And with serious and persistent concerns before us, it’s important to remember there are a lot of people in manufacturing making a difference.

For myself, it was beneficial to become acquainted with two trade organizations fighting the good fight and providing resources for the careers and industry we share: the United States Cutting Tool Institute and the Tooling, Manufacturing & Technologies Association. You should know and support both organizations, for they’re on the front lines addressing critical issues in every state, speaking for all of us who are busy making parts and payroll. While owners and managers may not be able to get out of the shop to lobby Congress about bad legislation or invest the time to review the latest and greatest cutting tools, it’s good to know they’re out there working on our behalf.

Turning to something more local, our shop accepted invitations to participate in three high school career fairs as a representative of the manufacturing and machining sectors. Unfortunately, there aren’t enough shops showing up at these events, but the impact of our participation was evident.

Much has been said about the potentially murky future of machining careers and subsequent efforts to recruit young talent. But hope is alive, as I witnessed the sincere appreciation of so many young people looking to find their role in the world. All it takes is a willingness to talk, listen and brainstorm with them.