JAMA Awards Presented; Partnership with Shop Rat Announced

Lean Rocket Lab Co-founders Ken Seneff (left) and Brandon Marken with presenter Karen Farr.  Photo by Bart Hawley, JTV.

(May 14, 2024 11:34 AM ET) The Jackson Area Manufacturers Association’s 87^th Annual Dinner and Awards honored organizations and individuals for their contributions to the Greater Jackson Manufacturing Community.  The awards were presented May 13 at the American 1 Event Center.

The awards:

2023 Student of the Year:   Brock Davidson.  Student of the Year is an opportunity to celebrate and recognize exceptional achievements and potential of a student who has shown outstanding dedication and promise in manufacturing.

Brock attends East Jackson High School and was a member of the inaugural PRIME class. Brock took on the task of programming the Universal Cobot arm and found a way to incorporate a conveyor into the program. Once Brock taught himself on the robot he started teaching his fellow classmates how to program.

Over summer break Brock took an internship at Lomar Machine & Tool in their Machining Facility. During his time at Lomar he demonstrated an excellent work ethic and commitment to the core values and company procedures. Brock was highly regarded by his co-workers due to his positive attitude and ceaseless responsibility. Currently, Brock is participating in the FAME program at Washtenaw Community College with the desire of working at Lomar full time when his college classes are complete.

Apprentice of the Year:  Sanddy Stankiewicz.  Apprentice of the Year is an award to acknowledge a JAMA/AMC apprentice who has shown achievements both at work and within the apprenticeship program. JAMA looks for someone who not only has outstanding dedication but someone who shows promise of their respective trade.

Sanddy Stankiewicz from TAC Manufacturing is graduating from the apprenticeship as an Industrial Maintenance Mechanic. Throughout the 4-year apprenticeship, Sanddy has had a great attitude and has always been willing to go the extra mile while maintaining a 4.0 GPA. Sanddy has also stepped up to help teach classes at JAMA, and we look forward to keeping him as an exceptional addition to our team.

The team at TAC has stated Sanddy throughout his apprenticeship he has always demonstrated professionalism and discipline. Sanddy has exceptional mechanical and teaching skills and is one of the hardest working guys around.

Educator of the Year:  Laura Wright. The Educator of the Year award goes to someone who has made a significant impact on the educational community for their outstanding contributions.

Laura Wright, who joined Technique, Inc. in August 2014 as the Human Resources Manager, has left an enduring impact during her ten years of service. Her dedication has transformed Technique into a highly desirable employer and positively influenced its educational programs, workforce development initiatives, and community outreach efforts. Laura’s commitment to cultivating the next generation of the workforce is evident in her hands-on approach to student development and employee education. She has extended her vision beyond Technique, fostering partnerships with various educational and community organizations. Her community involvement spans high schools, career centers, colleges, and programs like the Shop Rat Foundation, strengthening bonds between Technique and the broader community. Through her training programs, employees can further their education, enhancing their self-value and job satisfaction while fostering a culture of cross-training and professional growth.

Peter F. Hurst Innovator of the Year Award:  Brandon Marken and Ken Seneff.   The Innovator of the Year award goes to an individual whose groundbreaking ideas, innovations, and contributions have significantly impacted the field of manufacturing.

Brandon Marken and Ken Seneff, founders of the Lean Rocket Lab, drew inspiration from Peter Hurst’s story to create an organization that promotes innovation and supports individuals and manufacturers. In just 5 years, Lean Rocket Lab has become integral to the community’s ecosystem, offering guidance from idea to product launch. Their initiative fills a unique need in Jackson, reflecting a commitment to community involvement and downtown revitalization. Their work would likely earn Peter Hurst’s approval and admiration for its impact and vision.

Manufacturer of the Year:  Tim Levy, Industrial Steel Treating.  Manufacturer of the Year award celebrates a company that has excelled in their achievements as innovators and dedication to the success of manufacturing and the community.

Industrial Steel Treating Co. marks its 80th anniversary with three generations of Levy’s leading the helm. Tim Levy’s decade-long stewardship has elevated the company within the automotive and local communities. He champions Jackson’s betterment by actively engaging in various leadership roles, notably on the Jackson Public Schools Board of Education, Henry Ford Allegiance Health and The Enterprise Group of Jackson. Industrial Steel Treating’s commitment to education, along with the Dorothy Levy Literacy Fund and other community partners, helped to launch The Energizing Education program and garnered Industrial Steel Treating the inaugural Reach Hire award. His dedication inspires IST employees to serve across numerous community boards and initiatives, fostering a culture of community engagement and support. Tim’s leadership extends beyond business success, prioritizing community health and prosperity. His exemplary leadership embodies service, fostering a healthier community and empowering others to thrive.

Heritage Hall of Fame Award:  Greg Walker on behalf of Harry Walker from Modern Machine Tool Company.  The Heritage Hall of Fame award is given to individuals who have made significant historic contributions to the success of manufacturing in our region.

Modern Machine Tool Company, established in 1916 after succeeding the Holton Company, initially produced manually operated cutting-off machines and safety drill tables. During WWII, it supplied drill tables to the US military. The company endured the depression and evolved its machines, introducing the “B” models in 1945 with roller bearings, followed by automatic “A” models in 1949. By 1950, the Walker family owned all stock. They modernized operations and introduced the “E” models in 1955, featuring electrical valves and automatic barfeeders. In 1956, Harry retired, passing leadership to Walter and Bert. The company continued to innovate, transitioning to computer-based controls in the 1980s and introducing CNC systems in the 1990s. Steven became President in the 90s, with Gregory as Vice President. Today, Modern specializes in CNC-controlled cut-off machines and custom projects, adapting to evolving technology and market demands since 2000.

JTV Associate Member of the Year:  TRUE Community Credit Union.  Brand new this year in collaboration with JTV is the Associate Member of the Year to honor the contributions of a JAMA associate member who has played an integral part in supporting the community and in engagement with local schools.

True Community Credit Union, established in 1953 to serve Consumers Power Company employees, has become a leading financial institution in Jackson County, Michigan. Over its seven-decade history, True Community has expanded its services statewide, embodying responsible community stewardship.

One significant initiative is its involvement in the JobSTAR program, facilitated by the United Wat, aimed at aiding Jackson County employees facing employment barriers like transportation and childcare. True Community offers low-interest loans and financial counseling to participants, helping them navigate financial challenges and maintain employment stability.

While this program enhances True Community’s membership base, its primary impact lies in empowering individuals and strengthening the community. By investing in community members’ financial well-being, True Community contributes to the overall health and resilience of Jackson’s workforce and businesses, fostering strong community fabric.

JAMA and Shop Rat Foundation Announce the Establishment of a Collaborative Training Facility and Headquarters

During the Jackson Area Manufacturers Association’s 87th Annual Meeting, JAMA Executive Director, Olivia Steele, and The Shop Rat Foundation Executive Director, Kelly Kofflin, announced the acquisition of a 26,000 sq ft facility to serve as headquarters for both organizations and as a dedicated training facility to support the community’s robust manufacturing education pipeline.

For the past two decades, both JAMA and The Shop Rat Foundation have been at the forefront of manufacturing education. The Shop Rat Foundation has focused on guiding youth through career exploration and foundational skill development programs, while JAMA has served as the primary standards holder for manufacturing apprenticeship programs in the region, through their proprietary school, The Academy for Manufacturing Careers.

“This is truly an inflection point for both organizations, to grow exponentially in the depth and breadth of programming and resources that we can offer to the community,” said Kelly Kofflin, executive director of The Shop Rat Foundation. “This space is the puzzle piece necessary for not only the growth of our organizations, but our community partners to truly meet the workforce needs of our manufacturers.”

The facility will include a precision machining lab, welding lab as well as numerous classroom spaces; greatly increasing the capacity of the organizations to meet the training programs desired to serve local schools and companies.

When asked about the endeavor, Olivia Steele, executive director of JAMA said:

“This new facility not only expands our technical capabilities but also breaks down the barriers that have historically limited access to crucial training programs, empowering our community and fostering a brighter future for all. Because, when we come together, we are stronger and better equipped to achieve our shared goals.

The organizations are engaging in a $7M capital campaign in support of the project, with significant contributions made to date from Alro Steel, The Hurst Foundation, Advance Turning & Manufacturing, Peak Manufacturing, and Orbitform.

“Alro Steel recognizes the critical need for a skilled workforce in today’s manufacturing environment,” said Randy Glick, CEO of Alro Steel. “Alro is proud to partner with JAMA and the Shop Rat Foundation on the Advanced Manufacturing Training Center which will help ensure we have a pipeline of qualified workers in the Jackson community. Investing in the future of manufacturing is a high priority for Alro.”

Limited programming is planned to begin at the new facility beginning Summer 2024, pending completion of planned upgrades to the facility.

See photos from the JAMA Annual Meeting and Awards here: