Molly Burgess, Executive Director, Manufacturers’ Council of the Inland Empire; Judy Lopez, CEO, Microydyne Plastics, Inc. and board member; Wallace Brithinee, President, Manufacturers’ Council of the I.E.; Steve Tyrell, Mitsubishi Cement and President of the High Desert Manufacturers’ Council; Dave Hyatt, General Atomics and board member; Eric Schmidt, Exquadrum, Inc. and board member; John DeVoll, DeVoll Rubber and board member; Frank Castanos, Director, Instruction, Workforce Programs, at the Victor Valley Training Center.
Redlands, CA – July 20, 2023: The Manufacturers’ Council of the Inland Empire (MCIE) signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) today that will officially unite their efforts with the High Desert Manufacturers’ Council (HDMC), formalizing a long history of collaboration as the voice for the region’s manufacturers.
The agreement was signed by Wallace Brithinee, President of the MCIE, and Steven Tyrrell, President of the HDMC, with members of both boards looking on.
“This is a remarkable moment in the history of manufacturing in the Inland Empire and the High Desert region,” said Brithinee. “We are confident that this strategic partnership will make a significant impact, and we want to hear from High Desert manufacturers about their needs and concerns their companies survive and thrive in the future.”
Under the agreement, the HDMC will retain the ability to tailor programming for High Desert Manufacturers, while benefitting from the marketing expertise and programming of the MCIE, as both groups expand their audience and voice on behalf of the region’s robust manufacturing economy. The Manufacturers’ Council serves a sprawling area covering roughly 27,000-square miles and home to more than 3,700 manufacturers.
“Following the example set by the Manufacturers’ Council of the Inland Empire and the InTech Center, the High Desert Manufacturers’ Council accomplished its primary goal of developing a public/private partnership to establish the High Desert Training Center,” said Steve Tyrrell, of Mitsubishi Cement, and President of the High Desert Manufacturers’ Council. “Now we are ready to grow and expand our services to regional manufacturers helping them find trained and skilled workers and to overcome issues like utility costs and restrictive regulations.”
In attendance at the event, held at the Bear Valley Country Club, were Cynthia Amador-Diaz, from CMTC representing the California Manufacturing Network; Mariann Johnson, Deputy Directory, Special Projects/ Youth Programs; Natalie Weaver, Directory of Partnership and Programs at LAUNCH Apprenticeship. Sarah Johnson, Director of Member Engagement from the California Manufacturing & Technology Association, the state-wide lobbying association for manufacturers, sent congratulations.
The Manufacturers’ Council is dedicated to the growth and prosperity of manufacturing in inland Southern California, providing a platform for manufacturers to meet, share ideas, and work together to overcome common challenges in an increasingly competitive global market.
Membership is open to manufacturers, professionals, students, community members, and corporate leadership with interests in manufacturing.
Visit www.mfgcouncilie.com for more information on events and membership, and to link to videos on careers in manufacturing.
Photo Credit: Mike Wichman, Video VP
