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JAMA 73rd Annual Dinner Report

by Chris Gautz | Jackson Citizen Patriot
January 19, 2010

Contrary to popular belief, the automotive industry has not been in a recession these past few years.

“This is an absolute depression,” said David Cole, chairman of the University of Michigan’s Center for Automotive Research. He said the level of sales last year was about 4 million units below what would be considered a recession, but he sees brighter days ahead.

Cole was the guest speaker at the Jackson Area Manufacturers Association 73rd annual meeting Monday night at the Country Club of Jackson. He said because of the massive restructuring and the loss of so many businesses, he expects the suppliers that remain will become more profitable.

“The pot of gold is bigger,” Cole said. “The issue is … can we get to the future where this opportunity is going to be so great?”

In recognition of those struggles that local businesses faced last year, JAMA named all of its members that survived in 2009 as its Manufacturer of the Year during the awards ceremony earlier in the evening.

The announcement of that award to the more than 300 in attendance was met with laughter followed by a standing ovation.

Throughout his hour-long speech, Cole stressed the importance of knowledge and education and commended the young people who received awards and are planning for life-long careers in manufacturing.

He said while manufacturing is not well understood by policymakers, it is the most significant industry in the economy and should be appreciated as such.

“Anybody that ever tries to denigrate someone that uses their hands, tell them they are absolutely foolish,” he said.

AWARD WINNERS

The following winners were announced Monday at the Jackson Area Manufacturers Association awards dinner:

Academy graduate journeypersons: Danny Grier, Joe Lienhart, Derrick Rowley, Don Gray, Matthew Howard, Steven Merrill, Nathen Hoard and Mark McDonnell

Apprentice of the Year: Joe Lienhart

JAMA Students of the Year: Ted Clark, Zach Andrews

JAMA Educator of the Year: Kay Cagle

Manufacturer of the Year: Every JAMA Member Manufacturer who survived 2009

Heritage Hall of Fame: Bob LaZebnik