Our Mission:
The Muskegon Area Chamber of Commerce/Muskegon Area First Manufacturer's Council was formed in 2000. The core group is made up of representatives from nine member manufacturing companies in the Muskegon area and serves as an advisory group to assist in meeting the needs of the manufacturing community.

Activities:
To bring manufacturers together to learn about one another and the resources available in our community.
Dialogue about issues, concerns, problems, and strengths/weaknesses particular to manufacturers.
Create groups where local manufacturers can network, share best practices, and become involved in the community.
Five current groups:

1. Global User Group
2. Energy Efficiency User Group
3. Environmental Users Group
4. Health Care Users Group
5. Lean Manufacturing Workshops 

Meetings:
Meets 4 times per year - First Wednesday of March, June, September and December, 7:30am - 9:00am. 
Muskegon Area Chamber of Commerce.

Liaison:
Eugenia Brown, Muskegon Area First, 231-724-3179.

The Manufacturer's Council is please to present 'Quality Made in West Michigan' products! Click here to learn more about this initiative

Committee Membership Information...

Global User Group

Why: Many local companies are exploring global markets, especially the Chinese market, or considering
China in their strategic planning process.

Purpose: Tackle issues that face companies doing business in China and those exploring
in that area; to share the best practices of experienced China partnerships.

Topics: Language differences, legal challenges, contracts, cultural issues, importing/exporting opportunities, and many more.

Who: Representatives from manufacturing companies presently investigating business in
China or other global markets.

Energy Efficiency User Group

Why: Increasing energy costs and environmental concerns are forcing companies to put
an emphasis on reducing energy usage.

Purpose: An opportunity for large industrial energy users to participate in a shared
learning experience where the goal is to help all participants control costs and improve efficiency.

Topics: Energy monitoring methods, motors, compressed air, purchasing energy, steam, and other interests of the participants.

Who: Facility managers and/or company representatives directly responsible for managing and improving energy efficiency and reducing costs.

Environmental Users Group

Why: West Michigan manufacturers working to increase their business internationally need to learn about different levels of environmental certifications.

Purpose: The group provides opportunities to see firsthand how local manufacturers are integrating environmental certifications into their operations through on-location tours.

Topics: Environmental certification levels, implementation challenges, and related topics.

Who: Representatives from manufacturing companies presently investigating environmental certification and
expanding business in global markets.

Health Care Users Group

Why: Rising health care costs and work problems related to an unhealthy workforce have reached a critical point,
affecting our economy across the board.

Purpose: Meet to find alternative ways to lower costs of health care benefits and introduce healthy employee programs.

Topics: Health insurance plans, HSAs, Consumer Directed Health Plans, Wellness programs, and other related topics.

Who: Human Resource professionals, benefits managers and decision makers.

Lean Manufacturing Workshops

Why: Manufacturers are consistently being forced to reduce prices and many companies are turning to Lean Manufacturing for assistance.

Purpose: Lean Manufacturing operates on the principle of continuous improvement; consistently eliminating waste and increasing production efficiency. Tour local companies and see how they implemented lean processes.

Topics: The Toyota Production System, Standard Work, Five S, Kaizen, Value Stream Mapping, Pull Systems.

Who: Operations support employees, or those interested in lean manufacturing.