In last issue’s column (OEM Magazine Spring 2024), I outlined how we utilize PMMI Member Advantage presentations to keep our membership up to speed on all of the programs PMMI offers its members beyond just our trade shows. I want to continue that theme by highlighting four new programs our Board of Directors approved at April’s Executive Leadership Conference.
Heroes MAKE America, a unique collaboration with our partners at the Manufacturing Institute, is an exclusive opportunity for PMMI members. This strategic alliance offers a range of benefits, specifically addressing the challenges of finding skilled workers in the manufacturing sector. By providing integrated certification and career-readiness training in partnership with local community colleges, Heroes MAKE America prepares transitioning service members, veterans, National Guard members, reservists, and military spouses for rewarding careers in manufacturing.
PMMI members have the unique advantage of accessing exclusive recruitment events, including virtual and in-person career fairs, workshops, and Heroes Connect events. These events offer a platform for PMMI companies to engage with veterans in training programs, discussing the industry, their companies, and potential career paths. This initiative positions PMMI member companies at the forefront of workforce development, enhancing productivity and competitive edge in the global market.
While Heroes Make America focuses on adding to the workforce, SheLeads: Navigating Leadership for Women is a new program for women already in packaging and processing careers. The workshops deepen leadership skills to help managers lead more effectively. This interactive learning environment allows participants to explore new ideas, share experiences, practice new skills, and build relationships with other leaders to support their growth.
A key aspect of the SheLeads program is the creation of a collaborative environment that allows women managers to seek support and share ideas with colleagues who understand the challenges of leading effectively in a primarily male-dominated work environment.
The course offers an experience where participants can explore leadership content, benefit from tools to enhance their management and communication skills, and engage in conversations that support their effort to confidently and effectively step up as leaders in their organizations.
PMMI Expert Connect is our latest asset targeting international business by providing legal counsel and exporting advice. Need advice regarding contracts, general corporate law, or regulatory issues? PMMI can connect you with legal expert Eric Greenberg, from Croke Fairchild Duarte & Beres, LLC, and his extensive experience in our industry. PMMI will even cover the first hour of Eric’s time. For exporting advice, we have experienced consultants and PMMI exporters available to offer counseling and advice to PMMI members who are either new at exporting or need advice on specific issues or markets. PMMI will cover the cost of a limited number of hours for these experts.
Successful Selling @ PACK EXPO is the newest addition to our portfolio of sales workshops specifically tackling the unique challenges of selling in the packaging and processing markets.
This two-day in-person course focuses on what PACK EXPO exhibitors can do to maximize sales from North America's largest packaging and processing show. Based on the Sandler Sales System and developed for PMMI with member subject matter experts contributing, this course highlights what exhibitors can do to prepare for the show, provides selling strategies during the show, and presents techniques for following up with potential customers.
This training is especially pertinent this year as EXPO PACK Mexico was, and PACK EXPO International will be the largest iteration of both events in our history. You know I couldn’t make it through a column without shouting out our bread and butter tradeshows!
