Have a Local Impact!
What attracted me to working for a trade association more than 20 years ago was a position to serve as a chapter coordinator with an organization representing metal forming companies (the Precision Metal Forming Association). The position description that i saw in our local newspaper (yes, I am ancient) outlined an exciting opportunity to travel the United States and to work closely with local volunteers. As someone who was always interested in getting involved and accomplishing things through mobilizing volunteer leaders, i could not have stumbled on a more perfect job after grad school. I loved my chapter coordinator position. Helping local business leaders organize programs and deliver resources that positively impacted their companies and employees was so rewarding.
Our SUMMIT, now celebrating its 11th anniversary, has attracted more than 3500 attendees since its inception, hosted more than 250 educational sessions, and has literally (said with the spirit and gumption of Chris Traeger from “Parks and Recreation”) transformed people’s lives. The sessions we have delivered have been impactful, the keynote presentations inspirational
and the plant tours instructional, but I think the most important deliverable of our SUMMIT and all of our programs is facilitating connections.
Some of the most significant changes in my life have happened because of the people i have met and have built authentic connections with. While sharing coffee, conversations and often a cocktail (as anyone who knows me, it would be a rich red blend), is when i have been most powerfully able to make connections with people who are equally passionate about common issues, with allies who want to work together and with others who have experienced the same situations and circumstances.
I encourage all women and allies in manufacturing to join us for our 11th annual SUMMIT in WIM’s hometown of Cleveland, October 4-6. This city has undergone a resurgence in the last decade just as our organization has experienced a surge in support and prioritization. We are committed to keeping our in person participants safe and our critically important for us to come together and celebrate the year and a half we have survived and look forward to a future that embraces difference, diversity and innovation.
I hope to see all of you in Cleveland or in our virtual audience in October. Please know that you have been missed and not forgotten during this period when we could not be together in person!
Best,
Allison Grealis
Founder and President Â
Women In Manufacturing (WIM)
Follow me @allisongrealis
Email:Â [email protected]
P.S. The next Chapter Development Workshop is scheduled for October 4, during SUMMIT 2021.