January 29, 2025 • 20 mins
This episode highlights the exciting initiatives at the Kansas City chapter of NTMA for 2025, focusing on community building, empowerment through events like She Leads, and collaborative opportunities with the Missouri Association of Manufacturers. Katherine discusses January's activities and plans for February, emphasizing the core mission of supporting manufacturing professionals through strategic networking and advocacy efforts.
• January's focus was on laying groundwork for 2025
• February events including She Leads and Member Appreciation Night
• Discussion on empowering women in manufacturing
• Importance of community engagement for collective success
• Upcoming Missouri Association of Manufacturers event
• Announcement of joint event with the St. Louis chapter
• Encouragement for member involvement and collaboration
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Welcome back to the People in Production podcast.
I'm thrilled to have Catherineback this week from National
Tooling and MachiningAssociation.
She's the executive directorfor the Kansas City chapter.
Catherine's going to share withus a little bit about what
January has looked like and whatFebruary is starting to look
like.
Check it out, get in the knowabout what's happening in KC and
(00:21):
TMA so that you can be a partof it.
So, with no further ado, here'smy interview with Catherine.
Catherine, welcome back to thepodcast.
How are you doing?
Speaker 2 (00:42):
Hey, I'm doing well.
How are you, Ryan?
Speaker 1 (00:44):
I am doing well.
We are a month into 2025.
How are you doing?
Does it feel like it'sfast-paced or does it feel like
it's just getting going?
What's your mindset right now?
Speaker 2 (00:55):
Oh gosh, I feel like there's been a lot, a lot of
listening and taking in and nowit's go time.
So rolling out strategic planfor the year, tomorrow at our
Intimate Kickoff at WebCo.
We've got a SheLeads eventcoming up on Friday.
We roll right into our firstofficial SheLeads meeting then
the following week.
So definitely a lot ofpreparation off and running now.
Speaker 1 (01:19):
So let's let the audience kind of know what we
are thinking we're going to tryto do Each month.
We would like to kind of do areview of the month we're just
coming out of and a preview ofthe next month, so that people
can kind of anticipate what'scoming up, and we will try to be
faithful in doing that.
But in that spirit of review,let's talk about how 2025 has
(01:41):
started out.
You've been busy, I see.
You've been in a lot of placesand stuff like that doing a lot
of things.
What's been going on in KCMTMA?
Speaker 2 (01:50):
I feel like we've been laying a lot of groundwork
in preparation for this is whatwe're really working towards
this year.
Right, I feel like we have somebig events upcoming and I would
say this January.
Oh, Ryan, I feel like we'regoing to have to edit that.
Sorry, I'm stuttering here.
Okay, can you edit us out?
(02:13):
Is that okay?
I feel like the first part of2025 was just laying the
foundation for all that is tocome really, and we have several
big events on the horizon forus as a local chapter doing a
joint event with the St Louisgroup, having them come visit us
here in Kansas City for abusiness summit.
We're going to Branson and,Ryan, you're going to be a part
(02:34):
of that great event there withthe Missouri Association of
Manufacturers, and that is inpreparation for a manufacturing
expo that we are going to havehere in Kansas City in late fall
2025.
So we have some really bigevents that we're working
towards, and then we have a lotof in between, which is, you
know, to focus on our three mainpillars networking, advocacy
(02:55):
and workforce development.
Speaker 1 (02:56):
Well, so let's talk about this, and a lot of people
don't necessarily understand howactive the board in KC and TMA
is.
And so this foundation yes, youare doing a lot of work, but
you've got a lot of volunteerpower working at these things
too.
So tell us a little bit aboutthe board, and I mean you guys.
(03:17):
I know I've just been on athread or two with you guys
where you've been talking aboutsome of the things coming up
that I'm a part of, and just theparticipation of your board has
just been awesome to me and Ilove to see how they're taking
ownership and keep in mind, guys, the board, they're all
volunteer members.
Catherine's the only paidperson.
That's a part of that team andstuff.
(03:38):
But these guys have signed upand they've committed themselves
to making great things happenin the Kansas City tooling and
machining market.
What would you add to that?
Speaker 2 (03:50):
I would say absolutely so thankful for their
support and their leadershipand their collective
participation in wanting to growmanufacturing in Kansas City.
So they are definitely a partof our board with a mission and
with a purpose and that is todraw more business into the
greater Kansas City area and indoing so, we see individual
(04:13):
businesses succeed and able tomeet.
You know their milestones andtheir accomplishments, but it is
definitely collective mindset,collective group power and so
thankful for them and theirwillingness to get busy because
there's a lot coming up in 2025.
Speaker 1 (04:30):
Yeah.
So that kind of makes me thinkabout this, because you and I,
we both exist to serve themanufacturing community.
And so you and I, once in awhile we'll connect with each
other, talking strategy abouthow do we serve people, what
days of the week work for youand that type of thing.
And so sometimes people thinkis there anything happening on
(04:50):
the calendar right now with KCand TMA?
And we're walking that finebalance as to how to provide
value with activities but notbecome burdensome that it takes
people off their mission of whatthey need to do as an
organization.
Would you agree with thatsentiment about walking that
balance?
Speaker 2 (05:09):
Well, absolutely, you know, membership in our
association is something thatshould complement daily business
activity and there should be avalue add to everything that
we're doing.
So absolutely I do not want tocome across as pushy or that
annoying.
You know, ding, ding, ding inyour inbox.
And God love the schools.
(05:29):
I think I got 16 dingsyesterday just from my kid's
school.
So I know what that is like andI know again, it's all with a
purpose and absolutely whatwe're doing with it is with a
purpose and it's for the purposeof bettering manufacturing in
Kansas City and supporting ourlocal businesses.
So that's why you get thoseemails.
(05:49):
But everything that we're doingis not for me, it's not for
Ryan, it's not for the board,it's for the businesses that we
represent here collectivelywithin the NTMA National Tooling
and Machining Association.
Speaker 1 (06:02):
So, before we talk about February, I think it's
really helpful to remind peoplethat our expectation isn't that,
hey, we're putting on an event,everyone has to be there.
But we also want to communicateto people that every event we
do is intended to add value tothem, whether it's create
network connections for them fordeveloping strategy, or
(06:24):
understanding something aboutthe industry, or educating or
whatever.
I think sometimes people arelike do I have to go to
everything?
We encourage you to go toeverything you can go to,
because it's all for members,but what do you want to say to
people about just when they're?
(06:44):
Hey, how do I prioritize thisin my busy schedule?
Speaker 2 (06:49):
Well, first and foremost, I would say the events
that I plan are based upon thefeedback that I receive, or the
tidbits of information that Ipick up on conversationally.
Speaker 1 (06:59):
So that's the important thing that if there's
something people want from Caseyand Timmy, they need to talk to
you and say, hey, that falls inour wheel with an intent,
excuse me, to serve the membersand to meet their needs.
Speaker 2 (07:26):
So, yes, this I would say our events are planned with
a purpose.
Even when we network, we'renetworking with a purpose, and
that is to explore, you know,what individual businesses are
best at and for them to be ableto showcase that and then look
for other businesses that cancompliment that, or businesses
that they can serve, you know,with their specialties.
Speaker 1 (07:46):
Yeah, love that.
And you're doing a great job,and I know you've been available
for so many people just to hearwhat they're processing and
what they're trying to think.
And you're also doing a greatjob filtering what is the value
add here to make sure that it'snot just busyness but it serves
the goal of the organization.
You're doing a great job.
(08:06):
So let's talk about February.
The first thing coming up inFebruary, february 5th.
You've got she Leads.
Tell people about why they needto send people from their shop
to that event.
Speaker 2 (08:17):
Okay.
Well, february 5th is our firstofficial she Leads meeting.
Now, that said, we do have aladies networking night.
We are having a wine night thiscoming Friday, the 31st, so
that's our first event that isnot necessarily education
focused.
Typically our events happenduring the day.
(08:37):
The wine night is just for usas ladies to get together, kind
of let down and just reflect on,you know, what's going on in
our day-to-day lives and reallybuild those relationships.
February 5th, we are going tofocus on overcoming imposter
syndrome and in doing so, we'regoing to talk about growing
self-confidence, increasing ourdecisive action, improving
(09:01):
strategic thinking andeliminating self-doubt.
Speaker 1 (09:05):
Great, and so who from the shop should be there?
Cause I think some people think, oh, that's for owners or
that's for a certain type, butwho do you want in the industry
to be at that event?
Speaker 2 (09:19):
All of our she Leads events are open to any female
that works in or aroundmanufacturing.
So that could be an individualfrom the shop floor, that could
be an office manager, that couldbe an upper level, c level
decision maker.
So she Leads is really for theempowerment and education of all
(09:39):
females and and for us to buildour networks.
We know how important that iswhen we are seeking job
advancement, looking at careeropportunities and just seeking
support.
So we want to be there forfemales within all areas of the
manufacturing industry.
Speaker 1 (09:55):
That's awesome.
I love it.
Thank you for sharing with that.
Then, february 20th, we have aMember Appreciation Network
Night.
Can you tell us a little bitabout that?
Speaker 2 (10:03):
yeah, we are very excited to welcome to our member
appreciation night anindividual, kari Marciko, from
the national chapter, and she isthe membership and relations
manager, so she's a great personthat could answer any questions
that members at large,potential members, have about
their membership, be that NTMAU,getting involved in national
(10:27):
level conferences, leadershiptraining, that type of thing.
So we're glad to have her andwe're just glad to celebrate
those that have a similarcommitment to manufacturing.
Speaker 1 (10:37):
That's awesome, love it.
And then moving ahead, february24th through the 25th and this
is a two part conversationbecause there's what's happening
on the 24th and 25th- but, thenthere's what's happening in the
fall that I think I'd love tojust tease a little bit.
So tell us a little bit aboutthe Missouri Association of
Manufacturers event you're goingto.
Speaker 2 (10:59):
We are very excited to partner with MAM for an
upcoming event this fall inKansas City and, in preparation,
we are going to be attendingtheir trade show in Branson,
missouri.
So that kicks off on the 24thand continues through the 26th.
So we will be attending all ofthe activities that are offered
and if you want to sign up, youcan use our NTMA rate.
(11:21):
So reach out to me if you'dlike to join us.
We have a great group of abouta dozen going down so far and
Brian, you're going to bepresenting, which is amazing.
Yeah, I'm excited about that,yes, but a part of what we'll be
doing will be a growingtogether as a group, coming
together as a board of directorsand membership at large, really
defining our vision for ourmanufacturing expo.
(11:44):
And then we'll end, onWednesday, as that event
concludes, by meeting with theexecutive director from Missouri
Association of Manufacturersand really laying out the
particulars of the event thatwe're going to host here in
Kansas City.
Speaker 1 (11:58):
That's great and, yeah, I'm excited for those who
may not know this, but the nightbefore that event, I'll be down
in Branson with the executiveboard or the board members for
the KCNTMA, just doing someworkshop with them to help them
just be able to thrive at whatthey're doing collectively and
just a way to invest in them.
And then, yeah, as you mentioned, I'll be doing a workshop that
(12:22):
they've asked me to be on theworkforce and HR track, where
we're going to be talking aboutdeveloping leadership within
your organization.
So I'm thrilled to be a part ofthat.
One other thing that I mightjust mention if you back rewind
in the month a little bitFebruary 6th, I'm actually
kicking off an intensive withmanufacturing leaders where I'm
(12:43):
helping people focus ondeveloping the ownership mindset
in your organization and theleadership mindset, as well as
transforming culture, and that'sgoing to be a very intensive
thing.
The people that are investingin this are investing dollars
and they're investing time andwe're going really deep in this
series, and so I'm really firedup and people can reach out to
(13:04):
me about that as well.
Speaker 2 (13:06):
But I think I was gonna say I'm gonna interject
and I love your monthly callsthat you do as well.
Oh, thank you.
I love when I have theopportunity to participate with
a comment, but I also love justbeing a part of those with
listening ears and hearingwhat's going on in our
manufacturing community andagain being able to apply some
of the things that I'm hearingto potential events or to
speakers, to things that I amplanning for the NTMA.
(13:29):
So thank you for including mein that.
Speaker 1 (13:31):
Yeah, and I got to tell you.
I received a call from one ofthe people that have been a part
of that free manufacturing peeradvisory group and he just said
listen, I brought an issue thatI was dealing with to that
group and the group just saidyou got to deal with it.
And he said I just had ameeting this past week where I
dealt with it the way the grouptold me I had to deal with it
(13:52):
and the meeting I was dreadingit but it turned out to be a
real strong point of my week andit's great to hear how leaders
from different organizations canhelp share perspective that
empower us to go take action.
So that's.
Speaker 2 (14:05):
I'm going to say props to you, ryan, and props to
that group, and I see verysimilar synergies with the NTMA,
building relationships basedupon trust, and I know the calls
that I've been on, which Ibelieve is three of them.
I mean people share pretty openand honestly issues that are
going on and there is thatmutual trust that you know
(14:26):
professional boundary, wherewhen someone is seeking feedback
or guidance, you know otherswant to be there, they want to
support that and they want tosee it through successfully for
that individual.
So I think you've got a greatthing going on.
Speaker 1 (14:38):
That's awesome.
It's so cool just to see peoplefor each other and champion one
another's success.
Hey, I want to zoom ahead alittle bit because we've also
got something in April coming upthat I think people need to get
on their calendar now and I'mlooking.
I believe it's the 24th and25th of April.
We've got a combined NTMA eventwith the St Louis chapter and
(15:02):
I'd love to even though you andI didn't talk about this ahead
of time, but I'd love for peopleto get that on their radar to
start clearing their calendarfor that date, because St Louis
has a lot going on inmanufacturing and it's an
opportunity where many of theirpeople are going to be coming
over here to be a part of acollective event and participate
(15:22):
in the BOTS KC event.
Is there anything and I knowthere's still details being
ironed out about that but justto help people understand why
they should clear theircalendars for that date, what
can you share with them aboutthe event to prioritize that?
Speaker 2 (15:37):
Well, sure, yeah, we're calling this the Joint St
Louis and Kansas City ChaptersBusiness Summit and it's going
to be happening here in KansasCity.
We are working to confirm venuesand hotels this week, so
hopefully we'll have an eventflyer out very soon.
But absolutely, ryan, you'reright.
I would recommend that peopleplace hold their calendars for
(15:58):
that Thursday and Friday.
We'll kick off about noon onThursday and a big focus of
Thursday is going to be gettingto know the members from the St
Louis chapter as well asintroducing ourselves.
So we are expecting greatturnout.
You know, hopefully we'll getabout 20 different companies
represented from the St Louisarea and really we want to hear
(16:18):
from them who they are, whatthey're doing and what types of
individuals that they want tointeract with here in the
greater Kansas City area.
We're going to exploredifferent ways to interact with
them socially, throughnetworking and then through shop
tours as well, and we're goingto have different ways to
interact with them sociallythrough networking and then
through shop tours as well, andwe're going to have some great
breakout sessions and just timeto be together professionally
and then also just to build somepersonal relationships.
Speaker 1 (16:39):
And these conversations are strengthening
manufacturing in the Midwest andit's helping people to realize
that the Missouri and Kansasarea and Illinois area, those
are places that need to berecognized for being great
production areas, and so it's agreat opportunity to grow the
reputation of our region.
Speaker 2 (17:00):
Absolutely.
And if we can do it here, whysend it somewhere else?
Right, let's make ourselvesknown as a place that greater
Kansas City, kansas, missouriand, as you said, illinois we
can get it done, so why besending it to the coast when we
can make it happen here and wecan utilize one another?
We just have to know who we canturn to.
(17:20):
We've got to bring down thebarriers of competition.
We've got to open our eyes,open our ears and be willing to
interact with one another withpurpose.
Speaker 1 (17:29):
Love it, love it.
Hey Catherine, you are doing agreat job.
If people want to see thelatest going on, I think
probably the best place to stayin touch with it is just to make
sure they're following you onLinkedIn.
Would you agree with that?
Speaker 2 (17:41):
Yes, I would definitely agree with that.
I will always, yes, accept aconnect.
I look for others to connectwith as well.
That could be beneficial to ourassociation.
I connect, I look for others toconnect with as well.
That could be beneficial to ourassociation.
I try often to put my email outthere as well.
I'd love to add you to ouremail list so you could attend
an event, check us out, you know, if it's right.
You feel that you know you wantto come and collaborate with
(18:02):
our community.
Hey, let's make that happen.
Let's talk about a way we canget that done.
But, yes, I would say LinkedInis a great step.
We are working on somerevisions to our website and we
hope to have that done by spring.
But, yep, we try to post aboutwhat's going on, just to share
that so others can be involved.
Speaker 1 (18:19):
So good.
And I think, the last thingthat I just want to encourage
people to understand that youguys are very strategic about
you want manufacturers who aregoing to come and be an invested
part of our community to bepart of it, and then you're very
strategic about the number ofvendors you allow to be a part
of this event so that it doesn'tbecome this saturated
marketplace where everyone'sjust trying to sell to you.
(18:41):
Every time you go to an eventand I appreciate your diligence
of protecting the shop membersbut also communicating to people
like me that are partners inthe industry but I don't
necessarily manufacture myselfyou make sure that I really
understand that this is for themanufacturing community, it's
(19:03):
not specifically for me, and Ijust love how you lead in that
way and I think February isgoing to be an awesome month.
Speaker 2 (19:10):
Yes, thank you so much.
Yeah, and we do.
We want all of our events tostay manufacturing focused and
of course, as we mentionedearlier, we want that value add.
But the underlying tone ofeverything is manufacturing
first.
So we do.
You know I hate to say no andI'm sorry you can't come, but
there there are events where youknow, even if somebody might be
a great industry partner,unfortunately that event might
(19:31):
not be just right for them.
We'll seek to find anopportunity, so please do reach
out via email, follow us, we'llfind a way to make it happen,
but in the meantime we'reworking on supporting
manufacturing.
Speaker 1 (19:44):
You know what you're about and I love how you're
leading in it.
So, everyone that's what'scoming up in February Be sure to
get involved.
Don't stand on the sidelines.
You get the best value for yourinvestment of both your dollars
and your time, by being atevents and having conversations
that are gonna better you andbetter your company.
So, catherine, thanks for beingwith us today.
Speaker 2 (20:04):
Yeah, in closing I would say I'm thankful to see
all 100 of our guests at WebCotomorrow as we lay out our
strategic plan for the year.
It's going to be great.
We are thankful for everybodywho wants to be involved and who
wants to benefit manufacturingin the greater Kansas City area
and grow our footprint.
Speaker 1 (20:20):
Love it and by the time this gets out, that WebCo
event will have already happenedand I want people to know.
Hopefully that is the firstevent of the year that's
completely sold out and we don'thave any more capacity.
We want to do that multipletimes over the rest of the year.
So keep signing up, keepregistering.
We'll look forward to seeingyou guys at other events coming
up soon.
Speaker 2 (20:39):
Yes, thank you so much, ryan.
Thanks Catherine, bye-bye, bye.
Welcome back to the People in Production podcast.
I'm thrilled to have Catherineback this week from National
Tooling and MachiningAssociation.
She's the executive directorfor the Kansas City chapter.
Catherine's going to share withus a little bit about what
January has looked like and whatFebruary is starting to look
like.
Check it out, get in the knowabout what's happening in KC and
(00:21):
TMA so that you can be a partof it.
So, with no further ado, here'smy interview with Catherine.
Catherine, welcome back to thepodcast.
How are you doing?
Speaker 2 (00:42):
Hey, I'm doing well.
How are you, Ryan?
Speaker 1 (00:44):
I am doing well.
We are a month into 2025.
How are you doing?
Does it feel like it'sfast-paced or does it feel like
it's just getting going?
What's your mindset right now?
Speaker 2 (00:55):
Oh gosh, I feel like there's been a lot, a lot of
listening and taking in and nowit's go time.
So rolling out strategic planfor the year, tomorrow at our
Intimate Kickoff at WebCo.
We've got a SheLeads eventcoming up on Friday.
We roll right into our firstofficial SheLeads meeting then
the following week.
So definitely a lot ofpreparation off and running now.
Speaker 1 (01:19):
So let's let the audience kind of know what we
are thinking we're going to tryto do Each month.
We would like to kind of do areview of the month we're just
coming out of and a preview ofthe next month, so that people
can kind of anticipate what'scoming up, and we will try to be
faithful in doing that.
But in that spirit of review,let's talk about how 2025 has
(01:41):
started out.
You've been busy, I see.
You've been in a lot of placesand stuff like that doing a lot
of things.
What's been going on in KCMTMA?
Speaker 2 (01:50):
I feel like we've been laying a lot of groundwork
in preparation for this is whatwe're really working towards
this year.
Right, I feel like we have somebig events upcoming and I would
say this January.
Oh, Ryan, I feel like we'regoing to have to edit that.
Sorry, I'm stuttering here.
Okay, can you edit us out?
(02:13):
Is that okay?
I feel like the first part of2025 was just laying the
foundation for all that is tocome really, and we have several
big events on the horizon forus as a local chapter doing a
joint event with the St Louisgroup, having them come visit us
here in Kansas City for abusiness summit.
We're going to Branson and,Ryan, you're going to be a part
(02:34):
of that great event there withthe Missouri Association of
Manufacturers, and that is inpreparation for a manufacturing
expo that we are going to havehere in Kansas City in late fall
2025.
So we have some really bigevents that we're working
towards, and then we have a lotof in between, which is, you
know, to focus on our three mainpillars networking, advocacy
(02:55):
and workforce development.
Speaker 1 (02:56):
Well, so let's talk about this, and a lot of people
don't necessarily understand howactive the board in KC and TMA
is.
And so this foundation yes, youare doing a lot of work, but
you've got a lot of volunteerpower working at these things
too.
So tell us a little bit aboutthe board, and I mean you guys.
(03:17):
I know I've just been on athread or two with you guys
where you've been talking aboutsome of the things coming up
that I'm a part of, and just theparticipation of your board has
just been awesome to me and Ilove to see how they're taking
ownership and keep in mind, guys, the board, they're all
volunteer members.
Catherine's the only paidperson.
That's a part of that team andstuff.
(03:38):
But these guys have signed upand they've committed themselves
to making great things happenin the Kansas City tooling and
machining market.
What would you add to that?
Speaker 2 (03:50):
I would say absolutely so thankful for their
support and their leadershipand their collective
participation in wanting to growmanufacturing in Kansas City.
So they are definitely a partof our board with a mission and
with a purpose and that is todraw more business into the
greater Kansas City area and indoing so, we see individual
(04:13):
businesses succeed and able tomeet.
You know their milestones andtheir accomplishments, but it is
definitely collective mindset,collective group power and so
thankful for them and theirwillingness to get busy because
there's a lot coming up in 2025.
Speaker 1 (04:30):
Yeah.
So that kind of makes me thinkabout this, because you and I,
we both exist to serve themanufacturing community.
And so you and I, once in awhile we'll connect with each
other, talking strategy abouthow do we serve people, what
days of the week work for youand that type of thing.
And so sometimes people thinkis there anything happening on
(04:50):
the calendar right now with KCand TMA?
And we're walking that finebalance as to how to provide
value with activities but notbecome burdensome that it takes
people off their mission of whatthey need to do as an
organization.
Would you agree with thatsentiment about walking that
balance?
Speaker 2 (05:09):
Well, absolutely, you know, membership in our
association is something thatshould complement daily business
activity and there should be avalue add to everything that
we're doing.
So absolutely I do not want tocome across as pushy or that
annoying.
You know, ding, ding, ding inyour inbox.
And God love the schools.
(05:29):
I think I got 16 dingsyesterday just from my kid's
school.
So I know what that is like andI know again, it's all with a
purpose and absolutely whatwe're doing with it is with a
purpose and it's for the purposeof bettering manufacturing in
Kansas City and supporting ourlocal businesses.
So that's why you get thoseemails.
(05:49):
But everything that we're doingis not for me, it's not for
Ryan, it's not for the board,it's for the businesses that we
represent here collectivelywithin the NTMA National Tooling
and Machining Association.
Speaker 1 (06:02):
So, before we talk about February, I think it's
really helpful to remind peoplethat our expectation isn't that,
hey, we're putting on an event,everyone has to be there.
But we also want to communicateto people that every event we
do is intended to add value tothem, whether it's create
network connections for them fordeveloping strategy, or
(06:24):
understanding something aboutthe industry, or educating or
whatever.
I think sometimes people arelike do I have to go to
everything?
We encourage you to go toeverything you can go to,
because it's all for members,but what do you want to say to
people about just when they're?
(06:44):
Hey, how do I prioritize thisin my busy schedule?
Speaker 2 (06:49):
Well, first and foremost, I would say the events
that I plan are based upon thefeedback that I receive, or the
tidbits of information that Ipick up on conversationally.
Speaker 1 (06:59):
So that's the important thing that if there's
something people want from Caseyand Timmy, they need to talk to
you and say, hey, that falls inour wheel with an intent,
excuse me, to serve the membersand to meet their needs.
Speaker 2 (07:26):
So, yes, this I would say our events are planned with
a purpose.
Even when we network, we'renetworking with a purpose, and
that is to explore, you know,what individual businesses are
best at and for them to be ableto showcase that and then look
for other businesses that cancompliment that, or businesses
that they can serve, you know,with their specialties.
Speaker 1 (07:46):
Yeah, love that.
And you're doing a great job,and I know you've been available
for so many people just to hearwhat they're processing and
what they're trying to think.
And you're also doing a greatjob filtering what is the value
add here to make sure that it'snot just busyness but it serves
the goal of the organization.
You're doing a great job.
(08:06):
So let's talk about February.
The first thing coming up inFebruary, february 5th.
You've got she Leads.
Tell people about why they needto send people from their shop
to that event.
Speaker 2 (08:17):
Okay.
Well, february 5th is our firstofficial she Leads meeting.
Now, that said, we do have aladies networking night.
We are having a wine night thiscoming Friday, the 31st, so
that's our first event that isnot necessarily education
focused.
Typically our events happenduring the day.
(08:37):
The wine night is just for usas ladies to get together, kind
of let down and just reflect on,you know, what's going on in
our day-to-day lives and reallybuild those relationships.
February 5th, we are going tofocus on overcoming imposter
syndrome and in doing so, we'regoing to talk about growing
self-confidence, increasing ourdecisive action, improving
(09:01):
strategic thinking andeliminating self-doubt.
Speaker 1 (09:05):
Great, and so who from the shop should be there?
Cause I think some people think, oh, that's for owners or
that's for a certain type, butwho do you want in the industry
to be at that event?
Speaker 2 (09:19):
All of our she Leads events are open to any female
that works in or aroundmanufacturing.
So that could be an individualfrom the shop floor, that could
be an office manager, that couldbe an upper level, c level
decision maker.
So she Leads is really for theempowerment and education of all
(09:39):
females and and for us to buildour networks.
We know how important that iswhen we are seeking job
advancement, looking at careeropportunities and just seeking
support.
So we want to be there forfemales within all areas of the
manufacturing industry.
Speaker 1 (09:55):
That's awesome.
I love it.
Thank you for sharing with that.
Then, february 20th, we have aMember Appreciation Network
Night.
Can you tell us a little bitabout that?
Speaker 2 (10:03):
yeah, we are very excited to welcome to our member
appreciation night anindividual, kari Marciko, from
the national chapter, and she isthe membership and relations
manager, so she's a great personthat could answer any questions
that members at large,potential members, have about
their membership, be that NTMAU,getting involved in national
(10:27):
level conferences, leadershiptraining, that type of thing.
So we're glad to have her andwe're just glad to celebrate
those that have a similarcommitment to manufacturing.
Speaker 1 (10:37):
That's awesome, love it.
And then moving ahead, february24th through the 25th and this
is a two part conversationbecause there's what's happening
on the 24th and 25th- but, thenthere's what's happening in the
fall that I think I'd love tojust tease a little bit.
So tell us a little bit aboutthe Missouri Association of
Manufacturers event you're goingto.
Speaker 2 (10:59):
We are very excited to partner with MAM for an
upcoming event this fall inKansas City and, in preparation,
we are going to be attendingtheir trade show in Branson,
missouri.
So that kicks off on the 24thand continues through the 26th.
So we will be attending all ofthe activities that are offered
and if you want to sign up, youcan use our NTMA rate.
(11:21):
So reach out to me if you'dlike to join us.
We have a great group of abouta dozen going down so far and
Brian, you're going to bepresenting, which is amazing.
Yeah, I'm excited about that,yes, but a part of what we'll be
doing will be a growingtogether as a group, coming
together as a board of directorsand membership at large, really
defining our vision for ourmanufacturing expo.
(11:44):
And then we'll end, onWednesday, as that event
concludes, by meeting with theexecutive director from Missouri
Association of Manufacturersand really laying out the
particulars of the event thatwe're going to host here in
Kansas City.
Speaker 1 (11:58):
That's great and, yeah, I'm excited for those who
may not know this, but the nightbefore that event, I'll be down
in Branson with the executiveboard or the board members for
the KCNTMA, just doing someworkshop with them to help them
just be able to thrive at whatthey're doing collectively and
just a way to invest in them.
And then, yeah, as you mentioned, I'll be doing a workshop that
(12:22):
they've asked me to be on theworkforce and HR track, where
we're going to be talking aboutdeveloping leadership within
your organization.
So I'm thrilled to be a part ofthat.
One other thing that I mightjust mention if you back rewind
in the month a little bitFebruary 6th, I'm actually
kicking off an intensive withmanufacturing leaders where I'm
(12:43):
helping people focus ondeveloping the ownership mindset
in your organization and theleadership mindset, as well as
transforming culture, and that'sgoing to be a very intensive
thing.
The people that are investingin this are investing dollars
and they're investing time andwe're going really deep in this
series, and so I'm really firedup and people can reach out to
(13:04):
me about that as well.
Speaker 2 (13:06):
But I think I was gonna say I'm gonna interject
and I love your monthly callsthat you do as well.
Oh, thank you.
I love when I have theopportunity to participate with
a comment, but I also love justbeing a part of those with
listening ears and hearingwhat's going on in our
manufacturing community andagain being able to apply some
of the things that I'm hearingto potential events or to
speakers, to things that I amplanning for the NTMA.
(13:29):
So thank you for including mein that.
Speaker 1 (13:31):
Yeah, and I got to tell you.
I received a call from one ofthe people that have been a part
of that free manufacturing peeradvisory group and he just said
listen, I brought an issue thatI was dealing with to that
group and the group just saidyou got to deal with it.
And he said I just had ameeting this past week where I
dealt with it the way the grouptold me I had to deal with it
(13:52):
and the meeting I was dreadingit but it turned out to be a
real strong point of my week andit's great to hear how leaders
from different organizations canhelp share perspective that
empower us to go take action.
So that's.
Speaker 2 (14:05):
I'm going to say props to you, ryan, and props to
that group, and I see verysimilar synergies with the NTMA,
building relationships basedupon trust, and I know the calls
that I've been on, which Ibelieve is three of them.
I mean people share pretty openand honestly issues that are
going on and there is thatmutual trust that you know
(14:26):
professional boundary, wherewhen someone is seeking feedback
or guidance, you know otherswant to be there, they want to
support that and they want tosee it through successfully for
that individual.
So I think you've got a greatthing going on.
Speaker 1 (14:38):
That's awesome.
It's so cool just to see peoplefor each other and champion one
another's success.
Hey, I want to zoom ahead alittle bit because we've also
got something in April coming upthat I think people need to get
on their calendar now and I'mlooking.
I believe it's the 24th and25th of April.
We've got a combined NTMA eventwith the St Louis chapter and
(15:02):
I'd love to even though you andI didn't talk about this ahead
of time, but I'd love for peopleto get that on their radar to
start clearing their calendarfor that date, because St Louis
has a lot going on inmanufacturing and it's an
opportunity where many of theirpeople are going to be coming
over here to be a part of acollective event and participate
(15:22):
in the BOTS KC event.
Is there anything and I knowthere's still details being
ironed out about that but justto help people understand why
they should clear theircalendars for that date, what
can you share with them aboutthe event to prioritize that?
Speaker 2 (15:37):
Well, sure, yeah, we're calling this the Joint St
Louis and Kansas City ChaptersBusiness Summit and it's going
to be happening here in KansasCity.
We are working to confirm venuesand hotels this week, so
hopefully we'll have an eventflyer out very soon.
But absolutely, ryan, you'reright.
I would recommend that peopleplace hold their calendars for
(15:58):
that Thursday and Friday.
We'll kick off about noon onThursday and a big focus of
Thursday is going to be gettingto know the members from the St
Louis chapter as well asintroducing ourselves.
So we are expecting greatturnout.
You know, hopefully we'll getabout 20 different companies
represented from the St Louisarea and really we want to hear
(16:18):
from them who they are, whatthey're doing and what types of
individuals that they want tointeract with here in the
greater Kansas City area.
We're going to exploredifferent ways to interact with
them socially, throughnetworking and then through shop
tours as well, and we're goingto have different ways to
interact with them sociallythrough networking and then
through shop tours as well, andwe're going to have some great
breakout sessions and just timeto be together professionally
and then also just to build somepersonal relationships.
Speaker 1 (16:39):
And these conversations are strengthening
manufacturing in the Midwest andit's helping people to realize
that the Missouri and Kansasarea and Illinois area, those
are places that need to berecognized for being great
production areas, and so it's agreat opportunity to grow the
reputation of our region.
Speaker 2 (17:00):
Absolutely.
And if we can do it here, whysend it somewhere else?
Right, let's make ourselvesknown as a place that greater
Kansas City, kansas, missouriand, as you said, illinois we
can get it done, so why besending it to the coast when we
can make it happen here and wecan utilize one another?
We just have to know who we canturn to.
(17:20):
We've got to bring down thebarriers of competition.
We've got to open our eyes,open our ears and be willing to
interact with one another withpurpose.
Speaker 1 (17:29):
Love it, love it.
Hey Catherine, you are doing agreat job.
If people want to see thelatest going on, I think
probably the best place to stayin touch with it is just to make
sure they're following you onLinkedIn.
Would you agree with that?
Speaker 2 (17:41):
Yes, I would definitely agree with that.
I will always, yes, accept aconnect.
I look for others to connectwith as well.
That could be beneficial to ourassociation.
I connect, I look for others toconnect with as well.
That could be beneficial to ourassociation.
I try often to put my email outthere as well.
I'd love to add you to ouremail list so you could attend
an event, check us out, you know, if it's right.
You feel that you know you wantto come and collaborate with
(18:02):
our community.
Hey, let's make that happen.
Let's talk about a way we canget that done.
But, yes, I would say LinkedInis a great step.
We are working on somerevisions to our website and we
hope to have that done by spring.
But, yep, we try to post aboutwhat's going on, just to share
that so others can be involved.
Speaker 1 (18:19):
So good.
And I think, the last thingthat I just want to encourage
people to understand that youguys are very strategic about
you want manufacturers who aregoing to come and be an invested
part of our community to bepart of it, and then you're very
strategic about the number ofvendors you allow to be a part
of this event so that it doesn'tbecome this saturated
marketplace where everyone'sjust trying to sell to you.
(18:41):
Every time you go to an eventand I appreciate your diligence
of protecting the shop membersbut also communicating to people
like me that are partners inthe industry but I don't
necessarily manufacture myselfyou make sure that I really
understand that this is for themanufacturing community, it's
(19:03):
not specifically for me, and Ijust love how you lead in that
way and I think February isgoing to be an awesome month.
Speaker 2 (19:10):
Yes, thank you so much.
Yeah, and we do.
We want all of our events tostay manufacturing focused and
of course, as we mentionedearlier, we want that value add.
But the underlying tone ofeverything is manufacturing
first.
So we do.
You know I hate to say no andI'm sorry you can't come, but
there there are events where youknow, even if somebody might be
a great industry partner,unfortunately that event might
(19:31):
not be just right for them.
We'll seek to find anopportunity, so please do reach
out via email, follow us, we'llfind a way to make it happen,
but in the meantime we'reworking on supporting
manufacturing.
Speaker 1 (19:44):
You know what you're about and I love how you're
leading in it.
So, everyone that's what'scoming up in February Be sure to
get involved.
Don't stand on the sidelines.
You get the best value for yourinvestment of both your dollars
and your time, by being atevents and having conversations
that are gonna better you andbetter your company.
So, catherine, thanks for beingwith us today.
Speaker 2 (20:04):
Yeah, in closing I would say I'm thankful to see
all 100 of our guests at WebCotomorrow as we lay out our
strategic plan for the year.
It's going to be great.
We are thankful for everybodywho wants to be involved and who
wants to benefit manufacturingin the greater Kansas City area
and grow our footprint.
Speaker 1 (20:20):
Love it and by the time this gets out, that WebCo
event will have already happenedand I want people to know.
Hopefully that is the firstevent of the year that's
completely sold out and we don'thave any more capacity.
We want to do that multipletimes over the rest of the year.
So keep signing up, keepregistering.
We'll look forward to seeingyou guys at other events coming
up soon.
Speaker 2 (20:39):
Yes, thank you so much, ryan.
Thanks Catherine, bye-bye, bye.
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