The 2022 Manufacture Alabama Annual Meeting

Jason Puckett, President, Toyota Motor Manufacturing Alabama during State of the Industry Panel at the 2022 Manufacture Alabama Annual Meeting.

 Manufacture Alabama (MA) is the only trade association dedicated exclusively to the competitive, legislative, regulatory and operational interests and needs of manufacturers and their partner industries and businesses in Alabama.  Its mission is to create a business and political climate that promotes a positive, competitive environment and enhances the opportunity for growth of Alabama manufacturers.

Manufacture Alabama’s annual meeting at The Grand Hotel in Point Clear connects members of the legislature with the manufacturing community, and manufacturers to partners and suppliers.

 This year’s schedule of events did not miss a beat, as it combined networking, socializing, learning, politics, along with state and industry updates.

Wednesday, September 14^th, started with the Annual Meeting Golf Tournament and ended with the Legislative Reception and Dinner.

 Thursday, September 15^th, opened with the APPCO Executive Committee Meeting, Manufacture Alabama Board Meeting, Alabama Chemistry Council Meeting followed by lunch with the exhibitors.

 The afternoon began with the Welcome and Manufacture Alabama Update.

 Governor Kay Ivey presented the State of Alabama Update. 

Randy McRae, Senior Regional Government Relations Manager for International Paper presented Roy McCauley, Executive Director of Manufacture Alabama with the Friend of the Industry Award.

Paul Vercher, Manufacture Alabama Chairman and Director-Governmental Affairs & Public Policy for Southern Region of United States Steel addressed the attendees. 

State Representative Scott Stadthagen and State Senator Garlan Gudger were presented with an award for their work on the Alabama Critical Infrastructure Bill by Christopher Holton, Senior Analyst and Director for State Outreach at Center for Security Policy (center). 

State of the Industry Panel was moderated by Secretary of Commerce Greg Canfield.  Panelists included: 1 - Michelle Howell, Plant Director, 3M Decatur Materials Plant; 2 - Nick Zicchino, Director of Production Operations, Lockheed Martin Courtland; 4 - Chuck Green, President and CEO, AM/NS Calvert; 4 - Jason Puckett, President, Toyota Motor Manufacturing Alabama; 5 - Jonathan Harding, Regional Manager of State Government Relations, West Rock. 

Breakout Sessions included Political Updates and EV Innovation and its Impact on Workforce in Alabama.  

After a beer and wine networking social with the exhibitors, the day ended with a delightful dinner and live music. 

Friday, September 16^th, included breakfast and lunch with the exhibitors; Alabama Iron and Steel Council Meeting; Diversity Council Meeting; Making Sustainability Everyone’s Job: How Senior Executives and Business Lines Need to Drive Sustainability with Houston Smith, VP of Government Affairs, Alabama Power; and Future Economic Conditions with Roger Tutterow of Kennesaw State University.  

The Pool Bash closed the 2022 MA Annual Meeting. 

I have attended and photographed numerous conferences, workshops and annual meetings -- Manufacture Alabama epitomized Southern hospitality!  EVERYONE – staff, exhibitors, speakers and sponsors – demonstrated genuine kindness to all!  

Amanda, Robin and Stacy … sincerest appreciation for everything!