Manufacturing’s Leading Voice and Advocate Tackles Key Obstacles of COVID-19
The San Joaquin Valley Manufacturing Alliance (SJVMA) and the Fresno Business Council (FBC) are proud to name Liz McIlvaine, President of Total Concept Enterprises, as the new Chairman of the SJVMA Board effective June 15. Driven to advocate for the Valley’s manufacturing industry, the SJVMA under McIlvaine’s leadership will continue to focus on elevating the next generation of industry professionals to advance a world-class workforce, while also providing a voice and the critical resources needed to navigate business obstacles created by the COVID-19 pandemic. McIlvaine succeeds Troy Brandt, who will continue serving as a Board member.
“The ever-changing environment and economic impact created by the pandemic has produced both new challenges and opportunity for an industry already adept at adapting quickly. With the desire to persevere, the manufacturing industry has put its emergency response plans, peer collaboration and innovative spirit to the test. From ensuring a safe workforce to repurposing equipment to create critical PPE and navigating supply chain disruptions, manufacturers are focused on survival and service to their communities,” stated Genelle Taylor Kumpe, Executive Director, San Joaquin Valley Manufacturing Alliance. “The SJVMA is fortunate to be comprised of an industry-led Board with McIIvaine at the helm who will continue to enrich Alliance membership through providing needed resources and advocacy to sustain a strong workforce and industry.”
As President of Total Concept Enterprises, a contract manufacturing company, McIlvaine oversees the day-to-day operations specializing in CNC milling and turning, CNC tube/pipe bending and fastener distribution for medical, agriculture, fitness equipment and transportation industries. She has been in mechanical engineering for over 20 years for companies in Los Angeles, the Bay Area and the San Joaquin Valley. She currently serves as an officer with the Society of Women Engineers, San Joaquin Valley Chapter, and is on the Board for Fresno State’s Institute for Family Business.
As a go-to resource for Valley manufacturers, the SJVMA has been steadfastly focused on sharing critical COVID-19 information and resources to assist this essential industry with policies and legislative issues, human resources management and economic survival skills that have evolved as a result of the pandemic. It has pivoted to advance online resources including educational webinars and the development of the Peers Leaders Group in partnership with California Manufacturing Technology Consulting (CMTC) which provides local CEOs and top executives to connect and share best practices and experiences in today’s unprecedented environment. Additionally, SJVMA is continuing its focus on connecting members with potential student interns via virtual meetings, interviews and facility tours, along with the development of remote internships.
The SJVMA’s membership is made up of nearly 1,000 business leaders, partner groups and manufacturers from all sectors throughout the Valley. The San Joaquin Valley’s manufacturing industry is responsible for nearly $15 billion of the Valley’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and employs more than 105,000 people. Nationally, the manufacturing industry is responsible for $2.38 trillion in GDP. Due to baby-boomer retirements and the economic expansion, it is estimated that over the next decade, almost 3.5 million U.S. manufacturing jobs will likely need to be filled.
The Fresno Business Council and San Joaquin Valley Manufacturing Alliance
The Fresno Business Council (FBC) aims to create social and economic change which leaves a lasting impact on Fresno’s community, combining its collective passion and intellectual capital to form strategic solutions for local issues. The FBC’s CEO and Board take a leadership role in executing their strategies and have been the force behind major local initiatives involving education, land use, workforce development, and more. Among the many projects incubated and launched by the FBC is the San Joaquin Valley Manufacturing Alliance (SJVMA), which provides support for local manufacturers through elevating the workforce pipeline, educating the public on the industry, building constructive relationships, and hosting the annual Valley Made Summit; an annual conference for the San Joaquin Valley’s manufacturing industry which is focused on creating a globally-competitive industry while celebrating its thriving business community.
