Businesses of all sizes have been impacted by global supply chain disruptions that have upended planning. Coupled with rising inflation and labor shortages, these are among the top concerns of businesses in 2022.
On February 2nd, East Bay EDA in partnership with CMTC and Manex Consulting hosted over 100 attendees for a robust virtual discussion among manufacturing and supply chain executives. David Arsenault, President, GSC Logistics, Inc., Hannah Kain, President & CEO, ALOM, Richard Montellano, President, RAM Supply Chain, and Dr. Michael Shabaka, Director of Sales and Innovation Excellence, Manex Consulting presented the current and future challenges of supply chains in 2022.
The panelists described that we are in a golden age of supply chains, preserving long-term relationships and transparency are key values, it is not a sprint but a marathon, and there are critical challenges for small to mid-sized manufacturers moving forward. The challenges for small to mid-sized businesses include the need for capital investment to build resiliency and be competitive, the need for innovation and implementation of new technologies that improve supply chains, and the need to attract a new and diverse workforce to career opportunities in supply chains where people are included, belonging, and feeling they are making a difference when they go to work.
Small to mid-sized businesses need the critical support of the public sector in access to capital, access to technology, and access to talent so they can compete. East Bay EDA is currently leading a U.S. Economic Development Administration-funded project called Resilient East Bay to provide much needed support to small to mid-sized manufacturers in Alameda and Contra Costa Counties to help the region recover from the economic impacts of COVID-19. For more information for small to mid-sized businesses and partners, sign up here to receive Resilient East Bay updates.
If you are a manufacturer in Alameda & Contra Costa Counties with fewer than 20 employees that has a need for growth and profitability consulting, reach out to Alyson Greenlee at East Bay EDA to sign up for 24 hours of free consulting with CMTC at alyson@eastbayeda.org or call 510-272-3889.
If you are a manufacturer in Alameda & Contra Costa Counties with 75 employees or fewer and owned by a woman, minority, or veteran, you can quality for funding for small manufacturing consulting and training through the Small Business Technical Assistance Expansion Program. Contact Michael Shabaka at Manex at mshabaka@manexconsulting.com or call 925-807-5101.
If you missed “Supply Chains: What’s Next?” you can still watch the recording.