JACKSON COUNTY CELEBRATES MANUFACTURING MONTH

JACKSON COUNTY CELEBRATES MANUFACTURING MONTH 

Manufacturing Week to Expand Knowledge of Manufacturing and Manufacturing Career Opportunities 

(Jackson County, IA) September 24, 2019 – As part of Jackson County Manufacturing Month 2019, manufacturers and educators of our current and future workforce will open their doors to students and the public as part of an effort to help people better understand today’s manufacturing environment and draw attention to the outstanding opportunities that a career in manufacturing can provide. This is the fifth year that the Jackson County Economic Alliance has facilitated this event. 

For generations, manufacturing has played a critical role in Iowa’s diverse economy. Iowa’s thousands of manufacturing firms produce everything from chemicals to computer technologies and food to fabricated metal. Manufacturing constitutes more than 18.2 percent of the Gross State Product contributing $34.65 billion to the State’s economy. 

Manufacturing Month is an annual national event executed at the local level by manufacturers. Several local manufacturers including, Blue – 9 Pet Products, Dynamic Tube, PMW, Plastics Unlimited, HUSCO International, A and P Graphics & Signs,  and Maquoketa Co./Morrison Bros. have agreed to participate in this year’s events, as they host students, teachers, parents, job seekers and other local community members at open houses, plant tours and presentations designed to showcase modern manufacturing technology and careers.  

 “There is an increasing demand for highly skilled professionals in the manufacturing sector who can design, program and operate technology,” said Nicolas Hockenberry the Director of Jackson County Economic Alliance. “Many of the skilled manufacturing workers of today will be retiring, and between now and 2020 there will be an unprecedented shortage of skilled workers who will need to be replaced. To sustain and grow Jackson County’s manufacturers, it will take partnerships between educators and manufacturers. We also know that many of our local industries are currently looking for additional employees.” 

Over 200 students from the Jackson County high schools – Bellevue, Easton Valley, Maquoketa, and Marquette Catholic - will be participating in plant tours throughout the month of October. 

The Advanced Manufacturing Center at Clinton Community College – Maquoketa Center will host an Open House from 4pm to 6pm on October 1st from 4 – 6 PM. Plastics Unlimited in Preston is planning an Open House/Tour October 22nd from 4 – 6 PM highlighting their recent expansion. They will also be accepting applications for employment at this open house.  Blackhawk College will be hosting a manufacturing event during the day for 8th graders October 1st. The Quad Cities STEM Festival will be help October 29, 4 - 7:30 PM at the Waterfront Convention Center, Bettendorf.  Follow the events and more on Jackson County Economic Alliance’s Facebook page.