Myth vs. Fact Myth: Manufacturing jobs are dirty, arduous, low-paying jobs. Fact: Those of us at Ventures Charlotte who have children and pets would more likely eat off the floor of the average Mecklenburg County manufacturing facility than our own kitchens. Manufacturing has come a long way from the grimy, Hollywood-influenced image that too many of us associate with the industry. Modern manufacturing requires a clean, often sterile, environment to maintain the integrity of its products and sensitive equipment and for the health and safety of its workers. And it employs highly skilled engineers and trade workers, who are well-compensated for their specialized education and experience.

For almost 20 years, the Charlotte Chamber's Manufacturers Council has advocated for manufacturers in the public arena, promoted economic development initiatives to help manufacturers grow in Mecklenburg County, and provided valuable insight and best practice sharing to help members succeed in an increasingly competitive industry.

Under the leadership of 2008 chair Joe Price, business relations manager with Duke Energy, the council's objectives this year include sharing best practices among members by continuing the plant tour circuit started last year; providing timely, useful information to members in a convenient and accessible way; and monitoring and responding to local initiatives that would limit the ability of local manufacturers to grow.

Currently, more than 200 area manufacturers are members of the Manufacturers Council. Membership is open to all Charlotte Chamber members engaged in manufacturing. Associate membership is open to nonmanufacturing members of the Chamber that support the Council through one of three sponsorship funds. Contact Tatiana Garcia or call 704.378.1353 for more information on sponsoring the Manufacturers Council.

Mark Your Calendar

• The Manufacturers Council holds plant tours every other month to share best practices among members. Upcoming tours include the Charlotte Pipe & Foundry in late April and Duke Energy's Marshall Steam Station in Terrell, N.C., in June. All tours are held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and include lunch and a discussion group. Usually about 30 to 40 people are allowed per tour.
  
• This year the Manufacturers Council is joining forces with the Information Technology Council to present the first annual Chamber Council Golf Tournament on October 27, 2008, at NorthStone Country Club. Following the example of the combined awards gala in 2007, the combined golf tournament brings together innovative minds from various industries for networking, fun and opportunities yet to be discovered.

Profile: 2008 Manufacturers Council Chair

Joe Price has been active in the Manufacturers Council for several years. In his current role with Duke Energy, Joe has regular interface with a cross section of some of the largest manufacturing and commercial businesses in the greater Metro Charlotte Area. He has heard first hand the many ongoing challenges facing manufacturers and industry and observed what many successful businesses have done not only to survive, but also to find their niche in a very competitive global marketplace.   >> Read more about Joe

Mecklenburg Manufacturing by the Numbers 1,373 Total manufacturing firms with operations in Mecklenburg County 931 Headquartered in Mecklenburg County 358 Mecklenburg County manufacturers exporting products 194 Mecklenburg County manufacturers importing products

Watch Your Inbox

The Chamber is sending a survey to all Manufacturers Council members to help us determine the events and needs most valuable to our members regarding global business. The survey was written by our partners at Central Piedmont Community College and the International Trade Advisory Committee. The survey will ask for information on our members' manufacturing sector, company details, export/import activities, international trade efforts and seminar interests. If you receive the survey, please complete and return it to help us provide greater value to our manufacturing members.