The Central Michigan Manufacturers Association (CMMA) hosted their 2021 Annual Block Party in Mt. Pleasant, MI on September 15, 2021. The event was split into two segments: morning and afternoon.

During the morning, over 200 students from 15 different surrounding high schools attended to learn more about Industry 4.0 and manufacturing. Students watched engaging demonstrations of the Festo Cyber Physical Lab and asked great questions! Mid-Michigan College also offered an opportunity to discuss continued education after graduation and hosted engaging morning presentations, which were led by Industry Leaders Michael Zakrzewski, Vice President of Festo North America, and Roger Tadajewski, Executive Director of NC3. 

During the afternoon, the focus shifted from high school students to local manufacturers. Event attendees had an opportunity to network with each other and learn more about the need to embrace Industry 4.0 by engaging in hands-on opportunities. Presentations took place on the following topics: ‘The Michigan Approach’, ‘Cyber Security in a Digital World’, ‘Why Industry 4.0’, and ‘Tools to Grow the Industry 4.0 Workforce’. Manufacturers in attendance also had the opportunity to interact with automation specialists to discuss specific needs of the manufacturing industry in Central Michigan.

Our team at NC3 would like to thank Harry Leaver, Executive Director of the CMMA, and Sean Troy, Dean of Career and Workforce Education at Mid-Michigan College, for their invitation to this great event. We would also like to acknowledge the support and participation of ATC (Tom Close, Andy Close, and Chad Whited) as well as the Festo Corporate Team (Michael Zakrzewski, Tony Oran, Mike Nager, and Carlos Mercedes).

If you want to learn more about this event, or are interested in participating next year, please contact Lisa Marshall at lisa.marshall@nc3.net.