MAM enters statewide manufacturing partnership

The Springfield-based Missouri Association of Manufacturers entered a statewide partnership that focuses largely on sheltered workshops.

MAM signed a memorandum of collaboration on Nov. 29 with the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and the Missouri Association of Sheltered Workshop Managers to formalize a partnership among the organizations, according to a news release. Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe, as part of his office's Buy Missouri economic development initiative, was in attendance at the event held at St. Louis-based Chocolate Chocolate Chocolate Co., a Buy Missouri member currently using sheltered workshop services.

The partnership is designed to increase awareness of each of the organization's capabilities, to promote Missouri manufacturing, products and services, and to provide employment and training opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities.

“Sheltered workshops offer incredible opportunities for Missourians with disabilities and their families, and many Buy Missouri member companies already utilize services from one of the 89 sheltered workshops across the state,” Kehoe said in the release. “This collaboration will benefit Missouri’s workforce development efforts, while promoting Missouri manufacturing, products and services.”

Michael Eaton, executive director of MAM, attended the event on behalf of the organization.

“The Missouri Association of Manufacturers knows that collaboration is the best way to accomplish any objective," he said in the release. “This partnership creates a formal opportunity for these organizations to work together in creating opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities to work with even more Missouri manufacturers.”

The state's 89 sheltered workshop corporations employ roughly 5,000 people with disabilities and approximately 900 staff, according to the release.