198: Manufacturing’s Role in the Resurgence of Rust Belt Cities with Drew Crowe, Live from 4 Hands Brewing Company in St. Louis, MO

Manufacturing Happy Hour

The Rust Belt cities are welcoming in a new renaissance – and it’s thanks to the rise and return of great American manufacturing!

In this special live episode of Manufacturing Happy Hour, we dive deep into the heart of the new American manufacturing renaissance with a stellar lineup of guests, including Drew Crowe, Michael Eaton, Mary Cecile “MC” Neville, Brad Jones, Jeff Hawkins, and Cynthia Chapple. Recorded at the 4 Hands Brewery in St. Louis, this episode brings together inspiring industry leaders to discuss the transformative power of manufacturing.

Drew Crowe, the Founder of the New American Manufacturing Renaissance, and his inspiring career journey take center stage as he shares how manufacturing changed his life. Today, he’s a public speaker and passionate advocate for the industry with a mission to reconnect communities with manufacturing.

We hear how manufacturing is revitalizing cities like St. Louis, Detroit, and Philadelphia, where the industry is not only great for job prospects but also economic growth for the Rust Belt states as a whole. Drew also gives his take on the skills gap, a challenge many manufacturers still face, and how his work is helping to spread awareness of the career opportunities the industry offers.

To hear more from manufacturing leaders, be sure to register for IMTS, taking place September 9-14 in Chicago.

In this episode, find out:

• Drew describes the New American Manufacturing Renaissance and its mission to connect communities with manufacturing
• Drew takes us through his inspiring career journey and how he prioritized learning
• Why the Rust Belt cities are seeing a resurgence thanks to the help of manufacturing
• Why better job opportunities and upskilling help not just individuals but also the city and state achieve longer-term growth
• How manufacturing is helping the cities of St. Louis, Detroit, and Philadelphia and what they’re getting right
• How the Delmar Maker District in St. Louis contributes to communities getting involved in manufacturing
• Drew’s answer to the skills gap and why we need to spread awareness and give potential talent a helping hand
• The importance of relatable and diverse role models
• How events like this and online content help the industry get the attention it needs
• Introduction to the Association of Manufacturing Technology (AMT)
• How manufacturing contributes to the resurgence of cities
• What to expect from IMTS
• Why industry leaders need to meet people where they’re at and know their audience when talking about manufacturing

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Tweetable Quotes:

• “I want to bring back the opportunity where no matter what people look like, no matter where they're from, their sex, gender, political standing, race, whatever it is, we've got a lot of jobs that can change people's lives, and we just got to connect them to it.” - Drew Crowe
• “The world does not go around if we do not create.” - Cynthia Chapple
• “Manufacturers are the backbone of America. They built this country. We didn't need a pandemic to label manufacturers as essential workers. You have always been essential workers, period." - Drew Crowe

Links & mentions:

• Drew The MFG Crowe, often referred to as the leader of The New American Manufacturing Renaissance, Andrew Crowe is one of the most influential people in manufacturing today. Andrew, or Drew as he prefers, strives to ignite and energize American manufacturing by exposing youth, community, political leaders, and underserved communities to this industry. His mission is to ensure that we put our best innovators, creators, and thinkers in spaces where they can thrive and grow.
• Delmar Maker District, a hand made movement along St. Louis’ Delmar Blvd. home to arts and crafts studios, eclectic ships, MADE Makerspace, and acclaimed restaurants
• Good Jobs Challenge, supports regional workforce training systems to establish sectoral partnerships that train and place workers in good jobs as defined by the US Economic Development Administration
• ManufacturingIsSexy.com, apparel so you can Brag and rep the industry proudly, brought to you by Amper
• Black Girls Do STEM, diversifying innovation, empowering Black girls to achieve equitable STEM representation
• 4 Hands Brewing Co., brewery in St. Louis, MO with a tasting room serving a range of beers and pub fare, including City Wide Pale Ale, the world’s greatest beer

Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.