2022 Year In Review

Season’s greetings to all Huron county manufacturers and associates!  

With another year coming to a close, it’s once again time to recap the year’s events.  2022 has been a hectic year for manufacturing and the HMA after COVID restrictions were relaxed; while the region has still been plagued with housing infrastructure and especially manpower issues the HMA has continued its attempts to provide our membership and manufacturing with;

• increased exposure to our region,
• where possible relevant information, and
• value-added innovative resources and programs.

With the assistance of Huron County SLED and Ontario JCP, we expanded upon 2021’s successful RRRF (Regional Relief Recovery Fund) EAR Employee Attraction & Retention program and developed the General Employee Attraction and Retention Strategy (GEARS). This initiative continues to gain momentum with more of our members utilizing the tools, resources, and rewards available.  If you haven’t yet, check it out on the HMA website – suggestions and comments are welcome as we continue to refresh and update materials.

One of our many events of 2022 that was well attended and well regarded was our Women In Manufacturing webinar held on International Women’s Day in March, with a great cross-section of instructors, employers, and female workers.  We enjoyed a great dialogue and exchange of experiences and celebration of women in manufacturing.  We look forward to hosting again in 2023!

With the covid restrictions finally relaxed, 3 HMA GEARS Job Fairs were organized throughout our region; although poorly attended by potential employees there were some hires.  These events provided much-needed networking opportunities amongst attending manufacturers and associates.

My personal highlight this year had to be our AGM; after 2 years of isolation and mandates, this well-attended event provided all of the attendees a much-needed break from the adversity we’ve endured and a festive kick-off to summer.  I do hope this can be duplicated this coming year.  A point of note HMA Membership Fees were raised at the 2022 AGM from $150 to $200.  You can now renew your membership fees online with a credit or debit card, by etransfer, or by cheque.

This fall has seen the HMA somewhat returning to its roots by reopening the meetings to the membership and associates/supporters as well as moving the meetings to different locations and hosts each month, we look forward to your participation.

Also, we were able to return to our well-regarded BUS TOURS.  A huge thanks you to our participating manufacturing hosts, new sponsors, teachers and chaperones, and of course the record number of attending students.

November provided the HMA the opportunity to continue the Scholarship Award presentation.  Thanks to the generous contributions from Libro Credit Union, over the years we have been able to administer 75 scholarships to students graduates, and apprentices  This year we were joined by Britespan Building Systems, Huron County Economic Development, and Progressive Turf in rewarding  7 hardworking students/apprentices towards their goals. Again, we thank all of our partners for their generous support as well as all 23 of this year’s applicants.

In closing this year on behalf of the HMA board of directors, we look forward to continued service and support. We wish you and yours good health, safe travels this season, and every success in the New Year!

Merry Christmas to All!
Larry Livingston
Chair of the HMA

About HMA GEARS

HMA Scholarship Awards

HMA School Bus Tours

Plans for the HMA in 2023

Upcoming Events & Features

CALLING ALL EMPLOYEES!

HMA GEARS WANTS YOU!

HMA GEARS Recognition Program