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Every Monday at 6:42 a.m. and 8:42 a.m., Rob Gilligan provides information on what's happening in the area of regional development in Southeast Missouri. Rob is the President and CEO of the Cape Chamber. Local support for "Let's Talk Business" is provided by Carved + Crafted Catering. (573) 651-2569

Let's Talk Business: Manufacturing Day

Cape Chamber

Wednesday, October 3, was a big day for several local manufacturers and many local students.

We’ve been talking about the challenges facing local manufacturers in their quest to hire workers. Manufacturing Day was another step in the right direction. It is a statewide event held at regional campuses. The Cape Girardeau Career and Technology Center served as host to seven area companies and more than 250 students from grades seven and eight, and high school juniors and seniors.

The companies provided hands-on demonstrations, one-on-one discussions about process, salaries, work environment, products, and opportunities. Delta Companies even bused students to their location to show them up close what working there would be like.

Many manufacturing jobs are more high tech than they used to be. They don’t necessarily require a four year degree, but they do require people who are trainable, show up to work on time every day, work hard, and want to learn and contribute. Many of these positions have starting pay from $14 - $16 dollars per hour with full benefits. Advancement can occur rapidly.

The Chamber worked closely with local workforce partners and the CTC on this event for the third year in a row. I would like to thank the CTC, our partners, the participating companies, and mostly the students for opening their minds to the possibilities in manufacturing.

John Mehner is the former President and CEO of the Cape Chamber.
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