BONUS: MEPs are at Risk of Losing Funding and Need Your Help

BONUS: MEPs are at Risk of Losing Funding and Need Your Help

Author: Chris Luecke April 21, 2025 Duration: 41:26

Today's bonus episode is all about MEPs, and actually a very urgent issue related to MEPs. For context, the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) is a public-private partnership that delivers comprehensive, proven solutions by helping small and medium-sized manufacturers grow, make operational improvements, and reduce risk.

To put it in more simplified terms - MEPs provide resources to small- and medium-sized manufacturers that allow them to adopt new technology, upskill and train their people, and ultimately create jobs in their area. Every state has one, they go by different names in different states, and it was recently announced that this program was being defunded.


Specifically, funding for 10 state MEP initiatives expired at the end of March, and the government’s controlling agency, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), chose not to renew them. This is a moving target, it could change (as it already has once by extending the deadline to the end of the fiscal year), and quite frankly manufacturers don't know what's going to happen. It hasn't been communicated as to why this cut is taking place, but the reality is right now is there is a concern across the manufacturing community that funding for the entire MEP initiative - across all 50 states - might get cut.


As a result of this action, a number of manufacturing podcasters got together to discuss the situation and actions that you, as manufacturers, can take to have your voices heard and say "This is ridiculous. My MEP has helped my business and community succeed for XYZ reason."


We cannot afford to lose a critical resource like this that so many small- to mid-sized manufacturers rely on. All this an more in today's episode.


There’s a lot of noise out there about the future of making things, but what does it actually take to build a thriving career or a resilient business on the factory floor? That’s the conversation you’ll find on Manufacturing Happy Hour. Hosted by Chris Luecke, this podcast sidesteps the hype to deliver honest, practical talks with makers, founders, and leaders who are genuinely moving the industry forward. Each episode feels like a candid discussion after hours, where guests break down the real-world application of new technologies and share the unvarnished strategies that worked for them. You’ll hear stories not just about success, but about the lessons learned from setbacks, offering a well-rounded look at modern manufacturing. Whether you're looking to sharpen your technical skills, navigate a career shift, or find smarter ways to run your operation, this series provides actionable insights without the jargon. It’s a resource built on the understanding that progress happens through shared knowledge and straightforward advice. Tune in for a regular dose of clarity and connection from the heart of the industry.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

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