California Manufacturers & Technology Association

7 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 9, ISSUE 10 focus on equipment, or new procedures at a factory, but the state pays for almost half of those training expenses. “That is one of the most valuable non-advocacy services that we provide,” says Hastings, “because it’s actual dollars that go to manufacturers. And CMTA itself holds a multiple-employer contract that we administer directly to our members that may be too small to get a state contract… we help with that and it’s been a hugely successful program for more than 20 years and one that provides tremendous value to our members.” CMTA is very excited to welcome the Fender Guitar Company as one of its newest members. Hastings shares, “It’s a feather in our cap because people have an ‘aha’ moment and say ‘hey, that’s right, someone has to make the guitars!’ That’s manufacturing… and the more that we can tell that story and share the uniqueness of our membership is going to be incredible for us going forward.” The past two years of change has given CMTA staff and members an opportunity to reflect on what’s important and what matters. As Hastings explains, “We’ve focused on that very intensely and in doing so it’s given us a broad and bright view of the future because now we are truly in control of our destiny. We are doubling down on those issues that we see will benefit manufacturing, increase the opportunities to grow the sector, and therefore employ more people. I would love to see that 1.3 million figure turn into two million within the next five to seven years. If we can do that, we will have empowered so many Californians to join the manufacturing sector and really make a good life for themselves and their families.”