Joining Forces to Support the WiMEF
WiM Chapters, SwipeGuide, and Manufacturing Happy Hour join forces to support the WiM Education Foundation
Is there anything more iconically American than a summer road trip? Toss in craft beer and midwestern manufacturing and you’re giving apple pie a run for its money.
This May, that’s exactly what our friends at Manufacturing Happy Hour and SwipeGuide did when they joined forces with local WiM chapters from Western Michigan and Minnesota to present the Manufacturing Happy Hour Road Trip, a three-city brewery tour that’s shaping the future of manufacturing to be more inclusive, motivating, and profitable.
Event proceeds totaling $2,250 were donated to the WiM Education Foundation (WiMEF) in support of its mission to deliver enhanced, effective, and affordable educational programs that support the advancement and development of women at all stages of their manufacturing careers.
“I am so grateful for the incredible support of Manufacturing Happy Hour, SwipeGuide, and members of the WiM Western Michigan and WiM Minnesota chapters,” said WiMEF Executive Director Gretchen Moore. “With this generous contribution, we continue our commitment to encouraging more women working in manufacturing and providing the resources they need to be industry leaders.”
SwipeGuide is a software company simplifying frontline training with user-friendly and efficient job aids and skills development.
The Manufacturing Happy Hour Podcast, explores the latest trends, technology, challenges and solutions by connecting leaders and doers that are driving change and innovation within the manufacturing industry.
The Manufacturing Road Trip kicked off on May 21st at Founders Brewery in Grand Rapids with members of the WiM Western Michigan chapter, featuring a live Manufacturing Happy Hour podcast recording. Chris Luecke facilitated a round table discussion diving deep into key industry topics including the evolving concepts of “hirability,” employer flexibility, and addressing skills gaps. Expert panelists included Willemijn Schneyder, Founder and CEO of SwipeGuide; Ann Wyatt, host of Workforce 4.0 and president of Ann Wyatt Recruiting; and Ryan Lillibridge, Vice President at Mission Design and Automation. Click here to listen to the conversation!
From there, the Road Trip packed up and headed for Chicago and the famed Lagunitas Brewery. The Windy City happy hour was a chance for guests to network and share ideas on the future of manufacturing.
The final stop on The Manufacturing Road Trip was Pyres Brewery in Minneapolis where WiM Minnesota chapter members enjoyed local beers and laughs courtesy of Minnesota comedians Wendy Maybury, Ateh Ekinde, and Steve Windels. In between sets, there was time for networking, relationship-building, and idea-sharing among WiM members.
“When we talk about changing the culture of manufacturing, we start with building strong networks of women who can offer support, mentorship, and valuable connections,” said Moore. “WiM chapters do an excellent job of hosting events that provide opportunities to connect with other women in the field, have important conversations about the state of industry, and support a good cause. The Manufacturing Road Trip is a great example of bringing people together to transform the industry. ”
To join your local WiM chapter, click here.