By Cecilia Nasmith/Today’s Northumberland
The Northumberland Manufacturers’ Association have always worked well with the educational sector, government ministries and government partners, Executive Director Darla Price told Cobourg council this week.
Their focus this year is community engagement. And their first-ever open-house event on April 22 makes a splashy start.
NMA is a non-profit organization who represent approximately 50 manufacturers from across Northumberland (26 of which are located in Cobourg) as well as 50 associate members that are part of their supply chain (11 of which are located in Cobourg).
Their April 22 open house event is called How It’s Made, a first-ever event for the NMA. Selected manufacturers will be open to share what is made in the county with a target audience aged 10 to 50 – parents, youth, retirees and job seekers.
It’s a chance for job seekers to see what’s available, what wages are on offer and what skills are required.
For the retired and semi-retired, there is the opportunity for innovation, mentorship and investments.
“I want people to now that it’s OK to have a community with a very strong industrial base. We share the tax burden. We instill skill sets into the workforce. We employ thousands upon thousands of individuals throughout the county – we are one of the county’s largest employers,” Price said.
Designated industries in Cobourg (Graphic Packaging International, Cameco and Venture 13), Port Hope (CPK Interior Products, Trade Tech Industries) and Campbellford (Mirmil Blommer Chocolate Company) will be open that day between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. And in the Venture 13 parking lot from noon to 1 p.m., there will be a free barbecue.
The NMA is asking the town for guidance in publicizing the event, for the loan of tables, picnic benches and garbage cans for the barbecue, and – if they wish – for their participation in terms of volunteers or display tables.
Council voted to accept the information, and to refer the requests to the appropriate departments.
“Perhaps Economic Development could attend with support materials to show our support on behalf of the town,” Councillor Randy Barber suggested.
