Manufacturing Advocacy Day 2025
Randy Wolken, President & CEO
On Wednesday, MACNY, our members, and our Manufacturers Alliance partners from throughout New York State advocated in Albany for critical policies to grow manufacturing in our state. So many opportunities for manufacturing exist, however, what happens in Albany significantly impacts the daily opportunities and challenges manufacturers and businesses face. Over the last few years, supply chains have been turned upside down, the availability of skilled workers decreased while the need has grown, our political dialogue has become frequently confrontational, and heightened costs have severely challenged manufacturers. We need supportive policies and wise state investments to expand manufacturing.
While in Albany, we conducted over 30 conversations and meetings with key legislators and their staff members on the issues of economic climate, tax policy, labor laws, and HR. We also advocated for continued investments in Workforce Development efforts like the Manufacturers Intermediary Apprenticeship Program (MIAP) and Real Life Rosies® and emphasized the impact of energy availability, reliability, and costs on manufacturing. This annual event in Albany increases our ability to influence key policymakers and critical legislative outcomes. Over 60 individuals traveled to Albany this year for our annual event. We appreciate how deeply committed these individuals and their companies are to advocating for manufacturing in New York State.
As manufacturing and business leaders, we can’t sit on the sidelines. MACNY is committed to leading state-wide efforts in advocacy for you, our members, and manufacturers everywhere in New York State. However, we need your assistance and voice to amplify our efforts. Our elected and appointed government officials want to hear directly from you, their constituents. It helps dramatically when you tell them how their policies, laws, and administrative actions affect your business, profitability, and ability to hire and retain workers. We facilitate this dialogue by helping you connect with elected officials and state agency leaders.
Throughout the remainder of the legislative session, please continue to come to our in-person and virtual meetings with legislators and advocate for what you need from them. Virtual events provide a convenient way to participate. Also, throughout the year, we offer chances to meet with legislators and the MACNY team at in-person meetings at manufacturing facilities. When you join us, you tell your stories and remind elected or appointed officials just how important your business is and what can be done to help your vitality.
As President & CEO and the Regional Economic Development Council (REDC) Co-chair, I’m working to put forward a pro-manufacturing and pro-business agenda for our region. MACNY’s Director of Government Relations, Tiffany Latino-Gerlock coordinates advocacy on your behalf. As you know, manufacturing and business growth are essential to economic prosperity. We need you to stay engaged. Our Albany representatives and state and agency leaders need to know your businesses, that employ millions of New Yorkers, must be supported. If you’re not involved, please get involved! You can do so by reaching out to me or Tiffany at [email protected].