MAGNET: The Manufacturing Advocacy and Growth Network

Join the Giving Tuesday Movement — 25 Gifts to Power Northeast Ohio’s Future   In honor of Giving Tuesday 2025, we’re calling on 25 champions to step up and make an impact today. When you join this circle of supporters, your $100 gift helps spark real change, and any amount strengthens the momentum we’re building for Northeast Ohio’s future. We have already started with 5 gifts this morning! Can you help us get 20 more? Become a part of that 25 here: https://lnkd.in/evg992tg Thank you to our supporters! You helped us build this. Now let’s keep growing. In just three years since our new building opened, MAGNET and our partners have helped fill 3,000+ manufacturing jobs and opened new doors for students, families, and companies across Northeast Ohio. Our future vision is bold — and achievable: Every student a pathway. Every company a partner. Every family a future. This Giving Tuesday, the moment to act is here. We’re calling on you to fuel the momentum, to join a focused group of partners who will power opportunity, careers, and innovation across Northeast Ohio.   🎥 Watch how far we’ve come—and imagine what’s next when we grow together. Become a part of that 25 here: https://lnkd.in/evg992tg #GivingTuesday #Manufacturing #MAGNET #NortheastOhio #Innovation #CommunityImpact #WorkforceDevelopment #GiveBack #FutureFocused

Give the Gift of a Second Chance this Thanksgiving—Support MAGNET’s ACCESS to Manufacturing Careers After navigating the challenges of the justice system, James was ready for a fresh start—but didn’t know where to begin. “I was tired of not believing in myself,” James shared. Everything changed when James discovered MAGNET’s ACCESS to Manufacturing Careers program. (Tom McGraw Aram Nerpouni) It offered more than just training; it provided confidence, support, and a path forward. Through hands-on learning, workplace success skills, and the support of a dedicated coaching team, James built a new future. Today, James is thriving in manufacturing, engaged, and expecting a baby. “I overcame barriers that once held me back—now I can step into something meaningful and build a future.”  James’s story is one of true transformation—not because he never stumbled, but because he refused to let those stumbles define him. Your support makes stories like James’s possible. Gifts to MAGNET allow us to keep preparing people to try again, learn, and grow.  Gifts to MAGNET allow us to keep preparing people to try again, learn, and grow. Be part of the next success story, give today: https://lnkd.in/eD6n_NbH Stay tuned for our Giving Tuesday effort on December 2, 2025, another powerful way to support people rebuilding their futures. Contact Emily Holody or Leah Epstein with any questions! #SecondChances #ManufacturingCareers #MAGNET #GiveBack #CommunityImpact #GivingTuesday

Before founding Daisy Pops, Amy Mucha was a high school math teacher who baked at night to relax. Her curiosity and creativity transformed a side hustle into a thriving business, serving thousands and inspiring others. But Amy’s journey didn’t stop there. With support from MAGNET: The Manufacturing Advocacy and Growth Network, she designed her own cake-pop tools, launched a second company, and now helps bakers worldwide. Amy’s story is proof: when makers get the proper support, small ideas can grow into something extraordinary. MAGNET connects entrepreneurs like Amy with mentors, engineers, and resources—fueling innovation, good jobs, and strong communities across Northeast Ohio. Your gift makes these success stories possible. Help us nurture talent and spark the next big idea. 👉 https://lnkd.in/evg992tg Liz DeCarlo and Mike Keller have been critical to expanding Daisy Pops! #ManufacturingSuccess #MAGNET #Entrepreneurship #CommunityImpact #SupportMakers

From barriers to bright futures, nonprofits like MAGNET need your help during this season of giving. MAGNET’s work to transform lives through manufacturing careers was recently featured on CBS News. From adults gaining hands-on vocational training to students experiencing real-world manufacturing through immersive field trips, MAGNET opens doors to opportunity at every stage of life. Mary’s journey shows what’s possible with a resilient spirit and encouraging partners. With MAGNET’s support, she turned challenges into opportunities and built a rewarding manufacturing career—proof that these programs don’t just create jobs; they transform lives. In just three years, MAGNET and its partners have helped 3,000+ people start good manufacturing jobs in Cuyahoga County. Programs like ACCESS to Manufacturing Careers provide training, coaching, and wraparound support—removing barriers such as transportation and childcare—so people can thrive. You can help create more success stories by donating today!  https://lnkd.in/evg992tg https://lnkd.in/eNyrCSED

Want to brush up on your Lean skills? Need a strategic reset? check out our upcoming workshop!

Tariffs aren’t a headline, they’re a daily reality for Ohio manufacturers. And today, MAGNET is releasing the first large-scale look at how those realities are reshaping our industry. Our new report, Tariffs and Turbulence: How Ohio Manufacturers Are Navigating a Shifting Trade Landscape, draws on hundreds of survey responses from across the state. One finding stands out: One in three manufacturers is seeing a direct sales impact from tariffs—positive or negative. What does that look like on the ground? • Some companies are winning back business as production shifts closer to home. • Others are feeling real pressure as costs rise and demand drops. • And despite the volatility, most leaders remain optimistic. 66% of Ohio manufacturers expect to grow in 2026. This is what’s happening on factory floors right now. And it’s reshaping the future of manufacturing in Ohio. A sincere thank-you to the hundreds of manufacturers who took the time to share their insights. Your candor gives our region—and the country—an essential window into how tariffs are truly affecting American industry. Greater Cleveland Partnership, Greater Akron Chamber, Team NEO, Ohio Manufacturing Extension Partnership (Ohio MEP), The Ohio Manufacturers' Association, Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber, Stark Economic Development Board, Team NEO, Jeff Spain, Rebecca Singer, Philip Ratermann, Dan Catalano #Manufacturing #manufacturinginnovation #mepmatters #tariffs Read the full report: https://lnkd.in/eNNGUi-7

Winners of $85,000 and more prizes for MAGNET's MSpire Manufacturing Startup Pitch Competition are announced! Congrats to all of the winners from over 80 startups - all of them inspiring Avionova (Noor Haj-Tamim) - earbuds that help prevent vertigo and motion sickness (Winner of the Huntington Award) EverSafe Sensory LLC (Natalie Evers) - handheld vibrating sensory chewy for individuals needing this support (Marketing support winner and more) HyperReal (Omolola (Lola) F. and Manoj Jhaveri) - 3D printing technology to produce prosthetic covers to improve appearance Dayton Photonics Systems LLC (Emily F.) - fiberless optics systems that act as fiber optic alternative to hard-to-reach areas LeapFast Manufacturing Inc. (Zach Courtright) - new metal manufacturing welding capability through a patented Bobbin Friction Stir Deposition process Immobileyes (Atossa Alavi) - light based deterrents such as flashlights that disorient individuals without causing lasting harm This is the 10th year of Ohio's Premier Manufacturing Pitch Competition. Innovation is alive and well in manufacturing and in Northeast Ohio! Thanks to sponsors Tom Green from Kastner Westman & Wilkins, LLC presented the award along with sponsors Huntington National Bank (Carrie Carpenter) and Renner Otto. #manufacturinginnovation #innovation #entrepreneurship Andrea Navratil, Olivia Fenneken, Nat Foote, Liz DeCarlo, Maggie Pryor, Mike O'Donnell, Felix Brueck, Eric Hillenbrand

Huge turnout to the 20th Annual MAGNET Economic Forecast, part of MAGNET's Executive Forum series. Hosted by Akron-Canton Airport (CAK) at the MAPS Air Museum, manufacturing history was all around this manufacturer crowd to hear what next year will bring for business and the economy. Sinead Colton Grant shared insights on behalf of our key sponsor BNY Wealth. Key insights about the economy: 1. Recession risk: Tariff impact on the potential for a recession in the economy have been offset by recent tax bills. Overall recession risk remains at typical levels of 10-15% for next year. 2. Inflation is likely sticking around at 3%. 3. It's a mixed job market - job growth is stagnating. This might mean that the fed will continue to cut the interest rate in the near future. 4. Consumers are still spending. 70% of GDP is driven by this. BUT, only the top 20% of consumers are powering this. Loan delinquencies are going up, so there is some risk here. 5. Future construction spending plan are accelerating and capex spending is going up. Thank you to EOX Vantage and Maloney + Novotny LLC for sponsorship and all of our many local partners Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce, Stark County Manufacturing Workforce Development Partnership, Stark Economic Development Board, Stark Education Partnership, Inc., Growth Partnership for Ashtabula County, Greater Akron Chamber, Portage Development Board, Medina County Economic Development Corporation, and Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber. Stephen (Steve) Zimmer, Peter Broer, Michael Canty, Aaron Swartz, Steve Fritsch, Kristin Holbert Beynon, Mike O'Donnell

The Mahoning Valley showing up in force at the Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber Economic Forecast featuring MAGNET'S Excellence in Manufacturing Award given to Udderly Smooth, an incredible company making a product for mountain climbers, nurses, skiers, and every day use for smooth skin. Northeast Ohio makes so many incredible products, and the Valley always supports its Economic backbone. Other speakers this morning include Guy Coviello, Brett Ponton, Chad Oviatt, Cleveland's new The MetroHealth System (Cleveland, OH) CEO Christine Alexander-Rager, MD and our very own Darlyn A. McDermott.