Look Again—Your World Continues To Change
Randy Wolken, President & CEO

Over the last 18 months, nearly everything has changed. Our economy, US manufacturing, our communities, our country, and the world. Nothing is the same as it was. It is at least incrementally different. And this is what can escape our notice. We think it is the same even though it certainly is not.

As a leader, what does this require of us? We need to identify what is different and respond accordingly. Becoming nostalgic about the past can actually hurt our ability to adjust to our new reality. The “good old days” can keep us from taking advantage of what has become of our businesses and our economic opportunities. Today is the only reality we can work with to thrive.

Manufacturing opportunities today are very different than before the pandemic. The economy was on a roll with the longest economic expansion in modern history. The pandemic interrupted our expansive growth. However, it did not end it. The economy has rebounded rapidly. Many MACNY members tell me they expect a very good year – some the best year ever. Growth, despite continued COVID challenges, is occurring. Lessons learned during the pandemic are allowing us to move forward despite the Delta variant surge and what may follow. The resilience of US manufacturing has been demonstrated. This new reality changes the dynamic of what is to come.

At MACNY, we have seen this new reality in our members and our team. We are in growth mode offering new services (and our familiar services) virtually. Our capacity to assist you is growing dramatically. We are still adjusting, but what we can now do is quite amazing. We have reached and served more people in 12 months than we have ever annually served. This year we are programmed to exceed that service level with new services and outcomes, especially in the areas of helping you find and maintain talent. Please check our website at www.macny.org or contact our team members to learn what now is available. You can also attend an upcoming Maximize Your Membership session (held the second Thursday of each month) for members to see all that is available. Contact Stephanie Adams at [email protected] to learn more.

Also, your company is likely much more resilient than before the pandemic. You learned skills and demonstrated capacities that were unrealized before the crisis. As the popular saying goes, “what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.” We were all professionally and personally challenged by the last two years. It has changed us. It has changed our companies, communities, country, and the world. It’s time to take notice and leverage this newfound resilience. When you do so, you will have cashed in on one of the most valuable outcomes of any crisis.

A crisis challenges us greatly. After we journey through it, we are forever changed. This is valuable to our success in the future. Take the time to note what has changed so you can respond with a newfound awareness and hope.