Syracuse-based nonprofit boasts over 300 business members across the region
By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant
Manufacturers Association of Central New York (MACNY), a nonprofit 501(c)(6) association, is 111 years old. Although begun as the Manufacturing Association of Syracuse, the organization now serves 26 counties and at 342 members represents the state’s largest manufacturing trade organization.
“We serve the smallest to the largest organizations,” said Randy Wolken, president and CEO. “We also have non-manufacturing members like architectural firms and law firms. It’s a wide variety of organizations that want to make manufacturing stronger.”
MACNY hosts about 200 events annually, including tours, networking opportunities, educational seminars and an annual dinner for members.
In addition, MACNY serves as a state leader for manufacturing advocacy at the local, state and federal level.
“We do that for all types of manufacturing issues like taxation, energy policy and workforce policy, specifically HR,” Wolken said. “We cover the gamut.”
MACNY is also the go-to for regional workforce development as it provides program management for more than 24 different trades in apprenticeships. Currently, MACNY manages 1,000 individual apprentices administered from places local to the region between Buffalo and Long Island.
Direct apprenticeship programs prepare less experienced workers for apprenticeship programs.
“Manufacturing jobs are very technical,” Wolken said. “Because they’re technical, some preparation is very helpful. With a high school diploma and 12 weeks’ training, you can go to work in many manufacturing facilities and have a great career pathway. Manufacturing has significantly evolved. AI is used in manufacturing, for example. You’re seeing a greater need for technical skills.”
Beginning in middle school through high school, MACNY’s Partners for Education in Business program offers career awareness and preparation for careers in manufacturing. MACNY works with 24 different school districts in various New York state counties and operates five P-TECH programs in schools. As high-tech learning opportunities in high schools, P-TECH aids in creating an easier segue from school to manufacturing.
“Career awareness, career preparation and apprenticeship are our largest focuses,” Wolken said. “We serve thousands of young people and people statewide.”
MACNY’s services to employers extend beyond workforce development. MACNY also provides members with a healthcare consortium for those who have 100 to 500 employees so they can collectively purchase health insurance. A larger employee pool in a health insurance plan lowers costs because the risk is spread further.
MACNY offers members advice on HR matters — a big help for smaller firms that lack a human resources department. Issues in human resources can become costly, both in money and in company reputation.
Manufacturers tend to specialize to become profitable, yet that can also feel isolating. MACNY tries to bring manufacturers together for their mutual benefit.
“MACNY becomes their go-to for networking, for being competitive in the 21st century,” Wolken said. “Manufacturers rarely compete with each other, so they learn from each other. Our factory tours are very popular because they learn how to get safer and lower waste. Collectively, we can be stronger than any one on its own.”
Annual membership ranges from $1,000 to $9,000, depending upon the company size, but the average is $1,000. Wolken said that although that’s higher than a chamber of commerce membership, “the service level is deeper and broader.”
“We’re growing as an organization, in size and numbers and in features and opportunities,” Wolken said. “The most significant growth sector in Upstate is manufacturing. This is our time. It’s growing. Making your mark in the last 100 years as a manufacturer has never been more exciting. Now is the time to invest in the community.”
