MAGNET and Northeast Ohio Regional Chambers of Commerce Announce Joint Membership Program; Alliance Creates One of the Largest Manufacturing Membershi
DATELINE: CLEVELAND April 30
CLEVELAND, April 30 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- MAGNET, the Manufacturing Advocacy & Growth Network, and five major chambers of commerce and economic development groups today announced formation of a joint membership program creating one of the largest manufacturing membership organizations in the United States.
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070328/DCW084LOGO )
Beginning today, all manufacturing companies that are currently members in good standing with the Greater Cleveland Partnership/COSE, the Greater Akron Chamber of Commerce, the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Stark Development Board and the Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber are automatically members of MAGNET.
Since 1984, MAGNET--formerly known as CAMP Inc.--has assisted more than 2,000 manufacturers through its business consulting, product development and business incubation programs. MAGNET initiatives have generated over $1 billion in economic impact for the Northeast Ohio region through increased sales, enhanced productivity and jobs retained or created.
"MAGNET provides a valuable variety of proven high-quality services that have helped small and large manufacturers dramatically increase their efficiency, develop profitable new products and compete more effectively in today's global marketplace. We look forward to extending our services through these chambers of commerce and economic development organizations and feel confident that this regional approach to membership will allow MAGNET to speak forcefully, and with one voice, for the manufacturers of Northeast Ohio," said MAGNET President Steve Gage.
Among the services offered to members at no cost by MAGNET are various online research and information tools, a searchable database providing easy access to a wide range of companies, consultants and providers often needed to improve operations, productivity and bottom-line results, a datebook of regional events of interest to the manufacturing community and advocacy alerts with information on local, regional, state and federal public policy, legislation and regulation issues facing manufacturers.
"The Greater Cleveland Partnership and the Council of Smaller Enterprises (COSE) have almost 2,000 manufacturing members," said Joe Roman, president and CEO of the Greater Cleveland Partnership. "Both large and small manufacturing firms will benefit from this new membership benefit. MAGNET will provide our members with the services, expertise and resources to help make them competitive and will help grow our economy."
As a result of this joint membership announcement, MAGNET services will now be available to approximately 2,500 manufacturers throughout Northeast Ohio. That number is expected to greatly increase because today's agreement allows and encourages other local chambers of commerce and economic development organizations in Northeast Ohio to partner with MAGNET to attract manufacturers to their membership ranks.
"Contrary to popular belief, manufacturing is still the largest industry sector in Northeast Ohio and this region is producing more products and goods than ever before. The more manufacturers MAGNET represents, the stronger and louder our voice becomes as the champion for manufacturing in Northeast Ohio," said Gage.
"In recent years, COSE has focused on creating synergy between like-minded members with our Home-Based Business, Arts Business, and Technology Business networks. Given the importance of manufacturing in Northeast Ohio's economy, the creation of a manufacturing network is a natural opportunity to help our companies succeed." said Steve Millard, executive director of COSE.
MAGNET ( http://www.magnetwork.org/ ), formerly known as CAMP Inc., supports and champions manufacturing in the northern half of Ohio and is the voice for the region's manufacturers. Since 1984, MAGNET has assisted over 2,000 manufacturers through its business consulting, product development and business incubation programs. MAGNET initiatives have generated over $1 billion in economic impact for the region through increased sales, enhanced productivity and jobs retained or created. It is also a central resource for the high quality consulting and human resources needed by manufacturers to compete more effectively in the global economy.
The Greater Cleveland Partnership, the primary voice for businesses in Greater Cleveland, seeks to create jobs and improve the economic vitality of the region. Its priorities include technology, innovation and high-growth businesses; connected physical development; education and workforce development; and business attraction, retention and expansion. The GCP emphasizes service to its more than 17,700 members; advocacy on behalf of members and the region; diversity and inclusion; and internationalization of the region and its businesses. http://www.gcpartnership.com/
CONTACT: Greg Krizman of MAGNET, +1-216-432-5311, Cell +1-330-212-1564 or
Amanda Marko of Greater Cleveland Partnership, +1-216-592-2250,
Cell +1-216-255-0210
Web site: http://www.magnetwork.org/
SOURCE MAGNET