MMA President & CEO John McKay was a guest speaker at a Cleveland-Bolivar County Chamber of Commerce event Monday night. In his speech, McKay gave an overview of the state of manufacturing. He discussed how an essential component to our recovery from COVID is how manufacturers never stopped production of critical supplies, such as personal protective equipment (PPE), testing supplies, household goods (cleaners, toilet patper, etc.), and most importantly, a safe an effective vaccine. He also highlighted the fact that many manufacturers in the furniture, lumber, wood, appliance, and heavy equipment industries are having record years. McKay mentioned that manufacturing remains one of the highest-paying industries in Mississippi, and it produces nearly a 3-times multiplier of economic impact on the communities in which they are located. However, he also acknowledged how not everything is positive. The manufacturing industry faces many challenges, especially with the workforce. Missis