MMA Operations Conference 2026

Pre-Event Breakfast Briefing
Lightning Talks with MEDC

Start your day with a fast-paced briefing from leaders at the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC). During this breakfast session, MEDC officials will deliver a series of concise “lightning talks” highlighting key resources designed to help Michigan manufacturers grow, compete and navigate industry change.

The session will spotlight the launch of the Michigan Automotive Supplier Transition Program, a new initiative focused on helping small suppliers adapt to evolving market demands. Additional rapid-fire updates will cover second-stage growth solutions, international trade programs that support global market expansion and strategies to strengthen supply chain resiliency.

Grab a hot breakfast, hear directly from MEDC leaders and walk away with actionable insights on resources available to support your company’s next phase of growth.

Culture by Design: Building Ownership, Adaptability and Collaboration in Manufacturing Teams

Culture is shaped by daily behavior — not slogans — and Jay Johnson of Coeus Creative Group will examine how intentional behavioral design drives stronger manufacturing teams. Drawing on data from hundreds of manufacturing leaders and frontline managers, Johnson will explore the behavioral drivers behind high-performing cultures, including ownership, feedback, adaptability and collaboration. Attendees will gain insight into how these micro-level behaviors influence trust, accountability and continuous improvement at scale, along with practical, evidence-based tools drawn from culture audit research used by manufacturers and industry leaders.

Leading with Confidence in Uncertain Times

Uncertainty is a constant for today’s small businesses, and ASE’s Mary Corrado will explore how transparent leadership, agile decision-making and clear communication can help organizations remain steady and focused during periods of change. Attendees will gain insight into prioritizing effectively, keeping teams engaged and building resilient workplace cultures that can adapt to economic shifts, workforce changes and operational disruptions.

Strengthening Manufacturing Talent Pipelines for Long-Term Growth

Workforce challenges continue to evolve, and Jimmy Nelson of Frontline Training Solutions, an Express Professionals company, will share how manufacturers are building stronger, more adaptable talent strategies through real-world applications. Drawing on success stories from Michigan manufacturers, this breakout session explores approaches to expanding talent pipelines, engaging a multi-generational workforce and strengthening retention through intentional culture and career pathing. Attendees will gain insight into practical approaches for expanding talent pipelines, strengthening onboarding and development and improving workforce retention.

Costing as a Strategic Advantage for Middle Market Manufacturers

Jon Wood of Plante Moran will examine why accurate, adaptive costing models are essential for middle market manufacturers operating amid trade policy uncertainty, labor challenges and inflationary pressures. Wood will explore how modern costing approaches support more effective quoting, cost rationalization, prioritization of improvement initiatives and forecasting profitability as demand shifts. Drawing on real-world use cases, discover how predictive and flexible cost models strengthen agility and decision support across manufacturing operations.