Dear AMIP Members,

Time really does fly when you’re having fun.

My first official month at the helm has already come and gone, and even though June is typically a quiet period with students and educators off on a well‑deserved summer break, AMIP has been anything but. We used this time to turn up the heat, as I’m sure you noticed!

Over three focused strategy sessions, the AMIP team dug into all six pillars of our Strategic Plan and translated them into actionable steps. We’re building a strong foundation that will allow AMIP to scale for the future and continue being the ISP of choice for the Southwest region.

June also brought one of our major annual efforts: Teacher Externships, managed by Katie Myers. While they were a great success, we’re already planning improvements for next summer! At the same time, new grant opportunities opened, and Katie Peyton jumped right in to ensure AMIP responds thoroughly and on time. We want to thank all members that provided us with guidance and letters of support!

I’ve spent much of this month connecting with community organizations and businesses to better understand the Greater Cincinnati landscape — not just for myself, but for our entire team. Our ecosystem continues to grow to provide a stronger workforce of the future.

Our execution on past grants, combined with the quality of our recent submissions, has significantly increased AMIP’s visibility with the OMA and beyond. We’re optimistic that this momentum will translate into meaningful funding to support our mission of workforce development.

I’m pleasantly surprised! — Go AMIP, Make it Cincy!

Wim Huijs 
President & Executive Director 
AMIP 
Wim.Huijs@AMIPCincy.org 

UPCOMING EVENTS

July Workshop - Innovative Benefits: Driving Better Financial and Workforce Outcomes

Back by popular demand, the Innovative Benefits workshop will explore health insurance funding programs that are available to Cincinnati area manufacturers and the pros/cons of each. What works best for your company may be different for another manufacturer and we’ll help you understand the why.

We’ll also explore the value of an integrated provider program that allows your employees to easily identify the top 20% of best performing doctors; achieve better outcomes, have their expenses fully reimbursed AND you as the employer will decrease your overall medical costs! This will be an informative benefits session that you don’t want to miss! Thanks to Alliant for bringing this event to AMIP!

🎯 July Workshop - Innovative Benefits
📅 Thursday, July 16 | 8:00-10:30 AM
📍 Kinetic Vision | 10651 Aerohub Blvd, Cincinnati, OH 45215

Q3 Members Event - Resilient Workplaces

What does a “Resilient Workplace” look like? Key attributes to bounce back + adapt to go forward vs just survive after a disaster! Hear from two of our area’s top manufacturing leaders on how they stay resilient:

• FECON CEO Bob Dieckman

• Co-Founder / Chief Facilitator - Center of Great Work Performance Jim Wulfeck (Wulco)

🎯 Q3 AMIP Members Event - Resilient Workplaces
📅 Thursday, August 20 | 8:30-10:30 AM
📍 FECON | 3460 Grant Dr, Lebanon, OH 45036

Welcoming New Member!

Michelman is a global developer and manufacturer of specialized sustainable chemistry used in agricultural and architectural coatings, digital printing, foodservice packaging, and advanced composites for automotive and aerospace.

Since 2023, AMIP has been participating in the Good Jobs Challenge, sponsored by the Ohio Manufacturers' Association (OMA). This initiative, focused on bringing quality job seekers into quality jobs, has yielded excellent results for AMIP member manufacturers, including:

• 227 new skilled employees placed in great jobs
• 479 eligible applicants trained in advanced manufacturing programs
• 73 incumbent workers upskilled to make a higher wage

In May, AMIP received a distinguished honor for our work from the OMA. The “Workforce Outcomes Achievement” award was presented in recognition of SW Ohio’s achievements!  

Ashley Reed (Pioneer Glazing), Wim Huijs (AMIP), Susan Whitman (AMIP), Marnina Schreibman (FESTO), and Katie Peyton (AMIP) celebrate SW Ohio’s achievements at the OMA’s Good Jobs Challenge wrap up.

AMIP is excited to announce the launch of the Technician Fast Track program this Fall in the Southwest Ohio region. The Technician Fast Track program was designed by the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA), in collaboration with Accenture and the Ohio Manufacturing Talent Partnership. It is a statewide earn-and-learn model built by manufacturers to address this growing sector-wide need. This program establishes a scalable, one-year training and employment pathway that allows participants to earn wages while gaining the skills, certifications, and on-the-job experience needed to succeed as entry-level manufacturing technicians, providing a boost to Ohio’s efforts to accelerate the technician talent pipeline. We are taking enrollment now for our Fall cohort. We have partnered with Sinclair College to provide the 340 hours of classroom technical instruction. Please reach out to Katie Myers if you are interested in this program for your business.

We'd like to thank the Greater Cincinnati Business Advisory Council for hosting a terrific event during June’s Symposium. The morning kicked off with keynote speaker, Keith Lawrence, presenting on the impact of AI on K-12 students. AMIP presented on Manufacturing Education Outreach in our schools and our new Manufacturing Ambassador Program, which will reach students in the 2026-2027 school year. Thank you, GCBAC, for helping us strengthen the connection between school and career.

AMIP Board Member, Mark Edwards, and AMIP’s Education Training Manager, Katie Myers

The Dever Family Foundation Skilled Trades Education Center in Loveland, OH opened in January 2026. This unique and collaborative facility features six fully-equipped bays to give youth, business, and working professionals hands-on experience in the trades most in-demand by regional employers.

The Center is seeking both volunteers and monetary donations to keep their programming strong! Your return on this investment: direct, ongoing exposure to motivated young people pursuing rewarding careers in the trades - the talent pipeline your company needs most.

The commitment is flexible depending on interest and availability. You can help once a month or more frequently. Programs are run both during the week during normal school hours and on Saturdays. No teaching experience is required. Everything is provided, including training outline, equipment, and materials.