• Local Presence: GaMEP’s reach extends throughout the state. We have 10 region managers and more than 20 project managers who are based in areas across Georgia. Over the past few years, we have worked with manufacturers in more than 75% of the 159 counties in Georgia. As part of our commitment to our local communities, we partner with numerous chambers of commerce to further the interests of manufacturers in each area.
• CEO Roundtables: GaMEP works with manufacturing leaders in North and Southwest Georgia to provide a secure forum for these leaders to meet and share ideas, experiences, and challenges, while providing an outlet and an opportunity to learn from one another. Download more information on the CEO Roundtables.
  

GaMEP is invested in the economic growth of rural Georgia. We support The Georgia Smart Communities Challenge, a Georgia Tech-led effort to bring together industry and local governments to support communities in their efforts to implement cutting-edge technologies. In addition, we work closely with other groups within our parent organization, the Enterprise Innovation Institute at Georgia Tech, which works with economic developers, community leaders, and industries to foster and promote local economic development. For more information on how your community can get involved in these initiatives, contact your local region manager.

GaMEP is leveraging its extension mission to promote and support the growth of apprenticeship programs in Georgia, beginning with high school students, throughout Georgia. If you are interested in learning about the GACATT, a Germany-based apprenticeship program, or other apprenticeship programs in the state, contact Larry Alford at larry.alford@innovate.gatech.edu.

Through its affiliation with other entities in the state that work with manufacturing, GaMEP is able to expand its reach and impact. GaMEP works closely with groups such as:

• Next Generation Manufacturing
• The Georgia Association of Manufacturers
• Georgia Department of Economic Development – Centers of Innovation
• The Technical College System of Georgia
• Georgia Automotive Manufacturers Association
• Georgia Tech schools, colleges, programs, and labs

Examples of programs GaMEP brings to Georgia manufacturers through our partnerships include:

• Supplier Development Conferences: Each year, GaMEP hosts or co-hosts a variety of supplier development conferences to conduct Fast Pitch sessions, where manufacturing suppliers pitch their products and services to large OEMs. This helps expand the business of small to mid-sized manufacturing companies and diversify the OEM’s supply chain.
• Capstone: GaMEP connects Georgia Tech students to manufacturers across the state. One example of how we do this is through the Capstone Design class, where Georgia Tech engineering students partner with manufacturers to design, build, and test prototypes to solve a real-world problem within the company. Contact your region manager if you are interested in participating in the Capstone Design program.

GaMEP exists to serve you and be a resource for all Georgia manufacturers. A few ways we do this are through programs such as:

• Machine Shop Grant: GaMEP received a grant to assess machine shops across Georgia, providing a customized path of findings and recommendations for participants to grow their business. To see if you qualify for one of the 100 no-cost assessments, contact Don Pital at don.pital@innovate.gatech.edu.
• Disaster Relief and Preparedness: As part of the Manufacturing Disaster Assistance Program (MDAP) initiative of the National Institute of Standards and Technology, GaMEP received funds for a two-year effort to assist manufacturers in seven Georgia counties (Camden, Chatham, Charlton, Glynn, Liberty, McIntosh, and Coffee) severely impacted by hurricanes and other natural disasters in recent years. To receive assistance on the development of pre- and post-natural disaster protocols, contact Ben Cheeks at ben.cheeks@innovate.gatech.edu.
• Manufacturing Growth Meetings: In 10 locations across the state, GaMEP and our partners host and teach two-hour, quarterly “lunch-and-learns,” to provide tips and tools to manufacturers on topics that can be implemented in their plants immediately. Meetings cost $15 a person, with lunch included. To find the Manufacturing Growth Meeting near you, visit our Events page.
• Industry Focus: GaMEP has developed specific initiatives around the key industry sectors of automotive and food processing. Contact Mike Stonecipher at mike.stonecipher@innovate.gatech.edu for automotive-focused services and Damon Nix at damon.nix@innovate.gatech.edu for food manufacturing related services.