Although we are all anxious to put 2020 in the rear-view mirror, and look forward to the promise of the new year, I would first like to reflect on what UAMMI was able to accomplish in 2020 and then look forward to what we have planned for 2021
Despite all the uncertainty, 2020 ended up a strong year for UAMMI. With the help of many wonderful partners, here are a few of the accomplishments:
- Assisted in Utah’s designation by the DoD as an official Defense Manufacturing Community. The Governor’s Office of Economic Development and UAMMI were instrumental in securing this designation.
- Secured renewal for a second year of funding from the Small Business Administration to run the Regional Innovation Cluster program.
- Helped two Utah companies (ElectraFly and AnalySwift) win three Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) grants from the US Air Force AFWERX/Agility Prime office.
- Formed the UAMMI Institute, a 501-C-3 non-profit focused on research and education.
- Joined and partnered with the Utah Industry Resource Alliance (UIRA).
- Collaborated with the Graphene Council and Women Tech Council.
- Continued our membership and collaboration with the American Manufacturing Community Collaborative, America Makes, America Composites Manufacturing Association, Vertical Flight Society, IACMI and SAMPE.
- Assisted with i5 Solutions in launching new B2B Government Contracting Matchmaking events.
- Maintained Utah’s position of leadership in advanced manufacturing at several industry events.
- Received the prestigious SAMPE North America Organizational Excellence Award
- Secured funding for the Defense Manufacturing Support Program with the help and support of Utah’s congressional delegation, especially Senator Romney.
Heading into 2021, UAMMI plans to continue its existing programs. In addition, we plan to assist in submitting proposals for new programs that would further strengthen advanced manufacturing in Utah. These include:
- Two proposals with Department of Energy to research test non-fuel uses for coal, such us carbon fibers.
- A proposal by the Governor’s Office of Economic Development to the Department of Labor to help solve manufacturing workforce challenges in Utah.
- A proposal by the STEM Action Center to the Economic Development Administration for STEM Talent Challenge activities.
- A proposal by InnoSys, Inc to the Administration for Community Living (ACL), National Institute on Disability, Independent Living and Rehabilitation Research to help integrate people with disabilities into advanced manufacturing careers.
In addition to that, UAMMI is working with Moreton Insurance to help bring group insurance programs to Utah’s advanced manufacturing small businesses.
Although 2021 will be challenging, especially as the effects of COVID19 continue, UAMMI stands ready to support Utah’s advanced manufacturing industry and foster a return to growth.
2021 Planned Events
- Jan 21- UAMMI Podcast with Utah Manufacturers Association: Economic Outlook for Utah’s Manufacturers Over Next 5 years
- Jan 26 – 1 Quarterly Update for the Utah Defense Manufacturing Community programs
- Jan 28 – RAMP Graduation (12-week startup accelerator for Utah entrepreneurs)
- Feb 17 – UAMMI Board Meeting
- Mar 24 – UAMMI/UDMC Defense Manufacturing Research Symposium
- June 1-3 – JEC World Tradeshow, Paris, France (UAMMI to participate with World Trade Center Utah activities)
- Sept 21 – UAMMI/UDMC Defense Manufacturing Workforce Challenges Symposium
- October TBD – Wasatch Front Materials Expo and UAMMI CrossTalk event.
- Oct 18-21 – CAMX Tradeshow, Dallas, TX
- Nov 8-11 – CompositesWorld CarbonFiber Conference in SLC along with Utah’s Advanced Manufacturing Week and associated events.