Get to know the next generation of district leaders
Michael Mize – Millennial Chair, PMA Tennessee
V.P. Sales, Dynamic Die Supply
Between traveling for work 70% of the time and holding down church and family life, Mike shares his time as Millennial Chair of the Tennessee District. Elected to the Tennessee Board in the second half of 2020, Mike has volunteered and participated in district fundraising through the golf outings and the always popular Tennessee Suppliers Night.
Get out of the classroom and onto the plant floor
His most memorable experience was helping to organize the Tennessee College of Applied Technologies conference and plant tour, where students had an opportunity to get out of the classroom and onto the plant floor. As Mike says, “…students need to see that times have changed, manufacturing plants are hi-tech and clean, and jobs are high-paying. For so long, kids have been told that a four-year degree from a university is the only way to go, and they are rarely presented with alternative paths to a stable, satisfying career.”
When asked what more PMA and the Tennessee District can do to change the perception of manufacturing, Mike believes that continuing to improve the way we communicate with younger generations is key. “The first-hand experience for kids to see manufacturing in action is always a priority for the district,” says Mike, “but the use of more video and other interactive ways to stay connected with kids, parents and counselors are ideas that Tennessee is looking into.
As the Millennial Chair, I am working closely with Jeff Fredline, Tom Kelly and others on the board to take these steps. Our district scholarship program also helps us stay relevant and provide opportunities.”