General Meeting - Thursday, August 27!

Save the Date!! Our next general meeting will be on Thursday, August 27, 4:00pm-6:00pm. It will be hosted by Wilmington Machinery at 4628 Northchase Parkway NE, Wilmington, NC, 28405. Light refreshments will be served.

Meeting agenda:

• Jim Flock will give an update on CFMP activities, including statewide expansion of manufacturing partnership organizations.
• Dr. Sayed (see below) will explain why he has been investing in the Wilmington area.
• Shark Tank Winner Presentations (see below)
• Justin Appleton will present the Wilmington Machinery story and give a plant tour

Guest Speaker

Dr. Yousry Sayed, owner of Wilmington Machinery, former chemistry professor, administrator, and founder of Quality Chemical Laboratories, will be our featured speaker. He will explain

• Why he established Quality Chemical Laboratories in Wilmington, NC
• Why he acquired Wilmington Machinery
• What are his general growth plans for the next 5 to 10 years
• How he thinks CFMP can assist his companies and vice versa

May CFMP Meeting Report

We had an excellent turnout for our May meeting at Aero Marine Biotech. Here is an update.

• Tripp Jones gave a facility tour and presentation.
• Jim Flock gave an update on the collaboration between CFMP and the newly-formed Eastern Carolina Manufacturing Partnership.
• Tom Guthrie reviewed export & logistics activities available through NC World Trade Assn,
• Teresa Cox and Frankie Roberts presented how LINC is reintegrating justice-involved individuals into the workforce.
• Brian Jackson, New Director of the Cape Fear Workforce Development Board, presented WIOA programs and how they can support CFMP members.
• Noah Swett, President of Alpha Kappa Psi, presented the findings of the UNCW student committee for "Project Meet and Listen".

Manufacturing Week Shark Tank at CFCC

As part of "Manufacturing Week", sponsored by SparkForce, CFMP members helped judge 13 middle school entrepreneurship projects on June 18 & 25. This year's winners will present their projects at the August CFMP general meeting.

Upper photo: Week One winners (Jack & Leo) with Matt Schneider & Jim Flock (CFMP), Aariene Hansley (Genesis Block), and Mike Gawinski (CFMP)



Lower photo: Week Two winners (Bryson & Liam) with Zack Sblendorio (CFMP), Aariene Hansley (Genesis Block), Jim Flock & Mike Gawinski (CFMP).

YEW Mentoring Forum

Mark your calendars for the next forum to help young women to see themselves as future leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs. Use this QR code to register for the event.

LINC Meeting

You're invited to join us for coffee and hear more about what Frankie Roberts presented at our May meeting regarding LINC (Leading Into New Communities). As shown on the LINC website, your investment in LINC can change lives for generations to come. Whether you’re interested in supporting life-changing programs, helping build the future Hisan J. Polk Transformation Academy, exploring naming opportunities, or leaving a lasting legacy, we’d welcome the opportunity to discuss how your generosity can make the greatest impact.

Link to LINC

Maximize Excellence Podcast!

Jim Flock, CFMP President, will join Lori Harris on Friday, July 31st, at 10:00am. He will describe the founding of the Cape Fear Manufacturing Partnership and discuss the potential of workforce development boards. As VP of the NC Association of Workforce Development Boards and former Chair of the Cape Fear Workforce Development Board, Jim is uniguely positioned to share valuable insights into this topic.

Link to Podcast

CFMP Members in the News

Mike Gawinski, retired Rulmeca Corp. CEO and part-time UNCW instructor, recently received the Discere Aude award from the UNCW Center for Teaching Excellence. The Discere Aude Award recognizes faculty and staff who were nominated by the most academically successful undergraduate students for outstanding mentoring. Those nominations are further vetted by members of the CTE Advisory Board. Presenting the award were Jacquelyn Lee, Director of Center for Teaching Excellence, and Rob Burrus, UNCW Provost.

CFMP Merch!

Check out our cool new CFMP merch. Proceeds off all sales go towards supporting our mission. This online store is sponsored by SeaSide SilkScreening.



To Order Click Here

Summer Heat Safety Tips

💧 Drink before you're thirsty. Thirst is a sign you're already dehydrated.

🌤️ Take cool-down breaks. A few minutes in the shade can prevent heat illness.

👀 Watch your coworkers. If someone seems dizzy, confused, or stops sweating, get help immediately.