News & Insights

We’re changing the narrative of the manufacturing industry one story at a time. CMTA’s award-winning storytelling team showcases California’s 30,000 manufacturers by uplifting the voices of our makers. Find industry news and the stories from those “Making California” below. 

Proposed LA Stormwater Permit Could Cost Businesses $325,000 Per Acre

CMTA Sounds the Alarm on the Unclear and Unaffordable Mandate   Los Angeles, Calif. – The California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA) is urging the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board to halt consideration of a costly and poorly...

Manufacturing in the News: October 2025

Read CMTA's round-up of manufacturing-related news from October 2025. The articles below don’t reflect the views of the manufacturing industry or CMTA. They are a collection of the latest industry news from this past month.   Latest Industry News   Lockheed...

Experimental Jet Wins 2025 Coolest Thing Made in California Contest

Sacramento, Calif. – After more than 200,000 votes, the California-made X-59 built by Lockheed Martin in Palmdale has been crowned the 2025 “Coolest Thing Made in California.” The annual statewide contest, hosted by the California Manufacturers & Technology...

CMTA Celebrates Hispanic Heritage with Insights from Torani Leader

Insights with Manufacturing Leaders: Hispanic Heritage Month   Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to recognize the meaningful impact, creativity, and guidance of Hispanic and Latino professionals across industries. In California’s diverse and evolving...

CMTA Opposes Secretive Cap-and-Trade Process

Sacramento, Calif. (September 8, 2025) – The California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA) announced today that the state’s manufacturing sector is in strong opposition to any attempt to advance a cap-and-trade deal in the final days of the legislative...

Manufacturing in the News: August 2025

Read CMTA's round-up of manufacturing-related news from August 2025. The articles below don’t reflect the views of the manufacturing industry or CMTA. They are a collection of the latest industry news from this past month.   Latest Industry News   Jet...

CMTA Names Nina Fisher as New Vice President of Communications

Sacramento, Calif. (September 2, 2025) – Today, the California Manufacturers and Technology Association (CMTA) welcomed Nina Krishel Fisher as the organization’s new Vice President of Communications, aiming to strengthen the voice of California manufacturers at a...

Renowned Flavor Brand Torani Joins CMTA

Sacramento, Calif. – The California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA) has welcomed new member Torani to the organization. Founded in 1925, the globally recognized flavor company is known for its wide range of syrups and sauces. Torani has a rich...

Manufacturing in the News: July 2025

Read CMTA's round-up of manufacturing-related news from July 2025. The articles below don’t reflect the views of the manufacturing industry or CMTA. They are a collection of the latest industry news from this past month.   Latest Industry News   Union...

Press Release

CMTA Elects New Board Officers

Nov 13, 2025

SACRAMENTO, CA – The California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA) announced the election of new officers within its Board of Directors, underscoring the organization’s commitment to strong leadership representing California’s diverse manufacturing community. 

Joe Ahn, Senior Manager and Director of Government Relations—Advanced Development Programs for Lockheed Martin Aeronautics, was elected Chair of the Board of Directors. Ahn will complete the remainder of Margo Parks’ term following her transition to Neurocrine Biosciences. 

Stephenie Shah, Senior Director of National State Government Affairs for E. & J. Gallo Winery, was elected Corporate Secretary. 

Adrian Guerrero, Assistant Vice President of Public Affairs West for Union Pacific Railroad, was elected Chair of the Finance Committee. 

“CMTA’s leadership continues to reflect the strength, innovation, and diversity of California manufacturing,” said Lance Hastings, CMTA President & CEO. “Joe, Stephenie, and Adrian each bring extensive experience and dedication to advancing policies that help manufacturers thrive and create opportunity across our state.” 

CMTA represents California’s $382 billion manufacturing economy and serves as the unified voice of more than 45,000 manufacturing firms statewide. 

###

About CMTA
The California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA) has advocated for pro-growth laws and regulations before the California legislature and administrative agencies since 1918. The total output from manufacturing in California is $382 billion per year, roughly 10 percent of the total economic output of the state. Manufacturers employ 1.2 million Californians paying wages more than $25,000 higher than other non-farm employers in the state.

Share This