Labor & Employment
Fair, reasonable, and competitive labor and employment laws are vital to ensuring California manufacturers remain competitive.
EPA: Support our manufacturers instead of harming them
OPINION – As California goes, so goes the nation. This saying about how California is a leader in regulations – particularly standards that promote a cleaner environment – has never been truer than today. And while it’s usually a point of pride, there are out-of-touch...
Manufacturing Minute: California’s Plan for Infrastructure, New Video Series & More
On this week’s Manufacturing Minute, Ananda Rochita shares updates on the following: A new CMTA video series featuring member company, Tri Tool Technologies CEO What Gov. Gavin Newsom's infrastructure plan will do for California's aging infrastructure CA's "Clean...
Manufacturing Minute: Update on Key Maker Bill and More
On this week's Manufacturing Minute, Ananda Rochita shares updates on CMTA Maker Assembly Bill 628, Export-Import Bank of the United States Chair and President Reta Jo Lewis in Sacramento, and a look at the second annual CMTA golf tournament. Click on the photo below...
Manufacturing Maker AB 52 Passes Unanimously Through California State Assembly Floor, Heads to Senate
Sacramento, Calif. – The California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA) is pleased to announce today that Assembly Bill 52 (Grayson) passed the California State Assembly Floor with a 77-0 vote. "Investing in the future of manufacturing goes hand in hand...
CMTA Welcomes Leaders in Environmental Consulting and Risk Management as Associate Members
Sacramento, Calif. – The California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA) welcomed two new associate members, Millennium Consulting Associates and Barkley Risk Management & Insurance, to the organization today. “CMTA’s newest associate members will...
CMTA Announces New Associate Members Advocating for Businesses with Insurance and HR Solutions
Sacramento, CA - The California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA) announced two new associate members today: The Greenspan Co./Adjusters International and Emplicity. “California leads the nation in new businesses started every year....
Wente Family Estates, America’s Longest Family-Owned & Operated Winery, Joins CMTA as Newest Member
Sacramento, CA - The California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA) today announced Wente Family Estates, America’s longest continuously family-owned and operated winery, as the association’s newest member. Located just 35 miles east of San...
Fender, Iconic Music Brand and Leading Global Musical Instrument Manufacturer, Joins CMTA as Newest Member
Sacramento, Calif. (June 1, 2022) - The California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA) today announced that Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC), which was founded in Southern California and has since established a global influence that extends...
Press Releases
EPA: Support our manufacturers instead of harming them
OPINION – As California goes, so goes the nation.
This saying about how California is a leader in regulations – particularly standards that promote a cleaner environment – has never been truer than today. And while it’s usually a point of pride, there are out-of-touch national regulations being planned by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that would significantly imperil our manufacturing base if the agency successfully implements them. If that happens, our manufacturing sector’s decline would harm not just us, but the entire country.
The EPA has proposed a change to the regulations for a particulate matter called PM2.5 that is a common byproduct of manufacturing operations. PM2.5 has been regulated for decades and the manufacturing industry has been able to innovate to both comply with regulations. However, this new regulatory proposal surrounding PM2.5 comes at a time when the impact of implementation would cause severe and far-reaching consequences.
California’s manufacturing base is comparable to some countries. There are 35,000 firms supporting 1.2 million jobs that generates more than $300 billion annually. We have the number one shipping port in the nation for the massive number of exports we send overseas. Over the last three decades, California has become a leader in high-tech sectors such as aerospace, electronics, electric vehicle manufacturing, and even advances in the food and beverage industries. In fact, 16% of aerospace jobs and 28% of IT and analytical product manufacturing jobs in the country are in California. And as a result, California’s manufacturing companies are among the best and the most environmentally conscious in the world.
A new regulatory proposal surrounding PM2.5 comes at a time when the impact of implementation would cause severe and far-reaching consequences.
Because of California’s large manufacturing footprint, our state would be impacted more than any other state. A recent study from the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) details that, if PM2.5 regulations were to tighten, it would create a total economic exposure of more than $30 billion and threaten an estimated 119,000 jobs. That is something the EPA ought to consider in its rule-making process so decisions are not made in a silo.
It’s no secret to anyone reading this that California’s economy got walloped by the pandemic and subsequent supply chain crisis, and these potential compounding issues from this onerous regulation certainly wouldn’t help in our continued recovery. Every sector in the state from agricultural to hospitality to manufacturing struggled mightily, but we proved our resilience and are continuing to recover. But that progress to full recovery will come to an abrupt stop if the EPA’s shortsighted and unnecessary PM2.5 regulation is allowed to move forward.
Even the EPA itself says that the levels of PM2.5 have decreased by 44% since 2000, which means that the current standards are working. In fact, six common airborne particles that are regulated under NAAQS have decreased by 78% between 1970 and 2020. California’s manufacturers are proud to be leaders in this effort, and they will continue to play an integral role in a cleaner environment.
The California Manufacturers & Technology Association believes in a balanced approach to regulations, including those that support cleaner air. But this new rule could cause significant challenges for manufacturers seeking permits for expansions. Additionally, the proposal is likely to negatively impact the construction of new infrastructure projects as funded in the bipartisan infrastructure bill. Of course, regulations are necessary and improving our air quality is of the utmost importance, but overly burdensome regulations, like the PM2.5 proposal under consideration, harm our members, their employees, their customers, and, by extension, our communities.
The current PM2.5 regulations are working – we know this because the EPA’s own data tells us that. There is no need to push up the regulatory schedule and cause undue harm to companies that are just now finding their footing from the pandemic and fervently trying to ward off another economic slide. We ask that our elected leaders tell the EPA to stop the regulations under consideration and let our manufacturers continue driving a strong economy.
-This OpEd was written by Lance Hastings, CMTA’s CEO & President, and was first published in Capitol Weekly on July 22, 2023.
Manufacturing Minute: California’s Plan for Infrastructure, New Video Series & More
On this week’s Manufacturing Minute, Ananda Rochita shares updates on the following:
- A new CMTA video series featuring member company, Tri Tool Technologies CEO
- What Gov. Gavin Newsom’s infrastructure plan will do for California’s aging infrastructure
- CA’s “Clean Truck Partnership” and how it impacts manufacturers
Click on the photo below to watch the latest manufacturing news.
Manufacturing Minute: Update on Key Maker Bill and More
On this week’s Manufacturing Minute, Ananda Rochita shares updates on CMTA Maker Assembly Bill 628, Export-Import Bank of the United States Chair and President Reta Jo Lewis in Sacramento, and a look at the second annual CMTA golf tournament. Click on the photo below to watch the video.
Manufacturing Maker AB 52 Passes Unanimously Through California State Assembly Floor, Heads to Senate
Sacramento, Calif. – The California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA) is pleased to announce today that Assembly Bill 52 (Grayson) passed the California State Assembly Floor with a 77-0 vote.
“Investing in the future of manufacturing goes hand in hand with our commitment to economic growth,” said Lance Hastings, CEO & President of CMTA. “We applaud the members of the Assembly that supported AB 52. We not only will fuel innovation and productivity but also lay the foundation for job creation and a thriving economy. It is through strategic incentives like this that we can foster an environment where businesses can flourish, driving technological advancements and gearing industries forward.”
The CMTA-sponsored measure is a manufacturing tax credit equal to the local portion of the sales and use tax to purchase qualified manufacturing and R&D equipment. This measure aligns California with 38 other states who already credit or exempt manufacturing equipment, allowing our manufacturers to continue to innovate and produce at the highest levels.
AB 52 will reinvigorate California’s economy, with an estimated 163,000 new manufacturing jobs expected to be created and $1.5 to 3.5 billion in new economic activity if passed, according to the Economic Strategy Institute. This measure supports small and medium-sized manufacturers and will generate millions for services while keeping manufacturers in line with the state’s sustainability goals.
“Every Californian wins when manufacturing grows. Opportunities are created for the middle class, our economy gets stronger, and our state revenues reap benefits from an influx of economic activity,” said Assemblymember Tim Grayson (D-Concord). “AB 52 will benefit cities across the Golden State by keeping manufacturers in California and increasing our competitiveness for new investments.”
AB 52 now heads to the Senate.
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About CMTA
The California Manufacturers & Technology Association 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 $300 billion per year, roughly 10 percent of the total economic output of the state. Manufacturers employ 1.3 million Californians paying wages more than $25,000 higher than other non-farm employers in the state. For more information, visit CMTA’s website.
CMTA Welcomes Leaders in Environmental Consulting and Risk Management as Associate Members
Sacramento, Calif. – The California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA) welcomed two new associate members, Millennium Consulting Associates and Barkley Risk Management & Insurance, to the organization today.
“CMTA’s newest associate members will bring a wealth of knowledge to the manufacturing industry through their expertise in environmental testing and risk management,” said Lance Hastings, CEO & President of CMTA. “Both are small businesses that provide high-level resources at a local level. As small businesses are at the heart of our communities, CMTA is proud to have these companies join our membership to connect with the manufacturing industry.”
Millennium Consulting Associates, an environmental consulting firm, has supported clients for over 25 years in California’s manufacturing and technology sectors in a variety of ways. Specializing in environmental consulting, engineering, health and safety, industrial hygiene, and regulatory compliance services, Millennium Consulting Associates provides services with the mindset of minimizing risk and liability for companies up and down the Golden State.
“Millennium is thrilled to connect, collaborate, and serve California’s manufacturing and technology businesses,” said Jack McCubbin, President & Managing Principal of Millennium Consulting Associates. “CMTA provides a network to connect with and listen to the needs that many small to mid-size manufacturing and technology businesses have in their environmental and regulatory challenges. As a small business ourselves, we look forward to keeping our state’s small businesses healthy and moving forward.”
Barkley Risk Management & Insurance is a leader in risk management and insurance brokers in the state. It has earned its industry leader position since 1995, as demonstrated by its client retention, quality and integrity of staff, community involvement, and market relations. In 2020, Barkley joined the Alera Group of Insurance Agencies to transform the client experience by providing greater tools, resources, and education to provide national-level care at a personal level.
“Joining forces with CMTA is a testament to our commitment to California’s manufacturers to help them stay on top of the unexpected,” said Nate Wollenman, Co-Managing Partner. “As Barkley continues to grow, we are focusing on creating ideal risk management strategies for businesses and manufacturers throughout California.”
Barkley Risk Management & Insurance has been nominated multiple times as one of the Best Places to Work by the Pacific Coast Business Times. Recently, they won second place out of 100 in 2019 and won the title as the Best Place to Work in 2023.
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About CMTA
The California Manufacturers & Technology Association 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 $300 billion per year, roughly 10 percent of the total economic output of the state. Manufacturers employ 1.3 million Californians paying wages more than $25,000 higher than other non-farm employers in the state. For more information, visit CMTA’s website.
About Millennium Consulting Associates
Millennium Consulting Associates is a leading provider of environmental consulting, engineering, health and safety, industrial hygiene, and regulatory compliance services. Headquartered in Pleasanton, California, we maintain offices in Sacramento, Los Angeles, and San Diego. California’s regulatory climate can be challenging for many small to mid-sized companies. For 25 years, Millennium has provided a diverse range of successful solutions for these companies. By partnering with our clients, we effectively and efficiently address the pressing environmental, health and safety compliance needs of the small & mid-size companies. For more information, visit Millennium’s website.
About Barkley Risk Management & Insurance
Barkley Risk Management & Insurance is one of the premier risk management consultants and insurance brokers in California. Founded in 1995, Barkley Insurance has evolved into the industry leader as measured by its client retention, quality and integrity of staff, community involvement, carrier relations, and relations in the marketplace. For more information, visit Barkley’s website.
CMTA Announces New Associate Members Advocating for Businesses with Insurance and HR Solutions
Sacramento, CA – The California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA) announced two new associate members today: The Greenspan Co./Adjusters International and Emplicity.
“California leads the nation in new businesses started every year. At CMTA, we champion the growth of California-based manufacturers, and our newest associate members follow that lead,” said Lance Hastings, President and CEO of CMTA. “We are thrilled to announce The Greenspan Co./Adjusters International and Emplicity are joining us as we see a clear path of their value to the manufacturing industry.”
Grant Staking, Vice President
Photo courtesy: The Greenspan Co./Adjusters International
Founded in 1946, The Greenspan Co./Adjusters International aims to advocate for businesses and homeowners due to the complexity and nature of large insurance claims. Since then, their success rate and track record have given them the reputation as the ‘gold standard’ of public adjusting nationwide and the largest firm west of the Mississippi.
“We’re excited to join the CMTA as it allows us to connect directly with an industry where we have made an impact helping clients who have suffered large losses,” said Grant Staking, Vice President of The Greenspan Co./Adjusters International. “For the past 77 years, we have supported the manufacturing community as professional-loss consultants by helping them prepare, present, and negotiate large insurance claims. We’ve intentionally decided as a firm to represent you, never the insurance company.”
Tony Winckowski, Manufacturing Practice Leader
Photo Courtesy: Emplicity
Headquartered in Irvine, CA, Emplicity has been a leading provider of PEO services in California since 1995. The company offers a variety of HR solutions to small and midsize businesses, including HR outsourcing, payroll processing, employee benefits, and risk management. Simplifying compliance, the administration, and providing support in employee benefits, payroll, and human resources technology makes Emplicity different.
“As Emplicity continues to grow, our vision is to invest heavily in industries we enjoy supporting,” said Tony Winckowski, Manufacturing Practice Leader of Emplicity. “We want to be a value-added partner to the manufacturing community, where our industry knowledge can permeate and create better solutions and where our partners can take advantage of those customized solutions to help them achieve their business goals.”
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About CMTA:
The California Manufacturers & Technology Association has advocated for pro-growth laws and regulations before the California legislature and administrative agencies since 1918. Total output from manufacturing in California is $300 billion per year, roughly 10 percent of the total economic output of the state. Manufacturers employ 1.3 million Californians paying wages more than $25,000 higher than other non-farm employers in the state. For more information, visit the CMTA website.
About Emplicity:
Since 1995, Emplicity has provided a smarter, more secure, and integrated platform of employer services to its 300 business clients and their 8,500 employees. As a Professional Employer Organization, or PEO, the California-based HR outsourcing firm simplifies the compliance, administration, and support businesses need in the areas of employee benefits, payroll, and human resources technology. For more information, visit Emplicity’s website.
About The Greenspan Co./Adjusters International:
As the leading public adjusting firm in California, Nevada, & Arizona, The Greenspan Co./Adjusters International’s network of professional public adjusters serves residential and commercial clients in navigating the complex disaster and property loss insurance claims process. Comprised of a team of licensed adjusters, consultants, and experienced sales professionals with a deep level of expertise in the regional particularities affecting every type of disaster and property loss claim in the Western States, our company has accumulated scores of satisfied clients throughout our 65 years in the business. For more information, visit The Greenspan Co./Adjusters International website.
Wente Family Estates, America’s Longest Family-Owned & Operated Winery, Joins CMTA as Newest Member
Sacramento, CA – The California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA) today announced Wente Family Estates, America’s longest continuously family-owned and operated winery, as the association’s newest member. Located just 35 miles east of San Francisco in the historic Livermore Valley, Wente Family Estates is best known for its flagship winery, Wente Vineyards. The family estate will celebrate its 140th anniversary harvest in 2023.
“CMTA is proud to be home to countless member companies that have a long history of being family-owned and operated,” said Lance Hastings, CMTA President & CEO. “In fact, that’s truly the beauty of this industry: manufacturing is a legacy industry with generations of Californians growing up on the factory floor and going on to take over the family business or even create their own manufacturing company – big and small. We couldn’t be more excited to welcome Wente Family Estates, a historic family wine company, as the newest member of the CMTA family.”
Founded in 1883, Wente Family Estates maintains its leadership role in California wine growing under the ownership and management of the fourth and fifth generations of the Wente family, with the fifth generation of women leading the charge from grape to glass. Blending traditional and innovative winemaking practices, Wente Vineyards, and the myriad labels under the Wente Family Estates umbrella, draws from sustainably farmed estate vineyards to create an outstanding portfolio of wines. Wente Family Estates is a certified sustainable vineyard and winery from the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance (CCSW). In April 2022, the company won the Wine Institute’s California Green Medal Leader Award. This award is given to one winery each year recognizing leadership in sustainable practices that span both its vineyards and winery as well as the estate’s socially responsible initiatives that benefit its employees and greater community.
“We’re proud to be a longstanding multigenerational winery and Livermore Valley-based producer,” said Niki Wente, Fifth Generation Winegrower and Director of Vineyard Operations at Wente Vineyards. “To be a part of CMTA is a great honor as they continue to advocate for, protect, and invest in California’s great producers, makers, and artisans.”
CMTA represents more than 400 businesses from California’s entire manufacturing community – an economic sector that generates more than $300 billion every year and employs more than 1.3 million Californians. If you would like to join CMTA, please email our Director of Member Engagement & Business Development, Sarah Johnson.
CMTA Media Contact:
Ananda Rochita
CMTA VP Communications
arochita@cmta.net
916-498-3347
Wente Media Contact:
Glodow Nead Communications
WenteVineyardsPR@glodownead.co
Fender, Iconic Music Brand and Leading Global Musical Instrument Manufacturer, Joins CMTA as Newest Member
Sacramento, Calif. (June 1, 2022) – The California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA) today announced that Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC), which was founded in Southern California and has since established a global influence that extends far beyond the studio and stage, has joined CMTA as the Association’s newest member.
“Manufacturing is as much about skill as it is about that electrifying feeling that comes from making something unique. There is no better example of that than the history and impact of Fender,” said Lance Hastings, CMTA President & CEO. “Synonymous with all things rock n’ roll, Fender’s story of cultural revolution is the story of Americana manufacturing mixed with an inventor’s curious heart and a relentless California dream. We are honored to have this titan of American history, which has transfixed and transfigured the world, join our association.”
More than 75 years ago, Leo Fender, a radio repairman by trade, founded what is now known as Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC) and subsequently changed the face of the music industry with countless innovations. Today, everyone from beginners to the world’s most acclaimed artists use FMIC instruments, amps and gear, making the California company not only a revered industry leader but a cultural symbol that resonates globally.
“From our humble Fullerton beginnings to growing into a multinational operation, Fender’s homebase for manufacturing has always been Southern California,” said Ed Magee, EVP of Operations at FMIC. “We are proud to be a part of CMTA, an association that deeply understands that the future depends on investing in tomorrow’s great manufacturers by fighting for the opportunity to transform the world every day.”
Fender’s Corona manufacturing facility creates some of the most celebrated instruments in the world for several brands, including Fender, Gretsch and Jackson. The factory has hundreds of employees. To this day, Fender’s Custom Shop regularly consults and collaborates with some of the biggest names in the music industry while creating their products.
CMTA represents more than 400 businesses from California’s entire manufacturing community – an economic sector that generates more than $300 billion every year and employs more than 1.3 million Californians. If you would like to join CMTA, please email our Director of Member Engagement & Business Development, Sarah Johnson.
ABOUT CMTA:
The California Manufacturers & Technology Association has advocated for pro-growth laws and regulations before the California legislature and administrative agencies since 1918. Total output from manufacturing in California is $300 billion per year, roughly 10 percent of the total economic output of the state. Manufacturers employ 1.3 million Californians paying wages more than $25,000 higher than other non-farm employers in the state. For more information, visit the CMTA website.
ABOUT FENDER MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS CORPORATION:
Since 1946, Fender has revolutionized music and culture as one of the world’s leading musical instrument manufacturers, marketers and distributors. Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC)-whose portfolio of owned and licensed brands includes Fender®, Squier®, Gretsch® guitars, Jackson®, EVH®, Charvel®, Bigsby® and PreSonus® – follows a player-centric approach to crafting the highest-quality instruments and digital experiences across genres. Since 2015, Fender’s digital arm has introduced a new ecosystem of products and interactive experiences to accompany players at every stage of their musical journey. This includes innovative apps and learning platforms designed to complement Fender guitars, amplifiers, effects pedals, accessories and pro-audio gear, and inspire players through an immersive musical experience. FMIC is dedicated to unlocking the power of musical expression for all players, from beginners to history-making legends. In 2021, Fender celebrated 75 years of giving artists “wings to fly,” carrying on the vision of its founder, Leo Fender, and connecting players through a shared love of music.
CMTA MEDIA CONTACT:
Kaiti Lewis
Interim Communications Director
California Manufacturers & Technology Association
klewis@cmta.net
info@cmta.net
FENDER MEDIA CONTACT:
Christina Stejskal
Vice President, Global Communications
Fender Musical Instruments Corp.
CStejskal@Fender.com
Press@Fender.com
FENDER (standard and stylized) are trademarks of Fender Musical Instruments Corporation and/or its affiliates, registered in the U.S. and other countries.
All other product and company names may be trademarks of their respective owners. Use of them does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by or of them.