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.
Trusted Cybersecurity and Compliance Company Joins CMTA
Sacramento, Calif. – The California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA) welcomed new member ISSE Services to the organization today. As digital transformation accelerates across the manufacturing industry, the need for robust, scalable cybersecurity...
Three29 Joins CMTA to Help Manufacturers Integrate AI Efficiency
Sacramento, Calif. – The California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA) welcomed new member Three29 to the organization today. Three29 is a fully integrated, conversion-first agency specializing in helping manufacturing and construction companies. The...
Global Technology Leader Hitachi Joins CMTA
Sacramento, Calif. – The California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA) welcomed new member Hitachi to the organization today. The Hitachi Group is a global leader in digital innovation and sustainable solutions, with operations in various industries...
Manufacturing Minute: Amazon Opens New Zoox Robotaxi Factory in California
From electric robotaxis in the Bay Area to expanded aerial intelligence in Southern California, this week’s Manufacturing Minute, powered by Tri Tool Technologies, spotlights the latest wave of innovation shaping U.S. manufacturing. This week’s Manufacturing Minute...
CMTA Lands at the Paris Air Show
CMTA is at the 2025 Paris Air Show, highlighting California’s vital role in the international aerospace industry. See our live updates!
Manufacturing Minute: Stratolaunch Achieves Hypersonic Flight Milestone in California
From record-breaking speed in the stratosphere to clean propulsion in the harbor, California is powering the future of manufacturing. This week’s Manufacturing Minute powered by Tri Tool Technologies features Marine Group Boat Works’ electrification of its diesel yard...
Manufacturing in the News: May 2025
Scroll through CMTA's round-up of manufacturing-related news and updates from May 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...
Manufacturing Minute: Anheuser-Busch Invests $300M in U.S. Manufacturing
Anheuser-Busch is investing $300 million in U.S. manufacturing, continuing its 165-year legacy of American production. This week’s Manufacturing Minute highlights how CMTA member companies Anheuser-Busch and John Deere, along with the Small Business Administration,...
Nationally Recognized Firm Eide Bailly Joins CMTA
Sacramento, Calif. –The California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA) welcomed new member Eide Bailly to the organization today. Eide Bailly is a certified public accounting and business advisory firm, providing leaders of all levels with solutions...
CMTA Celebrates Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage with Manufacturing Leaders
Insights with Manufacturing Leaders: AAPI Heritage Month Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month is a time to honor the vibrant contributions, innovation, and leadership of AAPI individuals across all industries. In California’s diverse and...
Press Release
2025 Holiday Gift Guide: Support California Makers
2025 California–Made Holiday Gift Guide
Celebrate the season with gifts made by California’s most innovative manufacturers. From handcrafted treats to cutting-edge creations, these products showcase the creativity, expertise, and craftsmanship that make California’s manufacturing industry a leader in quality and innovation.
Whether you are shopping for friends, family, or yourself, this year’s CMTA Holiday California-Made Gift Guide highlights the makers turning ideas into products that represent the best of California manufacturing.
💦 AlkaGlam Sea Lava Clarifying Tonic | Made in Valencia, California
AlkaGlam Sea Lava Clarifying Tonic
Perfect Gift for the Skincare Lover
Give the gift of radiant skin this holiday season with AlkaVida’s AlkaGlam Sea Lava Clarifying Tonic.
Infused with natural volcanic minerals and sea botanicals, this refreshing tonic helps balance, purify, and rejuvenate the skin. It is a perfect self-care essential for anyone who loves clean beauty made in California.
🍬 Blue Diamond Holiday Almonds | Locations in Sacramento, Salida, & Turlock, CA
Blue Diamond Almonds | Frosted Brownie & Snickerdoodle
Grab a Sweet Treat: Frosted Brownie & Snickerdoodle
Celebrate the season with Blue Diamond’s festive Holiday Almonds, crafted in Sacramento, Salida, and Turlock, California. Whether you choose the rich, chocolatey indulgence of Frosted Brownie or the warm, cinnamon-sweet nostalgia of Snickerdoodle, each flavor captures the essence of a classic holiday treat in every crunchy bite.
Blue Diamond’s long-standing California roots make these holiday almonds a delicious way to share local craftsmanship and seasonal flavor.
🍿 Carmazzi Caramel Corn’s Popcorn Tub | Made in Sacramento, California
Carmazzi Caramel Corn Holiday Popcorn Tub
Shop this Delicious Caramel Corn
An award-winning popcorn, Carmazzi Caramel Corn, also known as “Lil’ Drops of Sunshine”, is handcrafted in small batches using real butter and Grandma Carmazzi’s original recipe. This Holiday Popcorn Tub is a festive treat filled with fresh, crunchy caramel corn that brings joy to every celebration.
Available in Classic, Chocolate Drizzle, Cheesy Corn, Apple Cinnamon, or Peppermint Bark.
🍷 GALLO’s Wine & Spirits | Produced in Modesto, California
J Cuvée 20 Brut | E&J Brandy
Explore J Vineyards & Winery | Explore E&J Brandy
Celebrate with elegance and tradition thanks to Gallo’s operations in Modesto, California. Whether it’s the sparkling wines of J Vineyards & Winery or the rich, smooth notes of E&J Brandy, these California-made products reflect decades of Gallo’s winemaking and distilling expertise.
Gallo’s headquarters and production base in Modesto make these gifts deeply rooted in California craftsmanship.
⛽ Gas Gift Cards
Gas Cards | Top Row Left to Right: BP, Shell, ExxonMobil, Chevron | Bottom Left to Right: Valero, Marathon Petroleum, Phillips 66
Give the gift of convenience and travel with a gas gift card. Whether it is a road trip up the coast or a visit to loved ones, these cards are a practical and thoughtful way to spread holiday cheer.
🎸 Kauer Guitars | Made in Elk Grove, California
Kauer Guitars | Korona Supreme Model
Built by hand in Elk Grove, the Korona Supreme showcases master craftsmanship with premium woods, exceptional tone, and a distinct California-made aesthetic. A standout gift for musicians and collectors looking for a one-of-a-kind instrument.
☕️ Torani Syrups | Made in San Leandro, California
Puremade Forest Pine Syrup | Brown Sugar Syrup
Torani Puremade Forest Pine Syrup:
Inspired by California’s evergreen forests, this syrup brings a crisp, aromatic pine flavor to any drink. It’s made for holiday lattes, mocktails, or desserts—and makes a unique, festive gift for anyone who loves seasonal flavors.
Torani Brown Sugar Syrup:
With its warm, rich sweetness, this brown sugar syrup adds cozy depth to holiday drinks like spiced coffee, cocktails, or hot chocolate. Crafted in San Leandro, this syrup is a thoughtful addition for anyone building a home bar or beverage station.
Shop local – Gift California-made – Celebrate manufacturing.
California’s manufacturers continue to inspire with their creativity, innovation, and dedication to quality. By shopping local, you are supporting the businesses that keep our state’s economy strong and our communities thriving.
CMTA Elects New Board Officers
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.
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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.
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 defined stormwater Permit that could devastate manufacturers, private employers, schools, hospitals, and community institutions across Southern California.
The proposed Commercial, Industrial, and Institutional (CII) Stormwater Permit could be voted on as soon as November 20, 2025, despite major unresolved issues and widespread confusion about who it would apply to and at what cost.
The proposed Permit blatantly picks winners and losers, exempting public institutions while forcing private organizations to shoulder massive new costs. Government-run entities like schools and hospitals would pay nothing, while their private counterparts could face up to $325,000 per acre in compliance costs. That means a five-acre private hospital could owe more than $1.6 million upfront, while the public institution across the street is completely exempt.
“The lack of clarity in this proposal means that countless businesses and organizations may not even know they’re affected until it’s too late,” said Lance Hastings, CMTA President & CEO. “The Board has a responsibility to clearly define who this Permit covers, ensure transparency, and meaningfully address ongoing concerns and significant costs before rushing to adopt it. We strongly urge the Board to pause and address these serious issues before moving forward.”
Despite years of written comments and attempted collaboration, the Board has failed to meaningfully engage with stakeholders to resolve significant ongoing concerns. The draft Permit remains vague, duplicative, and financially unworkable. For example, the Board assumes capital expenses can be amortized over 20 years at just 2% interest, ignoring real-world financing conditions and saddling businesses with millions in unrecoverable upfront costs.
On Friday, CMTA, joined by a broad coalition of business and institutional stakeholders, submitted a formal letter urging the Board to reject adoption of the current draft and direct staff to work directly with affected sectors to fix the outstanding issues. Click here to read the letter.
The coalition warns that adopting the Permit in its current form could set a damaging statewide precedent and expose the Permit to appeal to the State Water Resources Control Board and possible legal challenges. So far, the Board has not indicated whether it will heed these concerns or delay the vote.
“This isn’t about opposing environmental progress, it’s about ensuring fair, practical, and transparent rules,” Hastings said. “California manufacturers lead the nation in sustainability, but they need clear, achievable standards that don’t jeopardize their ability to operate or remain competitive in the state.”
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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 $300 billion per year, roughly 10 percent of the total economic output of the state. Manufacturers employ 1.24 million Californians paying wages more than $25,000 higher than other non-farm employers in the state.