Q&A with Peter Coleman: The State of Manufacturing

If anyone has an accurate pulse of manufacturing in Western New York, it’s Peter Coleman.

As executive director of the lead manufacturing association for Erie and Niagara counties – the Buffalo Niagara Manufacturing Alliance (BNMA) – Coleman is at the helm of regional advocacy efforts for the industry. The mission of the privately funded not-for-profit organization is to help its members achieve success. Aside from advocacy, BNMA offers advice, networking, information, programs and services.

Coleman joined the BNMA board in 2012, serving as government affair chair and vice president before taking on the director role in January 2016. The leadership position has since become full time, expanding to include coordination of Dream It Do It WNY for Erie and Niagara counties. Coleman is also a consultant for Green Buffalo Fuel, where he previously was the chief executive officer.

We talked with him to obtain an understanding of BNMA’s role, and pick his brain on the future of the manufacturing industry.

Question: What types of organizations are invited to become members of the BNMA?
Coleman: The BNMA targets local manufacturers – any company that would have a NAICS code beginning with 31-33. In addition, we work with many local utilities and mechanical contractors. We have three membership groups: regular members (regularly engaged in the business of manufacturing), associate members (regularly provide service to manufacturers, but not directly involved in manufacturing a product), and honorary members. We maintain a ratio of 80/20, regular to associate. We encourage prospective members to register on our website or call us at 870-7084.

Question: The BNMA was established in 2010 and has grown to include 155 members. The BNMA is merging with the Greater Niagara Manufacturing Alliance (GNMA) to add about 25 members to the rolls. How has BNMA’s role evolved in the last six years, and where do you see it heading with inclusion of the GNMA?
Coleman: The BNMA has emerged from a networking group to become an association that can affect change and promote the needs of the manufacturers in our region. The manufacturing sector has the greatest multiplier effect on our economy. As the demand for manufacturing grows, it in turn spurs the creation of jobs, investments, and innovation elsewhere. With the merger of the GNMA and unity of the manufacturing sector, we can clearly articulate the issues we face and affect positive change for our community. If we have a vibrant, productive, innovative manufacturing sector, the Buffalo Niagara region will prosper.

Question: During your time with BNMA, what has the organization done for the region?
Coleman: The BNMA has been a leader advocating for the needs of our industry. The skills gap is real, and we are facing a dangerous shortage of skilled labor over the next 5 to 10 years. The BNMA and its members are reaching out to our community, schools, and government officials to share the opportunities that exist in our industry. We are a growing voice on legislative issues affecting our businesses. Personally, I am amazed at the great things being built in the Buffalo Niagara region. I have been all over the world and the Buffalo Niagara manufacturing sector is incredibly mature. We need to level the playing field with other states and countries when it comes to the burden of higher taxes, energy, and regulation. If this occurred, our manufacturers could compete and grow.

Question: What is BNMA doing to try to rectify the skills gap?
Coleman: The BNMA has been very active in working with our government and civic leadership to address this issue. We have joined the Manufacturer’s Institute, supported by the National Association of Manufacturers, in promoting a Skills Certification System. Manufacturers can no longer afford to wait to educate and train the next generation of manufacturing talent. The Skills Certification System is a series of industry-based credentials that can apply to all manufacturing sectors. These credentials validate the skills and competencies needed to be productive and successful in our industry. They build on a foundation of basic academic and workplace skills. TCIE has assisted us and delivers two of the base-line credentials: the National Career Readiness Certificate and the Certified Production Technician certificate. We will continue to work with our local high schools, colleges and workforce development partners to deliver programming that is valuable to our members and the candidates seeking a career.

Question: Tell us about the activities of Dream It Do It, and how they align with BNMA member goals.
Coleman: We work to change the perception of our industry and inspire next-generation workers to pursue manufacturing careers by targeting students, parents and educators. Dream it Do It allows the BNMA access to national support and resources to aid our pro-manufacturing efforts, and join a network of industry leaders that implement activities to meet local, regional and statewide workforce needs.

Question: One of the BNMA’s initiatives is to develop a stronger industry voice to help influence local policy. What issues, aside from workforce development, are being exploited by the BNMA?
Coleman: Workforce has been our most pressing need, but not our only effort. The BNMA has partnered with the Manufacturers Alliance of New York, composed of seven regional New York manufacturing groups. Together we address legislative and regulatory issues that affect the statewide manufacturing sector, including: energy, government spending, labor and employment, economic development programs, healthcare and insurance, workforce development and job training, tort reform, and legislative process and government reform. Of particular concern this past year was the increase in New York’s minimum wage and the net compression effect it will have on our existing workforce. In addition, we need workers’ comp reform and paid family leave costs to be addressed. And the cost of doing business in New York far outpaces the cost in the rest of the country.

Question: The BNMA is hosting a Manufacturing Night on Oct. 18. What is it, and can non-member companies get involved?
Coleman: Manufacturing Night is the BNMA’s premier networking event and is similar to a trade show. Between 80 and 100 local companies involved in manufacturing will be featured at booths. We expect between 400 and 500 attendees. We welcome non-members to attend; they can register for the event at our website.