Genelle Taylor Kumpe, CEO of the San Joaquin Valley Manufacturing Alliance, speaks at a recent Valley Made Manufacturing Summit. Photo via SJVMA

The State of California has awarded more than $10.4 million to a portfolio of Central Valley manufacturing projects led by the San Joaquin Valley Manufacturing Alliance (SJVMA), supporting workforce training, education, innovation and access to capital.

The funding follows more than three years of work through California Jobs First, the state’s regional economic development initiative led by the Governor’s Office of Business & Economic Development and California Labor & Workforce Development Agency, according to a news release.

Manufacturers, educational institutions, workforce partners, economic development organizations and community leaders participated in developing a regional strategy for the manufacturing sector.

The Central Valley was selected from a field of 107 applications statewide to present its strategy at the California Jobs First Investment Summit in April.

Fresno-area projects among funding recipients

Several of the funded initiatives are centered in Fresno County.

The Central Valley FAME Program at Reedley College will expand the Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education model, combining classroom instruction with paid, hands-on industry experience.

Fresno State’s Forge Project will support applied research, prototyping and commercialization in advanced manufacturing while connecting manufacturers and entrepreneurs with researchers and students.

“Fresno State will serve as both a partner and a catalyst, connecting the knowledge, talent and ideas on our campus with the experience, needs and market opportunities identified by industry. The Forge will make those connections tangible by bringing manufacturers, entrepreneurs, researchers and students together to develop solutions, move promising ideas toward commercialization, and create companies and jobs that remain in the Central Valley,” said Ram Nunna, dean of the Lyles College of Engineering and special assistant to the President for Strategic Partnerships at Fresno State.

An SJVMA-led manufacturing ecosystem initiative will align K-16 education with industry needs and includes a $2 million revolving loan fund for manufacturers seeking to invest in modernization, expansion and job creation.

A CNC machining workforce training program will provide competency-based precision machining training in partnership with community colleges and industry.

Regional manufacturing strategy

SJVMA served as the manufacturing sector lead for the Central San Joaquin Valley during the California Jobs First process. The organization said the funded projects were developed around priorities identified by manufacturers and regional education and workforce partners.

“The Central Valley has long been a place where things are made. Through California Jobs First, manufacturers had the opportunity to help shape a strategy that reflects the needs of our industry and our workforce,” said Genelle Taylor Kumpe, CEO of Fresno Business Council and San Joaquin Valley Manufacturing Alliance. “As one of California’s fastest-growing manufacturing regions, we know that the state’s ability to compete depends on strong regional economies, a skilled workforce, and manufacturers that can innovate and grow.”

Will Oliver, President & CEO of Fresno County Economic Development Corporation, said the investment builds on partnerships developed through California Jobs First and the region’s federally funded Good Jobs Challenge initiative.

“SJVMA has been an important partner in helping align employers, education, workforce, and economic development around real manufacturing needs. These funds will build on that foundation by supporting Central Valley FAME at Reedley College and expanding pathways into high-demand manufacturing careers,” Oliver said. 

Broader regional effort

The Central Valley Community Foundation serves as fiscal agent and regional convener for Sierra San Joaquin Jobs, a California Jobs First initiative covering Fresno, Madera, Kings and Tulare counties.

“Through Sierra San Joaquin Jobs, regional partners identified the industries, opportunities, and investments with the greatest potential to drive long-term, inclusive economic growth. The funded projects will now move the region’s manufacturing strategy into implementation through workforce development, education, innovation, business expansion and financing initiatives,” said Ashley Swearengin, President and CEO of the Central Valley Community Foundation, the Regional Convener for the Central San Joaquin Region.