An important message from Rebecca A. Singer, President & CEO of CIFT
Dear Valued Partners,
As we all work to navigate today’s rapidly shifting manufacturing landscape driven by workforce shortages, reshoring efforts, new technologies, and evolving economic conditions—CIFT remains your committed partner in growth, innovation, and resilience.
For 30 years, CIFT has proudly served as an Ohio partner to the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP). This national network exists solely to support small and mid-sized manufacturers—businesses like yours that form the backbone of our economy.
Unfortunately, the Department of Commerce recently announced funding cuts to 10 state MEP programs. Though not yet affecting Ohio, this shift threatens the future of services manufacturers depend on and those CIFT has consistently provided with measurable, proven impact.
We hear the challenges you are facing in finding skilled workers to fill labor shortages, concerns with ensuring regulatory compliance, assistance needed in identifying and navigating pathways to modernization and automation, and desires for process improvements for operational efficiency along with additional critical strategic business decisions.
What to know:
- CIFT will continue delivering current projects and remains a resource for support.
- We remain committed to our clients and available to deliver business as usual.
- You can expect the same high level of responsiveness and expertise you’ve always received.
Still, we recognize that the impacts on federal MEP support is deeply concerning. In 2024 alone, the national MEP network helped American manufacturers generate over $15 billion in sales and created 108,000 jobs. These results are real—and they’re essential.
What you can do:
To protect this program and ensure its future for Ohio manufacturers and the food processing sector, your voice matters. We respectfully ask you to:
- Contact your federal legislators and ask them to support the restoration of MEP funding. Let them know how CIFT and MEP have impacted your business. Find your member
- Send an email to the Department of Commerce at publicengagement@doc.gov, voicing your support for continued MEP funding and your firsthand experience.
- Advocate for the Ohio MEP program at the state level to ensure continued support is provided for Ohio small and mid-sized manufacturers as you face growing levels of uncertainty. Find your member
A simple message from you, sharing how our partnership has made a difference, can help ensure thousands of manufacturers continue to receive this essential support. If you have already communicated the value of the program, our sincere appreciation!
We are grateful for the opportunity to work alongside you. Whether it’s improving efficiency, exploring automation, expanding your facility, or solving supply chain challenges—CIFT is here. Now more than ever, we’re ready to serve.
With sincere thanks,
Rebecca A. Singer
President & CEO
CIFT
rsinger@ciftinnovation.org
