Craighead County Has What It Takes!

Craighead County has been cited as the top micropolitan area that meets certain demographic requirements for a budding technology economy.  Click here for article.

Congrats to Employees at Specialty Machinery and Equipment!

EMG-SME promotes two team members who will oversee plant operations and engineering projects.  Click here for more about promotions.  In addition, an increase in production creates a need for a new engineering position, filled by David Wells.  Click here for more about new engineer.

Unilever Makes Further Investment in Jonesboro

Governor Mike Beebe came to town and with him, great news!  Unilever announced an expansion that will include a $40 million investment and 125 additional jobs to the Jonesboro facility.  During the announcement event on Tuesday, Robb Vrbicek, Jonesboro supply leader, Unilever, gave credit to their associates for the facility's current success.  Click here for more on Unilever announcement.

Survey Says that 600,000 Manufacturing Jobs Unfilled

The Milwaukee (WI) Journal Sentinel reported, "American manufacturing companies cannot fill up to 600,000 skilled positions, even as unemployment numbers hover at historic levels, according to a survey released Monday from Deloitte & Touche and The Manufacturing Institute."  Click here for more.

Good News from Colson Caster Corporation!

Colson Caster Corporation, headquartered in Jonesboro, Arkansas, beefed up their engineering team with the company's newest Engineering Assistant, Darlene Thompson, and added new employee Faith Taylor, to backfill Ms. Thompson's vacated Customer Service position.  Click here for the announcement and pictures.

Bringing Manufacturing Back to the U.S.

Trend in manufacturing to return jobs to the United States is good news........and makes sense.  Manufacturer with 450 employed in China is making plans to bring his operation back to the U.S.  Click to read more.

Optus - 20 Years and Going Strong!

Optus, a leading national supplier of new and refurbished business telephone systems headquartered in Jonesboro, is celebrating their 20th anniversary this year.  Click here for more on Optus!

Public's View of Manufacturing

"Americans remain steadfast in their commitment to creating a strong, healthy, globally competitive manufacturing sector in the United States, no matter the prevailing economic winds."  Read more about the public's view of the manufacturing industry today - Deloitte.

NBC News Report Highlighting Apprenticeship Program

NBC's Tom Brokaw reported on the shift away from old-line manufacturing by the American worker toward information, science and technology.  How can the American worker acquire this new skill set for the next generation of quality jobs?  A registered apprenticeship program in Kentucky was highlighted on NBC news as an example of a best practice in helping workers and companies in the manufacturing industry become more competitive.  Click here for the entire story/video.

Congrats to Master Print Group!

One of our own, Master Print Group of Jonesboro, won a Benny, the highest honor in the International 2011 Premier Print Awards last month from among a field of 3,200 entries from printing and graphic arts firms around the world.  Congratulations to Jon Wilbanks, Owner/President, Susan Ishmael, Owner/Vice President, and their entire team - all winners!  Click here for more.