From the Trade Show Floor to the Next Generation: How the Missouri Association of Manufacturers Is Building the Future of the Industry

Guest: Andrew LeGrand, Missouri Association of Manufacturers (MAM)

Host: Tim Ridderbos, VP at Shapiro

What happens when you bring 100 grade schoolers to a professional manufacturing trade show? You create an "aha moment" that could secure the industry’s workforce for decades to come.

In this episode of 5 for Five, Shapiro’s Tim Ridderbos sits down with Andrew LeGrand of the Missouri Association of Manufacturers (MAM) to discuss the power of community, the "ROI of showing up," and why MAM is focused on breaking down the silos between manufacturers across the state.

From hands-on student engagement to high-level data sharing between HR managers, Andrew shares how MAM is evolving to provide more than just events—they are providing the "culture connection" that keeps Missouri manufacturing competitive.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

Time Stamps:

• 00:10 – Meet Andrew LeGrand and the mission of MAM

• 00:48 – The story behind bringing 100 grade schoolers to the trade show

• 01:15 – Creating "aha moments" for the next generation of talent

• 01:38 – The "Church or the Gym" philosophy: Why networking matters

• 02:00 – Building a statewide culture connection

• 02:26 – MAM’s 2026 roadmap: Plant tours and EHS conferences

• 02:45 – Virtual connection groups: Comparing wages and best practices

• 03:10 – How to get involved in the Missouri manufacturing community

Investing in the "Next Gen" Workforce

One of the most striking visuals at this year's conference wasn't a piece of machinery—it was the sight of students from Branson and Stockton school districts navigating the trade show floor.

Andrew explained that after seeing a handful of high schoolers attend last year, MAM decided to lean in, fully comping tickets for student groups. By allowing students to interact with exhibitors and see modern manufacturing firsthand, MAM is bridging the gap between the classroom and the career, ensuring the next generation sees manufacturing as a field of opportunity.

The "Church or the Gym" Philosophy

In an industry where everyone is busy, Andrew offers a refreshing perspective on the value of attendance. He compares industry engagement to the gym or church: "It’s one of those things that if you invest your time, you will see those pay out."

Whether it’s a new business lead, a shared best practice, or a simple conversation that sparks a new idea, the benefits of the MAM community are directly tied to participation. For Andrew, "showing up" is the first step toward growth.

Bridging the Rural-Urban Divide

Manufacturing in Missouri is diverse, stretching from major urban hubs to rural communities. MAM’s Virtual Connection Groups are designed to ensure no manufacturer works in a vacuum.

Andrew highlighted how HR managers use these groups to share vital data—such as comparing welder wages across different regions of the state. This level of transparency helps local businesses stay competitive and informed, turning regional data into a statewide advantage.

A Roadmap for 2026 and Beyond

The annual conference is just one piece of the puzzle. Andrew outlined an ambitious calendar for 2026 aimed at keeping manufacturers connected year-round:

• Group Plant Tours: Exclusive opportunities for 20–30 manufacturers to go behind the scenes at peer facilities.

• EHS Conference: A specialized event in October focusing on Environment, Health, and Safety.

• Role-Specific Groups: Ongoing virtual meetups for professionals to solve niche industry challenges together.

Why It Matters

This conversation is a reminder that the strength of an industry isn't just measured by its output, but by its community. Sometimes impact looks like a 5th grader getting excited about a robot. Sometimes it’s an HR manager finding the right data to retain a key employee.

Together, these connections build a resilient ecosystem where Missouri manufacturers don't just survive—they thrive through collaboration.

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