Federation for a Manufacturing Renaissance
Federation for a Manufacturing Renaissance
Podcast Description
A manufacturing policy podcast from the members of the Federation for a Manufacturing Renaissance.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
This podcast explores critical themes related to manufacturing policy, including high-road manufacturing strategies, regional democratic governance, and the role of collaborative bodies like Manufacturing Renaissance Councils. Episodes include discussions on the benefits of aligning economic development with social equity and sustainability, as seen in the pilot episode which introduces the rationale behind these initiatives.
A manufacturing policy podcast from the members of the Federation for a Manufacturing Renaissance.
FEDERATION FOR MANUFACTURING PODCAST Episode: “From Crisis to Opportunity – The CIRN Revolution” Host: Drew “The MFG” Crowe, Leader of The New American Manufacturing Renaissance Guests: Dan Swinney (Founder, Manufacturing Renaissance) & David Robinson (Former Director of External Affairs, Manufacturing Renaissance) **Episode Length:** 45-60 minutes **Format:** In-depth conversation with substantive analysis
Chicago has experienced massive deindustrialization over the last 50 years—losing 90% of its manufacturing base. This had a profound impact on communities resulting in increased poverty, crime, violence, drug use, and marginalization. A major factor is the retirement of the baby boom generation from all levels, particularly of smaller, privately held firms including ownership. 50-60% of these firms have no successor or succession plan. MR created the Chicagoland Industrial Retention Network (CIRN)—a program that addresses the crisis facing small manufacturing companies with an aging owner with no successor. We turn this crisis into an opportunity particularly for employees as well as Black and Latino entrepreneurs that historically have been excluded as owners in the manufacturing sector.
CIRN has established an Early Warning Network that relies on community-based organizations, unions, churches, service providers and others to make contact with owners of these companies. Twenty-three members of 13 organizations have joined. The potential scale of our effort is far greater than existing programs by government and other community development organizations.
This is an approach that could lead to the sale of hundreds of companies in the Chicago region along—retaining, diversifying, and rebuilding the regional manufacturing sector. This project could save thousands of jobs and build community wealth. This is a model that could be replicated in other communities around the country.
**Dan Swinney** Manufacturing Renaissance Email: [email protected] Phone: 773-919-3251 Website: www.mfgren.org **CIRN Resources:** Early Warning Manual: Available online Training Programs: 24-hour community leader certification **Drew “The MFG” Crowe** Email: [email protected] Phone: 314-246-0033 Website: www.drewcrowemfg.com
A manufacturing policy podcast brought to you by members of the Federation for a Manufacturing Renaissance (FMR).
This discussion was recorded on August 25, 2025. Hosted by Drew ‘THE MFG’ Crowe and produced by Michael P. Moriarty.
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