Finger Lakes Advanced Manufacturers' Enterprise (FAME)

Optimax has partnered with the Finger Lakes Advanced Manufacturers' Enterprise (FAME) to help fill the pipeline with skilled technology workers. FAME is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to increase prosperity in the Finger Lakes region by helping manufacturers' with their most vital resource - people. Optimax president Mike Mandina is a founding father and the chair of FAME and the company is actively involved with FAME's committees. FAME's biggest priorities include:

• Collaborating with workforce educators and local colleges
• Building a pipeline of qualified advanced manufacturing technicians
• Creating awareness of employment opportunities

FAME's committees meet on a monthly basis and are active in the community, making appearances at career fairs, career days, high schools, colleges, and by proudly supporting the Boy Scouts of America and the FIRST Lego League.

As part of the FAME initiative, Optimax has taken an approach to educate the young and inspired by providing tours to local schools and interested students. The exposure to manufacturing creates an awareness of the numerous options available to students and of the high skill sets required. Today's advanced manufacturing environment requires inelligence, good hand-eye coordination, computer skills, problem-solving skills, the ability to work as a team, the ability to multi-task, and the ability to think and communicate logically and critically under pressure.

FAME also encourages advanced manufacturers' to keep a strong focus on the workforce and create an environment of continuous learning, opportunity, and advancement. As part of the outreach to local manufacturers, FAME is creating awareness of grants available for training purposes. Optimax has taken a lead role in securing grant monies to provide training and is pleased with the number of employees who have benefitted. We strongly encourage our friends and colleagues to make the effort to build up their workforce.

Please visit the FAME website to learn more about this great opportunity to get involved.