(News release) – National Manufacturing Day on Friday, Oct. 6, recognizes the contributions and advancements that are made possible through manufacturing companies throughout the United States. This year, cities around the nation, including St. Joseph, will host more than 800 events simultaneously to put a new spotlight on careers in the manufacturing sector. Students will tour various facilities.

Manufacturing Day activities are meant to change the image of the industry and help introduce high school students and families to the ways these jobs are desirable and highly-skilled. A survey by Deloitte proves that this is happening — 81 percent of students said after attending the events in past years that they were more interested in manufacturing careers and found them to be more rewarding than they previously believed.

This is the second year that St. Joseph has participated in Manufacturing Day. New this year, one of the companies is hosting two parents sessions to help them learn how manufacturing has changed throughout the years and why it’s a good career choice for their kids. Gray Manufacturing, 3501 S. Leonard Road, will host a facility tour on Oct. 5 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Call (816) 749-0258 to reserve a spot.

This year the local St. Joseph Manufacturing Day has adopted the “Made With Uncommon Character” logo as a part of the T-shirt design and presentation to students.

“We feel like the city’s new brand is reflective of manufacturing in St. Joseph,” said Kristie Arthur, Director of Workforce Development for the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce, the organization which is coordinating the event. “We’re proud of what we make here and people who use both their hands and minds have an abundance of quality character traits, so using the ‘Made with Uncommon Character’ theme makes sense for our program.”