Strengthening Maryland’s Future Economy through Manufacturing
Voices for Manufacturing (Voices) is a statewide initiative from the Regional Manufacturing Institute of Maryland (RMI) and the Maryland Chamber of Commerce, dedicated to growing Maryland’s manufacturing base and strengthening our economy.
As Maryland faces a projected state budget deficit and growing challenges for manufacturers, it’s more important than ever to unite industry voices in Annapolis. Voices for Manufacturing brings together manufacturers, industry stakeholders and legislators to protect what we have, promote what we need and provide pathways for growth.
Why Voices for Manufacturing Matters
Maryland’s economy needs manufacturing. Manufacturing supports thousands of good-paying jobs, spurs innovation and creates strong communities. Without a collective, powerful voice, our industry and economy are at risk during the 2026 legislative session. Together, we will ensure manufacturing remains a priority.
Who Should Join?
- Manufacturers of all sizes throughout Maryland
- Business and organization leaders who want to influence state policies
Membership Investment
Join Voices for Manufacturing today to represent the interests of manufacturing in Annapolis. As a member, you are entitled to membership benefits offered by RMI and the Maryland Chamber of Commerce.
- $500 per company for initiative membership active through May 31, 2026
- $750 per company for 12 months of full membership in both RMI and Maryland Chamber
Note: Current members of the Maryland Chamber or its Federated partners are eligible at no additional cost through their current membership expiration or May 31, 2026, whichever comes first.
How It Works
Our approach is built around four key milestones from September 2025 through May 2026:
- Let’s Talk: A series of 12 Community Conversations will be hosted with elected officials from every county and Baltimore City and select manufacturers from each legislative district. Support for these efforts will be provided by a designated County Captain.
- Let’s Connect: Manufacturers will be encouraged to invite their local legislators to their companies to personally connect with each other. Additionally, step-by-step training will be provided by the Maryland Chamber on how to engage with local legislators and testify in Annapolis during the legislative session.
- Winter Breakfast: In December, a breakfast will be hosted for Voices members and key legislative leaders to provide Voices updates and launch an advocacy calendar of actions for the upcoming 2026 legislative session.
- Let’s Advocate: Voices members will be informed with timely updates to mobilize for testimony, rallies and other actions that will make our voices heard in Annapolis. Note: Voices is non-partisan.
Our Members
Meet The County Captains
- Allegany County: Nathan Price, Allegany County economic Development
- Anne Arundel: Anita Dewling, Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation
- Baltimore City: Carl Livesay, Mercury Plastics
- Baltimore County: Keith Miller, Strategic Factory
- Baltimore County: Ken Sanchez, Chesapeake Specialty Products
- Calvert County: Kathy MacAdams, Calvert County Economic Development
- Caroline County: Alan Stein, Tanglewood Conservatories
- Carroll County: Coming Soon
- Cecil County: Coming Soon
- Charles County: Anthony Adeseina, Charles County Economic Development
- Dorchester County: Coming Soon
- Frederick County: Jodie Bollinger, Frederick County Department of Economic Development
- Garrett County: Kim Durst, Garrett County Department of Business Development
- Harford County: Joyce LaPadula, Maryland World Class Consortia
- Allegany County: Nathan Price, Allegany County economic Development
- Anne Arundel: Anita Dewling, Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation
- Baltimore City: Carl Livesay, Mercury Plastics
- Baltimore County: Keith Miller, Strategic Factory
- Baltimore County: Ken Sanchez, Chesapeake Specialty Products
- Calvert County: Kathy MacAdams, Calvert County Economic Development
- Caroline County: Alan Stein, Tanglewood Conservatories
- Carroll County: Coming Soon
- Cecil County: Coming Soon
- Charles County: Anthony Adeseina, Charles County Economic Development
- Dorchester County: Coming Soon
- Frederick County: Jodie Bollinger, Frederick County Department of Economic Development
- Garrett County: Kim Durst, Garrett County Department of Business Development
- Harford County: Joyce LaPadula, Maryland World Class Consortia
- Harford County: Rick Huether, Independent Can Company
- Howard County: Bob Zhang, Howard County Economic Development Authority
- Kent County: Coming Soon
- Montgomery County: Coming Soon
- Prince George's County: April Richardson, Baked in Baltimore; Jose Burnes, Prince George’s Economic Development Corporation
- Queen Anne's County: Coming Soon
- St. Mary's County: Lee Greely, St. Mary’s Economic Development Corporation
- Somerset County: Coming Soon
- Talbot County: Coming Soon
- Washington County: Linda Spence, Washington County Department of Business and Economic Development
- Washington County: Tom Riford, Rider Jet Center
- Wicomico County: Bill Chambers, Salisbury Chamber of Commerce
- Worcester County: Coming Soon
- Harford County: Rick Huether, Independent Can Company
- Howard County: Bob Zhang, Howard County Economic Development Authority
- Kent County: Coming Soon
- Montgomery County: Coming Soon
- Prince George's County: April Richardson, Baked in Baltimore; Jose Burnes, Prince George’s Economic Development Corporation
- Queen Anne's County: Coming Soon
- St. Mary's County: Lee Greely, St. Mary’s Economic Development Corporation
- Somerset County: Coming Soon
- Talbot County: Coming Soon
- Washington County: Linda Spence, Washington County Department of Business and Economic Development
- Washington County: Tom Riford, Rider Jet Center
- Wicomico County: Bill Chambers, Salisbury Chamber of Commerce
- Worcester County: Coming Soon
FAQs
Q: Who can join Voices for Manufacturing?
A: Any manufacturing company in Maryland — small, medium, or large — interested in advocating for the industry’s success.
Q: What does membership include?
A: Membership provides advocacy training, legislative updates, networking opportunities and access to resources from RMI and the Maryland Chamber.
Q: How much does membership cost?
A: $500 for membership through May 31, 2026, or $750 for 12 months. If you’re already a Maryland Chamber member or Federation partner, you may be eligible at no extra cost.
Q: What are county captains?
A: Local manufacturing leaders who serve as your point of contact for Voices activities, events and legislative engagement in your area.
Q: How can I get involved in advocacy?
A: We offer training on how to contact legislators, testify at hearings and participate in rallies. You’ll also receive timely updates during the legislative session.
About RMI
The Regional Manufacturing Institute of Maryland (RMI) is a Maryland manufacturing stakeholder non-profit organization serving tens of thousands of people and organizations over its 36-year history. RMI is the leading voice of Maryland manufacturing, offering programs and services and legislative advocacy. RMI led the effort to create a legislative workgroup on manufacturing, leading to the passing of the Manufacturing 4.0 fund program. RMI has successfully celebrated people and programs as champions and stars of manufacturing in every Maryland county plus Baltimore City, building a strong network of friends of manufacturing. Today, RMI is focused on advocacy, education and building community. Voices for Manufacturing is our top priority initiative in 2025-2026.
About the Maryland Chamber
Running a business in today’s world isn’t easy. That’s why the Maryland Chamber of Commerce is here to stand with you. As the state’s largest and most influential business advocacy organization, we represent over 7,000 companies and work tirelessly to create a pro-growth environment where businesses like yours can succeed. By joining the Maryland Chamber, you gain a community that educates, advocates, connects and fights for you — helping you navigate challenges, shape policies and protect your bottom line.
Ready to Join?
Add your voice to protect Maryland manufacturing!
Join Voices for Manufacturing today to represent the interests of manufacturing in Annapolis. As a Voices member, you are entitled to membership benefits offered by RMI and the Maryland Chamber of Commerce.
$500 per company*
For full membership in RMI and the Maryland Chamber through May 31, 2026
$750 per company*
For 12 months of full membership in both RMI and the Maryland Chamber
Questions? Contact Voices for Manufacturing Director Stacey Smith at stacey@rmiofmaryland.com or phone (443) 844-0047.
*Companies that are current Maryland Chamber members are eligible for Voices membership at no cost through their membership expiration date, or May 31, 2026, whichever comes first. Companies that are members of a Maryland Chamber Federation organization member are eligible for Voices membership at no cost through their membership expiration date or May 31, 2026, whichever comes first.
© 2025 Voices for Manufacturing
A joint initiative of the Regional Manufacturing Institute of Maryland and Maryland Chamber of Commerce.