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| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Cindy Kangas 517-939-9910 cindy@camconline.org |
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Michigan Manufacturing Councils Search for Rosie Descendants To Help Celebrate National Rosie the Riveter Day in March
(LANSING) — Six Michigan Manufacturing Councils have come together in search of links to Rosie the Riveter’s history. The groups are collectively planning an event at the State Capitol that will include hundreds of women in manufacturing from across the state.
“We hope to honor the hard work and dedication of women in our industry while paying tribute to a well-known icon,” said Cindy Kangas, Executive Director of Capital Area Manufacturing Council. “Women in factories evolved during WWI and WWII. As males joined the military, the production of wartime products became necessary. Michigan women entered the workforce to run drill presses, weld, operate cranes, use screw machines, and handle metalworking equipment. They performed manual labor to produce the products but were also involved in the design, testing, and distribution.”
The groups are looking for descendants of these women, or those with related stories, to speak during their event and have asked for manufacturing stories from the Rosie era to be emailed to Cindy@CAMConline.org.
“We know there are empowering stories to tell,” Tanya Blehm, Manager of Great Lakes Bay Manufacturers Association, added. “We hope people will come forward so we can celebrate the contributions of these female leaders and innovators.”
Michigan Manufacturers Association, Capital Area Manufacturing Council, Jackson Area Manufacturers Association, Grand Traverse Area Manufacturing Council, Central Michigan Manufacturing Council, and Great Lakes Bay Manufacturing Association will participate. The event will culminate on the steps of the State Capitol on March 21st, 2023, with a photo of women in manufacturing dressed as Rosie. Tours of the Capitol, stories from presenters, and refreshments will take place beforehand.
