# Defunding of the MEPs and How YOU Can Help Stop It: A Special Episode

- Show: [The Manufacturing Executive](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive)
- Published: 2025-04-29
- Length: 37m
- Episode: 255
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2025-04-29-defunding-of-the-meps-and-how-you-can-help-stop-it-a-special-episode
- Listen: https://www.spreaker.com/show/the-manufacturing-executive#episode-458a88dd-3513-4392-aed5-046b8a66d794

## Summary

Paul Van Metre of ProShop ERP, Nick Goellner of Advanced Machine & Engineering, Meaghan Ziemba of Mavens of Manufacturing, Mike Payne of Hill Manufacturing, and Jim Mayer of The Manufacturing Connector discuss the critical threat of defunding the Manufacturing Extension Partnerships (MEPs). They highlight how these public-private partnerships support tens of thousands of small manufacturers through grants, training, and technology adoption, with specific examples from Hill Manufacturing and Advanced Machine & Engineering. The panel urges the manufacturing community to take immediate action by contacting congressional delegations, sharing personal success stories via video tools like VideoAsk, and participating in grassroots advocacy to prevent the elimination of these vital resources.

## Chapters

- [0:37](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2025-04-29-defunding-of-the-meps-and-how-you-can-help-stop-it-a-special-episode#t=37) Introduction: The Threat to MEP Funding
- [2:39](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2025-04-29-defunding-of-the-meps-and-how-you-can-help-stop-it-a-special-episode#t=159) Paul Van Metre: The Value of the MEP Network
- [5:41](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2025-04-29-defunding-of-the-meps-and-how-you-can-help-stop-it-a-special-episode#t=341) Panel Discussion: The Scope of the Defunding Crisis
- [11:48](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2025-04-29-defunding-of-the-meps-and-how-you-can-help-stop-it-a-special-episode#t=708) Mike Payne: Hill Manufacturing's $1M Impact from Oklahoma MEP
- [14:31](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2025-04-29-defunding-of-the-meps-and-how-you-can-help-stop-it-a-special-episode#t=871) Nick Goellner: Advanced Machine & Engineering's AR Grant Success
- [16:08](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2025-04-29-defunding-of-the-meps-and-how-you-can-help-stop-it-a-special-episode#t=968) Jim Mayer: MEPs and the Defense Industrial Base
- [23:25](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2025-04-29-defunding-of-the-meps-and-how-you-can-help-stop-it-a-special-episode#t=1405) Call to Action: Contacting Congress and Sharing Stories
- [28:11](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2025-04-29-defunding-of-the-meps-and-how-you-can-help-stop-it-a-special-episode#t=1691) Grassroots Advocacy: Videos, Town Halls, and Community Impact

## Topics

- [Policy, trade & tariffs](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/policy-trade-and-tariffs)
- [Manufacturing partners & offshoring](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/manufacturing-partners)
- [Direct-to-consumer & e-commerce](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/direct-to-consumer)

## Most relevant to

early-stage companies

## Mentioned

- ProShop ERP (company)
- Advanced Machine & Engineering (company)
- Mavens of Manufacturing (company)
- Hill Manufacturing (company)
- The Manufacturing Connector (company)
- MakingChips (company)
- Gorilla 76 (company)
- Impact Washington (other)
- Oklahoma Manufacturing Alliance (other)
- Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center (other)
- NIST (other)
- VideoAsk (tool)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [The Quiet Cut That's Loudly Threatening Small Manufacturing](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lights-out/2025-04-19-the-quiet-cut-thats-loudly-threatening-small-manufacturing) (Lights Out)
- [BONUS: MEPs are at Risk of Losing Funding and Need Your Help](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2025-04-21-bonus-meps-are-at-risk-of-losing-funding-and-need-your-help) (Manufacturing Happy Hour)
- [198: Manufacturing’s Role in the Resurgence of Rust Belt Cities with Drew Crowe, Live from 4 Hands Brewing Company in St. Louis, MO](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2024-08-13-198-manufacturings-role-in-the-resurgence-of-rust-belt-cities-with-drew-crowe-li) (Manufacturing Happy Hour)
- [Inside Conexus Indiana: The Industry Network Driving Manufacturing Tech and Talent | Ep. 46](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lights-out/2026-07-31-inside-conexus-indiana-the-industry-network-driving-manufacturing-tech-and-talen) (Lights Out)
- [209: How to Take Advantage of Local, State, and Federal Resources for Growth and Expansion, Live from CBT Company's More Than MFG Expo](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2024-10-29-209-how-to-take-advantage-of-local-state-and-federal-resources-for-growth-and-ex) (Manufacturing Happy Hour)

## Citing this page

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