This October 4th marks the second annual Manufacturing Day. We think it’s definitely worthy of marking on our calendars.

Originating last year, Manufacturing Day (or MFG DAY as it’s officially spelled) was started to deal with “common misperceptions” the public has about the work manufacturers really do. “By working together during and after MFG DAY, manufacturers will begin to address the skilled labor shortage they face, connect with future generations, take charge of the public image of manufacturing, and ensure the ongoing prosperity of the whole industry,” the organizers state. The line-up of backers includes: the Alliance for China Manufacturing, the Fabricators and Manufacturers Association, the Manufacturing Institute, the National Association of Manufacturers, the National Institute of Standards & Technology, and the Precision Metalforming Association.

“Manufacturing Day is a great opportunity to celebrate work and innovation of the 12 million men and women who make the United States the world’s largest manufacturing economy,” said Ed Youdell, President and CEO of the Fabricators and Manufacturers Association.

The key goals of Manufacturing Day, as listed on its website, are to educate the public about: