Mike runs the QEDC Manufacturing Resource Centre (MRC), where he helps companies in the Quinte Region and surrounding four counties understand and access government support programs; coordinates various productivity, workforce development and energy savings programs; and facilitates intercompany and stakeholder engagement. Mike has twenty years of prior experience in the chemical industry, both in Canada and in the US. He has held a variety of positions including Development Chemist, Quality/Health & Safety/Environmental and Responsible Care systems coordinator, Production Manager and General Manager. Mike started with Quinte Economic Development Commission (QEDC) in 2008. His previous experience in manufacturing has positioned him to understand industry’s issues and constraints. The MRC’s outreach to over 240 manufacturers is key to the success of any project that aims to engage a large number of manufacturers in productivity and employee enhancement activities. Mike has been the project lead on a number of initiatives, including a regional Productivity Jump Team project, the 2012-13 Labour Market study, a Digital Technology Adoption Pilot Project, an Eastern Ontario Training support program, and most recently a SkillsAdvance Ontario project and two Sector Partnership Planning Grant projects. Mike currently represents manufacturers’ interests at the Quinte Manufacturers Association (QMA), the Quinte Employment Network, and the Quinte Local Immigration Partnership. Additionally, he works collaboratively with the Northumberland Manufacturers Association and the Kawartha Manufacturers Association to help address the concerns of regional manufacturers.
Mike Hewitt is a member of the Toronto Sector Skills Academy, Class of 2016-17, one of several Workforce Leadership Academies in localities across North America.
The Workforce Leadership Academies are part of the Economic Opportunity Fellows Network, a network of leadership and fellowship programs run by the Aspen Institute Economic Opportunities Program. Within this Network, EOP connects national and local leaders from across sectors — nonprofit, government, business, philanthropy, academia, and more — to advance policies and practices with the potential to help low- and moderate-income Americans thrive in today’s economy. Learn more at as.pn/eofn.