“…A partner in shaping the future of our company and our industry."

In this special PMA District Leadership episode of the Destiny of Manufacturing podcast, host Dean Phillips welcomes Tom Boss, Senior Manager at Termax Corporation and Past Chair of PMA’s Chicago District. Tom shares his forward-looking perspective on the next five years in manufacturing, stressing the need for flexibility in response to shifting policies, trade impacts and continued supply-chain disruption.

What excites Tom most is the momentum building in the Chicago District. With new board members, increased engagement, and a growing list of plant tours and networking events, the district is thriving. Local manufacturers are adapting and innovating in ways that often go unseen, and Tom sees the district’s events as a platform to spotlight those stories and strengthen regional collaboration.

Workforce development remains a top priority. Tom highlights Termax’s success in turning entry-level hires into robot programmers through hands-on training and apprenticeships. But the challenge persists: finding people who show up, want to learn and stay engaged. That’s why his district is actively reaching into schools and technical programs to spark interest and build future talent. Tom’s message: "We’ve been proud PMA members, active in Chicago, for decades. It’s more than an association—it’s a partner in shaping the future of our company and our industry."