Generational change is grabbing a lot of our attention lately. For the first time, we are dealing with four generations working together in our workforce. We have the Veterans, the Baby Boomers, Generation X, and as of 2005, Generation Y. Generation Y, which is hitting the working world in full force, numbers over 70 million members. By comparison, Generation X has about 46 million members. I find myself at the end of the Baby Boomers and the very beginning of Generation X, known as a “Cusper”... might explain why I feel somewhat confused at times. Being closer in age to the Baby Boomer generation, I find it easier to understand that generation, as compared to Generation Y. If you can describe workaholic as “working for the fun of it,” then I definitely fit that description. Here is the problem. The members of Generation Y may not want to work until midnight, go for months without a day off or go into work on weekends to “catch up” and so on. These are typical Baby Boomer characteristics. On the positive side, Generation Y may not have to deal with as many heart attacks, ulcers and high blood pressure problems as do Baby Boomers. To Generation Y members, change is really no big deal — as long as the change benefits them. They expect change and they expect it often and fast. I was having a conversation with some young Generation Y members the other day. When I told them that there was no Internet, e-mail, cell phone or personal computers when I entered the workforce, their response was pretty much, “Yeah, I know. That is what my parents say. Get over it.” Please. Sounds a little like our own parents’ stories about “walking two miles to school, uphill – each way.” I can identify with this generation on some issues. I am a “gadget guy.” I want the newest thing out there. I am impatient, and for the most part, love a good challenge. Once I decide to do something, I want it done right now. I have learned to control this somewhat and have grown into the idea that moderation can be a good thing. The MPMA is spending a lot of time and effort to get its arms around the generation gaps and the issues that accompany them. This was the top subject at our recent, very successful, Grandview Summit. I know we will keep working on it. One thing to consider moving forward is that every generation has a different idea of what is important. One expression of values is not any better than another, just different. But hey, hold on to your shorts for Generation I (those born after 1996, can you believe it?). The I stands for “Internet.” They also are known as the Net Generation. They still are too young to drive and they already are reshaping thousands of years of culture through social networking, texting and instant messaging. How long do you think it will be before they take our jobs and cancel our Social Security checks? Maybe we can distract them with television and loud, annoying music! On a side note, I would like to congratulate MPMA’s publication, <strong>Precision</strong> <strong>Manufacturing</strong>, on winning the 2008 Award of Communication Excellence from the Midwest Society of <strong>Association</strong> Executives. Supporting <strong>Minnesota</strong> in becoming the world leader in precision contract manufacturing and related technologies. EDITOR | PUBLICATIONS MANAGER Amy Slettum SALES MANAGER Tim Crolley LAYOUT & DESIGN Kimberlea Weeks COVER DESIGN Andrew Rustad MINNESOTA PRECISION MANUFACTURING ASSOCIATION 5353 Wayzata Blvd., Suite 207 Minneapolis, MN 55416 (952) 564-3041 www.mpma.com MPMA OFFICERS President Mike Yeager, Yeager Machine, Inc. Vice President Dave Fiedler, Checker Machine, Inc. Treasurer Mike Gramse, MRG Tool & Die Corp. Secretary Bob Miller, Kendeco Tool Crib EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Jaime Nolan, CAE EDITORIAL COMMITTEE Chair Brenda Kyle blk@sppa.com Elizabeth Abraham elizabeth@toptool.com Mike Neeley mikeneeley@comcast.net Denny Nybo dnybo@hegmanmachine.com Bill Remes remesbill@aol.com Ted Roberts troberts@robertsautomatic.com Fred Zimmerman zimco@visi.com For editorial, advertising or membership information: Voice: (952) 564-3041 Fax: (952) 252-8096 <strong>Precision</strong> <strong>Manufacturing</strong> (ISSN 0273-7523), is published six times per year by IntrinXec Management Inc., 5353 Wayzata Blvd., Suite 207, Minneapolis, MN 55416. <strong>Precision</strong> <strong>Manufacturing</strong> is the only authorized regular publication of the <strong>Minnesota</strong> <strong>Precision</strong> <strong>Manufacturing</strong> <strong>Association</strong> (MPMA). Opinions and conclusions expressed in the magazine are those of the individual writer and do not necessarily reflect the official position of the MPMA or its officers. Advertising rates provided on request. Correspondence regarding the magazine, including industry news releases, photographs and press releases relating to precision manufacturing should be sent to <strong>Precision</strong> <strong>Manufacturing</strong>, Amy Slettum, c/o IntrinXec Management, Inc., 5353 Wayzata Blvd., Suite 207, Minneapolis, MN 55416. Electronic correspondence, including attached files in Word or plain text formats, may be sent to amy@mpma.com. Unsolicited materials will not be returned. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: <strong>Precision</strong> <strong>Manufacturing</strong>, c/o IntrinXec Management, Inc., 5353 Wayzata Blvd., Suite 207, Minneapolis, MN 55416. Copyright ©2008 <strong>Minnesota</strong> <strong>Precision</strong> <strong>Manufacturing</strong> <strong>Association</strong>.
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