The Los Angeles Manufacturing Networks Initiative (LAMNI) is a multi-faceted economic development initiative of the CDTech Center. Its goal is to strengthen the industrial base of the Los Angeles economy by encouraging collaboration among small- and medium-sized urban manufacturing firms in six industries: apparel/textiles, ethnic and specialty food processing, plastics, household furniture, toys and biomedical technology.

Mission

LAMNI is a network of networks that serves to bring together the diverse greater Los Angeles area manufacturers and communities to forge a stronger, healthier economy, that, in turn, will improve the quality of life for all Southern Californians.

Goals

• To be a "network of networks" that serves as an example of how new civic leadership is developed and nurtured.
• To create job opportunities.
• To build alliances that open doors to new niche markets.
• To promote the importance of manufacturing to the local economy.

To receive additional LAMNI information contact the Community Development Technologies Center at 213/763-2520

LAMNI - Industries

LAMNI's membership consists of six of the most diverse and fastest growing manufacturing sectors in the greater Los Angeles area. Three of the industries have formed non-profit trade associations as a result of LAMNI: The Southern California Biomedical Council (SCBC), the Food Industry Business Roundtable (FIBR), and the Toy Association of Southern California (TASC). The other LAMNI industries - The Plastics Industry Consortium, the Los Angeles Furniture Design & Manufacturing Collaborative, and the Apparel Roundtable - have chosen to remain as project-oriented networks that tackle industry-specific issues. Together these trade associations and industry networks encompass LAMNI.

LAMNI Steering Committee

The LAMNI Steering Committee was established to help foster synergies among the leadership of the industry networks. The committee also provides guidance and direction to LAMNI staff as the work of the individual networks evolves and matures. The committee is co-chaired by Barry R. Sedlik of Southern California Edison and Linda Griego, General Manager of Engine Co. #28. Community Development Bank. Other members include representatives from each of the six networks and members of private and public sector groups who believe in the vision of LAMNI.

LAMNI - Members

• Southern California Biomedical Council (SCBC): SCBC works to promote the local biomed/biotech industry. SCVC mobilizes capital for new and growing firms, hosts networking and educational events, advocates for legislation affecting the industry, promotes linkages with universities, educates the public, identifies labor training needs, and provides market research.
• Food Industry Business Roundtable (FIBR): Click here for the FIBR website. FIBR's mission is to promote the growth and viability of the ethnic-specialty food processing industry in Southern California by sharing information, knowledge and resources that can lead to partnerships benefiting the entire food manufacturing industry.
• Toy Association of Southern California (TASC): Click here for the TASC website. TASC is made up of local manufacturers, importers, and distributors. TASC's mission is to promote the welfare of the toy industry in Southern California through meaningful and practical seminars that provide members with the information needed to remain competitive.
• Plastics Industry Consortium: This network represents several plastics manufacturers working together to provide joint workforce training for their employees.
• Los Angeles Furniture Design & Manufacturing Collaborative: This network is a partnership that brings together the design and manufacturing sectors of the furniture industry with local educational/training institutions and non-profit groups.
• The Apparel Roundtable: A consortium of apparel industry trade groups, education/training organizations, public agencies and academic researchers. Projects include an apparel wage & occupational study and the development of a sewn products incubator.

LAMNI - Steering Committee

Linda Griego, Engine Co. #28 (Co-chair)
Barry R. Sedlik, So. California Edison (Co-chair)

Syd Beane, Center for Community Change
Brian Cousins, Suss Design
Ravi Dadlani, Toykidz, Inc.
Bruce Devine, SCAG
John DeWitt, Mayor's Office of Economic Development
Ahmed Enany, Southern California Biomedical Council
Denise Fairchild, CDTech Center
Garrett Gin, Merrill Lynch
Gina Harpur, Juanita's Foods
Lee Harrington, L.A. Economic Development Corp.
Janell Huff, California Trade & Commerce Agency
Leeton Lee, Walt Disney Company
Ilse Metchek, California Fashion Association
Steven Papian, Dun & Bradstreet Information Services
Mark Roth, El Burrito Mexican Food Products
Shelly Suzuki, Suzuki Enterprises
Judy Turner, L.A. Economic Development Corp.
Don Whittemore, Dandy Don's Homemade Ice Cream
Charlie Woo, Mega Toys, Inc.
Anita Zussman, L.A. Area Chamber of Commerce