This week, I want to talk about a group of people who rarely ask for recognition yet quietly shape the world around us: our AME volunteers.
Volunteers are the heartbeat of every strong community. They are the ones who show up when no one else does and who give their time, not because they have to, but because they believe in something bigger than themselves. They remind us that kindness is powerful, that compassion is contagious and that change begins with ordinary people choosing to do extraordinary things.
AME would not be what it is today without the many individuals who have generously shared their time, experience and passion over the years. AME was founded in 1985 by volunteers and has grown to represent about 4,000 members throughout the world. The organization continues to be volunteer‑driven today, supporting AME’s mission of a “modern‑day manufacturing renaissance” through people‑centric leadership.
Volunteers don’t just support AME; they shape our future. They help spread the principles of continuous improvement. They create spaces where professionals can share, learn and grow. They ensure that excellence isn’t just a goal; it’s a culture.
Did you know that over one billion people volunteer worldwide each year, making it one of the largest forces for good on the planet? If global volunteer work were measured as an industry, it would be worth hundreds of billions of dollars in economic value. Most volunteers say they do it to help others, but many also report benefits like new friendships, skill-building and a stronger sense of purpose. Volunteering is linked to better mental health, including reduced stress and increased happiness. People who volunteer regularly tend to live longer, according to several long-term studies.
This week, we’re excited to spotlight one of AME’s outstanding volunteers, Steve Ebbing, president of The Ebbing Group, LLC.
Steve has dedicated more than 25 years to business performance improvement and operational excellence. His career spans engineering, engineering management and operations leadership, and he has made a lasting impact across multiple industries.
Steve Ebbing, president, The Ebbing Group, LLC
Steve serves as an AME Board member on AME’s Southeastern Regional Board and volunteers on the annual Southeastern Region Lean Summit team AND the AME International Conference team. He does this work quietly and humbly, and we appreciate him more than he knows. Steve has been a long-time dedicated AME volunteer, generously sharing his knowledge and leadership with our community. Steve’s commitment to excellence, learning and service truly embodies the spirit of AME.
Come thank Steve in person at the May 5-7 AME Charlotte 2026 Lean Summit. This will be a fabulous event to hear from our keynote speakers Sarah Kernion on the concept of "inchstones" - small, meaningful wins that drive sustainable progress in dynamic systems, and Colonel Arthur Athens, former director of the Stockdale Center for Ethical Leadership. You will participate in best practice tours and hear from industry experts, like Tim Hobbs, Hank Czarnecki, Lisa Weis, Oscar Roche, Dave Hyem, Mark Preston and Eric MacDonald. Register here for AME Charlotte 2026 Lean Summit.
So, to every AME volunteer: thank you. Thank you for your time, your heart and your belief that the world can be better. Because of you, it is. Volunteer with AME.
As always, please stay safe and keep looking out for one another.
