Manufacturing Day planned for next month

FREMONT — The Greater Sandusky Partnership, in collaboration with the Manufacturing Advocacy and Growth Network along with the Center for Innovative Food Technology, will host Manufacturing Day at Terra State Community College in Fremont. It's scheduled from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 10 at The Neely Center at Terra. This regional event, titled Building the Talent Life Cycle, aims to unite plant managers, manufacturing leaders and economic development leaders from across the region to explore solutions to the most pressing workforce challenges facing the manufacturing sector. Ethan Karp, president and CEO of the growth network, spoke about its importance. "The strength of Ohio manufacturing depends on our ability to grow and invest in people," Karp said. "Events like this roundtable bring manufacturers together to reimagine what's possible when talent becomes the foundation for innovation and success," he added. "This transformation is only possible through the shared efforts of manufacturers, educators and partners working together for the future of our workforce." Local officials also underscored its potential impact. "Our region's manufacturers are at the top of our mind as a major economic driver," said Makenna Laser, the partnership's workforce development manager. "This event is about aligning the tools, training and partnerships that can help develop a stronger talent pipeline: from high school graduates to upskilled incumbent workers." Event highlights include a: • Keynote presentation by Michael O'Donnell, chief operating officer of consulting at the growth network, on regional trends and opportunities • Guided tour of Terra State's newly updated industrial training facility • Panel on successful school-business partnerships, which build high school-to-hire strategies • Chance to network with regional peers and experts The event is free to attend and includes a light breakfast and lunch provided by the program sponsors. "This is more of a collaborative forum," Laser added. With the Manufacturing Advocacy and Growth Network along with the Center for Innovative Food Technology joining the Greater Sandusky Partnership in this regional partnership, "We're bringing together northeast and northwest Ohio's manufacturing strengths to create meaningful workforce momentum," Laser said. Registration is required. Employers and workforce professionals can register by visiting greatersanduskypartnership.com, hitting the drop-down menu, clicking events and then searching for "Manufacturing Day at Terra State: Building the Talent Life Cycle."