Manufacturers meet up at Terra State

FREMONT — The first Manufacturing Day — a co-produced event by Greater Sandusky Partnership, the Manufacturing Advocacy and Growth Network and Cift — took place on July 10 at Terra State Community College in Fremont. This event was an opportunity for individuals in the manufacturing industry to network, connect with resources and discuss various challenges within the industry. More than 70 people attended. Attendees included employers in the manufacturing industry, area educators and economic development organizations. Representatives for Ohio's two U.S. senators, Jon Husted and Bernie Moreno, also came. "It's exciting to begin discussions on building strong talent pipelines for our manufacturing sector," said Makenna Laser, the partnership's workforce development manager. "Manufacturing is a large economic driver for our state, and what we're doing today is a step in the right direction." The event kicked off with a networking breakfast, followed by a presentation by keynote speaker, Michael O'Donnell, chief operating officer of consulting at the network. O'Donnell discussed the state of manufacturing in Ohio. The rest of the morning included a panel featuring: • Greg Edinger, superintendent of Vanguard-Sentinel Career and Technology Centers • Emily Martucci, president of LogistiQ • Katherine Adams, director of workforce innovation at the Ottawa County Improvement Corp. • Adam Nerpouni, chief workforce advancement manager at the network The panel focused on building the talent pipeline: from high school to hire. Successful school-business partnerships were showcased between Ottawa County's workforce hub and local employers, such as LogisitiQ. Attendees were then able to discuss regional priorities in the industry and collaborate on solutions to these priorities and barriers. The day ended with a tour of the new training facilities available for professional development opportunities at Terra State. Partners in the program included Sandusky County Economic Development Corp., the Ottawa County Improvement Corp. and the Tiffin Seneca Economic Partnership.