Manufacturing Workforce Summit

The Manufacturing Workforce Summit is a free, one‑day conference exploring solutions to two of the most pressing challenges in industry: Building and sustaining a skilled workforce, and developing a supply chain capable of meeting the growing demands of the semiconductor and defense sector.

This event brings together manufacturers of all sizes and specialties with peers, community partners, educators, and subject matter experts to discover strategies that will help your business grow and adapt.

Join us for the Summit to:

• Learn proven approaches to talent development and how our region is expanding the skilled‑worker pipeline.
• Gain insight into the needs of the military‑connected community and how they can inform your company’s growth strategy.
• Take part in coordinated matchmaking between prime contractors and manufacturers to unlock business opportunities.
• Network with potential partners and identify new ways to attract and retain workers.

This event will take place at NextCorps, and breakfast and lunch will be provided.

REGISTRATION CLOSES FRIDAY, MAY 22 AT 12:00 PM.

8:00-8:30 AM – Check-in, breakfast, & networking

8:30-8:45 AM - Welcome / opening remarks (Jim Senall, NextCorps)

8:45-9:45 AM - Building Talent Pipelines for Advanced Manufacturing (Rochester Technology Manufacturing Association)

• Ruth Thompson, Pre-Apprenticeship & Training Manager, RTMA
• Bill Rotenberg, Director of Workforce Development, RTMA

9:45-10:30 AM - U.S. Navy Submarine Industrial Base (SIB) Programs & Opportunities

• John P. Nugent III (Jack), Workforce Lead, NY/NJ Region, U.S. Navy SIB Program Office
• Other speakers TBA

10:30-10:45 AM - BREAK

10:45-11:05 AM – Step Up Resources for NY I-SMART Corridor Tech Hub

• Paola Viera-Rizzo, Director of Workforce Innovation, Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce
• Grace Carlic, Director of Industry Partnerships, Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce

11:05-11:15 AM – Made In America Initiative – Resources from the U.S. Small Business Administration

• Virginia Smith, Deputy District Director U.S. Small Business Administration

11:15 AM - 12:00 PM – Artificial Intelligence (AI) Applications for Manufacturers

• Punit Shetty, Principal Consultant & Certified Manager of Quality & Organizational Excellence, AMT

12:00-1:00 PM – LUNCH

1:00-1:30 PM – Complying with Government Contracts: Resources for Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification

• Anna Vulaj, Program Director, MCUNY APEX Accelerator
• Annette Brenner, Director, Growth Services, NextCorps

1:30-2:00 PM - Exploring Pipelines to Veterans for Manufacturing Careers

• Scott Quick, Founder & Executive Director, Forged by Valor

2:00-2:45 PM - Recruiting & Retaining Qualified Workers

• Marge McGee, Shift Program Coordinator, Rochester Works Shift Program

2:45-3:15 PM - Manufacturing Partnerships: Clean Jobs Collaborative

• Mike Marvin, Program Manager, Clean Jobs Collaborative, NextCorps
• Other speakers TBA

3:15-3:30 PM - BREAK

3:30-4:30 PM - Beyond the Sketch: New Product Development Resources for Manufacturers

• Ben Zombek, CEO & Industrial Designer, BZDesign
• Michael Spaeth, HW Technical Product Manager, Kodak Alaris
• Chris Inzinga, Vice President, Business Development, Marketing & IT, Omega TMM
• Michael Bernitt, VP of Operations/General Manager, Omega TMM
• MODERATOR: Annette Brenner, Director, Growth Services, NextCorps

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

NextCorps, 260 E Main Street, Suite 6000, Rochester, United States

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.

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