The Oregon Manufacturing Extension Partnership (OMEP) announced it will hold the 2016 Manufacturers’ Summit on March 14 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Salem Convention Center. This year’s Summit theme, “Making Great Workplaces,” will address ways for manufacturers to find, grow and retain skilled employees for manufacturing jobs. Presentations and breakout sessions will focus on improving company culture and boosting morale in the work environment.
“Our annual Summit serves as a platform for Oregon manufacturing companies to address industry needs, growth and changes for manufacturing in our state,” said Chris Scherer, OMEP president. “We designed the 2016 event around ‘making great workplaces.’ Finding, growing and retaining talent has emerged as the primary challenge of the 21st century. I’m looking forward to empowering the hardworking makers and manufacturers in Oregon to create workplaces of collaboration and continuous problem-solving. We’ll review the tremendous year Oregon manufacturers had, as well as forecast for the years to come.”
Presenters for this year’s Summit include Tim Duy, senior director of the Oregon Economic Forum, and Cheryl Collins, chief people officer for Ninkasi Brewing Company.
“We are delighted to partner with OMEP on their ongoing efforts and as presenting sponsor of Oregon’s premier manufacturing event,” said Dave Lofland, president, KeyBank of Oregon & SW Washington. “As a business-focused bank, we realize that manufacturing is the lifeblood of our local economies, and we are eager for any opportunity to champion the message through education, outreach and creative support.”
This year’s gold sponsor is AKT. Silver sponsors are Schwabe Williamson & Wyatt, Vigilant and Wahoo Films. Vision 33 is the bronze sponsor.
Detailed results from OMEP’s 2015 manufacturing survey will be shared with Summit attendees to provide insight into Oregon’s evolving manufacturing sector. The survey was completed by nearly 100 different Oregon manufacturing companies between October and December of last year. Full survey results will be announced at the Summit.
Registration for the Summit is $125. Ticket price includes breakfast, lunch, a selection from four Summit tracks with expanded breakout sessions and a reception with a drink ticket. The four tracks will expand on other categories in relation to manufacturing, including: Workforce and Culture; Enhancing and Emerging Technologies; Market Leadership and Strategic Advancement; and Development in Continuous Improvement.
The 2016 Manufacturers’ Summit will be held at the Salem Convention Center, located at 200 Commercial St. SE, Salem. For more information about the Summit and to register, visit http://summit.omep.org