SHOWCASE MANUFACTURING DAY SUPPORTERS
The Manufacturer & Business Association is proud to recognize the supporters of MFG Day 2023 on October 11 at the Bayfront Convention Center in Erie! More than 2,000 students, educators and business community leaders will be on hand to experience the best of modern manufacturing and manufacturing careers in northwest Pennsylvania. Learn more at mbausa.org
To view the full list of the 2017 MFG Day supporters, visit ISSUU.
THOUSANDS GATHER EACH YEAR FOR ONE-OF-A-KIND EVENT
In a rapidly evolving world driven by technological advancements, introducing students to manufacturing careers and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education is not just a choice, but a necessity. Nurturing young minds with a solid foundation in these fields helps empower the next generation to shape the future, drive innovation and contribute to a thriving economy.
In northwest Pennsylvania, Manufacturing Day (MFG Day) is one of the most dynamic ways to introduce students to the importance of manufacturing and manufacturing careers. And, this year, the celebration — one of the largest in the United States — is marking its 10th anniversary.
It all began in 2014 when the Manufacturer & Business Association (MBA) joined in the nationwide MFG Day celebration by hosting the premiere of the “American Made Movie” at the MBA Conference Center in Erie. In 2015, the event grew into its current exhibit-pep rally format and was moved to the Bayfront Convention Center. It has been held there ever since, growing in offerings and attendance, drawing more than 2,000 students, educators and business leaders each year thanks to the MBA, its partners Tami Adams, NWPA NTMA; Jennifer Pontzer, Career Street; Kelly Hess, Harborcreek School District; and Eileen Mullen, Crawford County K-12 Career Education Alliance; as well as numerous sponsors and exhibitors.
“We are so proud of how MFG Day has evolved over the past decade,” says MBA President and CEO Lori Joint. “It is a one- of-a-kind event and one of the most highly anticipated programs for technical and vocational education and a major asset to manufacturers and supporting industries in our region. Introducing students to manufacturing allows many to consider career pathways they may have never considered before.”
“Now celebrating its 10th anniversary, MFG Day has long enabled AirBorn to showcase the digitization of its manufacturing,” adds Jen Nelson, senior vice president of Supply Chain for AirBorn, a major sponsor of the event. “Additionally, it calls attention to our evolving and increasingly high-tech careers. Often, it’s the first time students give serious consideration to a career that’s waiting for them right here in northwest Pennsylvania.”
THE IMPORTANCE OF EARLY EXPOSURE
Early exposure to manufacturing careers and STEM education offers a plethora of benefits to children. It ignites students’ curiosity, cultivates problem-solving skills and encourages critical thinking.
As students engage with experiential learning, they develop a deeper understanding of real-world applications. MFG Day offers these types of opportunities by showcasing more than 50 exhibits, programs and demonstrations, designed for students to experience innovative manufacturing technology in a hands-on, interactive environment plus educational breakout sessions throughout the morning.
“Everything about MFG Day is meant to give students the chance to engage and learn,” says Joint. “Gaining a better understanding of modern manufacturing outside the classroom is critical to their education.”
PREPARING FOR THE JOBS OF THE FUTURE
The job landscape is rapidly evolving, with technology playing a pivotal role in reshaping industries.
“By introducing students to manufacturing careers and STEM education, we prepare them for the jobs of the future,” says Joint. “Automation, robotics, artificial intelligence and data analytics are becoming increasingly integral to these fields. Equipping students with foundational STEM skills ensures that they are adaptable and ready to embrace emerging technologies.”
In addition, STEM education and manufacturing careers revolve around problem-solving. From finding solutions to engineering challenges to optimizing production processes, critical thinking is at the core of success in these areas.
“When students are introduced to these skills early on, they develop a problem- solving mindset that transcends the classroom,” explains Joint. “This mindset equips them to tackle any obstacle with confidence and resilience, qualities that serve them well in any career path.”
Students also gain a better understanding of collaboration and teamwork. Involving students in interactive activities cultivates their ability to work effectively with others.
Learn more at mbausa.org
