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Networking big draw for event Sept. 26 at the KI Convention Center in Green Bay. More than 400 registered attendees participated last year in the event, created with the goal of connecting and informing manufacturers around the state. T "One of the things we heard from (manufacturers) is they wanted more time for network- ing," says Ann Franz, strategic partnerships manager at North- east Wisconsin Technical College and coordinator of the NEW Manufacturing Alliance, a coor- dinating sponsor of the event. "So we've developed a program so there's time for people to network with one another. " New Nor th C A reers i N M AN uf AC turi N g he second annual Manufacturing First Expo & Conference takes place Wednesday, Time has also been scheduled for attendees to explore booths in the expo, she adds. "It's a great way to network with potential customers, as well as to learn how to utilize innovation," says Franz. "It is an exciting event because, again, most of the time you're going to be networking and learning from one another. " Plenty of time for networking has been built into the event, including from 7:30 to 8:45 a.m., at lunch and during a cocktail reception capping the day at 3 p.m. Mickey Noone, president of First Business Bank-Northeast, also a coordinating sponsor, says this year's event also addresses the need for young people to develop an interest in manufacturing. Separate from the main agenda, stu- dents, teachers and guidance counselors from schools in the region have been invited to meet with representatives from manufacturing. "We're having some school counselors and some middle school and high school kids come in and participate," says Noone, noting that allowing today's manufacturers to speak with tomorrow's workforce will give "the students and coun- selors a better idea of what manufacturers are looking for." Encouraging young people to consider careers in manufac- turing is a key initiative among manufacturers in the region. ALLSTARS Strengthen your workforce ALLSTARS New Nor th C A reers i N M AN uf AC turi N g Join the NEW Manufacturing Alliance… a group of manufacturers working with educational institutions, workforce development boards, chambers of commerce and state organizations to promote manufacturing in our region. Our objectives: • Create a positive view of manufacturing careers in our area • Grow partnerships with K-16, media and other manufacturers A publication of the NEW Manufacturing Alliance Produced by Insight Publications 1 • Promote workforce development Meet Kristin and other All Star winners that are making a difference in manufacturing. A publication of the NEW Manufac turing A llianc e | P r oduced by I nsight Publica tions 1 • Advance collaboration efforts that promote the health of manufacturing To connect with manufacturing companies focused on the future and to learn more about member benefits, go to www.newmfgalliance.org 28 | INSIGHT on Manufacturing • July 2012 www.insightonmfg.com 2011 2012