WEST PLAINS, Mo. – In celebration of Manufacturing Day 2015 on Oct. 2, the Small Business and Technology Development Center (SBTDC) hosted by Missouri State University-West Plains will host several events to celebrate local manufacturers and raise community awareness of their vital importance to the local economy.
Several local manufacturers will open their doors that day to students and community members as part of an effort to change perceptions about today’s manufacturing environment and draw attention to the outstanding opportunities that a career in manufacturing can provide.
The day will begin at 9 a.m. at the West Plains Civic Center with a welcome by Madden and a presentation about manufacturing by Missouri Enterprise officials. Attendees will then tour several local manufacturing plants, including Arlee Home Fashions, Caterpillar, Perennial Energy and Regal Beloit. Officials with DRS Technologies will give a noon presentation at the civic center, followed by more plant tours, according to a program agenda.
“There is an increasing demand for highly skilled professionals in the manufacturing sector who can design, program and operate technology,” said SBTDC Coordinator Bronwen Madden. “The average age of a manufacturing employee is 56, and between now and 2020, there will be an unprecedented shortage of skilled workers who will need to be replaced.”
All activities for the day are free; however, preregistration by Sept. 30 is required. Seating is limited, so visit http://www.eventbrite.com/e/manufacturing-day-in-america-tickets-15093497056 to make your reservations early.
Prior to the Oct. 2 festivities, SBTDC officials will offer a free screening of the film “American Made Movie” at 3 and 6:30 p.m. Sept. 22 in Melton Hall Room 112.
Manufacturing Day is an annual national event executed at the local level and supported by thousands of manufacturers as they host students, teachers, parents, job seekers and other local community members at open houses, plant tours and presentations designed to showcase modern manufacturing technology and careers.
To mark the event, Missouri has declared October as Manufacturing Month and has issued a proclamation honoring Oct. 2 as Manufacturing Day.
Manufacturing Day is co-produced by the Fabricators and Manufacturers Association International (FMA), the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), the Manufacturing Institute (MI), the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s (NIST) Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP), and guest producer Industrial Strength Marketing (ISM). Media partners include the Edge Factor and the Science Channel. The national movie partner is “American Made Movie.”
The SBTDC provides assistance to individuals who want to start or run their own small businesses. SBTDC staff work with Missouri entrepreneurs and small businesses that are for-profit (not a non-profit charitable or educational organization). Whether you are currently in business or thinking about starting a business, the SBTDC can assist you in your venture.
The West Plains SBTDC serves entrepreneurs in seven counties across the region: Douglas, Howell, Oregon, Shannon, Texas and Wright. Since they are funded in part through the Small Business Administration, virtually all of their services are free.
More information on Manufacturing Day is available at www.mfgday.com. To learn more about the SBTDC and its services, visit http://wp.missouristate.edu/ucp/sbtdc.htm. or call 417-255-7966.