November 1st, 2021, Redlands, CA: The Manufacturers’ Council of the Inland Empire hosted a networking event at Escape Brewery in Redlands, CA. Attendees connected with manufacturing industry partners and supporters at the MFG-Fest.
The event took place on Wednesday, October 27th. Participants included regional manufacturers, workforce training organizations, and funding agencies. Judy Lopez, CEO of Microdyne Plastics and president of the Manufacturers’ Council, and Wallace Brithinee, past president of Brithinee Electric, hosted the event. They expressed their hope of building the council which provides information on issues facing manufacturers, and career opportunities to students and the public.
Manufacturing attendee representatives included: Dean Frost, CEO of Elizabeth Shutters; Greg Nelson, Sales Engineer of Pacific Parts & Controls, Inc; Bob Snedaker, former CEO and current General Manager of Simpler Life Emergency Provisions; and John DeVoll, President of DeVoll Rubber Manufacturing.
Other attendees included Johannes Moenius, PhD, professor of global business at the University of Redlands, and past speaker at the Council’s June event. Moenius stated that he enjoyed meeting Manufacturers’ Council members in person. “It’s so good to meet people face-to-face and talk about the issues and obstacles manufacturers face,” Moenius said. “Speaking in person makes it so much easier to find solutions and exchange ideas.”
The MFG-Fest Networking event was Bob Snedaker’s first time participating in a Manufacturers’ Council meeting. “We can’t wait to participate in more events,” he stated. “MFG-Fest was a great opportunity to meeting other manufacturers and get the support and connection we’ve been missing since the COVID pandemic began.” Snedaker and Dean Phillips, VP of Business Management at Simpler Life Emergency Provisions, both became members of the Manufacturers’ Council and said that they look forward to future events.
Membership with the council is available to manufacturers and their supporters. The first year is free. Members receive discounts to networking events like the MFG-Fest and future events, as well as use of the online jobs posting board, factory/plant tours, and discounts.
The Manufacturers’ Council offers “Happy Hour” meetings for attendees to learn valuable information about the industry and how to help their companies’ thrive. The Council is funded, in major part, by a grant from the California Manufacturing Technology Consulting (CMTC).
The Manufacturers’ Council of the Inland Empire (MCIE), the voice of regional manufacturers, supports education and workforce training on behalf of manufacturers throughout the region, offering expertise in a variety of topics including innovative workforce solutions. Resources and problem-solving strategies, that are provided through MCIE membership, generate positive economic impacts to employers, employees, students (from grade school through college), and the community at large. For more on events, or to register, visit MFGCouncilie.com.
