On Friday, October 5, manufacturers from across Arizona celebrated Manufacturing Day®. Every year, manufacturers use this day to engage with the next generation of manufacturers to show how technology, advanced skills, and creativity offer interesting and exciting career opportunities. Manufacturing Day is an annual event celebrated throughout North America.
As part of the celebration, the Arizona Manufacturers Council and the Arizona Manufacturing Extension Partnership hosted the Manufacturing Summit and Awards Luncheon at the Phoenix Convention Center. At the Summit attendees learned more about foreign trade zones and workforce development programs. The Awards ceremony recognized outstanding manufacturers, legislator and advocates of the year.
During the Summit, panelists from Intel, Sub Zero, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the law firm Crowell & Morning discussed foreign trade zones, their benefit and requirements for compliance. Engagement with CBP early in the process is one of the keys to success.
Attendees also learned about successful workforce development programs for veterans and reentry programs for former inmates offered by the Arizona Department of Economic Security and other organizations. And, at Mesa Community College students interested in careers in manufacturing get the education, on-the-job training and industry certifications through the Arizona Advanced Manufacturing Institute.
At the luncheon, the below-listed manufacturers and advocates were honored. Manufacturers of all sizes and industries were recognized. The 2018 award recipients represent the very best of the Arizona manufacturing community. Watch the company videos here to learn more about who they are and what they do.
Large Manufacturer of the Year
Medium Manufacturer of the Year
Small Manufacturer of the Year
Excellence in Innovation
Excellence in Sustainability
Legislator of the Year
TJ Shope, Arizona House of Representatives, LD8
Advocate of the Year
Sandra Watson, CEO Arizona Commerce Authority
Jaime Molera of Molera Alvarez
If you would like more information about the programs discussed at the Summit, contact the Arizona MEP office at (602) 845-1256 or [email protected]