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After years of decline in manufacturing jobs and the broad range of associated issues (from innovation to workforce training), a perfect - and very positive - storm of public and private sector interest is forming over American manufacturing. The connection between economic growth and prosperity and manufacturing is indisputable. Join us at the 2012 Annual Conference as we bring together experts and thought leaders who will share with you their expertise on why manufacturing matters, now more than ever, and what your community can do to be a part of the renaissance.

SESSIONS OF INTEREST:

Meeting Workforce Demands in the Manufacturing Sector
Monday, October 1
4:00 pm - 5:30 pm
The days when unskilled workers could find good manufacturing jobs are behind us. New technologies and work processes mean that incoming workers need advanced skills and incumbent workers need continual re-training. Filling manufacturing jobs will become even more challenging as many older workers retire. For younger generations, manufacturing is competing with more career choices than ever before. This session will explore strategies to meet manufacturers' workforce needs and help them stay or expand in your community.

Re-shoring Manufacturing Firms
Tuesday, October 2
10:30 am - 12:00 pm
The weak dollar, rising wages in China, and higher transportation costs are just three factors driving manufacturers to move operations back to the United States. Using their existing assets, many communities can find new opportunities and strategies to strengthen their local manufacturers and attract expanding ones. This session will explore policies, skills, and approaches that economic developers can cultivate to create supportive environments for manufacturing success.

Invigorating Manufacturing in Your Community: Partnerships and Business Retention and Expansion Strategies for Success
Tuesday, October 2
2:15 pm - 3:45 pm
Competing in today's global economy requires that communities develop a new way of thinking about how to retain and expand local manufacturers' operations. Building strong relationships are more important than ever, and can mean the difference between a dying factory and an emerging one. This session will demonstrate how to develop new partnerships to ensure workers are trained and recruited and that suppliers are engaged and brought closer for just-in-time turnaround.

Promoting Infrastructure and Logistics for a Globally Competitive Manufacturing Sector
Tuesday, October 2
4:00 pm - 5:30 pm
Access to multiple modes of transportation is becoming increasingly important in the growth and expansion of existing manufacturing sites as well as the selection of new sites. Locations which offer movement of goods via rail, water, air, and highway are more competitive for selection of new manufacturing facilities and retention and expansion of existing companies. This session will address why and how the access to various modes of transportation fosters business attraction and expansion for a nationally and internationally competitive manufacturing industry.

OUR EXPERT MANUFACTURING SPEAKERS INCLUDE:

Susan Christopherson, PhD
J. Thomas Clark Professor
City & Regional Planning
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY

Harry Moser
President & Founder
Reshoring Initiative
Kildeer, Il

Debra Lyons
Vice President
Community and Economic Development
Workforce Development Division
ACT, Inc.
Atlanta, GA

Brock Dickinson
Partner
Millier Dickinson Blais
Toronto, ON, Canada

John Kaliski
Principal
Cambridge Systematics, Inc.
Cambridge, MA

Rosario Palmieri
Vice President for Infrastructure
Legal and Regulatory Policy
National Association of Manufacturers
Washington, DC

Mark Sweeney
Senior Principal
McCallum Sweeney Consulting, Inc.
Greenville, SC

GET MORE RECOGNITION FOR YOUR COMMUNITY DURING OUR ANNUAL CONFERENCE -- DONATE TO IEDC'S SILENT AUCTION NOW!

Sunday, September 30 to Monday, October 1, at the IEDC Annual Conference, in Houston.

Donors to the Silent Auction at IEDC's 2012 Annual Conference will receive unique exposure and attention for their communities, while supporting an important economic development scholarship program. Last year's auction showcased the special economic advantages and individual appeal of numerous communities. Please join them in 2012.

This Silent Auction supports the Diane Lupke Scholarship Fund , which helps economic developers working in distressed communities continue their professional education. IEDC needs your support for this important educational program. Your contribution is a great way to help a deserving person take advantage of IEDC's professional development program. Donation forms must be received by Friday, September 7. Auction items must arrive at the IEDC office not later than Friday, September 14.

For more information regarding the IEDC Silent Auction, please contact Tegan Lehman at (202) 223-7800 or [email protected].

http://www.iedconline.org/AnnualConference/Silent_Auction.html