Contact: Kathy Epping, 608-333-4406
For interviews, contact Jodie Johnson at 608-358-6289
Grass roots event to Leverage Wisconsin’s #1 position in manufacturing
(APPLETON, WI) – September 18, 2012 – First Business Bank – Northeast announces the second annual Manufacturing First Expo & Conference designed to provide premier networking opportunities for Wisconsin manufacturers. The event is scheduled for September 26, 2012 from 7:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. at the KI Convention Center in Green Bay.
“Manufacturing is a key driver of Wisconsin’s economy, especially in Northeast Wisconsin,” says Mickey Noone, President of First Business Bank – Northeast.
Wisconsin is the number one state in percentage of employment in manufacturing nationally. About one out of four Wisconsin residents is employed by a manufacturer. In Northeast Wisconsin, that figure is even higher, so it’s no surprise that last year’s event drew more than 400 participants.
“Manufacturing First is an event for manufacturers that is actually put on by manufacturers. The goal is to provide a forum for making connections. It’s a hands-on event that allows participants to grow their businesses through contacts with other manufacturers as well as sharing knowledge and educational experiences about all aspects of manufacturing. The idea is this event will leverage Wisconsin’s number one position and provide a platform for collaboration, driving toward even greater success for Wisconsin manufacturers,” says Noone.
The strategy is supported by an admission fee of $75, so all key personnel at manufacturing facilities can attend. Attendees will also receive a roster of all attendees so they can make one-on-one contacts on their own, as well.
The program allows manufacturers to interact through booth talks, exhibits, and breakout sessions. The expo will showcase competitive strategies in a global society, address capturing and retaining skilled talent and best practices in innovation. Speakers include:
* Jim Morgan, Vice President of WMC
* Tim Sullivan, Former President & CEO of Bucyrus International
* Ron Kadlubowski, Director of Machining Technology at Karl Schmidt Unisia
* Kristi Jankowski, Senior VP Innovation at Sargento
* Paul Rauscher, President of EMT International
* Roxanne Baumann, Director of Partnerships & Alliances at WMEP
* Steve Meyer, Technology Education Educator at Brillion High School
* Brad Schneider, Export Development Director at WEDC
* Erich Pfeifer, President and CEO of Marine Travelift
* Mike Buseman, Executive Vice President of Global Operations at Plexus
* Trisha Dickinson Lemery, President & CEO at Winsert, Inc.
* Kim Bassett-Heitzmann, President & CEO of Bassett Mechanical
* Mark Lasky, CEO of Sadoff and Rudoy Industries
* John Davis, CEO of Great Northern Corp.
“Manufacturing is a vital component to Wisconsin’s economy,” says Noone. “We think this will again be a productive program for Wisconsin manufacturers of all types and a notable program for the state of Wisconsin.”
Manufacturing First Expo is presented by First Business Bank – Northeast, in partnership with Insight Publications and NEW Manufacturing Alliance. Sponsors include: Baker Tilly, Faith Technologies, M3 Insurance, WMEP, The City of Green Bay, Sadoff & Rudoy Industries, WEBOUTS, WEDC, C&G Consulting, New North, Boldt, and KMC.
Members of the media are invited to attend Manufacturing First at no cost. Simply ask for Jodie Johnson at the event registration booth the day of the event.
ABOUT FIRST BUSINESS BANK – NORTHEAST
First Business Bank – Northeast is headquartered at 3913 W. Prospect Avenue in Appleton. In addition to offering commercial loan products, First Business Bank – Northeast offers a full line of deposit, investment, and equipment finance products through its affiliates First Business Bank – Madison and First Business Trust & Investments. Among these products are: remote deposit, treasury management, Internet banking, retirement plans, investment management services, trust services, asset-based lending, and equipment finance and leasing. For additional information, visit http://www.firstbusiness.com or call 920-734-1800.
