[October 18, 2016]

DVIRC 2016 Greater Philadelphia Manufacturing Summit: Making SMART Connections

The DVIRC annually convenes an eclectic event to meet the needs of the vibrant community of small and mid-sized manufacturers (SMMs) within the five counties of southeastern Pennsylvania (Montgomery, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, and Philadelphia) - making vital connections. There are approximately 4,500 manufacturers representing very diverse industry sectors - the largest include food, industrial chemicals, fabrication, machinery, pharmaceutical, bio, & medical device, and electronics and computer components. Last year, there were over 400 attendees representing regional manufacturing, economic development, community and academia leaders and students. This year, we anticipate more than 400 attendees, and a full agenda addressing key topics, beginning with Jim Carroll, futurist and trend expert, and Adele Ratcliff, a senior Department of Defense manufacturing and innovation leader. Ms. Ratcliff also led DoD's National Network of Manufacturing Institutes; panelists are made up of regional manufacturing leaders. Student participation is equally important as the future source for innovation and skills required to compete nationally and globally, as well as numerous manufacturing exhibits and displays. This year, schools include Drexel University, University of Pennsylvania, Rowan University, as well as MaST Community Charter School, and Philadelphia Technician Training Institute (PTTI). Key topics this year include advanced manufacturing technologies and the workforce - talent needed to leverage advanced technologies represented by industry 4.0. This event is a growing and vitally important event. It is convening a diverse community essential to economic growth and innovation - 318 million Americans cannot compete one-on-one with the growing educated population of developing economies. Small and mid-sized U.S. manufacturers are essential to the supply chain representing innovation and a vertical supply to the advanced technology needs of OEMs.

About DVIRC:

DVIRC is a private, not-for-profit corporation with a public purpose - to support the profitable growth of small and mid-sized U.S. manufacturers. Our staff of experts applies substantial industry expertise to help you develop and implement successful business solutions. We support manufacturers through three practice areas: Consulting Services, Executive Network Groups, and Training and Education. DVIRC is one of seven (7) Industrial Resource Centers in Pennsylvania under Pennsylvania's Department of Community and Economic Development, and one of fifty-nine (59) affiliates of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) / Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) under the U.S. Department of Commerce.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161018006470/en/

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