Co-create a winning plan with businesses, non-profits,
career seekers and other Vermont partners

Join VMEC and Generator for their 2026 Advanced Manufacturing Day (AMD), a unique opportunity to celebrate manufacturing and its important impact on the VT economy. Co-hosted and now in its third year, the focus of this afternoon event will be learning from VT-based programs that are currently utilizing their skills and connections in closing workforce gaps. Attend what will no doubt be a very informative event to share your challenges, explore and “workshop” solutions to hear what others have accomplished so you can prepare and move forward with your own success story; connect, collaborate and plan so you may build a stronger manufacturing workforce! 

Agenda 

1:30 pm – Registration and Networking

2:00 pm – Panel – Winning Conditions & Working Models – Hear from program leaders and supporters across manufacturing, non-profits organizations, state agencies, and schools as to what’s working for them and the conditions that make workforce programs successful. 

Moderated by Veronica Newton, Senior Director, Programs & Partnerships at Generator Makerspace, the panel includes:  

• Devon McGarry, Campus Recruiter/ Talent Marketing Specialist, Husky Technologies™
• Joseph Chase, Executive Director, FIRST in Vermont
• Paul Dana, Subtractive Engineer, The Manufacturing Collaborative. Paul is also an alumnus of VTSU and Vermont Career Technical Education (CTE) / RVTC as well as a seasonal technical leader at the American Precision Museum. 
• Sarah Knight, Senior Program Administrator for Apprenticeship, Workforce Development Division, Vermont Department of Labor
• Adam Locklin, District Director, Vermont, Office of Field Operations, U.S. Small Business Administration
• Michelle LaFrancis, Work Based Learning Coordinator, Spaulding High School

3:00 pm – Resource Matchmaking – Building connections for meaningful, actionable next steps.  Confirmed topics/ tables include: 

• SBA loan programs – led by members of the U.S. Small Business Administration Vermont District Office. SBA is the fastest way to obtain funding for manufacturing or food-processing expansion. Whether a facility, plant or long-life equipment for mixed-use or a revolving line of credit that funds raw materials through receivables, SBA can map out a program which fits your needs. You will walk away with a clear path forward knowing how much you can borrow, how the process works, and who to talk to next.  Our fee waivers are in effect.
• Bringing the Manufacturing Voice to Montpelier – connect with Jeremy Little, Policy and Outreach Associate, Vermont Chamber of Commerce. As the state’s largest business advocacy organization, the VCC represents businesses of all sizes and sectors across the Green Mtn. State. From manufacturers and technology innovators to small businesses and community employers, the Chamber unites the voices that power Vermont’s economy. Join Jeremy to learn about the government affairs work he and his colleagues perform on behalf of the manufacturing community and the opportunities you have to get involved at the state level, both in direct advocacy, or in sharing manufacturing stories with Legislators, Administration Officials, and the Vermont Chamber team.
• Advanced Manufacturing, Automation and Artificial Intelligence in Manufacturing – join VMEC’s Chris Coulter to discuss your challenges or applications. Discover how AI is being implemented in various aspects of manufacturing companies. Learn if automation is right for you and schedule an assessment. Inquire about the capabilities of Vermont’s own Advanced Manufacturing Center and how they can assist with services, technical training and implementation. A member of The Manufacturing Collaborative will join Chris during this resource topic.
• Multi-Company Programs – hear from the VT. Dept. of Labor and VMEC to see how they can assist in areas such as maintenance, sewist connections and regional working groups.
• Mentoring – meet up with Carla Wuthrich, VMEC’s Director of Field Operations, to hear how the state’s solely-focused manufacturing resource can assist you with your industry mentoring skills and apprenticeship programs.
• School/ Student Connections – TBD

4:00 pm – Making It Together – People’s Choice Awards  

4:30 pm – Networking – Cash/ credit bar tended by Zero Gravity and light hors d’oeuvres from Sugar Snap Catering will be available 

5:30 pm – Event concludes

Register early to influence the Resource Matchmaking table topics and participate in the People’s Choice Awards; check back on this event page and our social media platforms for updated information as well as our confirmed panelists. 

Please contact Carla Wuthrich if you wish further information regarding this event.