Recap from the 2015 Manufacturers Association of Maine Annual Dinner
Recently, several employees of Baker Newman Noyes attended the 2015 Manufacturers Association of Maine Annual Dinner. The event provides an opportunity for all of the Association’s members to come together, discuss manufacturing trends in Maine, network and celebrate the industry. After a brief networking session with live music, the meeting kicked off with the welcoming of the Association’s incoming Board Chair, Derek Volk. Derek is President of Volk Packaging and has served on the Association’s board in previous years. Derek is well versed in manufacturing topics and trends as well as being a leader in the industry, as evidenced when he emceed the Manufacturing Summit.
The evening included a number of presentations showcasing manufacturing in Maine. First was the Pratt & Whitney 90th Anniversary Proclamation which was presented by Brian Doyle, the Governor’s Account Executive, on behalf of Governor Paul LePage. This 90th Anniversary Proclamation was followed by presentations by David Emmerling, Vice President at Pratt & Whitney, and Mike Papp, General Manager at Pratt & Whitney, which highlighted the history of Pratt & Whitney and their economic impact on Maine. Pratt & Whitney, who primary design, build, and repair airplane engines at their North Berwick plant, are an integral part of the economy of Southern Maine. Pratt & Whitney provides thousands of high paying manufacturing jobs right here in Maine.
Following the Pratt & Whitney presentation, the audience heard from Elliot Ginsberg, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology, Inc (CCAT). CCAT serves as a nonprofit economic development organization dedicated to strengthening competitiveness and high-tech business development in the state and region. Included in Elliot’s presentation were stories about high-tech laser application, renewable energy, and other high-tech companies that were thriving in the region.
The night concluded with comedian Al Park, winner of the Boston, Cleveland, and other comedy festivals, performing a half an hour standup comedy set followed by closing remarks from the new Chair of the Board, Derek Volk.
If you were unable to take part in this great event, the Maine Manufacturing Association holds several events each year which can be found here.