The Chamber’s Manufacturer’s Council provides key resources to our manufacturing members that help increase productivity, profit and address workforce needs. Council Chairman Rich Dupont, of Resource Development Associates, has an extensive background in supporting manufacturers’ needs and making connections that help area manufacturers succeed. The Council holds quarterly, luncheon meetings at the Chamber’s offices.
Resources available through the Council - Programs to both help hire new workers and on-the-job training - Numerous options for training incumbent workers - The latest grants available for manufacturers - Information sharing and collaboration with other manufacturers - Access to the Council’s partnership with the Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology (CCAT), which maintains an office within the Chamber’s suite. CCAT helps private and public entities to apply innovative tools and practices to increase efficiencies, improve workforce development and boost competitiveness.
The Council partners each year with the Smaller Manufacturers Association of Connecticut on the Manufacturing Today, newspaper supplement, which is delivered to more than 54,000 readers in the fall. The publication serves as an educational and public awareness resource, while giving members and advertisers a platform to showcase their businesses. It features stories on career opportunities in manufacturing, advancements in production technology and products produced by Chamber members. Additional copies are delivered to area schools for distribution to students.
The Council also holds an annual STEM/Advanced Manufacturing and Technology Expo. The event is designed to address one of our manufacturing member’s top concerns – lack of people entering the field. Attended by more than 1,000 local students, the Expo allows members to directly engage with tomorrow’s workforce and help students learn about careers in 21st century manufacturing.
