Delaware Valley Industrial Resource Center

Information runs your business, enables you to make decisions, and to find solutions to problems, even make major improvements -basically influences everything you do. Bringing you valuable information through networking and other organizations is one of the most important things we can do. Whether you've facing a difficulty within your business that your peers might have experienced and solved, or you need more information about real estate in an area where you want to expand, we try to connect you to the right resources. While we sponsor several Executive Networking Groups, we also work very closely with all the local, state and even federal organizations that support manufacturing. Your DVIRC representative can help you navigate through the many, many groups and organizations in our metropolitan area - and elsewhere - that may be of assistance to you.

For additional organizations that support manufacturing in specific areas such as workforce development and government affairs, see our Links Section.

Executive Networking Groups

The DVIRC hosts a series of networking groups that provide an important resource for top executives. Members can share sensitive and confidential information with peers in a closed environment, yet have access to ideas and experience beyond their own. In addition to the 'lonely at the top' issues, members choose topics for discussion, led by a professional facilitator who organizes the meetings and helps lead the sessions. The role of the DVIRC is to listen and bring members the information they ask for, whether in the form of guest speakers, industry experts or even access to legislators. Membership to these organizations includes many special and complimentary benefits.

The CEO Forum consists of several groups of top-level, non-competing executives who meet approximately 2-4 hours about 8 times per year. Groups are organized geographically for convenience. They are designed for manufacturers with a minimum of 10 employees and sales of less than $15 million dollars. The size of the group is limited to approximately 15 individuals so everyone participates and benefits.

The Council also consists of top executives from noncompeting companies from Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties. It is designed for companies or divisions with 100 employees or more and sales in excess of $10 million dollars.

Those responsible for Human Resources in the manufacturing industry face a multitude of issues unique to their profession. And because of the size of many manufacturers in our region, they also can wear many hats within the organization. Not only is it difficult for them to stay up to date on all the laws, trends and issues, they also find themselves in a situation with no one to talk to about sensitive and confidential issues inherent to the job. The DVIRC has formed a special forum just for people in this situation. Members determine the topics and share in the experiences of others, as well as have access to the latest HR and compliance information. The forum is hosted by David Riccio, the DVIRC's Senior HR Advisor. He helps lead discussions, and provides information regarding the latest in employee laws, insurance issues, workforce development and professional advice on other topics determined by the members.

Plans are underway to develop a Marketing Roundtable for manufacturing executives with marketing responsibilities. If you're interested, contact your local DVIRC representative.