June 22, 2021

As an economic development organization focused exclusively on the manufacturing sector, DVIRC received an award from the Department of Defense’s (DoD) Office of Economic Adjustment (OEA) to help strengthen the capabilities and competitiveness of the region’s small and mid-sized manufacturers (SMMs) critical to the economy* and our national security. Through the DOD OEA project—known as the Manufacturing USA Access Project, or MAP— DVIRC is helping SMMs learn about and invest in Industry 4.0, (also known as Advanced Manufacturing Technologies, or AMTs), to improve their operations, and their workforce by establishing a Manufacturing Advisory Council.

DVIRC has convened a diverse group of leaders to determine how best to support regional small and mid-sized manufacturers (SMMs) and catalyze a “manufacturing renaissance” based in the Delaware Valley.

Although the Advisory Council was formed to support the education and integration of new technologies – robotics, automation, digital analytics, cybersecurity, etc., – the members determined the most pressing issue to address are the current and future workforce challenges. As a result, the Council will:

  • address the current workforce gap and determine how to help the manufacturing ecosystem find and attract talent at all levels,
  • build a future talent pipeline by educating and encouraging middle-school and high-school students to pursue careers in manufacturing,
  • undertake a sustained public relations campaign to generate awareness among parents and students of careers in manufacturing.

In addition to supporting the workforce issues, the Advisory Council will share best practices using new technologies through plant tours, presentations, videos, conference panels, webinars, and networking events, and will provide input into consideration of a physical manufacturing hub to support the entire ecosystem.

“As an economic development organization committed to the growth of manufacturers in the region, DVIRC is committed to helping them become as competitive as possible, and to accelerate the rate at which they invest in Industry 4.0 and in the continuous improvement of their workers and their businesses,” said Barry Miller, DVIRC’s President and CEO.

AMT Advisory Council Members

Business Community Members

Michael Araten, President & CEO, The Rodon Group

Michael Cook, Director Global Academic Partnerships, Rockwell Automation

Tony Forte, Vice President Manufacturing, Globus Medical

Al Frattarola, Director Global Engineering & Technology, Southco

Mark Goodman, Director, North American Industry Sales, Amatrol, Inc.

Michael Luber, Vice President Business Transformation & Operations, Liberty Coca-Cola

Christin (Cardone) McClave, former COO, Cardone Industries, Chief Coach/Consultant, Orange Star Ventures 

Marco Musto, Account Manager – OEM Business, Rockwell Automation

Brian Shaffer, Director of Operations, Harold Beck & Sons

David Taylor, CEO, Tavo Packaging

Jim Williams, President, All Points Additive

Luke Wuthrich, Executive Vice President Operations, United Safety

Mike Giantomaso, Vice President, HR, Philly Shipyard

Workforce Development Members

Jennifer Butler, Executive Director, Montgomery County Workforce Development Board

Dan Fogarty, Executive Director, Berks County Workforce Development Board

Manufacturing USA Institute Members

Jennifer Pilat, Vice President, Strategy & Engagement, MxD (Manufacturing & Digital)

John Balchunas, Workforce Director, The National Institute for Innovation in Manufacturing Biopharmaceuticals (NIIMBL)

Berardino Barratta, Vice President Projects and Engineering, MxD

Lisa Masciantonio, Chief Workforce Officer, ARM (Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing)

Linda Wood Senior Certification Manager, ARM

STEM Education Development Liaison Members

Nancy Peter, Director, McKinney Center for STEM Education, Philadelphia Education Fund

Britney Davis, STEM Project Manager, McKinney Center for STEM Education

Phil Brooks, Director of STEM Workforce Partnerships, University City Science Center

Community College Member

Kyle Longacre, Dean Workforce and Economic Development, Montgomery County Community College

Other Corporate Partners

William (Bill) DeVito, SVP / State Director, Public Affairs, Citizen’s Bank

Becki Lynch, Director of U.S. Community Partnerships, GSK

Kimberly Palladino, Collective Backbone Manager, U.S. Community Partnerships, GSK

Government Partners

Gianna Grossman, Director of Workforce Partnerships, City of Philadelphia

Dr. E. Michael Golda, CTO, Department of Defense Naval Surface Warfare Center, Philadelphia Division

Mary Ann Pacelli, Division Chief for Network Learning and Strategic Competitions, NIST/MEP

 

To learn more about or become involved in the Advisory Council contact Mark Basla, Chief Marketing Officer at mbasla@dvirc.org, 610-585-9969

Learn more about DVIRC’s commitment to AMT and work with the DoD. 

 

 

*11.39% share of GDP in 2020 , National Association of Manufacturers