News
PA Made Wins 2010 PA Economic Development Program of the Year
The Pennsylvania Economic Development Association selected the IRC Network’s PA Made – Innovative Solutions for Existing Manufacturers Challenges and Obstacles to Growth as the winner of its 2010 Program of the Year at the awards ceremony held in conjunction with their Fall 2011 Conference in State College, PA on October 4th. The competition recognizes programs that demonstrate job creation and retention, innovation and creativity, leveraging of resources, public/private partnerships, regional impact, excellence in site and building design, and sensitivity to the environment.
PA MADE is a state-wide initiative focused on expanding our state’s manufacturing base – resulting in private sector growth, more family-sustaining jobs, and a rising tax base. This campaign is supported by a network of premier Centers that serve existing manufacturers across Pennsylvania and are comprised of NEPIRC; MRC; DVIRC; MANTEC; Catalyst Connection; IMC and NWIRC. The Network of Centers in Pennsylvania succeeds through extensive collaboration of a dedicated team that has developed and been proven to deliver results for over 20 years.
Although led by individual centers, through strong collaboration, the members of this network share in knowledge, growth and resources to provide innovative solutions for manufacturers throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Each initiative of the individual centers is a component of a collaborative, strategic approach to further the Centers mission of advancing manufacturing.
Collectively in fiscal year 2009 – 2010, the PA Centers projects with their clients increased and / or retained sales in the amount of $566 million dollars; improved cost savings of $106 million dollars; and initiated investments made in the amount of $118 million dollars. Additionally, these projects created and retained 5,551 jobs. These metrics are provided through an independent survey completed with each company that works with the Centers.
Petra Mitchell on Our Region’s Business
Our Region's Business host, Bill Flanagan, talks with Dennis Meteny, CMC/Cygnus Manufacturing Company, and Petra Mitchell, Catalyst Connection, about the current state of Pennsylvania Manufacturing.
New Manufacturing Study Reports Challenges and Opportunities
A new study about the state of manufacturing in Pennsylvania reports that despite challenges in recent years, manufacturing remains the largest industry in Pennsylvania in terms of gross state product. These past and future challenges are analyzed and the team provides recommendations to maintain and grow our state’s important manufacturing sector. Key to these recommendations is support by the state through programs like the Industrial Resource Center. You can help by visiting www.pamade.org and submitting a support email to your state legislators.
Read a summary of the study’s findings.
Petra Mitchell Addressed the Washington County Manufacturers Association
A catalyst for growth Catalyst Connection CEO sees opportunities, challenges ahead for Pa.'s manufacturers
By Michael Bradwell, Business editor mbradwell@observer-reporter.com
The chief executive officer of a not-for-profit company that helps smaller manufacturers in Southwestern Pennsylvania grow their business said Thursday that Washington County has done an exemplary job of attracting manufacturers.
Petra Mitchell, CEO of Pittsburgh-based Catalyst Connection, also told members of the Washington County Manufacturers Association that declines in the state's manufacturing base are coming primarily in the petrochemical and pharmaceutical industries, which are primarily located in Southeastern Pennsylvania.
The good news, she said during a brief presentation at the George Washington, is that Western Pennsylvania's traditional strongholds in metals and machinery production have held their own, according to preliminary results of a "State of Manufacturing" study that her organization will publish next month with Cleveland State University.
"Washington County has done a really good job of attracting manufacturers," she added.
There are numerous reasons to keep a hand on the pulse of manufacturing here and throughout Pennsylvania, Mitchell said.
According to figures she provided from the study, manufacturing is the single largest sector of Pennsylvania's economy, making the largest contribution to the gross state product, at 14 percent. The sector employs more than 500,000, who earn an average annual wage of $53,000, a figure that has increased 24 percent since 2001.
"We are a manufacturing state," she said, adding that when compared to other states, Pennsylvania is more dependent on the sector than other states, where the average contribution to GSP is less than 12 percent…. read the full article here.
Kurt J Lesker Company Wins Advanced Manufacturer Award
Congratulations to the Kurt J Lesker Company that was named Advanced Manufacturer of the Year at the Tech 50 Awards hosted by the Pittsburgh Technology Council. The Tech 50 Awards represent southwestern Pennsylvania’s most successful and innovative technology companies. The awards represent transformative technology centers of excellence with companies at all stages of growth.
Catalyst Connection Wins $950,000 Innovation Cluster Grant
Catalyst Connection received a $950,000 grant from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) to help small to medium size manufacturers enhance their productivity, technological performance and global competitiveness. The funding will be used to develop a Regional Innovation Cluster (RIC) Consortium Model for Technology Acceleration that facilitates technology transfer from university and government laboratories, to regional manufacturers for product commercialization
Catalyst Connection, in partnership with University of Pittsburgh, The National Energy Technology Laboratory, Innovation Works and the Pennsylvania Nano Materials Commercialization Center, with support from Carnegie Mellon University and the Pennsylvania MEP Centers will be executing the plan. This effort is intended to leverage the Consortium’s capabilities with the MEP system to create manufacturing jobs by stimulating the growth of manufacturing companies and contributing to regional economies. The effort encompasses MEP’s strategic growth areas of technology acceleration; develops tools and methods to support technology acceleration, tests the model, and shares the model with the MEP system. Petra Mitchell, President and CEO of Catalyst Connection explained, “This funding will enable us to better link our region’s innovative manufacturers with the technology resources available to them, and fast track new technology into product commercialization and viable manufacturing jobs for this region.”
This RIC Grant is one of 22 awarded by the NIST MEP Program to enhance the global competitiveness of U.S. manufacturers. The funding will help encourage the creation and adoption of improved technologies and provide resources to develop new products that respond to changing market needs. “A vibrant manufacturing sector drives American innovation and is central to our economic growth and global competitiveness,” U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke said. “With the right investments, we can continue to create highly valued manufacturing jobs building great products and sell them around the world.”
Listen to Connie Palucka, Market Development Consultant, speak with "The International Capitalist" David Iwinski
David hosts this show weekly on American Entrepreneur Radio where he provides insights and analysis into the international business climate. http://www.fluctu8.com/podcast-episode/the-international-capitalist-david-iwinski-talks-with-connie-palucka-28118-35091.html
Listen Art Tintori, Managing Dir. of Financial Services, speak with The Empress of Biz! JoAnn Forrester
The Empress of Biz is an internet show that is part of PositivelyPittsburghLiveMagazine.com, a multi media on line community magazine with the news by, about, and for Pittsburghers. http://recordings.talkshoe.com/TC-80050/TS-388042.mp3
Manufacture America Event – September 27
Manufacture America is bringing leaders in manufacturing and government together in Pittsburgh on September 27 at the Regional Learning Alliance in Cranberry Township. View the invitation for further information.
Manufacturing News Talk on the Radio
TechVibe Radio airs on KQV 1410 AM. Petra Mitchell, Catalyst Connection President, is a frequent guest to discuss local and global topics in manufacturing. Click on the links below to listen to recordings of recent segments.
June 2010 – Rod Francis, Chief Financial Officer at MCC International
May 2010 – Kurt Lesker IV, Director of Quality at the Kurt J. Lesker Company
April 2010 – Stephanie Dileo, President of Homer City Automation
January 2010 - Looking ahead at Manufacturing after a difficult 2009
$650 Million in State Financing Available for Energy Programs
A forum was hosted by Catalyst Connection on January 7th so that manufacturers could learn about the state $650 million Alternative Energy Investment Fund. A panel of experts talked about the program and explained how companies could apply for these dollars in the following areas: high performance building projects, renewable energy projects, alternative and clean energy, solar energy programs, and early-stage energy investments.
The speakers outlined energy related financing and how to apply for both commercial and residential financing. Click the links below to see each speaker's presentation.
John Sider, Deputy Secretary for the Technology Investment Office
Scott Dunkelberger, Executive Director for the Commonwealth Financing Authority
Thomas Bell, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Energy Development Authority
If you would like to discuss the energy programs further or other funding opportunities, please call Catalyst Connection (412) 918-4300.
The Whitehouse releases a Framework for American Manufacturing
The new US Manufacturing Czar, Ron Bloom, (recently appointed by the President) just released the “US Manufacturing Framework”. The paper seems very comprehensive and addresses issues related to workforce, innovation and technology, access to capital, and tax and regulatory policy, among other things. I am encouraged by our Administration’s desire to focus on and support one of our most critical industries. All of us at Catalyst Connection are looking forward to working with our regional economic development partners to implement components of this plan and to support regional community economic development efforts that focus on manufacturing.” To learn more click here.
Miller Centrifugal Casting points to Lean Success in National Publication
Industry Week publishes Forging Change: Miller Centrifugal Casting Comeback which points to Catalyst Connection’s Lean consulting as a key support for success… more
Keystone Edge Magazine highlights real ENERGY SAVINGS for PA Manufacturers
A recent Keystone Edge Magazine article highlights real energy savings for Pennsylvania manufacturers....more
National Association of Manufacturers endorses WorkKeys Program.
The National Association of Manufacturers recently announced its endorsement of WorkKeys as a common standard of measurement for assisting the foundational skills and training needs of workers. WorkKeys is a skills certification system that “will revolutionize education and training for the 21st century manufacturing workforce," according to NAM President and CEO John Engler.
Catalyst Connection has more than 25 years combined expertise with the WorkKeys program. As an authorized reseller of the WorkKeys program, Catalysts’ Talent Management staff, trained in industrial and organizational psychology, can help companies develop assessments customized to specific organizational or job requirements.
Manufacturing remains one of PA’s most significant industries
Governor Edward G. Rendell announced that a first-of-its-kind report shows the
manufacturing sector is a huge economic driver in PA, currently employing more
than 625,000 and generating more than 15% of the gross state product...more