Maker-to-Manufacturing (M2M) Workshop Series–Leading an Employer of Choice Organization

Are you a startup or established small manufacturer making or commercializing new or existing products?

On July 24th, Catalyst Connection, the leading economic development organization advancing the performance of manufacturing companies in southwestern Pennsylvania, invites you to a workshop for small manufacturers on organizational culture. The workshop will be hosted at J&J Truck Bodies, located in Somerset, PA.

Catalyst Connection will present our experience and results with helping regional manufacturers improve organizational culture, morale and employee engagement through its people and leadership. The session will focus on 5 best practices for addressing employees’ needs to ensure an environment that embraces respect, recognition, trust and value.

Learn how you can qualify for participation in Catalyst Connection’s new Maker-to-Manufacturing Commercialization Center (M2M) that connects entrepreneurial makers and small businesses to a larger ecosystem of manufacturing.  M2M services and resources include:

• Mini-Grant Funding for Technical Assistance:  M2M mini-grants of $3,000 are available to provide intensive services that may include assistance with prototype development, market research, business case development, sales and distribution partners, and operational excellence advice.
• Makers-to-Manufacturers Peer Network: This group can benefit from peer provided guidance, education and training programs that include workshops and webcasts on topics including innovation and commercialization, and access to emerging Maker Spaces in the region.
• Supply Chain Buyers Network: Startup companies can engage with supply chains in various industry clusters to make connections and gain entry into new markets.

Our featured speaker will be Catalyst Connection’s Erica Frischmann, Small Manufacturing Business Advisor. Erica specializes in helping manufacturers assess their business strategies and achieve their growth goals through innovation, operational excellence and organizational development.  Erica brings a proven record of success with over twenty years of experience in Human Resources, Consulting and Customer Service.  Prior to joining Catalyst Connection, Erica was responsible for developing and executing tactical and strategic human resources initiatives to recruit and retain talent for several high growth organizations.

Catalyst Connection is a private not-for-profit organization headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. We provide consulting and training services to small manufacturers in southwestern Pennsylvania, accelerating revenue growth and improving productivity. Through active collaboration with our clients and the manufacturing community at large, we contribute to the growth, vibrancy, and ongoing robustness of manufacturing in our region.  Learn more at www.catalystconnection.org.