Chesapeake Kicks Off National Manufacturing Day with a Scholarship Challenge and Month-Long Events Throughout the City

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For more information:
Steven Wright/Von Gilbreath
Chesapeake Dept. of Economic Development
757-382-8040 (phone)

Chesapeake Kicks Off National Manufacturing Day with a Scholarship Challenge and Month-Long Events Throughout the City

Chesapeake, VA – In celebration of National Manufacturing Day on Oct. 3, 2014, the City of Chesapeake, Department of Economic Development and its industry partners will host a series of month-long events to include a Scholarship Challenge, Plant Tours, Military2Manufacturing Roundtable Discussion and a Proclamation reading.

Now in its third year, National Manufacturing Day addresses common misperceptions about manufacturing by giving manufacturers an opportunity to open their doors and show, in a coordinated effort, what manufacturing is — and what it isn’t. “This is the first time Chesapeake will celebrate National Manufacturing Day but it won’t be the last,” said Steven Wright, Director, Chesapeake Economic Development. “Chesapeake’s 40 plus manufacturers have generated over $306 million in new business investment and 1,100 new jobs in the last 10 years. We intend to leverage all of our resources to grow this important industry sector.”

In August, the City’s Economic Development Department partnered with Tidewater Community College (TCC) to host an Advanced Manufacturing Workforce Summit to address 21st century workplace readiness skills. Nearly 30 Chesapeake manufacturing representatives participated in this discussion with TCC educational staff and City leaders.

Four key initiatives were identified at the Summit: 1) Public’s Image of Manufacturing, 2) Aligning Manufacturing Training Needs with Educational Partners, 3) Attracting the Military/Veteran Workforce, and 4) Attracting the Emerging/Youth Workforce.

Mitsubishi Plastics Composites America Donates $1,000 to Manufacturing Scholarship Challenge

401 Volvo Parkway, Chesapeake, VA

23320Wednesday, October 1, 2014 – 3:00 p.m.

On the workforce front, Mitsubishi Plastics Composites America kicks off a Scholarship Challenge with a $1,000 donation and an invitation to other Chesapeake manufacturers to join them on the quest to provide educational assistance to individuals pursuing manufacturing careers. Participating companies will serve on a Scholarship Committee which will decide upon applicant criteria, deadlines, educational partners, recipients, etc.

Economic Development Advisory Committee (EDAC) Meeting and Plant Tour

Sumitomo Drive Technologies, 4200 Holland Blvd, Chesapeake 23323

Friday, October 10th – 8:00 a.m. to 9:15 a.m.

Business leaders and City officials will have an opportunity to learn firsthand why manufacturing is important to Chesapeake and the nation’s economy. Sumitomo Drive Technologies will provide insight on the company’s three-year journey to transition their 250,000 sq. ft. facility from assembly/distribution to assembly/manufacturing operation. Remarks will be given by Sumitomo’s leadership and Steven Wright, Director of Chesapeake Economic Development Department. Plant Tours will be given immediately following morning program.

City Council Meeting – National Manufacturing Month Proclamation

Chesapeake City Hall, 306 Cedar Road, Chesapeake 23322

Tuesday, October 14th – 6:30 to 7:00 p.m.

The Chesapeake City Council will formally proclaim the month of October 2014 as “National Manufacturing Month” in Chesapeake. Chesapeake manufacturers will be present to accept the Proclamation and give remarks.

Flow Serve Hosts Military2Manufacturing Roundtable Luncheon and Plant Tour

3900 Cook Blvd, Chesapeake 23323

Friday, October 24, 2014 – 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Chesapeake manufacturers will have an opportunity to hear from Tidewater Community College’s Center for Military and Veterans Education and other Hampton Roads military partners on ways to attract exiting/transitioning military and military spouses to manufacturing careers. A Plant Tour of Flow Serve will be given after the discussion.

Dedication Ceremony – Tidewater Community College’s Precision Machining Lab

1428 Cedar Road, Chesapeake, VA 23322 – Marian P. Whitehurst Building

Friday, October 31, 2014 – 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.

Tidewater Community College’s Precision Machining Lab, located on the Chesapeake Campus, prepares students for work in advanced manufacturing on “smart” machines. The lab includes computer numerical control mills and lathes along with numerous manual machine tools.

Manufacturing (MFG) Day 2014 event co-producers are as follows: National Association of Manufacturers, Manufacturing Institute, Manufacturing Extension Partnership, and Fabricators & Manufacturers Association International. The Chesapeake Economic Development Department is registered as an Endorser of MFG Day 2014.

For more information about National Manufacturing Day, visit www.mfgday.com. To learn more about local manufacturing events in Chesapeake, please call 757-382-8040 or email research@chesapeakeva.biz.