A key ingredient in the success of manufacturing is collaborative partnerships and innovative educational programs to build a skilled workforce that meets the needs of the industry’s future.  One such partnership is the 4T Academy, a workstudy program at Ben Franklin Career Center and Toyota. Join representatives from the program and Toyota as they explain the program, the benefits, and how you can replicate the program at your company.

• Alicia Cunningham, Encova Insurance, Moderator
• Deana Marcum, Toyota West Virginia 
• Erin Petry, Ben Franklin Career Center
• Summer Bolen, 4T Academy
• Josie Godbey, 4T Academy

Most manufacturing companies across the United States struggle with workforce issues. Incorporating a more diverse workforce, including those who have previously faced barriers such as incarceration, addiction, or other challenges, may be the key to unlocking your workforce needs.

Join experts from Workforce WV and the Jobs & Hope program as they share information about the opportunities for companies who participate in such second chance programs.  You will also hear from a member company who is already seeing the benefits of taking a “second chance”!

• Marvin Woodie, Conn-Weld Industries, Moderator
• Michael Crown, Workforce WV
• Deb Harris, Jobs & Hope WV
• Jason Wilburn, Paul Wissmach Glass Co.

We know West Virginia is full of possibilities! How do we continue to tell our story? The West Virginia Development Office has some of the best advocates in the business.  We’ll hear from their representatives from around the state as they share their experiences and successes, and opportunities and challenges in attracting manufacturing investment to the Mountain State.

• Maribeth Anderson, Antero Resources, Moderator
• Glenn Jeffries, WV Senate
• Michael Graney, WV Department of Economic Development
• Joshua Jefferson, RED
• Jim Linsenmeyer, WV Department of Economic Development (Eastern Panhandle)

Employers face ongoing challenges in managing Employee Benefit programs.  Geoff Christian, of Assured Partners, will the delve into the current trends in employee benefits and discuss the impact of skyrocketing health care costs, while offering insights into new cost containment solutions and strategies.  He will also discuss emerging trends and how employers are adapting to continue to offer options for high quality benefits for their employees.

• Geoff Christian, Assured Partners WV 

As any increase in the cost of doing business can destabilize a company’s profitability, viability, and its ability to invest in the future, rising electricity costs combined with transmission concerns and an increased regional demand have made energy a key issue for both future and existing manufacturers. This panel will discuss the electric power pricing issues that exist now as well as future challenges for West Virginia employers navigating costs attendant to retaining and growing their businesses in the state.

• Derrick Williamson, WVEUG & Spilman Law, Moderator
• Charlotte Lane, WV Public Service Commission
• Larry Stalica, Messer Americas

Manufacturing companies are often the heart of small communities. In addition to providing good paying jobs, they support schools, little leagues and other community groups through various partnerships. In other words, they’re doing “cool things” in their backyards.  We’ll hear from a few and get a better understanding of what they mean to their communities.

• Rob Nunley, AVN Corp., Moderator
• Libby Reasbeck, Form Energy
• Rachel Coffman, Coffman Collaborative
• Markee Schlinder, Nucor

A benefit of WVMA membership is participating in one of our committees. We hope you are taking advantage! We’ll hear from the WVMA committee chairs about the 2024 year in review as well as what we can expect in 2025.

• Bill Bissett, WVMA President, Moderator
• Jeff Fritz, Chemours, Government Affairs Committee, Co-Chair
• Kassie Lycans, ICL Americas, Human Resources Committee, Co-Chair
• Dana Burns, Potesta & Associates, ESH Committee, Co-Chair
• Dean Cordle, AC&S, Incorporated, CIC Committee, Chair