Conference Schedule - 2024 West Virginia Manufacturing Conference

Join us at West Virginia’s largest conference for small manufacturers!

Join us at West Virginia’s largest conference for small manufacturers! WVU Industrial Extension’s 2024 West Virginia Manufacturing Conference will be held on September 24 & 25 at the Bridgeport Conference Center. The event kicks off on September 24th with an exciting opening reception, setting the stage for an unforgettable experience.

This fun and inspiring conference on September 25th promises a full day of insightful speakers and engaging hands-on activities, all designed to creatively educate small manufacturers across the state. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to connect with industry leaders, gain valuable insights, and explore innovative solutions tailored for small manufacturers.

The conference will provide a platform for meaningful networking, collaboration, and learning, ensuring that you leave inspired with actionable strategies to drive your business forward.

2024 West virginia manufacturing conference agenda

Tuesday, September 24th

4:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Welcome Reception

Sponsored by: ProTect-All Solutions
Join us for the 2024 Manufacturing Conference Opening Reception on September 24th from 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Relax and connect with industry peers while indulging in delectable hors d’oeuvres and spirits. This event provides a one-of-a-kind opportunity to cultivate meaningful connections and enjoy exceptional libations. Save the date and RSVP now to reserve your place!

Special Attractions: A Taste of West Virginia

Blenko Glass presents: Live Glass Blowing Demonstrations

Smooth Ambler & Holl’s Chocolates presents: Whiskey & Chocolate Tasting

Dinner: On Your Own

Wednesday, September 25th

8 a.m. – 9 a.m. Registration & Breakfast

We invite you to join us for a light breakfast and networking before our opening session commences at 9 a.m. If you miss the Opening Reception the night before, don’t worry—you can also collect your nametag during this time. We look forward to seeing you there! 

9:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. Surviving & Thriving Workforce Challenges with Strategy & Resilience 

Staci Miller, Director 
WVU Industrial Extension

9:30 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. Fostering Culture Through Traditional Training Methods

Moderator: Jamie Cope, Manager, Business Development
WVU Industrial Extension

Health & Safety
Shayna Boyles, Health, Safety and Environmental Specialist
WVU Industrial Extension

Continuous Improvement
Randy Kowalczyk, Continuous Improvement Manager
WVU Industrial Extension

Management Systems
James Jones, Process Improvement Manager
WVU Industrial Extension

10:15 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Networking Break

10:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Best Practices: Transformational Clients

Moderator: Jamie Cope, Manager, Business Development
WVU Industrial Extension

Jason Mattern, Quality & Regulatory Manager
SAL Chemical

John A. Frazer, Ph.D., CSP, Industrial Hygiene & Occupational Safety-Health Manager 
WVU Industrial Extension

Randy Kowalczyk, Continuous Improvement Manager
WVU Industrial Extension

Josh Bentley, Operations Manager
Star Plastics

Travis Mattox, Production Manager

Star Plastics

11:00 a.m. –11:45 a.m. Lose Your Marbles and Find Your Mind

Joelle Moray, M.S., NCC,
Workplace Wellness

11:45 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Networking Lunch

12:30 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. Best Practices: Employee Engagement

Moderator: Staci Miller, Director
WVU Industrial Extension

Melissa Martinkat, Chief Operations Officer 
STOCKMEIER Urethanes USA, Inc.

Heather Nick, Executive Director of Human Resources  
DALB Inc.

1:00 p.m. – 1:45 p.m. WV Manufacturers Supporting the US Supply Chain

Moderator: Dave Carrick, Associate VP
WVU Industrial Extension

Chris Fritz, Director, ABL Supply Chain Management
Northrop Grumman Corporation

Adam Lough, Owner
Orchard Street Solutions

Adrienne Royce, Senior Manager Supply Chain Management
Northrop Grumman Defense Systems

1:45 p.m. – 2 p.m. Break and Transition to Breakout Sessions

2 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. Breakout Sessions: Practical Applications

Breakout Session 1: Strategic Planning for Manufacturing
James Jones, Process Improvement Manager
WVU Industrial Extension

Creating a strategic plan doesn’t need to be lengthy or exhaustive. A focused and practical plan can be the key to your success. James will offer attendees fresh insights and creative approaches to strategic planning, tailored for the efficiency of small organizations.

Breakout Session 2: Strategies to Manage Industrial Health 
John A. Frazer, Ph.D., CSP, Industrial Hygiene & Occupational Safety-Health Manager
WVU Industrial Extension

The occupational health of your workforce is just as important as their safety. Health-related issues resulting from industrial exposures can be difficult to detect and hard to understand. John will share regulatory insight and definitions, provide guidance on best practices, and demonstrate the functionality of equipment used to assess industrial exposures.

Breakout Session 3: Tackling Challenges to Get Results 
Randy Kowalczyk, Continuous Improvement Manager
WVU Industrial Extension

Accurately identifying a problem greatly increases the likelihood of finding a solution. Time spent repeatedly addressing the same issues could be better spent on more strategic matters. Randy will discuss the benefits of thoroughly understanding the problem at hand, enabling you to implement effective and sustainable solutions.

2:45 p.m. – Transition Back to Main Meeting Room

3:00 p.m. -3:30 p.m. BLOWN AWAY by Innovation: Blenko Glass

Moderator: Jamie Cope, Manager, Business Development
WVU Industrial Extension

Bryson Cutler, Vice President of Manufacturing
The Blenko Glass Company

Dave Wertz, Vice President of Manufacturing
The Blenko Glass Company

3:30 p.m.- 3:45 p.m. Conference Wrap-Up

Staci Miller, Director
WVU Industrial Extension