The Lawrence Mercer Manufacturers Coalition (LMMC) will host its inaugural semi-annual membership and community meeting on April 29, bringing together manufacturers, educators and community leaders from across the region to align around workforce development priorities.
There is no cost to attend.
The event will spotlight strategies aimed at addressing the persistent workforce challenges facing local industry, including raising awareness of manufacturing careers among students and jobseekers and connecting companies with regional resources.
Attendees will hear from Brian Benyo, founder of Brilex Industries and the Mahoning Valley Manufacturers Coalition (MVMC), whose more than 100 members have leveraged over $25 million in support for employer-driven workforce initiatives. Benyo’s visit underscores the strong partnership between the Ohio-based MVMC and the newer, Pennsylvania-based LMMC.
LMMC Board President Anna Barensfeld, vice president of strategic initiatives at ELLWOOD, will also speak at the meeting. She plans to outline the coalition’s efforts to build a multi-pronged outreach campaign that elevates the appeal of modern manufacturing careers and unifies local employers.
Another featured speaker will be Dave Douglass, operations manager at Hall Industries, who will preview LMMC’s upcoming entry-level “boot camp” designed to deliver both technical instruction and essential workplace skills for new job seekers.
LMMC encourages all local manufacturers to attend and contribute ideas to strengthen the second-largest employment sector in the region. To RSVP or learn more, visit LMMC’s Inaugural Membership & Community Meeting Tickets, Tue, Apr 29, 2025 at 7:45 AM | Eventbrite.
