Co-hosted by the Defense Alliance of North Carolina (DANC) and North Carolina State Industry Expansion Solutions (NCSU IES).

An informative forum about new opportunities and challenges in the North Carolina textile industry with an emphasis on new approaches to workforce solutions, Department of Defense (DoD) opportunities in advanced textiles manufacturing, and North Carolina resources for manufacturers.

A tour of Catawba Valley Community College Workforce Solutions Complex will follow the presentations.

Presentations by:

• Dr. Garrett D. Hinshaw, president of Catawba Valley Community College will welcome the attendees.

• Tammy Everett, executive director, Defense Alliance of North Carolina (DANC)will provide opening remarks.

• Michael Mullins, director, North Carolina Defense Industry Initiatives at NC State University Industry Expansion Solutions (IES) will share information about the Department of Defense (DoD) North Carolina Defense Manufacturing Community Support Program (NC DMCSP).

• Denny Lewis, Business Development Manager, Defense Industry, Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC) will present an overview of “Frontline of the Future”.

• Leressa Suber, Evaluation and Talent Development Specialist and Doctoral Student, NC State Industry Expansion Solutions (IES) will share her in-depth report, “‘Reshoring’ A Talent Ecosystem in North Carolina’s Textile Industry: Establishing a Model for Workforce Development” (Pre Recorded presentation)

•  John Oswald, CEO, Mills Manufacturing Corp., will discuss opportunities to utilize Immigrants in Support of North Carolina’s textile industry.

• Nathan Huret, co-founder and chief of Veteran Engagement, Hickory for Vets will provide valuable workforce solutions in the veterans transition programs

• Jeff Neuville, director of Manufacturing Solutions Center, will introduce the technology and capabilities of the new Manufacturing Solutions Center.

No cost to attend.  Plan to arrive early for parking, building access, coffee, pastries and networking with manufacturing peers!  Program begins promptly at 8:30AM.