October is Manufacturing Month, a great time to recognize and promote the industry and the local businesses that are critical to Venango County’s economy. There is often a focus on what manufacturing used to be, but our members remind us that there continue to be great careers and many advancements that promise a strong future for manufacturing here and throughout Pennsylvania.

The NWIRC reminds us that while Manufacturing Day officially occurs on the first Friday in October, celebrating manufacturing can occur any day, during any month. Bobbie Jones, Human Resources Manager, shares that Webco will celebrate with a week of activities for their employees and daily giveaways.

We reached out to several local manufacturers to hear about some of the challenges and successes they are currently experiencing. Tina Lake remarks that Lake Tool continues to have difficulties finding quality, skilled employees but also shares that some of the new talent they have attracted is very encouraging. Kelly Lander, President of Pioneer Energy Products (PEPRO) says that supply chain issues are improving, but still pose a challenge.

Kelly is joined by Jason Woolcock, Vice President of Witherup Fabrication & Erection, in recognizing that there is a good amount of work available for them. Jason shares that their field crews are working full schedules and expect to well into the future. PEPRO has benefited from the funding that has been available to their customers through the infrastructure bill.

In January, Pennsylvania’s Manufacturing Advisory Council started an initiative to develop the PA Manufacturing Competitiveness Playbook for the next Governor, his cabinet, and the General Assembly to use for establishing new policy and legislation. The recently released Playbook is the product of focus groups, one-on-one interviews, and surveys with over 500 manufacturers.

The Chamber has been excited by the collaboration between local schools and businesses in sharing career opportunities that exist now and in the future. Many local businesses welcome students through the Venango Technology Center’s Co-Op program.

Manufacturers who are interested in learning more about how to be involved in career-related education, tours or presentations can contact the Chamber’s Membership and Education Manager, Kat Thompson, at (814) 676-8521 or by e-mailing kthompson@venangochamber.org.

This article was published in the Venango Chamber’s October 2022 VenangoWorks! Newsletter.