NEPIRC, Get Tickets: Annual Manufacturing Summit & Expo

Summertime has its perks, but it’s good to plan for autumn so you won’t miss out. Northeastern Pennsylvania’s picturesque foliage is one draw for visitors to the region in October, but a popular attraction for many is the state’s largest and most impactful summit and networking event: Manufacturing Day (MFG DAY) Best Practices Summit & Expo hosted by the Northeastern Pennsylvania Industrial Resource Center (NEPIRC).

 NEPIRC is excited to announce the theme of this year’s Manufacturing Day Best Practices Summit & Expo, Smart Manufacturing Starts Here: Your Path to AI, Robotics & Automation. Tickets, which start at $75, are available to attend this annual event that raises awareness of the region’s robust manufacturing, available career opportunities and the advanced technologies that drive industry on Friday, Oct. 3, at Mohegan Pennsylvania in Wilkes-Barre from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

 NEPIRC President/CEO Drew Mackie said, “At a time when innovation drives competitiveness, this conference is a must attend for manufacturers looking to take the first step into Industry 5.0. It’s not just about what’s next—it’s about what’s possible right now. Join us and discover how your business can be a part of the future of American manufacturing.”

 This year’s MFG Day keynote speaker Jake Hall, known as the “Manufacturing Millennial,” is on a mission to educate younger people by meeting them where they are—on social media.  Hall will address the future of manufacturing, effective social media use for manufacturers and much more. Hall will also lead a breakout session entitled, “The Power of Social Media: What You Should Do.”

Hall’s desire to influence the future workforce aligns closely with the goals of NEPIRC’s innovative Manufacturing Ambassador Dream Team initiative that increases high school and college student awareness of outstanding careers available within Pennsylvania’s advanced manufacturing field.

 Who should attend MFG Day?

Mackie says that this event is ideal for manufacturing executives and decision makers; non-manufacturers who provide a service or product that benefits the manufacturing industry; economic development organizations; high school and college students; colleges/universities; manufacturing advocates and enthusiasts; government officials; technology, robotics and AI companies; northeastern Pennsylvania champions; and anyone who would like to learn more about the manufacturing industry or is considering a manufacturing career.

 If you want to learn from industry experts and connect with people who are making a difference in the manufacturing industry, then this is a must-attend event! This year’s MFG DAY will focus heavily on manufacturing technology, AI and automation. Visit www.nepirc.com/mfgday to purchase tickets.

 MFG DAY sponsorship opportunities are available but going quickly! If interested, visit www.nepirc.com/mfgday to learn more and complete and submit the confirmation form required to lock in sponsorship. Additionally, NEPIRC is proud to announce that InnoTek Computer Consulting of Bloomsburg is this year’s Presenting Sponsor.

 For more information or to purchase tickets, email Randy Yash at Randy@NEPIRC.com or visit NEPIRC’s Manufacturing Day webpage at www.NEPIRCMFGDAY.com.

NEPIRC Announces New President/CEO

Northeastern Pennsylvania Industrial Resource Center (NEPIRC) is under new leadership. NEPIRC’s Board of Directors recently announced the promotion of Drew Mackie to the role of President/CEO, effective July 1, 2025.

Mackie will lead the organization with the mission to empower small and mid-sized manufacturers with world-class assessment, performance evaluation, training, and consultative services. The NEPIRC team provides consultative and training services to more than 1,000 firms and 44,000 manufacturing employees across an 11-county region of northeastern, northern and parts of central Pennsylvania helping them grow and thrive in a highly competitive global manufacturing economy.

In a search that spanned the nation, Mackie’s appointment is a testament to his distinguished career of more than 23 years of experience in client services and small business manufacturing support.

NEPIRC Board President Gregory Stanton, who led the executive search committee that vetted 44 applicants, expressed enthusiasm about Mackie’s appointment, stating, “Drew’s experience was unmatched in the search, and his deep commitment to our center’s mission resonates profoundly for our future.”

Stanton said that after a thorough national search, the best candidate was in front of them at NEPIRC. He added, “We are confident that Drew’s vision, combined with the dedication of the NEPIRC staff and the support of our community of manufacturers, will lead NEPIRC to even greater heights.”

Prior to his appointment to President/CEO, Mackie held the position of Executive Vice President at NEPIRC for nearly three years, and CFO, a position in which he focused on the center’s program management, staff leadership, and grant compliance, for nine years.

 In addition to overseeing all the center’s programmatic activities, Mackie was responsible for increasing the visibility, reach, and outcomes of the center’s mission and strategy, and supporting the manufacturers within the center’s 11-county region.

Mackie said, “It is with great honor and appreciation that I accept this promotion. I have deep respect for the depth and breadth of services NEPIRC offers. I am deeply grateful for the trust the Board of Directors has placed in me, and enthusiastic about leading the center into its next chapter of growth and impact to the region.”

Mackie, who is a certified public accountant, was a partner at the accounting firm Ginader Jones & Company LLP, where he focused on client support and compliance activities. He also served in the senior and staff accountant roles, illustrating his ability to adapt and advance within challenging environments.

Mackie earned a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from the University of Scranton and is a graduate of the Tab Wilkins Emerging Leaders program from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) The Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP).