First Annual Women in Manufacturing Symposium a Success!
More than 130 women manufacturing leaders gathered for the first annual Women in Manufacturing Symposium hosted by the Precision Metalforming Association (PMA) in Cleveland, OH, on October 25-26, 2011. Designed exclusively for women who have chosen a career in manufacturing, this successful event attracted women leaders from around the country who gathered to discuss best practices in manufacturing, mentoring, communication strategies and leadership.
The program kicked off with a reception hosted by the Association of Women in the Metal Industries (AWMI)-Cleveland, followed by a networking dinner and presentation by Jean White, Deloitte LLP, on attracting and retaining talented women in manufacturing. The second day included keynote presentations on best management practices by Moira Forbes, ForbesWoman magazine; the eight principles of leadership by Martha Mayhood Mertz, Athena International; and communication strategies by Claire Scott Miller, Weatherhead School of Management at Case Western Reserve University.
The symposium also featured panel discussions on best practices in management and manufacturing and the importance of mentoring. Panelists included representatives from high-profile manufacturers such as Boeing, Ford Motor Co., General Motors, GE Appliances and American Greetings.
The program received rave reviews from participants. “What an amazing group of women,” commented Jennifer Ineman, The Lubrizol Corporation, Wickliffe, OH. “Sometimes I’m disappointed when I attend meetings where I’m the only woman in a room full of men. Seeing so many other women, especially in high positions, involved in the industry is empowering.”
Karin Lindner, KARICO Performance Solutions, Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada, also captured feedback from several attendees in this video
Former PMA Chair Gretchen Zierick, president of Zierick Manufacturing Corp., published an op-ed in the Cleveland Plain Dealer following the event.
The response from women in the industry has been overwhelming and PMA plans to make this an annual event. Planning for 2012 is underway—dates and location will be announced soon. Visit www.womeninmanufacturing.org for updates or contact Allison Grealis at 216-901-8800 or agrealis@pma.org with questions.
News & Reviews
Attendee Feedback Video
Insights from women executives, managers and supervisors gathered in Cleveland, OH at the First Annual "Women in Manufacturing" symposium.
Plain Dealer Articles
Cleveland Plain Dealer op-ed by Gretchen Zierick, November 13, 2011.
Top Women in manufacturing to convene in Cleveland
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Lisa Habe started to get active in professional meetings after she took over Interlake Industries, a metal-stamping business in Willougby. But in any meeting, she could count on one thing -- being outnumbered by men 10 to one ...
> Read it on Cleveland.com
MFG.com Blog Article
Women in Manufacturing Event a Success!
On October 25 – 26th, MFG.com attended an event in Independence, OH that was all about Women in the largest industry in the world – Manufacturing. The MFG.com attended PMA's Women in Manufacturing Symposium...
> Read it on Mojo- MFG.com Blog
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Testimonials
Hear what women have to say about past PMA Women in Manufacturing Events:
“The opportunity to network with other women in the industry was very rewarding for me.”
– Lisa Habe, Interlake Stamping of Ohio, Inc.
“What a fantastic way to get re-energized, motivated and encouraged outside of the plant walls!”
– Donna Russell-Kuhr, PTM Corporation
“It was refreshing and rejuvenating to experience a program with other women in the metalforming industry.”
– Anonymous PMA Member
Our Supporting Partners
Women in Manufacturing is proudly supported by our partners:
