Oct. 30 marked my third Manufacturing First Expo & Conference as IOM editor, so I am starting to learn pretty well what to expect from Wisconsin’s largest manufacturing conference. But you know what they say about getting too comfortable. With this year’s event being held in a swing state just six days before a U.S. presidential election, I certainly shouldn’t have been caught off guard when we learned last minute that we would have to share our space with a political rally and the complex security measures that go along with it — but I have to admit I was.
On top of the stress of having to shift around the schedule and work to inform our thousand-plus attendees of the necessary changes in less than three days’ time, this was also the first-ever Manufacturing First for several of our Insight team members, including Business Manager Linda Gregorius, General Manager Angela O’Kray, Events Coordinator Amanda Beuscher and Publisher Dave Neill.
But guess what? The day was a huge success. Our awesome manufacturing community supported the event despite the challenges, and the absolute pros at A-mazing Events (big shout out to Joey, Sam, Jenny and Kelly) guided us through with their usual grace under fire. And let’s just say that our success in spite of the curveball must certainly be a testament to 14 years of vision and leadership from Insight Publisher Emeritus Brian Rasmussen and NEW Manufacturing Alliance Executive Director Ann Franz, who got the whole thing started and have continued to nurture it.
To those who weathered logistical challenges, thank you for being so understanding and for sticking with us. No matter what the day brings, I always leave Manufacturing First energized and grateful.
As we enter the season of giving and gratitude, I want to thank everyone who supports what we are doing at Insight, with IOM and on the NEW Manufacturing Insights podcast. It’s truly been a pleasure to become part of our region’s manufacturing community. And congratulations to all the New North-based businesses that are recognized in this month’s issue as Wisconsin’s Best Places to Work in Manufacturing. Turn to page 10 for Nikki Kallio’s cover story exploring what makes Wisconsin workplaces great, and to page 14 for more about the companies that were honored Nov. 13 at Lambeau Field.
And for a recap of Manufacturing First, check out the Nov. 7 episode of the NEW Manufacturing Insights podcast and read Amelia Compton Wolff’s recap on page 26. And we still have one more major event to go before we call it a year: Join us Dec. 3 at Lambeau Field for Insight’s CFO of the Year Awards, which will feature a lifetime achievement presentation to Great Northern Corporation’s Mark Radue. Get tickets at insightonbusiness.com/cfo.
Here’s wishing you a wonderful holiday season – Kate Bruns
