NEW Manufacturing Alliance Announces October is Manufacturing Month Events
The Northeast Wisconsin Manufacturing Alliance (NEWMA) is hosting several events and programs to celebrate, ‘October is Manufacturing Month.’ Most states in the country only have one day dedicated in October to celebrate manufacturing, however in the state of Wisconsin it is the entire month. NEWMA was formed 20 years ago, due to manufacturers wanting to promote careers in the sector. Over the years, the organization has expanded its events to highlight October is Manufacturing Month.
Ann Franz, executive director for the organization stated, “Manufacturing is our most important economic driver.’ Franz added, “There are over 140,000 people working in manufacturing in our region, which is the largest sector for employment.’
NEWMA kicked off the month with the latest release of its ‘What is Made & Careers in Manitowoc County.’ The companies featured: Burger Boat, Eck Industries, Parker Hannefin, Redline Plastics and Wisconsin Aluminum Foundry. To view the videos:
What is Made in Manitowoc County: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2OuorNGmQaM.
Career Opportunities in Manitowoc County: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ng-i47Pun0M
On October 1st, NEW Manufacturing Insights podcast was recorded with a live studio audience at Robinson Inc. in De Pere. The podcast is a joint venture between NEWMA and Insight Publication. The recording marks the 3rd anniversary of the podcast that has had over 100 episodes featuring manufacturing leaders. The event was available to individuals that have registered for the 16th annual Manufacturing First Expo & Conference being held on October 28th at the Resch Expo in Green Bay. The program includes keynote speaker Phil Gwoke, generational differences expert, along with breakout sessions throughout the day. Plus over 200 exhibitors with an expected attendance of over 1,000 people. For tickets and exhibit booth registration go to www.manufacturingfirst.com.
Throughout the month of October, NEWMA pays the bussing for students throughout the region to tour manufacturing companies. Over 1,000 students will be seeing firsthand advanced manufacturing and manufacturing professionals. Some of the companies hosting plant tours include Belmark, Cruisers Yachts, Lindquist Machine, Marion Body Works, Robinson Inc., Sargento and Wisconsin Aluminum Foundry.
The Northeast Wisconsin (NEW) Manufacturing Alliance’s 15th annual “Excellence in Manufacturing/K-12 Partnerships Awards” will be held on Tuesday, October 27, at Great North Common’s Fire & Fir event center in Green Bay. The event will spotlight best practices of manufacturing and education collaborations throughout northeast Wisconsin as well as showcasing top talent from local manufacturing companies. Tickets are $60 and need to be purchased by October 10th : https://events.humanitix.com/newma-excellence-awards.
2026 EDUCATION AWARD WINNERS
Career Pathmaker – Administrator – Mike Snowberry – Luxemburg-Casco School District
Career Pathmaker – Educator – Robert Turner – Omro High School
Career Pathmaker – Tech Ed Teacher – Dan Hacker – J.R. Gerritts Middle School
Education Innovation – Rocket Academy Dual Credit Advanced Tech Center
Elementary Educator – Angie Arneson – Seymour Middle School
High School Core Subject Educator – Whitney Wasmuth – Reedsville School District
Higher Education – Sarah Fischer – Northeast Wisconsin Technical College
2026 MANUFACTURER AWARD WINNERS
Brighter Image – Sargento
Educational Partnership – Seagrave
K-12 Outreach Administrator – Amber Smetek – Green Bay Packaging
Leadership – QComp Technologies
Manufacturing Mentor – Matt Goll – Therma-Tron-X, Inc.
Visionary – Lynn Stangel – Green Bay Packaging
Youth Apprenticeship K-12 – Briess
Prior to the Award’s dinner on October 27th, NEWMA will be hosting ‘Connect to Future Talent – Academic & Career Planning (ACP) Partnerships Roundtable’ meeting being held on Oct. 27, 2026, from 3 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. at the Great North Common’s Fire & Fir in Green Bay. The event will include a Manufacturing panel, Youth Apprenticeship students panel and roundtable discussions between manufacturers, educators and students.
For more information about the NEW Manufacturing Alliance go to www.newmfgalliance.org. Contact Ann Franz with questions regarding the events at 920-606-7691 or email franza@uwgb.edu.
