Press Releases

ERIE – The Manufacturer & Business Association (MBA) will host a special discussion on how Infinite Erie is coordinating inclusive growth strategies to deliver transformative change in the Erie region, during its 8 a.m. Wednesday, September 20, Eggs 'n' Issues briefing at the MBA Conference Center, 2171 West 38th Street.

ERIE – The Manufacturer & Business Association (MBA) will honor 60 graduates from 31 companies during a recognition luncheon at noon Wednesday, August 2, at the Association’s Conference Center, 2171 West 38th Street at Pittsburgh Avenue. All media are invited to attend.

ERIE – The Manufacturer & Business Association (MBA), in conjunction with the MBA Business Magazine, will host the 2023 IMPACT Luncheon & Nonprofit Fair from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, July 19, at the MBA Conference Center, 2171 West 38th Street. Registration begins at 11:15 a.m.

ERIE – The Manufacturer & Business Association (MBA) will hold its 118th Annual Event featuring American hero Ambassador C.B. “Sully” Sullenberger as its keynote speaker, starting at 5 p.m. Wednesday, October 11, 2023 at the Bayfront Convention Center, 1 Sassafras Pier. All media are invited to attend.

ERIE – The Manufacturer & Business Association (MBA) will honor 65 graduates from 25 companies during a recognition luncheon at noon Tuesday, April 25, at the Association’s Conference Center, 2171 West 38th Street at Pittsburgh Avenue. All media are invited to attend.

“The MBA continues to develop and deliver the highest level of professional training that today’s businesses demand,” said Tracy Daggett, PHR, manager of Professional Development Training Services for the Association. “We are proud of what these graduates have achieved and how their newfound skills will assist in the ongoing success of our member organizations.”

The MBA offers more than 60 professional training classes, including a variety of certificate series programs such as Leadership for Team Leaders, Supervisory Skills, Marketing and Communications, HR Essentials, Advanced Essentials, Excel Application Specialist and Word Application Specialist. Class participants and certificate-series graduates work in such areas as manufacturing, health care, service and government throughout the Association’s membership area.

ERIE – The Manufacturer & Business Association (MBA) will host its inaugural Leadership Summit, sponsored by Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield and AHN Saint Vincent, from 7:30 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. Wednesday, April 19, at the MBA Conference Center, 2171 West 38th Street and Pittsburgh Avenue. All media are invited to attend.

“Successful leaders know how to inspire others with their vision of the future, and nurture strengths and talents to build teams committed to achieving common goals,” said MBA President and Chief Executive Officer Lori Joint. “By participating in this event, senior executives and managers — and anyone in a leadership role — will learn new ideas and strategies for effective leadership, best practices and valuable lessons that will help their organizations thrive.”

Among this year’s presenters are: Adina B. Tovell, MBA, M.ed., CPC, an executive coach, founder of the People Leadership Institute, and chief executive officer of Courage to be Curious, LLC, who will discuss what company culture is and the critical role of self-leadership in successful organizations, as well as the secret ingredient for effective self-leadership.

 Keynote speaker Bill Kaiser, senior vice president of CultureWise, will discuss “Culture as a Competitive Advantage,” and how to focus on culture in a more strategic way — to leverage culture as the distinct competitive advantage that it is and drive a higher level of performance within an organization. In addition, each guest will receive a complimentary copy of Culture by Design.

Other speakers include: Tesha L. Nesbit, RCC, director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion and Corporate Social Responsibility at North American Partners in Anesthesia, and principal at Phoenix Rising Coaching, who will focus on “Why Succession Planning Can’t Wait.” Meghan Duda Kinter, Ph.D., will present on “Why Leaders Must Address the Employee Well-being Deficit.” Another speaker is the MBA’s Professional Development Training Services Manager Tracy Daggett, PHR, who will be discussing key traits of a successful leader.

In addition, an executive panel — Christie Drabic of Wabtec Corporation, Jeremy Young of Federal Resources and Andy Renkey of Harmony Castings — will share what keeps their teams on track with the mission, vision and values of their organizations to help them succeed and maintain an engaged workforce. The panel will be facilitated by MBA Assistant Vice President of External Relations Jezree Friend.

Cost is $325 for MBA Members ($1,800 for a table of six) and $500 for Nonmembers ($2,800 for a table of six); breakfast, lunch and snacks are included. The event also qualifies for 3.5 SHRM/HRCI credits.

To register, visit mbausa.org or contact Melissa at 814/833-3200, 800/815-2660 or mlesniewski@mbausa.org.

DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in these presentations reflect the views and opinions of the presenter and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the Manufacturer & Business Association or any of its officers and directors.

Chairman Kyle Blakeslee is general manager of Urick Ductile Solutions, a ductile iron foundry located in Erie. Urick is part of the Emerson Electric Corporation, a Fortune 500 company headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri. Blakeslee oversees all aspects of the business including manufacturing, sales, finance, engineering and human resources.