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. All media are invited to attend.
The event, which is geared toward employers, will showcase area nonprofits — and service opportunities — as well as the contributions of servicemen and women with a special presentation on the advantages of hiring veterans to address the growing skills gap. Nearly a dozen area nonprofits will be on hand as fair exhibitors.
“We are proud to salute the many organizations that serve our community and country, and we are excited about the opportunity for our members to learn more about the ways they can benefit from getting involved,” said Association President and CEO Lori Joint.
As part of the "service focused" event, Brigadier General Maureen Weigl of the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs will present on PA Vet Connect and the importance of nonprofits as well as the Department of Defense SkillBridge program, which is an opportunity for service members to gain valuable civilian work experience through specific industry training, apprenticeships or internships during the last 180 days of service. SkillBridge connects service members with industry partners in real world job experiences.
Brig. Gen. Weigl was appointed deputy adjutant general for the PA Department of Military and Veterans Affairs on April 12, 2021. In this position, she supervises the administration of state veterans’ programs, reintegration and outreach, and veteran initiatives for more than 700,000 veterans and their dependents. She also oversees the operation of the Commonwealth’s six veterans’ homes. She retired from the Army in May 2016 after serving for 25 years. Since her retirement, Brig. Gen. Weigl has become a small business owner and entrepreneur.
Brig. Gen. Weigl holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and communications from the University of Pittsburgh, a master’s in business ethics from Duquesne University, and a master’s in strategic studies from the U.S. Army War College. She also holds a post graduate certificate in Human Resources from the Pennsylvania State University and completed both the U.S. Northern Command Joint Domestic Operations Course and the Harvard Kennedy School Senior Executive Seminar in national and international security. She is a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, project manager, executive leadership coach, and a member of the American Legion, VFW, and Catholic War Veterans. She has served veterans since retirement and has been partnering with clothing manufacturers to make adjustable clothing for veterans and others with prosthetic limbs.
Cost is $35 for MBA Members and $55 Nonmembers and includes lunch. To register, visit mbausa.org or contact Melissa Lesniewski at 814/833-3200 or 800/815- 2660
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.
