News
Manufacturing News Talk on the Radio
TechVibe Radio airs on KQV 1410 AM. Petra Mitchell, Catalyst Connection President, and local manufacturing leaders are frequents guest to discuss local and global topics in the manufacturing industry.
Click on the links below to listen to recordings of recent segments.
June 2010 – Rod Francis, Chief Financial Officer at MCC International
May 2010 – Kurt Lesker IV, Director of Quality at the Kurt J. Lesker Company
April 2010 – Stephanie Dileo, President of Homer City Automation
January 2010 - Looking ahead at Manufacturing after a difficult 2009
$650 Million in State Financing Available for Energy Programs
A forum was hosted by Catalyst Connection on January 7th so that manufacturers could learn about the state $650 million Alternative Energy Investment Fund. A panel of experts talked about the program and explained how companies could apply for these dollars in the following areas: high performance building projects, renewable energy projects, alternative and clean energy, solar energy programs, and early-stage energy investments.
The speakers outlined energy related financing and how to apply for both commercial and residential financing. Click the links below to see each speaker's presentation.
John Sider, Deputy Secretary for the Technology Investment Office
Scott Dunkelberger, Executive Director for the Commonwealth Financing Authority
Thomas Bell, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Energy Development Authority
If you would like to discuss the energy programs further or other funding opportunities, please call Catalyst Connection (412) 918-4300.
The Whitehouse releases a Framework for American Manufacturing
The new US Manufacturing Czar, Ron Bloom, (recently appointed by the President) just released the “US Manufacturing Framework”. The paper seems very comprehensive and addresses issues related to workforce, innovation and technology, access to capital, and tax and regulatory policy, among other things. I am encouraged by our Administration’s desire to focus on and support one of our most critical industries. All of us at Catalyst Connection are looking forward to working with our regional economic development partners to implement components of this plan and to support regional community economic development efforts that focus on manufacturing.” To learn more click here.
Miller Centrifugal Casting points to Lean Success in National Publication
Industry Week publishes Forging Change: Miller Centrifugal Casting Comeback which points to Catalyst Connection’s Lean consulting as a key support for success… more
Keystone Edge Magazine highlights real ENERGY SAVINGS for PA Manufacturers
A recent Keystone Edge Magazine article highlights real energy savings for Pennsylvania manufacturers....more
National Association of Manufacturers endorses WorkKeys Program.
The National Association of Manufacturers recently announced its endorsement of WorkKeys as a common standard of measurement for assisting the foundational skills and training needs of workers. WorkKeys is a skills certification system that “will revolutionize education and training for the 21st century manufacturing workforce," according to NAM President and CEO John Engler.
Catalyst Connection has more than 25 years combined expertise with the WorkKeys program. As an authorized reseller of the WorkKeys program, Catalysts’ Talent Management staff, trained in industrial and organizational psychology, can help companies develop assessments customized to specific organizational or job requirements.
Manufacturing remains one of PA’s most significant industries
Governor Edward G. Rendell announced that a first-of-its-kind report shows the
manufacturing sector is a huge economic driver in PA, currently employing more
than 625,000 and generating more than 15% of the gross state product...more