Manufacturing Ombudsman

Tom Palisin helps Pennsylvania manufacturers cut through the red tape; honored as a manufacturing “champion”

Pennsylvania Governor Edward G. Rendell appointed Tom Palisin as the Commonwealth's first Manufacturing Ombudsman in 2004 to proactively work as an advocate for manufacturers through helping companies identify available resources, recommending policies that improve competitiveness, assisting in “cutting the red tape” in dealing with state agencies and developing a knowledge base of the conditions and performance of the industry.

Palisin has become the single point of contact for manufacturers to call for information or with specific questions. He serves as an advocate for the manufacturing sector and advises Governor Rendell and Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Secretary Dennis Yablonsky on current issues facing Pennsylvania's manufacturers.

As an integral part of the DCED, his additional responsibilities include directing the state's Industrial Resource Center (IRC) Program, the nation's largest manufacturing extension program (MEP) affiliate. Palisin also manages that program's Statewide IRC Strategic Advisory Board. With a significantly new state investment, Palisin has aided the PA IRC program to expand its offerings to manufacturers from primarily process improvement to innovation and growth services through product development, market research and strategic business services.

Palisin has provided direct intervention and assistance to manufacturers with issues ranging from new product development to issues of technical regulatory compliance.

“Companies today need to look for strategies around new products, markets and business models to compete globally,” stated Palisin. “The most rewarding part of my job is working with manufacturers to make a difference. The Governor's strategy has given us the tools to provide increased assistance and focus for key global initiatives.”

“The workforce issues facing manufacturers do not simply revolve around just finding workers with the right entry level skills, but of preparing workers to transition into better paying jobs that require new and different skills,” stated Palisin.

Palisin has also been active in service to the Manufacturing Extension Partnership, over and above his support for the statewide network of the PA IRCs. He has been involved in the MEP review of the Impact Survey System and provided input into the development of the MEP Strategic Plan. He has been involved with MEP and other state partners to learn how they can better partner together as investments in technology and innovation for the future are planned. He has many times served on MEP review panels, including New York and Ohio, giving of his time, energy and enthusiasm.

“The PA IRCs focus on the small- to medium-sized manufacturers who typically don't have all of the resources to compete effectively and grow using new technologies and developing new products. The IRCs are the 'feet on the street' engaging manufacturers in adapting to changing market needs,” said Palisin.

Upon graduating from Penn State University, Palisin was employed with Electronic Data Systems in Camp Hill, Pa., as a Project Manager. Since 1995, he has worked in the Technology Investment Office at the Department of Community and Economic Development.

Previous assignments within the Department have included a broad array of technology development programs that supported company financing, workforce development, infrastructure, support services and communities.

Palisin also served as a program manager for the department and helped to launch the Commonwealth's Keystone Innovation Zones Program - which created geographic zones around universities to leverage the research assets of universities to enable company creation, talent retention and improvements in community and economic development.

Recently, Palisin was recognized by the NIST Manufacturing Extension Partnership as a 2006 “Champion of the Year” for his advocacy and vision in support for the ideals of the MEP program. He was seen as an advocate for policies that have improved the competitive position of manufacturers and to have promoted innovative solutions for manufacturers around issues involving financing, technical assistance, workforce training programs, permitting and regulatory matters.

Palisin's commitment to support the business growth and transformation of U.S. SMEs is truly demonstrated by his work, vision and support of manufacturing and his innovative approaches to removing roadblocks, investing in unique programs and championing creative solutions.