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The energy transition brings fresh opportunities for manufacturers across Appalachia. The region is rapidly becoming a vital hub for data centers, hydrogen production, solar infrastructure, nuclear power, and advanced materials. These core technologies drive America’s energy future. The Energy and Manufacturing in Appalachia (EMA) program by Catalyst Connection helps local businesses join this shift. We combine deep research, industry events, and targeted training tracks. This program maps exactly how…

Manufacturing is evolving at a pace unlike any other time in history. Technologies once considered futuristic, such as artificial intelligence, additive manufacturing, robotics, automation, and cybersecurity, are now central to how products are designed, produced, and delivered. Yet for many manufacturers, the greatest challenge isn’t adopting these technologies; it’s finding and developing the skilled workers who can harness them. Across Southwestern Pennsylvania and beyond, manufacturers are facing a widening skills gap.…

From adhesive compounds to ammunition and industrial motors, manufacturers across the country are proving that artificial intelligence isn’t a buzzword — it’s a practical tool for tightening financial controls, improving visibility, and freeing up time for strategy. 1. Meridian Adhesives Group - Smarter Cash Forecasting in Charlotte For Meridian Adhesives Group in Charlotte, North Carolina, AI became a way to see — and plan — more clearly. The company’s finance…

In manufacturing today, finance teams are doing much more than ledger entries and reconciliations. You are a critical part of your company’s operational resilience. When cyber risk and fraud intersect, it’s your P&L, working capital, and contract eligibility that take the first hit. Why It Matters Manufacturing is now the top-targeted industry for cyber incidents. Recent reports show it leads all sectors in verified ransomware and data leak events.…

In today’s manufacturing world, the most powerful machine on the floor isn’t a robot — it’s the CFO’s mind. As technology, supply chain volatility, and workforce transformation reshape the industrial landscape, the role of the Chief Financial Officer has evolved far beyond managing the books. The modern manufacturing CFO is no longer just a financial steward; they’re a strategic architect — orchestrating growth, resilience, and innovation across people, product,…