Finance Leaders Network
The Finance Leaders Network is a platform designed exclusively for financial leaders of small to mid-sized manufacturing companies in Southwestern Pennsylvania. By joining this network, you will have the opportunity to connect with peers who face the same issues and challenges as you. Share experiences, gain insights, and collaborate on solutions to drive your company’s growth and success.
Enhance Your Leadership Skills The Finance Leaders Network is dedicated to helping you improve your leadership and management skills. Learn from best-in-class subject matter experts, leaders, and peers who can offer valuable guidance and support. Stay ahead of emerging trends and industry developments, ensuring you are equipped to lead your organization to success. Topics of discussion will include:
- Tax Incentives and Grants for Manufacturers
- Cash Flow Management
- Structuring Capital for Equipment and Facility Upgrades
- Storytelling, supported by impactful, finance team-led forecasting and narratives
- Ownership Succession Planning
- And More!
The June 21st meeting will be focusing on energy management strategies for financial leaders.
Guest Speaker will be Karen Demma, Usource:
We are delighted to highlight Karen, who has been an integral part of the Usource team since 2014. Karen’s expertise lies in assessing commercial clients’ energy needs, analyzing their usage patterns, and navigating the complexities of the energy market. Her diverse background in sales and marketing, spanning finance, transportation, and real estate, allows her to bring a unique perspective to her role.
One of their recent success stories involves Ensinger, who faced unexpected challenges with their utility invoices. Usource energy advisors uncovered that Ensinger had incorrectly paid 100% sales tax on their utility bills. With Usource’s assistance, Ensinger secured a reimbursement from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Additionally, they creatively adjusted their agreement during their contract renewal to manage pass-through charges, providing cost certainty. Usource also renegotiated their gas usage agreement to mitigate the impact of a surge in gas consumption due to a new ventilation system. Thanks to Karen and the dedicated energy advisors, Ensinger saved $40,000 by correcting sales tax classification and $15,000 by securing a two-year-old agreement rate.
Organizer: Whit Little, VP of Administration, Catalyst Connection
Whit Little is the Vice President of Administration of Catalyst Connection. He joined Catalyst’s leadership team in 2022. He is leading the Finance, IT and HR functions.
He has experience in a broad array of activities including strategy, investments, finance, development of human capital, fundraising, technology development, commercialization, manufacturing, sales and marketing in domestic and international markets with a variety of technology companies.
He was recently CEO of Advantech U.S., Inc., a technology company that successfully developed and commercialized a disruptive additive manufacturing process and equipment to fabricate printed electronic devices. The company was awarded the Pittsburgh Technology Tech 50 award for Advanced Manufacturing in 2016. He has been a consultant, executive coach, and held the roles of Chief Financial Officer for several start-up organizations. He is a member of the faculty at the University of Pittsburgh Katz Graduate School of Business. He holds an MBA degree from the University of Edinburgh, Scotland.
Parking
There are a few outdoor parking options at Mill 19 Hazelwood Green. Street parking is available at no cost on a first-come, first-serve basis. Additionally, there is a paid lot located across the property from our building. If you require handicap accessible parking, kindly inform us in advance. Click here to view the map.
