Manufacturers Association Announces Board Leadership Transition

Jon Crothers passes the gavel to Brett Buttler

(York, PA) – The Manufacturers Association is pleased to announce a transition in its board leadership, marking an exciting new chapter for the organization.

Jon Crothers, Brand Manager at Stoner Inc., has successfully completed his term as Board President and will remain an active voice on the board in the role of Immediate Past President. His tenure has been marked by strong leadership and a steadfast commitment to the association and its members.

Brett Butler, COO at Precision Components Group Management Company, has been named the incoming Board President, bringing with him a deep background in the manufacturing industry and a clear vision for the road ahead. Joining him in a key leadership capacity is Tabitha Musso, CEO at APX Company, who has accepted the role of Board Vice President.

“We want to extend our sincerest gratitude to Jon Crothers for his service and dedication throughout his term as Board President,” said Brian Paterniti, Director of Workforce Development at the Manufacturers Association. “We are equally thrilled to welcome Brett Butler and Tabitha Musso into their new leadership roles and look forward to all that the next two years will bring.

Brett Butler and Tabitha Musso will officially take on their new responsibilities June 2026, continuing the association’s mission to support and advance the manufacturing community.

About The Manufacturers’ Association: Founded in 1906, The Manufacturers’ Association is the voice of manufacturing for hundreds of member and non-member organizations in south central Pennsylvania and northern Maryland. The Association supports manufacturers with the knowledge, training, and advocacy they need to operate, hire, and train smarter. For more information, visit mascpa.org or contact the Association at (717) 843-3891.

The Manufacturers Association Bids Farewell to Board Member Neil Poffenberger and Re-Instates Josh Hedden for a New Three-Year Term

(York, PA) – The Manufacturers Association marked a significant moment yesterday morning as board member Neil Poffenberger, Owner of Poff Holdings, attended his final meeting after six years of dedicated service to the organization. At the same meeting, the Association announced the reinstatement of Josh Hedden, Strategic Operations Director at BAE Systems, for an additional three-year term.

A Consistent Presence Through Years of Growth

Neil Poffenberger has been a supportive voice on the board since joining six years ago. During his tenure, the Association underwent a number of meaningful changes, including a transition to a new location, steady growth in membership and territory, and the expansion of its training programs, apprenticeships, and events.

Neil was also present for one of the organization’s most notable milestones, the awarding of the TIDE grant, the largest grant in the Association’s history. Over those same six years, the organization’s team grew from where it began to a staff of 15, with 6 of those employees joining during Neil’s time on the board. The Association’s insurance and HR services also continued to develop throughout his tenure, reflecting the organization’s ongoing commitment to serving its members.

“We are forever grateful for the time and insight Neil has invested in this organization,” said Tom Palisin, Executive Director of The Manufacturers Association. “He has been a part of some of our most important moments, and his guidance has made a lasting impact on everything we do.”

Josh Hedden Re-Elected to the Board

The Association also announced that Josh Hedden, Strategic Operations Director at BAE Systems, has been re-elected to the board of directors for an additional three-year term. Hedden brings extensive experience in manufacturing and operations within the defense industry and has been a valued contributor to the board’s work. The Association looks forward to his continued leadership and engagement in the years ahead.

York’s Manufacturing Community Gathers to Honor Excellence at 120th Annual Event

The Manufacturers’ Association marked a major milestone last week, celebrating its 120th Annual Event in York, PA, an evening that blended a look back at the region’s industrial heritage with a recognition of the businesses and individuals shaping its future.

The event drew manufacturers, community leaders, and industry partners from across the region and featured a keynote address from Marcus Luttrell, retired Navy SEAL and bestselling author, whose story of perseverance resonated strongly with an audience of business owners and operators who know something about resilience.

Honoring a Founding Father

Perhaps the most historically significant moment of the evening came with the posthumous recognition of Thomas Shipley, who received the Association’s Manufacturing Trailblazer Award, a distinction that functions as the organization’s hall of fame.

Shipley’s story is one of the more remarkable chapters in York’s industrial history. In 1899, he took the helm of the York Manufacturing Company and wasted little time making his mark. Within two years, he had expanded employment tenfold. A few years later, the company had captured 50% of the U.S. refrigeration market, making it the largest refrigeration manufacturer in the country.

What Shipley built didn’t stop with him. The company evolved into York International, and later Johnson Controls, businesses that, at their peak, employed more than 20,000 people, generated over $4 billion in annual revenue, and became a critical supplier to the U.S. Navy. Johnson Controls Navy Systems, still headquartered in York, accepted the award on Shipley’s behalf.

Beyond the factory floor, Shipley invested deeply in the community. He was a founding officer of the Manufacturers’ Association itself, serving first as Vice President before becoming the Association’s second President in 1907, a fitting legacy to honor at the organization’s 120th gathering.

Manufacturer of the Year: Joseph Machine

This year’s Manufacturer of the Year award went to Joseph Machine, a family-owned operation based in Dillsburg, York County, that has been quietly building one of the more impressive growth stories in the region.

Founded in 1986, the company designs and builds specialized machines and automation systems for the window and door industry. Over the past 15 years, Joseph Machine has averaged 20% growth annually, a pace that has required the company to continually scale its operations. A recent $13 million investment is currently expanding the facility by 150,000 square feet, and the company plans to grow its workforce from its current 119 employees to 150 following the full build-out, having already added 39 workers in the past two years.

What also stands out is the company’s commitment to sourcing locally. Joseph Machine purchases 60% of its materials from more than 150 Pennsylvania-based suppliers, a ripple effect that extends its economic impact well beyond its own walls.

Innovation, Partnership, and Community Investment

Three additional awards recognized businesses and organizations making an impact in distinct ways.

JLS Automation took home the Manufacturing Innovator award for its work deploying advanced automation systems in the food packaging industry. In 2025, the company invested 8% of its revenue in research and development, resulting in five new products and two new processes, including a patent-pending robotic cartoning system and AI-powered inspection and sorting tools aimed at improving food quality grading. The company recently earned a Best in Class award at the Global Trade Show International Baking Industry.

York County School of Technology was named Partner of the Year, a recognition rooted in a relationship that stretches back more than 50 years. The Manufacturers’ Association was involved in helping open the school in the 1960s, and the two organizations have remained closely linked ever since, most recently collaborating to upskill the region’s manufacturing workforce and connect graduates with hiring opportunities at member companies.

Sahd Metal Recycling, a third-generation family business founded in Lancaster County in 1941, received the Community Investor award. Beyond its role as a regional leader in metal recycling, the company has built a notable presence in the broader industry conversation through its podcast, Dumpster Talks, which has produced more than 100 episodes and accumulated thousands of listeners spotlighting the businesses, people, and ideas moving manufacturing forward. The Sahd team is also actively involved in supporting local nonprofits, schools, and community organizations.

Scholarship

The evening also included the presentation of the Carl Winters Junior Pre-Apprentice Scholarship, a memorial award given in honor of the Association’s legacy of workforce development. This year’s recipient was Nicholas Opstbaum of Chester County Technical College High School, who is pursuing an Electro Mechanical degree at Thaddeus Stevens School of Technology.

Looking Ahead

Taken together, the honorees paint a picture of a manufacturing community that is simultaneously rooted in history and leaning into the future, investing in facilities, technology, workforce, and community at a moment when American manufacturing is once again at the center of the national conversation.

The awards presentation was made possible through the support of several underwriters: the Women in Manufacturing Central PA Chapter (Partner of the Year), Eckert Seamans Attorneys at Law (Community Investor), Ledge, Inc. (Manufacturing Innovator), Thaddeus Stevens School of Technology (Manufacturer of the Year), and the Chesapeake Region Safety Council (Manufacturing Trailblazer).

How One Mechanic Brought Norb Back to Life

From Florida Man to York Legend:
How One Mechanic Brought Norb Back to Life

Joseph Amato atop the York Barbell roof — January 16th, 2026

A Cold January Spark

It was a frigid January 15th when Joseph Amato walked up to me with a glint in his eye and a plan tucked under his arm. His idea? To finally get York Barbell’s long-dormant “spinning guy” spinning again — a mission that had been quietly sitting on his bucket list ever since he traded the warm Gulf Coast breezes of St. Pete, Florida, for the rolling hills of York, Pennsylvania, back in the summer of 2015.

That iconic figure atop the York Barbell sign has a way of catching the eye of anyone cruising up or down I-83. For Joe, it was love at first sight. And it didn’t take long for him to convince the team at The Manufacturers’ Association — where he currently teaches Central PA Automation, Robotics, and Mechanical classes — that he was absolutely the right man for the job.

The Man Behind the Mission

Joe Amato is no ordinary handyman. He holds an A&P license — Airframe and Powerplant — which, in plain terms, means he’s a certified airplane mechanic. In even plainer terms: the man can fix anything up to and including jet engines. So a weathered statue with a broken drive system? That was practically a warm-up.

On Thursday, January 15th, with enthusiastic backing from his colleagues, Joe reached out to York Barbell with a simple, generous offer: let me fix Norb. They said yes.

Meet Norb

“Norb” — also affectionately known as “Barbell Man” by locals — is a statue modeled after Norbert Schemansky, the legendary U.S. Olympic weightlifting champion of the 1950s. A quick note for those who may have heard otherwise: despite popular local belief, the statue is NOT modeled after Bob Hoffman. Norb was first installed atop the York Barbell sign back in the 1960s, proudly spinning for all to see — until one day, he simply stopped. For years, that stationary silhouette became just another roadside fixture. Joe was determined to change that.

Braving the Elements

If you live in South Central PA, you already know: the winter of 2026 was no joke. Bone-chilling cold gripped the region for weeks. But bitter temperatures couldn’t put a dent in Joe’s determination. On January 16th, he climbed to the top of the York Barbell roof and discovered that Norb was in rough shape — years of neglect had taken their toll on the chains, pulleys, and bearings that once kept him turning.

Joe immediately got to work, partnering with Brown Bearing and Drive Solutions and Capital Electric to source the right parts and find the best solutions. In every spare moment between teaching robotics and mechanical engineering classes across the region, he could be found in The Manufacturers’ Association shop — elbow deep in Norb’s mechanical guts, carefully restoring what time had worn away.

By early February, the restoration work was complete. Norb was ready. But then — winter had one more card to play. A fresh blanket of snow grounded the project, and Joe was forced to wait. As any good mechanic knows, patience is part of the job.

Spring Arrives — And So Does Norb

The moment the weather broke, Joe was back on that roof. As he worked to reassemble and reinstall Norb, something wonderful happened: drivers passing by on I-83 started honking, waving their fists out windows, and cheering him on. The community hadn’t forgotten about Norb — they’d been waiting.

On April 15th, 2026, Norb officially returned to his rightful post — spinning once more above the York Barbell sign. And he looks better than ever. Joe even had the brilliant idea to add illumination, so if you drive by in the evening, Norb now glows proudly — quite possibly the brightest light on I-83.

But wait — there’s more. Ever the creative thinker, Joe also installed color-changing lights. So keep your eyes peeled come Christmas, when Norb may be decked out in festive red and green, or around the Fourth of July, when he just might be showing off his patriotic red, white, and blue.

A York Legend in the Making

Everyone at The Manufacturers’ Association is immensely proud of Joe Amato and the incredible dedication he brought to this project. From a cold January rooftop climb to a triumphant spring reinstallation, Joe gave York something to smile about — and the community has made it crystal clear that Norb spinning again means the world to them.

Former Florida Man, you did a heck of a job. Getting Norb back on the right track was no small feat — in fact, it was one very heavy lift.

Brian Paterniti, Director of Workforce Development

Manufacturers Association Awarded $350,000 State Grant

The Manufacturers Association Awarded $350,000 State Grant to Advance South Central Pennsylvania Manufacturing Workforce

Industry Partnership Grant Will Fuel Career Pipelines, Embrace Emerging Technologies, and Strengthen the Regional Manufacturing Economy

(York, PA) – The Manufacturers’ Association is proud to announce it has been selected as a recipient of a Pennsylvania Industry Partnership grant through the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry (L&I), as part of a statewide $2.8 million investment announced by the Shapiro Administration on April 13, 2026. The Manufacturers’ Association has been awarded $350,000 to advance the South Central Manufacturing Industry Partnership, serving manufacturers and workers across Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Lancaster, Lebanon, Perry, and York counties.

Building the Future Workforce — Today

This grant represents a significant investment in the future of manufacturing in South Central Pennsylvania. Through the Manufacturing Industry Partnership, The Manufacturers’ Association will lead a comprehensive, employer-driven workforce strategy focused on five key pillars:

Growing the Talent Pipeline — Promoting manufacturing careers to attract a strong, motivated, qualified, and diverse pool of candidates ready to enter and thrive in today’s manufacturing environment.
Embracing Technology & Innovation — Facilitating education and adoption of robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) tools to ensure regional manufacturers remain competitive in an evolving industrial landscape.
Advancing Training & Career Pathways — Aggregating technical skills training for manufacturers to leverage cost efficiencies, deliver world class training that is accessible to smaller manufacturers and to create clear career advancement pathways for workers.
Strengthening Industry Collaboration — Facilitating best practice peer learning and deepening supply chain collaboration across the South Central Pennsylvania manufacturing community.
Regional Collaboration – the industry partnership brings together organizations in economic development, education, industry and workforce development including the local workforce boards of SCPaWorks and the Lancaster County Workforce Development Board.

A Milestone for Our Region’s Industry Partnership

“This grant is a tremendous validation of the work our member companies and partners have been doing to invest in the workforce of tomorrow,” said Brian Paterniti, Director of Workforce development, The Manufacturers’ Association. “Manufacturing is the backbone of South Central Pennsylvania’s economy, and this funding will help us ensure that the pipeline of skilled, innovative talent keeps pace with the exciting opportunities our industry offers. From robotics and AI to career pathways and supply chain resilience — we are building something truly transformative for our region.”

The Industry Partnership model is built on the principle that employers, educators, workforce development organizations, economic development agencies, labor, and community partners are strongest when they work together. For over 20 years, The Manufacturers’ Association has championed this collaborative approach, and this grant empowers us to deepen those connections across the region.

State Investment Signals Long-Term Commitment

The $350,000 award is part of a broader $2.8 million statewide investment in ten Industry Partnership grants announced by L&I Secretary Nancy A. Walker. Recognizing the program’s growing impact, Governor Josh Shapiro has also proposed a $3.5 million increase in Industry Partnership funding in his 2026-27 budget, which would bring the total state investment to $6.3 million.

“Industry Partnerships work because they are driven by employers and grounded in the needs of local communities, connecting workers to good jobs, helping businesses grow, and strengthening our regional economies,” said L&I Secretary Nancy A. Walker.

Manufacturers interested in participating in this no cost industry partnership should contact the Association at office@mascpa.org or 717-843-3891 or www.mascpa.org.

The Manufacturers’ Association Welcomes New Board Members; Reappoints A Current Member

Mark Wheeler of Flinchbaugh Engineering and Andrew Hartman of Wolfgang Confectioners join the Board; John Porter of Fowler, Hirtzel, McNulty & Spaulding reappointed for second three-year term

(York, PA) – The Manufacturers’ Association is pleased to announce the appointment of two new members to its Board of Directors — Mark Wheeler, President and CEO of Flinchbaugh Engineering, Inc., and Andrew P. Hartman, Senior Director of Engineering at Wolfgang Confectioners — as well as the reappointment of John C. Porter, Esq., Partner at Fowler, Hirtzel, McNulty & Spaulding, for an additional three-year term. The Association is celebrating it’s 120th year as Central Pennsylvania’s manufacturing trade organization – helping manufacturers’ operate, hire and train smarter. These board appointments reflect the Association’s continued commitment to drawing on diverse leadership perspectives from across the region’s business community.

Mark Wheeler — President and CEO, Flinchbaugh Engineering, Inc.

Mark Wheeler brings to the Board an extensive management background spanning multiple manufacturing and service industries. He has held executive leadership positions in both large, publicly held corporations and privately owned businesses, with responsibility encompassing sales, finance, operations, human resources, purchasing and supply chain, engineering, customer service, and information technology. Wheeler joined Flinchbaugh Engineering in 2023 as Chief Financial Officer and was promoted to Chief Operating Officer in January 2025 before assuming the role of President and CEO in January 2026. Flinchbaugh Engineering is a 100% employee-owned (ESOP) contract manufacturing company headquartered in York, PA, with over 200,000 square feet of manufacturing space.

Prior to Flinchbaugh, Wheeler served in several leadership roles, including as Chief Operating Officer at The York Water Company and senior financial leadership roles at Knott Mechanical, New Standard Corporation, and Armstrong World Industries – beginning his career at York International and Gichner Shelter Systems. Wheeler holds a B.S. in Accounting from Penn State University and an MBA from York College of Pennsylvania. He is active in the community, having served as a former board member, Treasurer, and Allocations Chair of the United Way of York County, an Advisory Board member of Penn State York and the Red Lion Area Educational Foundation, and as Past President of the Board of Governors of the Country Club of York.

Andrew P. Hartman — Senior Director of Engineering, Wolfgang Confectioners

Andrew Hartman brings deep engineering and operational leadership experience to the Board, with a career dedicated to advancing manufacturing performance in the confectionery industry. As Senior Director of Engineering at Wolfgang Confectioners, a family-owned company with more than a century of confectionery expertise based in York, PA, Hartman leads a multidisciplinary engineering team encompassing process engineering, packaging engineering, controls management, and project management.

Since joining Wolfgang in 2019, Hartman has driven rapid capital growth across two facilities, managing an annual capital budget averaging $8 million. Prior to Wolfgang, Hartman worked at The Warrell Corporation for over 12 years working up from a project engineer to the plant manager, where he led a team of up to 175 people in a dynamic, flexible contract manufacturing confectionery facility operating on a three-shift schedule. Hartman holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) and completed the NCA Residency Course in Confectionary Technology at the University of Wisconsin–Madison.

John C. Porter, Esq. — Partner, Fowler, Hirtzel, McNulty & Spaulding (Reappointment)

The Association is also pleased to announce the reappointment of John C. Porter, Esq., to the Board of Directors for an additional three-year term. Porter, a partner in the Lancaster office of Fowler, Hirtzel, McNulty & Spaulding, originally joined the Board in 2023 and has been a valuable contributor to the Association’s governance and strategic direction. Porter’s practice concentrates on insurance defense, employment law, and commercial litigation. He brings more than 20 years of legal experience, having represented insurance companies, insureds, self-insureds, and employers in civil litigation across state and federal courts in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

“We are excited to welcome Mark Wheeler and Andrew Hartman to our Board of Directors and are grateful for John Porter’s continued service and commitment to the Association,” said Tom Palisin, Executive Director. “Each of these leaders brings a wealth of experience and a deep connection to the manufacturing community in our region. Their diverse perspectives in engineering, finance, operations, and law will strengthen our ability to serve and advocate for manufacturers across south central Pennsylvania and northern Maryland.”

About The Manufacturers’ Association: Founded in 1906, The Manufacturers’ Association is the voice of manufacturing for hundreds of member and non-member organizations in south central Pennsylvania and northern Maryland. The Association supports manufacturers with the knowledge, training, and advocacy they need to operate, hire, and train smarter. For more information, contact the Association at (717) 843-3891.

Grant Boosts Manufacturing Pre-Apprenticeships

$250K Grant Boosts Manufacturing Pre-Apprenticeships for High School Youth

A new $250,000 grant is set to strengthen school-to-work pathways for high school students in South Central Pennsylvania, preparing the next generation for family-sustaining careers in advanced manufacturing.

The funding, part of a broader $4.1 million Schools-to-Work initiative by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry, was awarded to The Manufacturers’ Association to expand its Applied Manufacturing Technology registered pre-apprenticeship.

The state’s Schools-to-Work program is designed to bridge classroom learning with real-world opportunity by aligning education with in-demand industries. It strengthens community partnerships so students can graduate with a clear path into their chosen field through registered apprenticeships, postsecondary education, or direct employment.

“This award helps us expand an employer-led pathway that gives students real exposure to modern manufacturing, meaningful credentials, and direct connections to apprenticeships and jobs,” said Tom Palisin, Executive Director of The Manufacturers’ Association. “By strengthening partnerships across schools, workforce organizations, and manufacturers, we’re building the talent pipeline our region’s companies need, and helping students launch careers that can support a family.”

Building a Local Talent Ecosystem

Through the grant, The Manufacturers’ Association plans to deepen collaboration among schools, employers, and workforce partners to create clear on-ramps into the industry.

In partnership with educational intermediaries like the York County Alliance for Learning and the Partnership for Career Development in the Capital Region, the project will build on a state-registered pre-apprenticeship approved in 2022. These efforts closely align with the Commonwealth’s Ten-Year Strategic Plan for Economic Development and broader workforce strategy.

Addressing Regional Manufacturing Demand

The push for early career training comes at a critical time. Manufacturing remains a major economic driver in South Central Pennsylvania, with more than 2,500 manufacturers employing approximately 122,000 workers and generating an estimated $16 billion in annual economic output.

However, over the next decade, the region is projected to need 37,000 replacement workers due to retirements, standard exits, and industry growth. This underscores the urgency of expanding early career exposure, credential attainment, and work-based learning opportunities for local students.

Earning Credentials and Advanced Standing

Students participating in the pre-apprenticeship program earn industry-recognized credentials, such as the OSHA 10 certification, and receive registered pre-apprenticeship credit. This includes classroom coursework that can count toward Related Technical Instruction hours in a formal manufacturing registered apprenticeship with a future employer.

With support from the grant, the Association anticipates enrolling 200 students and engaging another 1,000 students in manufacturing career exploration over the next two years.

Since 2018, The Manufacturers’ Association has supported over 500 students through hands-on training, classroom instruction, mentorship, and direct employment connections. Meanwhile, the Association’s registered apprenticeship program for adults has grown to nearly 200 active apprentices across 60 regional manufacturers, helping to secure the growth of the domestic manufacturing base.

Christian Zimmerman Outstanding Advocate for Registered Apprenticeships

Pennsylvania Awards Christian Zimmerman Outstanding Advocate for Registered Apprenticeships

The Manufacturers’ Association is proud to announce that Christian Zimmerman, Apprenticeship Coordinator, has been named Outstanding Advocate for Building a Thriving Registered Apprenticeship Ecosystem as part of the 2024–2025 Pennsylvania Apprenticeship Awards.

Recognized by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry

The award is presented by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry, in partnership with the Apprenticeship and Training Office, and honors individuals who are strengthening the Commonwealth’s registered apprenticeship system through leadership, innovation, and measurable results.

Zimmerman was recognized for his work expanding registered apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs, increasing access to career opportunities for more Pennsylvanians, and helping build a stronger apprenticeship ecosystem statewide.

Big impact for manufacturers—and the workforce

Through his role at The Manufacturers’ Association, Zimmerman supports more than 60 manufacturing employers as they develop and strengthen their talent pipelines. His work also helps apprentices and prospective apprentices find clear, career-building pathways into high-demand manufacturing occupations.

Over the past year, The Manufacturers’ Association reported 200 active registered apprentices enrolled across eight manufacturing trades.

“We are proud of the momentum he is helping create for workforce development across Pennsylvania and for our manufacturing community,” said Tom Palisin, Executive Director of The Manufacturers’ Association.

About The Manufacturers’ Association

The Manufacturers’ Association’s mission is to ensure the region’s manufacturing sector not only survives, but rebounds stronger than ever. The Association exists to preserve, expand, and share critical knowledge with the manufacturing professionals of tomorrow.

Founded in 1906, The Manufacturers’ Association is the voice of the industry for hundreds of member and non-member organizations across Central Pennsylvania. The Association supports manufacturers with the insight and resources they need to operate, hire, and train smarter.

Interested in our apprenticeship program? Reach out to Chris Zimmerman today at czimmerman@mascpa.org!

120th Annual Event Special Guest

Announcing the Manufacturers Association’s 120th Annual Event

Featuring Retired Navy SEAL Marcus Luttrell

The Manufacturers Association proudly announces its 120th Annual Event, a long-standing tradition that brings together industry leaders, workforce partners, and community members from across the region. As we celebrate this historic milestone, we are honored to welcome Marcus Luttrell for a live, on-stage interview and discussion.

A Tradition 120 Years Strong

For more than a century, the Annual Event has served as one of the region’s most anticipated gatherings for manufacturers and business leaders. Each year, the program highlights a prominent guest who brings meaningful insight on leadership, resilience, and vision. This year continues that tradition with a special conversation featuring Marcus Luttrell.

Featuring Special Guest Marcus Luttrell

Marcus Luttrell is a retired Navy SEAL, bestselling author, and the real-life inspiration behind the book and film Lone Survivor. His remarkable story of courage and perseverance has inspired millions. During this year’s Annual Event, he will take part in an engaging interview that explores teamwork, mental toughness, and the never quit mindset that can empower individuals and organizations alike.

Event Details

When: May 19th, 2026

Location: York College | Waldner Performing Arts Center
441 Country Club Road, York, PA 17403

VIP Reception: 4:00 to 5:00 PM Sponsorship ONLY (VIP Badge Required)
General Reception: 4:30 to 5:45 PM
Program: 6:00 to 7:30 PM

The evening will include networking opportunities, a celebration of the manufacturing community, and a dynamic on-stage conversation designed to inspire leaders and teams across the region.

Why Attend

Celebrate 120 years of manufacturing leadership
• Hear directly from a nationally recognized figure and learn more about his story and grit
• Connect with industry peers and partners
• Gain insights to strengthen your leadership and workforce

Join Us for a Milestone Celebration

The 120th Annual Event will be one of the most memorable programs in our history, and we invite you to celebrate this important milestone with us. Experience an inspiring conversation with Marcus Luttrell and join fellow leaders as we honor the legacy and future of manufacturing in our region.

Tickets and VIP packages are now available HERE.