FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Jeff Weaver, Dr. Susan Aldridge
(501) 760-4113, (501) 760-4204
June 22, 2015
National Park College Hosts Area Companies for Spring Manufacturing Summit
National Park College, Hot Springs Metro Partnership, and Arkansas Manufacturing Solutions hosted the Spring Manufacturing Summit at the NPC/HSU Downtown Campus recently. Dr. John Hogan, president of NPC and Jim Fram, president of the Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce and Hot Springs Metro Partnership, welcomed over 40 attendees to the event.
NPC grant coordinator William Polk provided an update on the new Industrial Technology Technical Certificate program that begins this fall at National Park College. The program was established with funding provided by the Trade Adjustment Assistance Community College and Career Training (TAACCCT) grant and collaborative efforts between the college and company representatives. Courses in this program will equip students with the skills needed to work effectively in area manufacturing companies.
Attendees also participated in a roundtable discussion led by Megan Greeson of the Hot Springs Metro Partnership. This activity allowed area manufacturers an opportunity to learn more about each other and define some common challenges. Future discussions will allow regional partnerships to form and provide an opportunity for employers to identify emerging trends in workforce development, supply chain, and other industry-wide challenges.
Arkansas Manufacturing Solutions provided lunch and professional development. Dan Mickelson presented “Beyond Lean Manufacturing” and discussed elements of advanced lean concepts utilized by manufacturing companies.
