PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 20, 2024
Contact: Stacey Sikes, Vice President of Government Affairs and Communications
Long Island Association (LIA) Manufacturing & Trade Committee Hosts Roundtable Discussion on Workforce Development for Manufacturers
Click for pictures from the event
Click for pictures from the event
Melville, NY – This week, the LIA’s Manufacturing & Trade Committee brought together regional manufacturing companies, not-for-profit organizations, educational institutions, and government agencies to develop strategies to attract and retain Long Island’s manufacturing workforce.
The manufacturing sector is essential to Long Island’s economy and currently employs more than 70,000 people. This LIA Committee collaborates with its private and public sector partners to strengthen its advocacy for smart investments and policy enhancements in education, technology, and workforce development programs to boost the industry in the region. The Manufacturing and Trade Committee had a productive discussion about several ways to address the hiring and retention challenges of manufacturing companies, focusing on partnerships with K-12 and higher education institutions and technical training as well as regional funding opportunities to support the implementation of the strategies that were discussed.
Matt Cohen, LIA President & CEO, said, “Long Island has a legacy of a booming manufacturing sector, and while it is still thriving, the LIA realizes that the manufacturers face significant challenges with hiring and having a stable workforce, and partnerships are critical to ensure their continued growth.”
Larry Waldman, LIA Board Chair, said, “The only way we can grow our economy is by creating new jobs, which is the best type of social program. I want to thank everyone who joined the LIA today to inform our advocacy so we can continue to support manufacturing companies on Long Island.”
Dorith Hakim, CEO and President of CPI Aero, LIA Board Member and Committee Co-Chair, said, “Ensuring a steady talent pipeline is integral to the prosperity of manufacturing companies on Long Island. Our strategy includes educational partnerships, leveraging funding, and training the future leaders of our companies is needed.”
In addition to Dorith Hakim, the LIA Manufacturing and Trade Committee leadership include Co-Chair John Costanzo, Senior Advisor, Purolator International, Inc. and Co-Vice Chairs Brian Herrington, Vice President of External Affairs-Foundation, Scotts Miracle Gro and John D’Addario, CEO, D'Addario & Company, Inc.
The timing of the LIA roundtable comes in advance of National Manufacturing Month, which is celebrated in October. There will be a number of events in both Nassau and Suffolk County that will provide forums to connect students, parents, advisors, and administrators with manufacturers looking to expand their workforce. For more information about how to get engaged, visit www.MfgDayLI.com.
About the Long Island Association
The Long Island Association (LIA) is the region’s leading non-profit and non-partisan business organization since 1926 and amplifies the voice of the business community. The LIA works to ensure the region’s economic vitality - Long Island’s future is our business. www.longislandassociation.org
###
-
Stacey Sikes VP Government Affairs & Communications
- September 20, 2024
- (631) 493-3000
- Send Email