The purpose of the Manufacturing Works Summit is to:
- Provide meaningful dialogue and collaboration among the manufacturing companies and supporting organizations of the greater western Pennsylvania region
- Create awareness of and access to the vast array of recruiting, talent development, and career-supporting resources available in our region
- Spark innovative new program offerings, partnerships, and connections that will elevate the manufacturing industry in the region to a world-class region that attracts and retains companies and talent
- Provide an opportunity for local manufacturers, education, and nonprofit community to network
The Manufacturing Works Summit is the premier regional conference focused on manufacturing talent throughout western Pennsylvania. The conference, coordinated by Catalyst Connection, is focused on making the region a national model for collaboration while supporting the local economy through the strength of the manufacturing sector.
The purpose of the Manufacturing Works Summit is to:
Provide meaningful dialogue and collaboration among the manufacturing companies and supporting organizations of the greater western Pennsylvania region
Create awareness of and access to the vast array of recruiting, talent development, and career-supporting resources available in our region
Spark innovative new program offerings, partnerships, and connections that will elevate the manufacturing industry in the region to a world-class region that attracts and retains companies and talent
Provide an opportunity for local manufacturers, education, and nonprofit community to network
Who Should Attend This Conference?
Anyone who has a passion for manufacturing and for attracting/developing manufacturing talent. The conference is primarily aimed at representatives from manufacturing companies, but workforce nonprofits, school administrators, college representatives and other local leaders are welcome to attend.
Meet Catalyst Connection
Catalyst Connection is a private not-for-profit organization headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. We provide consulting and training services to small manufacturers in southwestern Pennsylvania, accelerating revenue growth and improving productivity. Through active collaboration with our clients and the manufacturing community, we contribute to the growth, vibrancy, and ongoing robustness of manufacturing in our region.
Catalyst Connection is supported, in part, by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Community and Economic Development, and by the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership.
We Succeed When Our Clients Succeed
As a non-profit 501(c)3 firm, Catalyst Connection is not motivated by making large profits but by reporting the success stories of our manufacturing clients. We can provide you with a free consultation to help you determine the best place to put your business improvement efforts.
Click here to learn more about us or contact us.
Workforce Team
Jennifer Bosack
Prior to joining Catalyst Connection in 2024, Jennifer served as Director of Workforce Development for an international non-profit’s operation in Southwestern Pennsylvania. Jennifer’s expertise involves grant writing, research, planning, managing, and administering government-funded workforce, economic development, and housing grants... Read More
Nate Broadus
In his position as Workforce Specialist, Nate engages local job seekers, community organizations and employers via the REAL Jobs Initiative to create new employment pathways for a more diverse workforce. Nate brings a proven track record of community and... Read More
Scott Dietz
Scott leads the program development and delivery of Catalyst Connection’s workforce initiatives. Over the past 19 years, Scott has consulted with manufacturing companies and schools on talent pipeline and career pathways across 12-counties of Southwestern Pennsylvania. Scott leads grant... Read More
Kristen Goodell
In her role as a staff consultant and education expert within the Organizational Development team at Catalyst Connection, Kristen plays a pivotal role in assisting manufacturing and industry organizations in the implementation of employee-centric strategies rooted in learning and... Read More
Jordan Howard
Jordan is passionate about connecting future job seekers with opportunities through education and outreach. With a unique, non-traditional background, he brings a wealth of experience from diverse roles, including teaching artist at 1Hood Media, studio engineer at YMCA Lighthouse... Read More
Hannah Kusenko
Hannah joined Catalyst Connection in 2017 and has since done work in a variety of different departments including reporting, marketing, organizational development, and workforce development. In her current position as Workforce Specialist, Hannah manages a variety of middle and high... Read More
Shanena Lewis
Shanena Lewis is a passionate Workforce Specialist at Catalyst Connection, committed to fostering inclusivity in the manufacturing sector. Since joining Catalyst in 2025, Shanena has leveraged her extensive experience gained from leadership roles at the Women and Girls Foundation,... Read More
Mara Peduto
Since 2008, Mara has worked across departments including operational excellence, workforce development and organizational/leadership development. In her current position as Workforce Development Consultant, she specializes in helping employers and partners create hiring and skills gaps assessment, development of programs... Read More
David Rea
In his position as an Organizational Development Consultant, David specializes in helping manufacturers optimize employees through hiring, development and retention best practices. With a training background in Industrial Organizational Psychology, he specializes in employee selection, succession planning, job analysis,... Read More
Shaun Reddick
Shaun Reddick is a seasoned educator with 33 years of experience in the classroom, bringing a wealth of knowledge and a passion for hands-on learning. Shaun taught for the Burrell School District, for 25 years, Shaun specialized in teaching... Read More