Largest Manufacturing Summit in Georgia Attracts over 700 Industry Professionals from Across the Southeast

Staff Report From Georgia CEO

Friday, October 13th, 2017

On October 25th, over 700 industry professionals will gather to discuss the issues most important to Georgia manufacturers at the Georgia Manufacturing Summit at the Cobb Galleria. Designed to support Georgia’s manufacturing community, the Summit brings together the top industry leaders to network with their peers, learn best business practices, and share insights on the Manufacturing Trends to Track for 2018.

“Each year the Summit has grown showing the increased support that is needed for our manufacturers and the service providers to the industry,” said Jason Moss, CEO of the Georgia Manufacturing Alliance. “We have an outstanding line up of some of the top experts in the Southeast addressing the challenges that face our industry.”

More details about the Summit, bios of all Speaker participants, and pricing information can be found at http://www.GeorgiaManufacturingSummit.com.

The Summit Agenda begins with Debra Shankle, V.P. of Supply Chain for Coca-Cola North America as the Breakfast Keynote addressing How to Keep Your Team Motivated and Committed in Today’s Environment. The People of Manufacturing Awards will also be part of the breakfast presentations and will recognize those that have been nominated by their peers in the areas of Front Line Leadership, Plant Manager, Team Safety, and Team Operational Excellence.

Rob Dugas, V.P. and Chief Procurement Officer for Chick-fil-A, will be the Lunch Keynote. He will address Navigating the Latest Trends in Supply Chain Management. Exhibitor Access and Educational Sessions will be available throughout the day lead by top leaders in the Manufacturing Community. The sessions include:

Manufacturing a Better Bottom Line -- Focused on attracting CEOs, CFOs, Controllers, and HR executives, this Educational Session will address How to Power Profitability at Every Level of Your Business.

Trends to Track in the Supply Chain – Focused on Operations, Purchasing, Engineering & Logistics, this panel will be comprised of Georgia business leaders who understand the challenges of maintaining a successful supply chain.

International Manufacturing: Building Domestic Growth and a Competitive Edge Through Exports -- The launch of the first international manufacturing panel is designed to discuss global market trends, export program best practices, and key marketing and communication considerations that drive success.    

7 Secrets to Successful Selling – Learn the top tips on how to build a successful sales team, marketing and branding guidelines, and how to use LinkedIn to connect with the right people and promote your business.

Technology Advances for Today – Stay up to date on the latest developments in IT and Cyber security while raising awareness and IT visibility across the organization.

Developing a Winning Workforce – Focused on CEO’s & Human Resource Managers, this panel will address How to Bridge the Generational Gap, What Programs are Working and What is Available, and Leadership Training Game Plans.

“The Summit provides educational sessions and a networking platform that will help manufacturing professionals have a successful business,” continued Mr. Moss. “It allows attendees to make face-to-face connections with other manufacturers, service providers, and suppliers from across the Southeast. These contacts are valuable in helping manufacturing professionals find local resources that support our economy.”

Georgia Manufacturing Summit Agenda
8:00 am - Awards Breakfast/Keynote Debra Shankle, Coca-Cola North America (Grand Ballroom)

10:30 am - Educational Sessions (Salons A, B, & E)

  • Manufacturing a Better Bottom Line

  • Trends to Track in the Supply Chain

  • International Manufacturing

Exhibit Area Open (Ballroom Pre-function Area)

12:30 pm    - Lunch/Keynote Rob Dugas, Chick-fil-A (Grand Ballroom)

2:30 pm - Educational Sessions (Salons A, B, & E)

  • 7 Secrets to Sales & Marketing

  • IT & Technology Advances

  • Workforce Development

Exhibit Area Open (Ballroom Pre-Function Area)

4:00 pm - Closing Remarks (Grand Ballroom)

4:30–6:30 pm - American Made Movie (Focused on Manufacturing in the U.S.)

  • Show Time 5-6 pm (Salon B)

  • Q & A afterwards with Producer Nathan McGill