LIMA — Lima has a strong connection to the automotive industry, with such companies as Ford Motor Co. and MetoKote invested in the region. That connection has made Lima an obvious choice to hold a yearly regional auto growth summit in partnership with the Center for Automotive Research.
This year’s summit is scheduled to take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 11 at the multipurpose center at Rhodes State College’s Keese Hall. The summit allows people in the automotive industry to network and examine how the industry continues to evolve.
“One of the high points of these summits in the past has been addresses by a gentleman from the Center for Automotive Research, Bernard Swiecki,” according to Doug Durliat, director of the West Central Ohio Manufacturing Consortium. “Bernard’s attracted quite a following. We have quarterly teleconferences where he gives the latest trends in the global automotive market in a teleconference format, and he’s developed quite a following from several companies, economic development and government officials.”
While Swiecki will be concentrating on the industry itself, Kristin Dziczek of the Center for Automotive Research will also give an address from a workforce perspective.
Other speakers will include Jeff Oravitz, CEO of MetoKote, who will give an overview of the company’s history, from its humble beginnings in a garage to its multinational presence today.
“Scot McLemore of Honda will also be talking about a program they call EPIC,” Durliat said. “It is something to address the skills gap in manufacturing. What they’re doing is promoting skills in the STEM area at the junior high, high school and community college levels.”
Allen Economic Development Group President Jeff Sprague will also give an address previewing MakerFest, an event showcasing the various manufacturing companies in the area, complete with exhibits and live demonstrations.
Registration is $30, with all registrations due by Sept. 4.
“It includes a continental breakfast, a lunch and the entire program,” Durliat said.
To register, go to http://limachamber.com. For information, contact Durliat at 419-995-8353.
