Lehigh Valley Manufacturing Forum to Bring Regional Industry Leaders Together
Manufacturing Day event will explore regional trends, workforce, business growth, AI, technology, and the future of manufacturing — plus honor the 2026 Lehigh Valley Manufacturer of the Year
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Manufacturers Resource Center
September 15, 2026
BETHLEHEM, PA — As manufacturers across the nation recognize Manufacturing Day and Manufacturing Month, the Lehigh Valley’s manufacturing community will come together on October 1 for the 2026 Lehigh Valley Manufacturing Forum, presented by Manufacturers Resource Center (MRC), Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce, and ESSA Bank.
The half-day forum is designed not only to inform, but to connect the people and organizations that contribute to the region’s manufacturing ecosystem. Manufacturers, suppliers, service providers, and community stakeholders will have an opportunity to network with peers, industry leaders, and government representatives while exploring potential partnerships and business opportunities.
Held from 8:30 a.m. to noon at ArtsQuest SteelStacks in Bethlehem, the forum will feature a diverse lineup of regional and industry leaders addressing issues that matter to today’s manufacturers — from business growth and workforce development to manufacturing trends, artificial intelligence, shop-floor technology, tax and efficiency strategies, and legislative developments.
A Look at Today’s Manufacturing Landscape
Featured speakers and topics include:
- Welcome to Northampton County: Tara Zrinski, Northampton County Executive
- Critical Financial Solutions to Support Your Business Growth: Joseph Bonsick, President, ESSA Bank
- Manufacturing Trends in the Lehigh Valley: Kristin Cahayla-Hoffman, Vice President of Business Development & Attraction, Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation
- Workforce Update: Sarah Lutz, Assistant Executive Director, Workforce Board LV
- Trends in AI for Manufacturing and Beyond: Shawn Furman, Advanced Manufacturing Technology Strategy Manager, Manufacturers Resource Center
- 2026 Manufacturing Tax and Efficiency Insights: Jeffrey Chrin, Principal, CliftonLarsonAllen
- Managing Shop Floor AI: Chris Rawlings, CEO, BlueCloud Consultants
- Legislative Update: U.S. Congressman Ryan Mackenzie (PA-7), (tentative)
Celebrating Manufacturing Excellence
Keynote: President & CEO at C.F. Martin Guitar & Co., Thomas Ripsam
PLUS: The 2026 Lehigh Valley Manufacturer of the Year Award presented to Human Active Technology
“Manufacturing is a vital part of the Lehigh Valley’s economic strength, and its future depends on our ability to work together,” said Rich Hobbs, President & CEO of Manufacturers Resource Center. “The Manufacturing Forum brings people from across the manufacturing ecosystem to the same table to share ideas, identify opportunities, and strengthen the connections that help our region’s manufacturers succeed.”
The Lehigh Valley is home to a diverse manufacturing base that spans traditional sectors like food processing, plastics, and metals while rapidly expanding into life sciences, advanced technology, and automation. The forum will provide an opportunity to examine the regional strengths that support this broad manufacturing community, including access to major markets, skilled labor, and educational institutions.
2026 Lehigh Valley Manufacturing Forum
Thursday, October 1, 2026
8:30 a.m. – 9:30 AM.
Registration, Networking, Breakfast, Exhibits, Passports Stamped
9:30 a.m. – 12:00 PM Program.
ArtsQuest SteelStacks
101 Founders Way
Bethlehem, PA 18015
Members of the media interested in attending or arranging interviews with event speakers and manufacturing leaders are invited to contact the Manufacturers Resource Center.
Media Contact:
Patricia Felise,
Brand Marketing & Media Relations
Manufacturers Resource Center
pat.felise@mrcpa.org (610) 628-4640
About Manufacturers Resource Center
Manufacturers Resource Center (MRC) is a nonprofit consulting organization that works alongside manufacturers throughout Berks, Carbon, Lehigh, Northampton and Schuylkill counties to strengthen their competitiveness and help them grow. As Pennsylvania’s Industrial Resource Center serving the region and part of the NIST Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) network, MRC provides hands-on expertise in areas including Lean, leadership development, workforce development, and advanced manufacturing technology.www.mrcpa.org.
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