The Great Lakes Industrial Technology Summit 2009 has been scheduled for October 12, 14 & 15, 2009. We hope to see you there!

The Great Lakes Industrial Technology Summit (GLITS), an event for our diversified manufacturing community is an evolving event of our region.  Over twenty years ago it started as Expo Erie, to showcase products to the community that were made in the region.  It progressed into a premier trade show for companies to meet with prospective buyers and suppliers across the region.  And now it’s evolved and encompasses both of these previous functions, as well as provides a bridge between our regions workforce and the industry seeking skilled workers.

This issue of workforce development has been a growing concern for industry for many years.  Attention in our area over the last few years with the development of STEM initiatives and media interest in our large manufacturing facilities like GE – Transportation has been growing.  Former CEO, John Dineen’s vocal efforts to create awareness of the issues facing its own workforce development and pipeline issues for skilled and knowledge workers was a driving factor behind the focal change of Expo Erie to what is now known as GLITS in 2008.

GLITS will focus on three audiences for 2009; these include industry, community and our regions students.  The event is being developed in a fashion that will allow for many of the workforce development issues to be addressed through keynote speakers, panel discussions and industry / student interactions.  We are focusing on the following key elements in facilitating this interactive environment for industry and students:

Career Paths

Local Product Development

Interactive Elements