As 2020 comes to a close, I think about all the changes this year brought. For NCMEP’s MNC Network, that meant no in-person events. Like many organizations, we had to find a new way to meet and that meant going virtual.
In the summer, we introduced a webinar series dedicated to meeting the challenges presented by Covid-19. From OSHA guidance to adapting cultures to medical devices, attendees learned strategies to help address the issues they were facing.
We also hosted two webinars on the Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES) and encouraged manufacturers to complete a survey to determine if they might be eligible for additional funding in their response to the pandemic. Manufacturers interested in learning more about the CARES act should complete the survey and an IES Regional Manager will reach out for additional follow-up.
With the success of the initial webinar series, NCMEP then offered a series of webinars on business continuity and supply chain management. This year’s MFGCON was also presented virtually and featured keynotes on manufacturing challenges and opportunities and policy considerations for manufacturing. The virtual mfgCON also included a panel discussion on the international supply chain and a conversation with one of North Carolina’s manufacturing CEOs.
We also recognized the North Carolina manufacturing community for their leadership in responding to the pandemic. The virtual mfgCON event, or any of the other webinars mentioned here, can be accessed on-demand using this link.
While we hope to meet in person in 2021, we plan to continue offering webinars. If there are topics you would like to learn more about or if you are interested in presenting, please complete this form. Plans for mfgCON 2021 are also underway. The conference is scheduled for May 4-5, 2021 at the Durham Convention Center. Manufacturers are encouraged to present at the conference; the call for speakers is currently open. More detail and the forms to submit an abstract can be found here.
Best wishes for the holiday season. NCMEP and the MNC Network look forward to seeing you next year.
