AGENDA
Topic and Speaker Bios
11:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
Check-in and Lunch
12:15 - 12:30 p.m.
Welcome and Opening
Regionalism and the LIFT Initiative
12:40 - 1:40 p.m.
Keynote Session: Peter Cahill, CFA
The South Bend - Elkhart regional economy and the impact of automation and digitization on economic development and workforce with Peter Cahill.
- Peter Cahill | Vice President and Portfolio Manager | 1st Source Bank | View Bio
1:45- 2:00 p.m.
Break
2:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Smart Manufacturing Showcase – Providing New Solutions in Marine Manufacturing
Join us for an exciting Industry 4.0 Showcase featuring Smoker Craft in a dynamic session moderated by Conexus. Discover the latest advancements in marine technology and explore how Smoker Craft is embracing innovation and revolutionizing the boating industry.
- Leighton Johnson | Director, Innovation & Digital Transformation | Conexus Indiana | View Bio
- Michael Boyle | Process Automation Engineer | Smoker Craft, Inc. | View Bio
- Josh Leitch | Vice President Operations | Guide Engineering | View Bio
3:10 - 3:30 p.m.
Manufacturing Readiness Accelerator Program
Join us as we explore a new program recently launched in the South Bend – Elkhart region, the SBE region Manufacturing Readiness Accelerator. The Manufacturing Readiness Accelerator is an industry-driven, public-private partnership focused on R&D and technology adoption enabling a long-lasting impact, enabling the region to develop and attract talent that will become the next generation of leaders. This Accelerator is a mechanism designed to de-risk initial investment in advanced technologies within South Bend - Elkhart region companies.
- Michael Shoemaker | Engineer-in-Residence | iNDustry Labs at the University of Notre Dame | View Bio
3:30- 3:45 p.m.
Break
3:45 - 4:45 p.m.
Talent Retention and Development through Transformative Work-Based Learning
Talent Retention and Development through Transformative Work-Based Learning.
- Matt Davis | Manager of Training, Organizational Development, and Community Outreach | ITAMCO | View Bio
- Matthew Jerlecki | Director of Learning | Lippert | View Bio
- Connor Large | Intern | ITAMCO | View Bio
- Julia Perez | Human Resources Manager | Culver Duck Farms | View Bio
- Michale Poole | Apprentice | Lippert | View Bio
- Sarai Rocha | Quality Assurance Team Leader | Culver Duck Farms | View Bio
4:45 - 5:20 p.m.
Digital Skills Program Showcase - Empowering Talent Development
We will hear from South Bend – Elkhart region colleges and universities about how they are leveraging programs playing a pivotal role in bridging the digital skills gap and fostering talent development, contributing to the overall growth and competitiveness of organizations and industries.
- Sheri Campeau | Assistant Professor of Engineering | Bethel University | View Bio
- Dr. Hossein Hakimzadeh | Associate Professor of Computer Science | Indiana University South Bend | View Bio
- Joseph Heidt | Chancellor | Marian University’s Ancilla College | View Bio
- Juan López, Ph.D. | Dean, School of Advanced Manufacturing, Engineering and Applied Science | Ivy Tech South Bend – Elkhart | View Bio
5:25- 6:30 p.m.
Closing Remarks and Reception
ABOUT THE SUMMIT
The South Bend – Elkhart region Future Skills Summit is an exciting and informative event that brings together employers, educational institutions, and economic development practitioners to discuss the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in tomorrow's job market. This summit is designed to help professionals stay ahead of the curve by providing a comprehensive overview of the future of work and the skills needed to thrive in the years to come.
Throughout the summit, attendees have the opportunity to participate in a range of engaging sessions, including a keynote speech from Peter Cahill, CFA, from 1st Source Bank, panel discussions, and networking opportunities. These sessions cover a wide range of topics, including emerging technologies, workforce development strategies and resources, and the changing nature of work with speakers from Conexus Indiana, iNDustry Labs at the University of Notre Dame, Smoker Craft and more.
By attending the Future Skills Summit, you will gain a deeper understanding of the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the ever-evolving job market of the future. You will also have the chance to network with other professionals in your field and gain valuable insights into the latest trends and best practices in your industry.
Whether you are an employer, an educator, or a professional looking to stay ahead of the curve, the Future Skills Summit is an event you won't want to miss.
The Future Skills Summit is powered by the LIFT Initiative and supported by the South Bend - Elkhart Regional Partnership.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Links and downloadable pieces from the Summit
- LIFT Internship Program Flyer | Landing Page
- LIFT Apprenticeship Program Flyer | Landing Page
- LIFT Skills Accelerator Flyer | Landing Page
- Regional Innovation Hub | Submit a Listing
- Foreign Trade Zone 125 Flyer | Landing Page
- Northerner Indiana Regional Development Authority Impact Flyer
- South Bend - Elkhart Regional Partnership 2022 Annual Report