Presented by: 

The Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce, the Manufacturers Resource Center and ESSA Bank present the 2026 Lehigh Valley Manufacturing Forum on Thursday, October 1 at the ArtsQuest SteelStacks Campus (101 Founders Way Bethlehem, PA 18015).
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Registration, Networking, Breakfast, Exhibits, Passports Stamped from 8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. 
Program from 9:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. 

Welcome to the Lehigh Valley Manufacturing Forum, a hub for professionals, businesses, and stakeholders in the vibrant manufacturing community. This forum serves as a dedicated platform for discussing the unique opportunities, challenges, and innovations shaping our local manufacturing landscape.

• Explore the diverse array of industries thriving in the Lehigh Valley, from food processing and plastics to metals and machinery.

• Discuss key initiatives driving growth, such as workforce development, infrastructure investments, and sustainability practices.

• Share insights on leveraging regional strengths like access to major markets, skilled labor pools, and educational institutions.

• Collaborate on solutions to common industry challenges, such as supply chain management, regulatory compliance, and technology adoption.

• Network with peers, industry leaders, and government representatives to foster partnerships and business opportunities.

Whether you're a manufacturer, supplier, service provider, or community stakeholder, this forum invites you to contribute your expertise, learn from others, and collectively advance the manufacturing sector in the Lehigh Valley. Let's build a stronger, more resilient manufacturing community together!

Featured Presentations

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• Keynote: Thomas Ripsam, President & CEO, Martin Guitar & Co.
• 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, VP of Business Development & Attraction, LVEDC
• Workforce Update: Sarah Lutz, Assistant Executive Director, Workforce Board LV

• Legislative Update: U.S. Congressman Ryan Mackenzie (PA-7) 

• 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, CLA

• Managing Shop Floor AI: Chris Rawlings, CEO, BlueCloud Consultants

PLUS: The 2026 Lehigh Valley Manufacturer of the Year is awarded to: 

learn more about human active technology here!

Register for the manufacturing forum today!

GET YOUR BUSINESS ON THE LIST! SPONSORSHIPS ARE AVAILABLE!
CONTACT FRANK AT [email protected] FOR MORE INFORMATION

Thank you to our sponsors!