Commerce Secretary John Bryson Headlines Manufacturing Renaissance Summit at RIT

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John Bryson

Groundbreaking research combined with a high-skilled workforce and a history of manufacturing know-how have positioned upstate New York to lead a “Made in America” renewal. But how do key stakeholders exploit the opportunities that will make it a reality?

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand is laying the groundwork by convening leading experts from industry, government and academia for a summit at Rochester Institute of Technology. “Building from Strength: Upstate New York’s New Manufacturing Renaissance” begins at 10 a.m. April 27 in RIT’s Center for Student Innovation.

U.S. Secretary of Commerce John Bryson is the event’s keynote speaker. Bryson’s priority as commerce secretary is to help American businesses “build it here and sell it everywhere.” As co-chair of the White House Office of Manufacturing Policy, he is coordinating government-wide efforts to support and strengthen America’s manufacturing sector, especially advanced manufacturing.

“America was built by New York’s manufacturing,” states Gillibrand. “Our manufacturers powered our economy through the 20th century, and it will be the key to fueling our economy in the 21st century. It’s time to see ‘Made In America’ again starting right here in New York. When we spark more growth in clean-tech and high-tech manufacturing, we’ll reinvigorate New York’s great manufacturing communities, start more new businesses and create more family-supporting jobs right here where we need them the most.”

RIT President Bill Destler adds: “We are very excited to partner with Sen. Gillibrand in bringing Secretary Bryson to the Greater Rochester region to discuss the Obama administration’s laser focus on manufacturing and the opportunities for manufacturers in our region and throughout upstate New York to participate in new programs and initiatives designed to strengthen this critical sector of our national economy.”

Bryson’s address is followed by panel discussions on related topics, including public policy strategies and resources needed to grow manufacturing. The panels will feature high-level representatives from key state and federal agencies including Leecia Eve, New York state deputy secretary for economic development; Phillip Singerman, associate director for innovation and industry services, National Institute of Standards and Technology; Neal Orringer, director of manufacturing, U.S. Department of Defense; and Matt Erskine, acting assistant secretary for economic development and administrator of the Economic Development Administration.

Other presenters in the day’s program include Jack McDougle, senior vice president of the Council on Competitiveness; Don McCabe, Corning senior vice president of manufacturing performance excellence; and Kevin Halpin, managing director of DeltaPoint Capital Management Inc.

For more information on the program and parking, go to the Golisano Institute for Sustainability website or call 585-475-4966. Register at RITSummit@gillibrand.senate.gov.