Manufacturing Happy Hour · 2026-06-05 · 44 min
What happens when manufacturers stop competing for talent and start working together to develop it? In this special LIVE episode of Manufacturing Happy Hour, Chris travels to Wausau, Wisconsin for a collaboration with the Central Wisconsin Manufacturing Alliance (CWIMA) to explore how manufacturers across the region are working together to strengthen workforce development, accelerate innovation, and build a thriving manufacturing ecosystem. The discussion features five manufacturing leaders representing a wide range of industries: Jim Waldron, President of Wausau Tile John Peterson, Owner & CEO of Schuette Metals Scott Mattmiller, Greenheck Group Laura Strek, President of Imperial Industries Tom Felch, J&D Tube Benders Together, they discuss everything from workforce shortages and apprenticeship programs to automation, mentorship, community engagement, and why collaboration may be the biggest competitive advantage a manufacturing region can have. Make sure to visit ManufacturingHappyHour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.
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