Nearly 150 manufacturers, educators, business leaders and community partners attended Crawford County's annual Manufacturing Breakfast on Wednesday, Oct. 14, Crawford County Now reported.
The Crawford Partnership and the Crawford County Chamber of Commerce hosted the gathering, which was organized around industry trends, recognition of standout employees and discussion of what lies ahead for local manufacturing.
Dr. Ethan Karp, president and CEO of MAGNET: The Manufacturing Advocacy and Growth Network, was the featured speaker. He presented results from a 2025 manufacturing survey and covered emerging technology, evolving workforce requirements and the pressures manufacturers face in staying competitive.
Crystal Dean, workforce development manager at the Crawford Partnership, said the size of the turnout showed what comes from convening the sector in a single room. According to the report, she framed the morning as a way to honor employees making a difference within their companies, hear what manufacturers are encountering and build relationships that improve support for employers.
The program included recognition of workers nominated by their employers for leadership, dedication, growth and contributions over the previous year. Organizers said those connections carry on year-round through company visits, school partnerships, workforce efforts and links to local resources.
The partnership and chamber credited sponsors Forge Fire & Company, First Financial Bank and the Crawford County Safety Council, and thanked 3 Girls & a Kitchen Catering for the meal.
Organizers characterized the event as a sign of the local manufacturing community's strength and of the value of collective preparation for the future.