A Blueprint for 2026

By Sara Hanks, President/CEO, NWIRC

As the new year begins, I’ve been reflecting on what it means to lead with intention. Since 2020, I’ve relied on a simple behavior blueprint as my compass for personal growth. Four questions guide me back to center whenever life gets busy or direction feels unclear: What do I start? What do I stop? What do I continue? And what do I strengthen?

This blueprint has guided my growth and decision-making. Entering 2026, I’m now applying these questions to leading NWIRC. This year will bring meaningful progress for our organization and manufacturers, shaped by four guiding questions:

• What do I start? Implement new practices and conversations to better serve manufacturers.
• What do I stop? Eliminate ineffective habits and processes that hinder progress.
• What do I continue? Maintain valuable work—building partnerships, supporting our team, and responding to regional needs.
• What do I strengthen? Enhance systems and behaviors for greater consistency and alignment within our organization and the manufacturing ecosystem.

These questions form a framework for growth. As NWIRC evolves, I want to be clear that I’m evolving too. Leadership adapts with the organization and responds to changing needs. By sharing this blueprint, I hope you recognize NWIRC’s purposeful progress and my commitment to being intentional in my leadership for this role, our team, and our region.

This reflective approach feels especially important as we look ahead to 2026. Manufacturers across Northwest Pennsylvania continue to navigate shifts in automation, workforce expectations, customer demands, and the adoption of new technologies. Many leaders have shared that they’re looking for clarity and practical guidance. They want partners who can help them make wise decisions and build long-term capability. That’s why we’re starting the year with two major opportunities designed to support manufacturers with intention and purpose.

Our DIFM26 (Driving Impact for Manufacturing) conference in Erie (March 25) is a regional gathering focused on practical solutions for real manufacturing challenges, from automation and lean operations to workforce development and leadership. It’s a rare moment to step out of the day-to-day, gain fresh perspective, and connect with peers and experts who understand the realities of running and growing a manufacturing operation.

In partnership with NWPA-NTMA and NEFF Automation, the Manufacturing Advanced Expos in Kersey (April 28) and Erie (April 30) complement DIFM26 with direct, tactile experience of the technologies shaping the future of manufacturing: robotics, motion control, sensing, automation integration. This event gives teams the opportunity to explore solutions up close, ask questions, and envision what these tools could mean inside their own facilities.

These events align with the spirit of the blueprint: start what’s necessary, stop what’s getting in the way, continue what’s working, and strengthen the habits and systems that build capability over time.

As we step into this new year, I hope you’ll consider your own version of a behavior blueprint, whether personally, as a leadership team, or across your organization. The questions are simple, but the clarity they bring can reshape the year ahead.

We would love to see you at DIFM26 and the Manufacturing Advanced Expos as we launch into 2026 with intention, momentum, and a shared commitment to strengthening manufacturing in our region. Registration is open and your team is welcome. Let’s begin the year with purpose, together.