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 u.... READ MORE »
By Molly Reichard, NWIRC Culture Development Specialist According to the Chinese Zodiac, 2026 is the year of the horse. Pantone has announced the 2026 color of the year as “Transformative Teal”. Dictionary.com named “6-7” as the 2025 word of the year. These annual themes and the new ye.... READ MORE »
The region’s newest premier manufacturing event, DIFM26 (Driving Impact for Manufacturers) hosted by NWIRC, returns to the Erie Bayfront Convention Center on March 25, 2026 bringing together industry leaders, innovators, and workforce champions for a day of insight, connection, and momentum. Th.... READ MORE »
When Molly Miller completed NWIRC’s Manufacturing Excellence Professional Development course and earned her SME Lean Bronze Certification in late 2024, she returned to Plastikos energized—but not alone. Her enthusiasm helped spark a wave of continuous improvement, but it was the company’s coll.... READ MORE »
by Sara Hanks, NWIRC, President/CEO As 2025 draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on what this first year in transition has meant: for me personally, for NWIRC, and for the manufacturers and partners who shape our work each day. I entered the CEO role with a listening mindset, fully aware I wa.... READ MORE »
By Lisa Pustelak, NWIRC, Culture Development Manager As we get ready to turn the page into a new year, many of us feel the familiar pull to “get organized,” “be more productive,” or finally “manage our time better.” But what if the real shift isn’t about doing more—it’s about thin.... READ MORE »
By Tara Lawrence, NWIRC, Talent Stream Coordinator For more than two years, NWIRC’s Project Manufacturing Talent Stream has been building bridges between manufacturers, students, and educators across northwest and north central Pennsylvania. Through hands-on programming, career exploration events.... READ MORE »
by Shane Cantrell, NWIRC, Operational Excellence Specialist In a manufacturing landscape defined by rapid change, workforce shortages, and relentless pressure to improve margins, one investment consistently delivers outsized returns: developing your people. When companies support employees in earni.... READ MORE »
