Overview

The current workforce is changing as Boomers retire and younger employees enter the job market. Differences in the perspectives of the old and new workforce can create challenges for companies. This panel will address these changes and challenges and explore new ideas, strategies, and alternatives to help meet current and future employment needs.

Attendees will learn what approaches other companies are taking - what is working, as well as what isn’t working and will hear perspectives from those currently educating the next workforce. Prepare to leave with new ideas and outlooks on attracting, training, and keeping employees that you can take back and implement in your search for the new workforce.

About the Presenters

moderator

Lisa Wertzbaugher

Owner

Wertzbaugher Consulting

Biography

Lisa Wertzbaugher has 15+ years of progressive business development and sales experience. She has worked in service industries, medical device, and manufacturing. Lisa now manages her own consulting practice primarily assisting companies develop and deploy growth strategies. She also owns Wertzbaugher Services, a fabrication shop, with her husband. Lisa has experience in sales training, executive coaching, strategic planning, marketing, transition planning, and selling companies. Lisa has served on the Tube and Pipe Association’s Advisory Board, is currently 2nd Vice Chair of the Board of Directors for Fabricators and Manufacturers Association and writes a column for The Tube and Pipe Journal.

speakers

Kevin Dierking

President & CEO

voestalpine Roll Forming Corporation

Biography

Kevin is responsible for all operational aspects of voestalpine Roll Forming Corporation including engineering, design, automation and product development. He is also responsible for the RFC Aerospace Division. Kevin has been with voestalpine Roll Forming Corporation for over 30 years.
Antigone Sharris

Full-Time Faculty, Engineering Technology Faculty Lead, NFPA Fluid Power Fast Track Hub Site Faculty Advisor, Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society Mentor, Team 2151 Robotics Team, Triton College

Biography

Antigone Sharris is faculty and Chairperson of the Engineering Technology Program at Triton College. She has more than 20 years of experience working with area manufacturers and students, helping to ensure students are employment ready for these companies. She has been a FIRST mentor for several years and works with Chicagoland area schools and community organizations to help connect people and resources on multiple levels. She has developed community focused education programs including TechSavvy in partnership with area American Association of
University Women (AAUW) chapters, as well as summer programs like GADgET and GLoW, which are held at Triton College and other campuses. Prior to Triton College, Antigone worked in the manufacturing industry, including at Elkay Manufacturing, an in-district manufacturer of kitchen and bath products. At Elkay, she worked with the design and build of custom/non-standard products. Antigone holds an associate degree in Engineering Technology/CAD from Triton College, a Bachelor’s in Industrial Education from the University of Illinois (Champaign), as well as Master’s in Industrial Operations & Management and a Graduate Certificate in Logistics from the Illinois Institute of Technology.
Jim Mayer

Founder

The Manufacturing Connector

Biography

Jim is the founder of The Manufacturing Connector and host of The Manufacturing Culture Podcast. With over 20 years in manufacturing, Jim is dedicated to strengthening leadership and connection within the industry. He leads Leadership Development workshops across multiple cities, produces high-impact media on manufacturing solutions, and speaks at major industry events. Known for his authentic, people-focused approach, Jim is committed to fostering a culture of growth and innovation in manufacturing and bridging the labor gap.