2025 Evansville Region MFG Summit Sessions

Leadership Challenge: Developing the Next Generation of Leaders

Breakout Session #1

Location
Room 2217
Speakers
  • Kristin Schroering - HR Manager
    Jasper Engines
Summary
Explore Jasper Engines' Leadership Challenge (JLC), a foundational program designed to identify and develop future leaders. Learn how team members progress through leadership training, receive mentorship from senior managers, and evaluate their leadership potential. This session highlights how JLC serves as a vital first step in preparing high-potential employees for management roles.

Treating Team Members Like Family: A Leadership Perspective

Breakout Session #1

Location
Room 2218
Speakers
  • James Madden - Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indiana
Summary
In manufacturing, a strong team culture drives productivity and retention. This session shares how TMMI’s production leadership creates a people-first workplace by treating employees like family—fostering engagement, trust, and long-term success. Walk away with practical strategies to boost team morale and strengthen your company culture.

Reducing Workers' Comp Claims Through Physical Demand Assessments

Breakout Session #1

Location
Room 2202
Speakers
  • Crystal Robertson - Anchor Industries
Summary
Discover how Physical Demand Assessments (PDAs) can reduce workers' comp claims and improve workplace safety. Learn how PDAs align employees with physically appropriate roles, support injury prevention, and streamline return-to-work programs. This session includes real-world case studies and actionable steps to integrate PDAs into your organization.

From Chaos to Clarity: How CRM Systems Drive Business Success

Breakout Session #1

Location
Room 2206
Speakers
  • Adam Schmitt - Nix Industrial
Summary
A well-designed CRM system can transform how manufacturers manage relationships, communication, and operations. In this session, learn how Nix has used CRM tools to enhance efficiency, strengthen customer connections, and drive smarter business decisions through data.

Custom Software, Real Results: IT Innovation in Manufacturing

Breakout Session #1

Location
Room 2205
Speakers
  • Rod Mundy - Jasper Engines
Summary
Generic software doesn’t always meet the complex needs of manufacturers. This session explores the advantages of custom-built IT solutions- from plant operations to real-time data tracking. Hear from experts at Jasper Engines on how tailored software drives performance, reduces costs, and integrates seamlessly into operations.

Sustaining the Lean Journey: Continuous Improvement in Manufacturing

Breakout Session #1

Location
Room 2219
Speakers
  • Matt Bland - Continuous Improvement Consulting Group
Summary
Lean isn’t a one-time effort—it’s a mindset. This session dives into the long-term approach to sustaining lean initiatives, overcoming implementation roadblocks, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Learn from industry experts and manufacturers who’ve embedded lean practices into daily operations.

Empowering People, Digitizing Processes: Using Power Platforms to Transform Manufacturing

Breakout Session #1

Location
Room Traditions Lounge
Speakers
  • Teresa Buchanan & Heather Southwood - Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indiana
Summary
TMMI’s GEMS initiative showcases how manufacturers can digitize workflows using Power Apps, automation tools, and paperless systems. Learn how these digital solutions empower teams, improve efficiency, and enhance organizational transparency.

Revitalizing Manufacturing: Apprenticeships for the Next Generation

Breakout Session #1

Location
Room 2220
Speakers
  • Kristie Byrns - Senior Director of Corporate Sponsorship Development
    Vincennes University
  • Jerry Ruble - Director of Industrial Maintenance Training
    Vincennes University
  • Kimberly Wright - Director, Center for Applied Robotics & Automation
    Vincennes University
  • David Tucker - Vice President Workforce Development & Community Services
    Vincennes University
Summary
This breakout session will explore the diverse apprenticeship models offered by Vincennes University, providing insight into the challenges and successes faced by manufacturing companies in implementing these programs. Participants will learn about best practices for creating successful apprenticeship pathways that align with the evolving needs of the industry. Special focus will be given to how these apprenticeship opportunities can be tailored to appeal to Gen Z workers, offering a fresh perspective on attracting and retaining the next generation of skilled manufacturing talent.

Building a Quality Culture: What It Takes and Where to Start

Breakout Session #1

Location
Room 2213
Speakers
  • Kurt Davies - AstraZeneca
Summary
With experience working alongside the FDA, this session’s speaker will outline what it takes to build a robust quality culture. Topics include early equipment management design, quality systems, and how to lead with purpose when it comes to operational excellence.

Midwest Sustainability in Action: Practical Strategies for Regional Manufacturers

Breakout Session #1

Location
Room 2203
Speakers
  • Chad Burnett & Kevin Conkright - AstraZeneca
Summary
Explore successful sustainability projects from Midwest manufacturers and how they’ve integrated ESG (environmental, social, and governance) practices without disrupting operations. This session will focus on scalable initiatives, data-backed results, and how companies in the region are stepping up to lead the way.

Leadership Challenge: Developing the Next Generation of Leaders

Breakout Session #2

Location
Room 2217
Speakers
  • Kristin Schroering - HR Manager
    Jasper Engines
Summary
Explore Jasper Engines' Leadership Challenge (JLC), a foundational program designed to identify and develop future leaders. Learn how team members progress through leadership training, receive mentorship from senior managers, and evaluate their leadership potential. This session highlights how JLC serves as a vital first step in preparing high-potential employees for management roles.

Treating Team Members Like Family: A Leadership Perspective

Breakout Session #2

Location
Room 2218
Speakers
  • James Madden - Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indiana
Summary
In manufacturing, a strong team culture drives productivity and retention. This session shares how TMMI’s production leadership creates a people-first workplace by treating employees like family—fostering engagement, trust, and long-term success. Walk away with practical strategies to boost team morale and strengthen your company culture.

Reducing Workers' Comp Claims Through Physical Demand Assessments

Breakout Session #2

Location
Room 2202
Speakers
  • Crystal Robertson - Anchor Industries
Summary
Discover how Physical Demand Assessments (PDAs) can reduce workers' comp claims and improve workplace safety. Learn how PDAs align employees with physically appropriate roles, support injury prevention, and streamline return-to-work programs. This session includes real-world case studies and actionable steps to integrate PDAs into your organization.

From Chaos to Clarity: How CRM Systems Drive Business Success

Breakout Session #2

Location
Room 2206
Speakers
  • Adam Schmitt - Nix Industrial
Summary
A well-designed CRM system can transform how manufacturers manage relationships, communication, and operations. In this session, learn how Nix has used CRM tools to enhance efficiency, strengthen customer connections, and drive smarter business decisions through data.

Custom Software, Real Results: IT Innovation in Manufacturing

Breakout Session #2

Location
Room 2205
Speakers
  • Rod Mundy - Jasper Engines
Summary
Generic software doesn’t always meet the complex needs of manufacturers. This session explores the advantages of custom-built IT solutions—from plant operations to real-time data tracking. Hear from experts at Jasper engines on how tailored software drives performance, reduces costs, and integrates seamlessly into operations.

Sustaining the Lean Journey: Continuous Improvement in Manufacturing

Breakout Session #2

Location
Room 2219
Speakers
  • Matt Bland - Continuous Improvement Consulting Group
Summary
Lean isn’t a one-time effort—it’s a mindset. This session dives into the long-term approach to sustaining lean initiatives, overcoming implementation roadblocks, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Learn from industry experts and manufacturers who’ve embedded lean practices into daily operations.

Empowering People, Digitizing Processes: Using Power Platforms to Transform Manufacturing

Breakout Session #2

Location
Room Traditions Lounge
Speakers
  • Teresa Buchanan & Heather Southwood - Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indiana
Summary
TMMI’s GEMS initiative showcases how manufacturers can digitize workflows using Power Apps, automation tools, and paperless systems. Learn how these digital solutions empower teams, improve efficiency, and enhance organizational transparency.

Revitalizing Manufacturing: Apprenticeships for the Next Generation

Breakout Session #2

Location
Room 2220
Speakers
  • Kristie Byrns - Senior Director of Corporate Sponsorship Development
    Vincennes University
  • Jerry Ruble - Director of Industrial Maintenance Training
    Vincennes University
  • Kimberly Wright - Director, Center for Applied Robotics & Automation
    Vincennes University
  • David Tucker - Vice President Workforce Development & Community Services
    Vincennes University
Summary
This breakout session will explore the diverse apprenticeship models offered by Vincennes University, providing insight into the challenges and successes faced by manufacturing companies in implementing these programs. Participants will learn about best practices for creating successful apprenticeship pathways that align with the evolving needs of the industry. Special focus will be given to how these apprenticeship opportunities can be tailored to appeal to Gen Z workers, offering a fresh perspective on attracting and retaining the next generation of skilled manufacturing talent

Midwest Sustainability in Action: Practical Strategies for Regional Manufacturers

Breakout Session #2

Location
Room 2203
Speakers
  • Chad Burnett & Kevin Conkright - AstraZeneca
Summary
Explore successful sustainability projects from Midwest manufacturers and how they’ve integrated ESG (environmental, social, and governance) practices without disrupting operations. This session will focus on scalable initiatives, data-backed results, and how companies in the region are stepping up to lead the way.

Building a Quality Culture: What It Takes and Where to Start

Breakout Session #2

Location
Room 2213
Speakers
  • Kurt Davies - AstraZeneca
Summary
With experience working alongside the FDA, this session’s speaker will outline what it takes to build a robust quality culture. Topics include early equipment management design, quality systems, and how to lead with purpose when it comes to operational excellence.
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