Press release from Western Carolina University:
Reinforcing its role as a regional partner for economic growth, Western Carolina University will host an aerospace and automotive workforce summit Friday, April 26, on campus in the conference room of Blue Ridge Hall.
The summit will provide an open forum for manufacturers, educators, economic developers and others to discuss the needs of high tech industry and how to develop collaborative efforts in the 24 westernmost counties of North Carolina.
“There are factors and logistics for consideration that will lead to crucial decisions on how to move forward,” said Jeffrey Ray, dean of WCU’s College of Engineering and Technology. “Key topics during the morning panels will be strengthening the supply chain for aerospace and auto manufacturers, how to meet technical workforce needs and increasing economic development networking opportunities throughout the region. This event will draw together viable solutions from the key players for the entire mountain community.”
The summit begins at 8:30 a.m. with a continental breakfast. Following the summit, tours will be offered in WCU’s Rapid Center, a research and development facility on the Cullowhee campus that partners with businesses, industry and entrepreneurs to develop new products and processes, utilizing high-tech engineering labs and equipment.
Confirmed panelists include representatives from Duotech in Franklin, Moog in Murphy and Borg-Warner Turbo in Asheville.
The summit is free but registration is requested. To register, email cet@wcu.edu or call 828-227-2158.
Before you comment
The comments section is here to provide a platform for civil dialogue on the issues we face together as a local community. Xpress is committed to offering this platform for all voices, but when the tone of the discussion gets nasty or strays off topic, we believe many people choose not to participate. Xpress editors are determined to moderate comments to ensure a constructive interchange is maintained. All comments judged not to be in keeping with the spirit of civil discourse will be removed and repeat violators will be banned. See here for our terms of service. Thank you for being part of this effort to promote respectful discussion.