Inside Colorado Manufacturing: Economy, Leadership & Workforce
Join the Colorado Advanced Manufacturing Association at Eldon James for an inside look at the economic conditions, leadership decisions, and workforce strategies shaping Colorado manufacturing.
The program will open with remarks from Nicholas Sly, Vice President, Economist, and Denver Branch Executive at the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City.
Colorado Manufacturing Outlook: Economic Conditions, Challenges & Opportunities
Nick Sly will moderate a conversation with Marcia Coulson, President of Eldon James, and other Colorado manufacturing and business leaders. The panel will explore what companies are experiencing across the state, including changing market conditions, workforce pressures, investment and growth, and the outlook for Colorado’s manufacturing economy.
Building the Industry 4.0 Workforce: Understanding SACA Certifications
A dedicated panel will introduce the Smart Automation Certification Alliance, or SACA, and explain how its industry-driven certifications can help manufacturers, educators, and workforce partners build stronger talent pipelines. Panelists will discuss the skills these credentials validate, how they support training and skills-based hiring, and how SACA can help prepare students and incumbent workers for careers involving automation, robotics, industrial maintenance, controls, and other advanced manufacturing technologies.
Eldon James Facility Tours
Guests will also have the opportunity to tour Eldon James’ new manufacturing facility and see firsthand how the company is expanding its capabilities, applying advanced manufacturing practices, and producing high-purity tubing, fittings, and fluid-management solutions for demanding industries.
This event brings together manufacturers, business leaders, educators, workforce partners, and community stakeholders for practical conversations, valuable connections, and a firsthand look inside one of Colorado’s growing manufacturing companies.
Event Schedule
12:00–12:30 p.m.
Check-In and Registration
12:20–1:10 p.m.
Eldon James Facility Tours
Early tours of Eldon James’ new manufacturing facility will be available as guests arrive.
1:15–2:00 p.m.
Welcome, Introductions and Economic Opening Remarks
Event kickoff and opening remarks from Nicholas Sly, Vice President, Economist, and Denver Branch Executive at the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City.
2:00–2:50 p.m.
Colorado Manufacturing Outlook: Economic Conditions, Challenges and Opportunities
Moderated by Nick Sly and featuring Marcia Coulson, President of Eldon James, alongside other Colorado manufacturing and business leaders.
2:50–3:00 p.m.
Break
3:00–4:00 p.m.
Building the Industry 4.0 Workforce: Understanding SACA Certifications
A discussion of SACA certifications, the skills they validate, and how manufacturers, educators and workforce partners can use them to strengthen Colorado’s advanced-manufacturing talent pipeline.
4:00–4:10 p.m.
Closing Remarks
4:10–5:00 p.m.
Eldon James Facility Tours
A second opportunity for guests to tour the facility.
5:00 p.m.
Networking Reception — Offsite
Continue the conversation with fellow manufacturers, business leaders, educators and workforce partners.
