Guest speakers to give voice to Manufacturing Day at MTC
MTC to roll out “Barracuda Business,” an MTC version of Shark Tank
(Bradenton, FL—September 28, 2015) October 2 is National Manufacturing Day. Manatee Technical College will host three guest speakers to discuss the state of manufacturing on the Suncoast from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. Featured will be Paulo Reis of PGT Industries; Brian Winchell, creator of Sak Enterprises, Inc. in Ellenton; and Peter Straw of the Sarasota-Manatee Area Manufacturers Association. Martha Meyers, business and industry specialist for MTC, will roll out “Barracuda Business,” MTC’s very own student version of the popular television show, Shark Tank.
Paulo Reis will share his story of growth from machinist to engineer to successful and beloved operation leader at PGT Industries. Brian Winchell will discuss the growth of an idea, projected into a thriving manufacturing business in our area. Peter Straw, Sarasota Area Manufacturers Association, will explain the manufacturing employment opportunities in the Sarasota/Manatee area and the impact of manufacturing in our community.
Martha Meyers will roll out to MTC students “Barracuda Business,” MTC’s very own version of Shark Tank. Students will have an opportunity to develop an idea, product or system and present it to local business and industry representatives to judge. The Florida Small Business Development Center at USF Sarasota-Manatee College of Business has pledged to help students with marketing plans and presentation skills. The presentations and judging will take place in late February.
Manufacturing Day will be celebrated throughout the U.S. on October 2. The purpose of Manufacturing Day is to inspire students to enter the manufacturing arena. Anyone interested in learning more about training for careers in manufacturing or the state of manufacturing in the area is welcome to attend. Meyers will take people on tours of the MTC main campus until 4 p.m. that day. For more information, email meyersm@manateeschools.net.