WNM 2025 Manufacturing Day Virtual Round Table Discussion

Join us for an interactive roundtable discussion designed for professionals in the manufacturing sector or for anyone who desires to learn more about manufacturing. This session will explore current trends, operational challenges, and innovative solutions shaping the future of manufacturing. Participants will engage in peer-to-peer learning, share best practices, business strategies, and workforce development.

Learn from experienced New Mexico manufacturing companies and discover resources from WESST Farmington Women's Business Center and New Mexico MEP.

Meet our roundtable speakers:

ABC Canvas Inc., Cody Waldrup, Owner & President

• ABC Canvas Inc. is proud to announce its expansion into a new location, designed to support growing operations, empower employees, and foster collaboration among local business leaders. ABC Canvas reflects a commitment to regional manufacturing excellence and long-term workforce development.

Clay Groomer Machine Shop, Ivan Clay, Owner and President

• Clay Groomer Machine Shop is a cornerstone of precision machining in the region, and is actively converting internships into full-time employment opportunities and strengthening the local talent pipeline.

Jack's Plastic Welding Inc., TJ Garcia, CEO and Lead Designer

• Jack's Inc. is undergoing a dynamic management transition, reinforcing its reputation as a leader in outdoor gear manufacturing. With a strong family-oriented culture and a focus on quality, JPW is shaping the future of next-generation manufacturing.

NMSBA Program, Megan Zipperian, NMSBA Program Contact at LANL, and Judy Hendricks, NMSBA Program Contact at SNL

• NMSBA, in partnership with Los Alamos Labs (LANL) and Sandia National Labs (SNL) connects manufacturers with technical expertise. Partnerships like that of NMSBA and the labs offer invaluable support to local manufacturers through research, prototyping, and process optimization.

Eelahas Resource Group, LLC, Carey Beam, Consultant

• Eelahas Resource Group focuses on STEM education and workforce development. Eelahas is helping shape the next generation of manufacturing professionals.

Charmed, Hailey Facka, Owner and Creator

• Hailey is a rising young entrepreneur turning creativity into commerce! Discover how she prepares for craft fairs - from booth set up to pricing strategies, along with how she markets her handmade goods. Whether you're a fellow crafter, a supporter of your enterprise, or just curious about the behind-the-scenes of running a small business, Hailey's journey will spark ideas and motivation.

Aztec Chamber, Jeanene Valdes, Board Member and Co-owner of Affordable Blind Pros LLC

• The Aztec Chamber supports over 80 businesses and hosts events like the Fall Festival, Chamber Connection, and Small Business Saturday. The Aztec Chamber is working to connect local businesses, manufacturers, resources, and tradespeople in the Four Corners area.

Key Topics:

• Manufacturing and STEMS
• Supply chain resilience and reshoring strategies
• Workforce training and retention in a changing labor market
• Dealing with change as a manufacturer
• Family culture and quality

Format: This is an organic driving conversation to encourage open dialogue and collaborative problem-solving. Participants are encouraged to bring real-world examples and questions to the table.

Who Should Attend: Small business owners, Manufacturing entrepreneurs, Manufacturing leaders, operations managers, engineers, quality control professionals, and anyone involved in production, logistics of products and/or services, or industrial innovation.

Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities and language assistance services are available for limited English proficient individuals. Please notify Janelle Henry at 505-566-3715 when you register for the class, or no later than 24 hours prior to your class, so that WESST can make sure necessary accommodations are available. All programs and services are provided to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis.

The Women's Business Center is funded in part by the U.S. Small Business Administration. All opinions, conclusions or recommendations expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA.