More than 20 local businesses will participate in a Manufacturing Expo this Thursday at Washington High School in the Nix cafeteria and library.
Companies will display their products for local high school and college students, and the general public from 1:30 to 7 p.m.
The expo will be open to students from 1:30 to 3 p.m. and the public from 5 to 7 p.m.
Participating business include:
CG Power Systems USA, Clemco Industries Corp., Elite Survival Systems, Enduro Binders, G H Tool & Mold, Hellebusch Tool & Die, Intek Corp., Melton Machine & Control Co., Missouri Meerschaum Co., Missourian Publishing Co.,
Parker Hannifin-Sporlan Division, Rabco Midwest Inc., RTI Tradco Inc., Sheltered Workshops Inc., Stork Fabricators Inc., TEMCO Inc., The Chest Inc., Valent Aerostructures, Washington Metal Fabricators, Ziglin Signs Inc. and Washington Vinyl.
The Washington Area Chamber of Commerce, along with the city of Washington, East Central College, Washington School District and St. Francis Borgia Regional High School, have partnered to put on the expo. Several local banks also are helping to sponsor it.
“The idea is for companies in and around the Washington area that manufacture a product to come together in one location and display what they produce,” said Mark Wessels, Chamber president.
“We’re excited about how it’s shaped up,” he added.
Wessels said ECC will have three booths on manufacturing-type programs offered at the community college. Representatives of the district’s Four Rivers Career Center also will be in attendance, along with their students.
Darren Lamb, community and economic development director for the city, will have a booth with information on 353 Redevelopment Corp. and the Civic Industrial Corporation.
“I think having the manufacturers there, along with the school programs, makes it really well-rounded,” said Wessels, adding that representatives of the Chamber, city, ECC, Washington School District and St. Francis Borgia Regional High School will all be there.
Wessels said the expo also will be an opportunity for companies to distribute job applications and accept resumes. He said the idea for it grew out of the school-business partnership facilitated by the Chamber.
“We want the students to see industry in Washington as it is today,” he said. “We want to attract young people into these kinds of careers.”
After the students have gone through the expo, company representatives will have time to network and then it will open to the general public.
Although not a job fair, Wessels said students will be able to gather information on career opportunities, expected salary ranges, education, training, experience and skills.
It also will be a networking opportunity for industry participants, instructors, city officials, sponsors and other guests.
Wessels said many in the general public do not realize what kinds of industries are in the Washington area, and neither do some of the industries.
