Manufacturers throughout the state will have an opportunity to advance their business strategies at the third annual Manufacturing Summit.
Hosted by Mississippi State University's Franklin Furniture Institute and the American Home Furnishings Alliance, the Manufacturing Summit will be held on March 27 at the Franklin Furniture Center.
The summit will address challenges and opportunities facing the Mississippi manufacturing sector, a large contributor to Mississippi's economy, employing 12 percent of the state's non-farm employment.
MSU President Mark E. Keenum will provide opening remarks. Governor Phil Bryant will deliver the keynote address. Bryant will share his vision for the future of the state's manufacturing sector and the furniture industry.
Two panel discussions will address how collaboration between manufacturers and federal agencies can accelerate growth of the industry in the Magnolia State, as well as a discussion on the implications of the Affordable Care Act. Speakers include representatives from the U.S. Department of Commerce, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Appalachian Regional Commission, Delta Regional Authority, as well as MSU faculty experts and leaders of the state's manufacturing and furniture industries.
The program also includes lessons on global manufacturing competitiveness, consumer buying attitudes and behavior, skilled labor shortage issues, and regulations which may impact the industry.
Registration is $99 for members of the American Home Furnishings Association and $139 for non-members. The summit will be held from 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. with lunch provided. Registration is available online at www.ffi.msstate.edu.
Sponsors of the event include CertiPUR®-US, the Mississippi Manufacturers Association, the MSU Forest and Wildlife Research Center, and the MSU Extension Service.