PROVIDENCE – The Rhode Island Manufacturers Association will recognize two organizations and a teacher at its annual black-tie optional dinner on Saturday, Oct. 19.
The event, which will focus on the “renaissance” of manufacturing through workforce development and education, is open to the public and will be held at 6 p.m. at the Renaissance Providence Downtown Hotel.
“Here in Rhode Island, we know all too well about where we rank in the nation relative to unemployment, the economy and the overall business climate,” said the event release. “Now, more than ever, we need to keep the pressure on and continue to raise awareness of our sector and push for a more business-friendly environment and a skilled workforce.”
The two organizations to be recognized are The Center for Dynamic Learning in Providence and the Manufacturing Skills Initiative for Rhode Island.
The Center for Dynamic Learning is a nonprofit organization headed by Beth and Kevin Cunha that aims to supplement student experience in the areas of science, technology, engineering, arts, mathematics and manufacturing.
Dave Chenevert, president of Cumberland-based Swissline Precision Manufacturing Inc., heads the Manufacturing Skills Initiative for Rhode Island, a growing group of small to mid-size manufacturers working to develop and support manufacturing career education programs and make students, parents, teachers and civic leaders more aware of new career opportunities in manufacturing.
Also receiving recognition at the event will be Briar Dacier, a teacher at Davies Career-Tech High School who leads the school’s machine technology program. The program prepares students for careers in the field of high tech manufacturing, and in recent years as almost doubled its enrollment under Dacier’s leadership.
Sponsors of this year’s Manufacturers Association event include Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems, Materion Technical Materials, Constellation, Alex & Ani, Meridian Printing and The Oster Group.
For more information or to purchase tickets, contact Manufacturers Association Executive Director Bill McCourt at rima@mfgri.com or 401-751-0160.
