Manufacturing Executives Association gathers to celebrate Christmas

 

About 240 people from 24 companies as well as special guests representing government leaders, education, city leaders and the media attended the Manufacturing Executives Association annual Christmas Celebration on Friday (Dec. 9) at the Golden Living Headquarters.

Guests mingled from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. and enjoyed drinks and appetizers before the main course of pork loin and prime rib prepared by Golden Living Executive Chef Mickey Sellard.

Following dinner, Greg Boschert, MEA president and plant manager at Owens Corning, recognized the businesses and their personnel in attendance. A random drawing of table numbers followed for the gift giveaway. The women in attendance then rushed to pick out a gift from a large selection including home decor, electronics and collectibles. Larry B and the Cradle Rockers performed during the gift giveaway and the dance floor was open.

Boschert said MEA was founded in 1974 by manufacturing executives who saw a need for a social and professional framework to work with government and business leaders to establish Fort Smith as a preferred place to do business. Its goal is to promote and foster a strong environment for manufacturing for the greater Fort Smith region and make the region the place of choice for manufacturers to bring new operations or grow existing ones.

The annual Christmas Celebration is an opportunity to reflect on the previous year’s events and look forward to next year.

Boschert said that for 2012, the goals of MEA will be to examine the impact of social networking in manufacturing, bringing jobs back to the U.S. (reshoring), and organizing the third annual MEA golf outing.

"I think with the economy on a slow path to recovery and the ups and downs that come along with it, perhaps now more than ever, the MEA has a vital role to play to achieve our vision of establishing and maintaining Fort Smith as the location of choice for employers looking to base new operations or grow existing ones," said Boschert.

Boschert also praised the leadership of Michael Barr, president of Weather Barr Windows & Doors, in helping guide the organization during a critical period. Barr was the MEA president during 2009 and 2010.