Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/1373524
PANEL DISCUSSION: MANUFACTURING BEYOND COVID-19: Lessons learned and the challenges that lie ahead MODERATOR: LISA DERBY ODEN Workforce Program Coordinator; Project Development Coordinator, MassMEP Lisa Derby Oden is part of MassMEP's Project Development team where she works with manufacturers to prepare grant requests for the Workforce Training Fund. With 17 years as a workforce professional, she implemented and oversaw the delivery of programmatic services of a $4M US DOL grant for H1B Technical Skills Training that trained 499 participants with a placement rates of 90+%. Lisa was also part of the founding team for MACWIC, whose statewide focus was on employer-led workforce training initiatives for manufacturers. Prior to MassMEP Lisa was STEM Project Director for MassHire Central Region Workforce Board's $2M USDOL STEM Career Pathways grant. She also directed Mount Wachusett Community College (MWCC) Leominster Campus where she developed the Entrepreneurial Resource Center and oversaw staff, faculty, students and operations. PANELIST: JOHN BERGERON Director of Organizational Performance, United Solutions John Bergeron has worked in the plastics manufacturing industry since 1979, beginning at Tucker Housewares, a company with headquarters in Leominster. He began his manufacturing career on the transportation and distribution side of the business, and was eventually given the responsibilities of National Distribution Manager. In 1998, John worked with Union Products and with the late creator of the ubiquitous Pink Lawn Flamingo, Don Featherstone, as a transportation consultant for United Plastics and several small manufacturers. In August of 2000, he became part of the United Solutions team as their Transportation & Distribution Manager. In 2009, John moved to the Production side of the busi- ness , becoming the Leominster Plant Manager. When United Solutions purchased the Rubber- maid Consumer Storage business in 2017, John assumed a Logistics role, working to help fold the production demand and customer base into United Solutions' three-plant operational and geographical structure. In March of 2020, John became United Solutions' Director of Organizational Performance. Driven by a passion for service, John is now moving forward with a United Solutions team that is dedicated to manufacturing excellence and cultural enhancements. John Bergeron is a local kid, born and raised in Leominster and a lover of all things New England. He has raised 5 children, two of whom are working in the plastics industry. He has 11 grandchildren and one on the way to make an even dozen. He and his family enjoy camping, skiing, hiking and a myriad of outdoor activities.