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Business as Usual: Catalyst Connection

We are excited to close the work week by welcoming Petra Mitchell, President and CEO of Catalyst Connection, to Business as Usual.

While our region’s nearly 3,000 industrial firms and their 80,000 employees were hit hard by the pandemic, their recovery is well underway. As a nonprofit provider of consulting and training services to small manufacturers in southwestern Pennsylvania, Mitchell will overview how Catalyst is helping clients not only survive the pandemic, but emerge stronger, more efficient and agile. 

Mitchell will detail how manufacturers are hiring and training workers, automating operations, localizing supply chains and addressing cyber security risks and mitigation requirements.

 

 

Transcription: 

So welcome everyone, it is Friday in January, I always have to say that because I never know what day it is. This is Audrey Russo, President and CEO of the Pittsburgh Technology Council. And we were all in for a treat today. This is a dear friend, to the tech Council and to our community, Petra Mitchell, I will formally introduce her in a moment. But I just want to get some of the housekeeping out of the way. And it's important housekeeping. One is to give thanks to Huntington bank, and thank them for the support that they've given us and what they give the community. They've been partners with us. And many things that we've experimented with, hard to believe that we're probably on our 200 And fourth, business as usual today. And we see no end in sight, we're having fun, we've had a chance to just meet and talk with incredible people who represent our communities, who are elected officials, and soon with the new administration, we're going to have a lot of people to talk to. So thanks to 40 by 80, as well, that's the wholly owned subsidiary of the Pittsburgh tech Council. It's our 501 c three. And we're where we work on workforce development related to innovation and tech, as well as entrepreneurship. So we have muted your microphone so that we can hear our guests and not have distractions in the background. I actually do not have any dogs with me today. So it should be quiet. And they've found their way to their own grooming spa for the day. So I'm on reprieve. But I'm pretty thrilled to have Petra here today, Petra Mitchell, she is the President and CEO of an organization called catalyst connection, she is probably the only person I know in this region that knows about manufacturing inside and out than anyone else. And that includes services that includes products that includes data that includes trends, and that includes strategies around ways to make sure that the work in manufacturing, and she's going to talk about that a minute what that means manufacturing, because that term very often is used loosely and she will be able to provide some clarity, I think you'll be thrilled to hear from her, we're going to put the link up about her organization, if you haven't heard of it before, you really should take note we're going to talk a little bit about the programs that they actually offer and the support. And she is a hidden gem for us in our region. We I've known Petra since I've been in my job at the tech Council. So I call her a friend and she's a friend to the tech community as well. So I've also listened to you there's chatting here, so please ask questions, I'll try to get to them as well, Jonathan kersting is not with us today. So I will be looking at the questions and making sure that anything comes up gets addressed. She This is not an opportunity for you to sell your wares either. This is a time for us to just indulge and listen to our guests and have a chance to talk about the things that our guest has written reason. So I want to welcome Petra Mitchell, President and CEO of the Pittsburgh tech Council. And hi Petra, thank you so much for joining us. It's a thrill to have you here today to wrap up the week. And I hope that you are safe and sound I think you are we've touched base a little bit through the pandemic. But before we start, let's talk about who is Petro what has been your journey. And you know, because you have a very interesting background and pedigree.

Well, hello, Audrey and Hello, everybody. And I just want to say thank you for having me, I really appreciate it. And before I answer your question, I do just want to congratulate you, Audrey and your team on all the things you guys are doing. But in particular, this business as usual, program because I have been following it from almost from day one, I think you started probably March 17, you know, the first day of our virtual work from home when the pandemic started. And I've been very impressed with the work that you've been doing and the people that you've had that have been able to communicate very important topics. So I hope this is, you know, a value to some of your listeners. I think manufacturing, as you know, is very important to our community. And the more people that know about manufacturing and are engaged in thinking about how can we grow manufacturing, I think the better will be for all of us. So thank you all thank you. So

we're gonna ask it, you know, who is Petra? And what do you do? I mean, yeah. To set the table, so thank you for those come. Yeah,

yeah. And I'll tell you who I am. And I said earlier, probably nobody cares. But anyway, I like you, country. I've been with Collins connection for a long time. And there's for almost 25 years. But I did have some work. Prior to that. I haven't I am an engineer. So I worked for GE Aviation prior to coming to callus connection working in manufacturing, manufacturing, process development, supply chain work and so forth. And I think that's really It set me up for this role here at catalyst, again, with my role in working with GE supply chain throughout the country. You know, why manufacturing and I thought about that a lot. And I think, you know, I just grew up with manufacturing. Some, some people may know, I'm an immigrant, I came here from Slovenia, you know, I was five years old, my parents came here with literally nothing. I always say, you know, three suitcase or three plane tickets, two suitcases and one small child. That's how we started in this country. And my dad was a machinist, and had a very long career as a machinist and provided for our family. And as they say, the rest is history. So I can see how you know the impact that manufacturing had on my life and the family now that I have. And I think it can have that same impact in that same those same positive benefits for so many more people. And not only the people that are working, you know, in manufacturing today, but job seekers, and students and others who may be looking for what's their next move, I think manufacturing can present that same kind of opportunity for them.

So before we talk about the apple, what, what you absolutely do and some of the services, that catalyst provides there a couple of people that are wanting to remind us and tell us all that not only you're an immigrant and from Slovenia, you're the honorary counsel to Pittsburgh for slavery. Yeah,

I saw that. Thank you very much for pointing that out. It's a role that I'm very proud of, you know, an Honorary Consul role is is basically promoting business and friendship culture between our two countries and our region's very proud of my home country. And as some of you may know, there are some very famous people from Slovenia, you know, and believe it or not for small country, but yeah, I'm happy to reach out to anyone. And in our region here, Southwestern Pennsylvania has a very strong Slovenian, you know, population American Slovenian population. So I'm very proud to crossover the Slovenian culture and manufacturing and tech and so forth.

Yeah, it's something Ben is saying here. It's a beautiful country. I've been to Southern Slovenia, and it is stunning. Absolutely. Stunning, small country. So thank you for your work there. Oh, my God, Ray Huber saying he's been times I think we need to have a Slovenian show on Slovenia, then maybe that would be fun. So you're dedicated to serving manufacturing companies now? Can you tell us what manufacturing actually looks like in our country and in our region?

Yeah, absolutely. So in our country, manufacturing's actually still employs 12 million people. And it's the sixth largest industry in terms of employment. It's a $2.4 trillion sector. And, you know, one of the main attributes I think of manufacturing is that it has such a large contribution to our country's r&d. Two thirds of our country's r&d occurs in manufacturing and is as a result of manufacturing. Now, obviously, you know, there are some challenges that manufacturing sector in the US has faced in including the decline of jobs, and we've had a long standing decline of manufacturing jobs. That, you know, led us to where we are today. And, you know, we're still so very important. So I think the opportunity there to grow manufacturing, and,

you know, bring it back,

I guess, it is very significant. In our region, manufacturing is our fourth largest industry in terms of contribution to gross regional product. And if you just think about what are the top three, I mean, they're very important. Tech, tech sector, professional business services, real estate, healthcare, and so forth. Those are sectors where not always but in general, we tend to work and sell to each other. When you think about manufacturing, manufacturing in general sells outside of the region. So we refer to manufacturing really is the largest traded sector in southwestern Pennsylvania, which is a very important role, you know, that it has there. So moving on from there. As you mentioned in your highlights, there's about 3000 manufacturing firms employ about 80 over 80,000 people. And you know, in the during the pandemic, just like in across all sectors, employment has declined. But I think what's interesting about manufacturing is that it is back to 94% of pre pandemic levels. So there was a low point in manufacturing employment in April and since April manufacturers have rehired you know, about five or 10 5000 6000 workers to get us back to 94%. Which is better than than the overall regional average, and, of course, much, much better than some of the sectors that have really been hit hard by the pandemic. So manufacturing is, is, you know, climbing back up and is hiring. And, you know, I know, we'll get into some of the issues and concerns relative to that.

I mean, you know, what's so interesting, though, is really, if you could just talk a little bit because manufacturing that term is a little overused. And sometimes people don't understand that there's a term advanced manufacturing, 3d manufacturing, you know, we do robots etc. are there three things here? What what are some of our assets here in any of those sectors? And are we seeing any growth in those particular these particular sectors.

So if you look at just by demographics, our region is still a metal space manufacturing region. So fabricated metal products. So these are like sub sectors, primary metals, machinery, equipment, and computer electrical products, we've referred to those as an electromechanical cluster. So it's companies that are really integrating advanced electronics, you know, with metal parts, metal components, and structures, and infrastructure, and so forth. So all of those sectors really are seeing growth. And that growth is really coming from, I think, a couple places pandemic response for sure. So we have a lot of companies in our region that are in the medical device space, and then that entire supply chain, I think it's here, and I think there's growth there. There's definitely growth in defense. And, you know, if we get to like, talk a little bit about a defense initiative that we have going on. And, you know, then I think companies that are showing the sort of infrastructure, transportation, those kinds of things, you know, I think there's definitely seeing some growth there. And you're absolutely right, the integration with our advanced technology in our region, robotics, automation, there's a lot of overlap. And we are seeing manufacturing companies that are in that robotic space. or smaller, you know, robotics companies moving into that advanced manufacturing space. It's going both ways. And there's, it's very exciting what we're seeing there. And,

and this 94% number is quite fascinating to me, in terms of getting us up, because as you mentioned, so many areas have been totally decimated, he has continued to be decimated, is that did you see a proliferation of pivots that manufacturers after pivoted to the demands of the pandemic, not just medical device?

We did see some of that? Yeah, yeah. And we track that. You know, I personally interacted, I would say at least 40 or 50. Companies that early on in the pandemic, were definitely pivoting and working on new some new things. But I'll have to say, in my view, where I said, I think the growth is really just coming from existing segments that we're in where our manufacturers have been able to take advantage of, of the opportunities. You know, I heard it said recently opportunities lock met with preparation. So we've been prepared, we've had, you know, we have the manufacturing infrastructure in place, or manufacturers have been able to take advantage of those opportunities.

So let's just before we go on to something that's what about this Defense Initiative?

Yes. So caliskan action respond to responded to on behalf of our community, an opportunity with the d. o. d, the Department of Defense to establish a defense manufacturing community. There was a highly competitive program, and they selected six communities throughout the country. So we are one of those six. In our community, we have started with a core consortium of 30 members. That includes industry, of course, which is very important industrial members, but also includes our university's workforce development programs, and other similar partners so that we can really come together and create a cluster around the defense supply chain. And we believe we have at least 300 companies in our region that are in that defense supply chain. The D o d is interested in expanding that. So there's definitely opportunities for new companies to enter that supply chain. And at the same time, there'll be opportunities for current defense supply chain members to get better integrated with the tech based ecosystem with our university with research. The focus is on artificial intelligence and machine learning. So we'll have an opportunity to really introduce those topics to manufacturers, help them evaluate how they fit in their business, and actually help them implement some of those advanced technologies. So it's pretty good Citing great citing Yeah, we're getting a lot of attention because like I said, we're one of six communities throughout the country. So

thank you for your, for your leadership on that. And I think I want to make sure because I've had a couple of questions in the chat. And I want to make sure that that I've set the table accordingly. Is that talk about the actual services, and that you offer on some of the products at catalyst connections where people want to reach out, they want to get engaged, there's so many different areas that you cover and what you provide support. Yeah,

yeah. Thank you for that question. I guess we did kind of dive deep into it. That's because we're friends. And we just dive right in. So yeah, exactly. So thank you for that question. So cow's connections and economic development organizations dedicated to serving manufacturers, we did talk about that. We provide technical assistance, management, consulting and workforce development assistance. And we do that through consulting projects. We do that through educational opportunities. And we do that basically, you know, through a lot of outreach, communications, personal interactions, and networking, those kinds of things. We are part of a statewide network and program called the industrial Resource Center program. And I think maybe even more importantly, for some of our colleagues, we're part of a national program called the manufacturing extension, partnership, or MVP. And what that means is that we are probably a phone call away from just about any small and medium sized manufacturer in this country. We have an MVP that covers every square inch of the United States, and every company has access to a program like ours. And again, more importantly, we have those connections that we can really establish for supply chain opportunities for partnership opportunities for collaboration. You name it, you know, that network exists. And I'm very proud to be part of that network. Actually.

No, it's been incredible. Yeah. Ellis connection has been around since the late 80s, late 80s. Right. At a different name back then. Right?

Yeah, we started out as spirk nets was based on our state funding called the industrial Resource Center. So we were the southwestern Pennsylvania industrial resource. And we're, you know, like I said, a proud member of that program that continues on today.

Well, so. So let's just talk about public policy. And let's just sort of have some armchair imagination here. We have a new administration, there, there will be changes there certain policy that we've heard from, particularly in their campaign, what do you think are some of the things that are on the horizon? to manufacture, manufacturing and advanced manufacturing? And yeah, well, related?

Thank you, Audrey. So I'll certainly preface that I'm sure that there are going to be, you know, initiatives and policies that come out of the new administration, just like any administration, that not all manufacturing leaders are going to agree with. And so I would just encourage everyone to get involved Audrey, with your organization and other similar organizations that really work to develop that, you know, advocacy strategy and determine what are we in favor of, and what aren't we in favor of? So I would definitely encourage everyone to do that. However, in terms of what what this administration, what we're seeing, you know, there's definitely a focus, and I've heard it sort of described according to four themes. And manufacturing, by the way, seems to be on the top of mind of this administration. And some of the appointees that we're seeing we're very familiar with, let's say the person that's been nominated for the Department of Commerce has long standing roots in manufacturing, you know, those kinds of things. by American, for sure, we're seeing there tends to be a focus on by American reshoring. So that's related, of course, to buy American. So if there are provisions, let's say, Well, we've had discussions when I say we, we have an association of MEPs, we have a very active engagement with administration and congressional leaders and so forth. We've had discussions about, let's say, a infrastructure spending bill, which we know is being discussed. If that bill were to be passed at some level. What would that look like a buy American provision? And can we help? Let's say some of the large government contractors find the appropriate suppliers that are in the US, the small and medium sized manufacturers accompany in our community? Can we help not only find them, but support them as they get involved in these large infrastructure projects? And if they're not already here, can we support that reshoring of those products? So those are the first, you know, by American reshoring workforce and workforce development. I I think is going to be a key theme. And I think organized labor is going to be a key theme. So I think this administration is going to be very interested in supporting organized labor initiatives. You know, I'm not sure at what level and what exactly that all is going to mean, that I think that's something we definitely need to be thinking about. And then almost at every corner, addressing climate change, I think this administration sees that as a top priority. And, again, you know, I would encourage people to get involved in an advocacy strategy to advocate one way or another, but I think addressing climate change could present huge opportunities for manufacturers, because it's our manufacturers that are developing the technology, the products, the systems, that can help with healthy buildings, energy efficiency, you know, vehicles, any of those kinds of large systems, where there's significant opportunity for energy reduction, energy efficiency, that really can't be done without our manufactured products. So, you know, again, I think, I think that present, I mean, it's all about demand, I think, you know, we need to create demand, if we create the demand, the rest will come and our companies, we have so many fantastic, you know, highly progressive, advanced technology companies and so much at our disposal, our universities, for example, you know, if we don't know how to do something, we can get them involved. And we can figure it out together. So I'm very optimistic.

Yeah, it's a big, it's a shift. It's a shift. Yeah. So I'm excited by the data that you're sharing, and, and our performance over this last period of us as well. And I think that's great. What about workforce? Well, how are you involved in sort of what is loosely termed as workforce, but it's very broadly encompassed?

Yes. Thank you, Audrey. our workforce development, of course, is, you know, when we're not thinking about business growth, and all those kinds of things, workforce is definitely top of mind. And it's really a full portfolio of workforce development. And I'll just say, I like to think of it, you know, whatever analogy art to part, soup to nuts, you know, how do we start at the youngest level possible to provide age appropriate career awareness, workplace learning opportunities, and catalysts, our programs start at the middle school level, middle school and high school level? How do we help job seekers, you know, maybe missed that window, and we have a significant program around job seekers, and then upskilling. So we have apprenticeship programs, we support pressure programs in a major way. And then the whole leadership Management Development is getting even even greater need we're seeing for that than in the past we've even seen in the past.

Have you seen more people that are interested? I mean, because really automation has has been the key to success in terms of manufacturing. And those skills are really, really different than might have thought of 10 years ago, are you what are you seeing in terms of some demand? Because I think that that's important for our community to understand manufacturing is not necessarily just doing repetitive tasks on the line. But it's more sophisticated than that.

Yeah, absolutely. It's, I would say, by far, it's not doing repetitive tasks, because the kinds of companies we have in our region tend to be low volume, high value added type products, right? So we don't have those long line assembly lines, like Laverne and Shirley and all that, you know, we don't have that kind of stuff. So yeah, there is a huge demand for technical skilled workers. I think the good news is that manufacturers are more than willing to train and upskill and so I think for anyone that really has that, you know, like we talked about for any industry, basic employability skills, desire to work and learn. And basic mechanical aptitude skills, or, you know, the desire to learn those, there are opportunities and a person literally can come off the street, let's say because we have a large unemployed, unemployed, we have entry level apprenticeship program, that can get them to a basic level of skills 18 month program, and then from there, as they say, the world is your oyster, right? So you can machining CNC machining is a huge need and a lot of demand for that and there's a lot of programs to get into that. welding is still a need. You know, there's opportunity there and then what you're talking about, you know, I would say is under the category of industrial maintenance, or at community college, they call it mechatronics. So it's understanding electromechanical systems, hydraulics, and so forth and how they interact with each other. huge opportunity there for anyone that chooses to pursue that path.

And so you have a question in here from Bob chapel. He's saying, God contracts, it's our understanding. They require contractors subcontractors to be NIST 801 71, which is cybersecurity compliant, does catalysts work with their manufacturing clients to meet these standards?

So yes, and I would say not only. So not only the NIST, so the NIST framework is something that you use as a guide, let's say, God is actually going to be requiring their contractors at all levels to be what's called C MMC. Certified cyber. Wow. Now, at the moment, it was like on top my tongue, so just google it see MMC and there are five levels of cmmc certification. And literally, they're saying any company, even if they're like cutting their grass, you're going to have to have a level one cmmc certification, and it is based on the NIST 800 standards. So there it is, someone just posted a cyber Maturity Model certification. Thank you very much. Yes. So yes, a catalyst, and it's actually part of our defense community. A big part of that is helping companies understand and make progress towards the appropriate level of cmmc certification. So Absolutely. Okay.

So are we attracting new manufacturing companies here? Are we doing any of that? You see any trends? Not that that's your role, but is that? What are you seeing?

I am seeing some of that? Yeah, I think I think there are some, there's some interest in that. I think, certainly our university, our universities are a big draw for that, you know, companies want to be in this area, for access to the technology, the students, the professors, and so forth. I personally would like to see a lot more of that, I think we need a lot more growth in business attraction, if we're really going to grow manufacturing. But you know, I think it's better than nothing. And I'm hopeful that there'll be more to come.

That's great. So, so Joe vanessi, actually put out the CMM. Thank you. So we Is there anything that you that you think that you want to get a point across to the people who are listening, you've got an active audience here that is very interested in what's happening? Yeah, well,

you know, like I mentioned, we're building out a community for manufacturing. So we, I'd encourage anyone to reach out to us to me, and let's talk about how we can, you know, be involved, and to support this effort. Because a thing I like to say I use it in a lot of my proposal writing, you know, when manufacturing succeeds, everyone in our community has opportunity to prosper. And, you know, I believe that I'm a product of that. And so I'd like to see, you know, opportunities created for others.

You certainly are, I'm so glad that we had a chance not only to talk to you, but just be reminded for those of us that know you and those who don't, that you really you came here with not knowing you know, English and mania. Right, and why did your parents come to Pittsburgh? Do you remember, you know,

um, well, two reasons. One is the strong Slovenian community that was established here. So we had family here, and the other one was manufacturing because my dad, you know, my father could get a job pretty quickly, even not even be able to speak English. He could be a machinist and learn, you know, English through that process. But yeah, I learned English in first grade at St Aloysius on montroy Road. So if anyone's from the area, I learned English.

Thank you so much. First of all, thank you so much for taking the time. I know you've been very busy. COVID is definitely affected all of us and in particular, the manufacturing community, the pivots, the safety, the protocols, you name it, and appreciate your leadership. So anyone if you reach out to cattles, connection.org you will be able to find Petra and many members of her team and you can see even in a deeper dive, but some of the services and products that they offer are constantly changing the constantly evolving, and no surprise to me that it's a vibrant organization that matters to our region. So my hat's off to Petra. Thank you, my friend for being with us today. And we have on Monday It's Friday. I have to say that out loud because I always think every day is the same. And Monday we have Allison Alvarez. She is a startup founder of a company called blast point. We're going to do a little bit of a dive into into that. We like to make sure that we're providing an array of interesting people doing incredible things. So today, Petra is no exception. She is here in our community working feverish Lee and as an engineer, and as an immigrant, she has done tremendous amount to move this region forward. I want to thank everyone for joining us today. Have a safe weekend. And we'll see you again on Monday. Thank you.

Transcribed by https://otter.ai