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FIA Southern Meeting of Members

Join your peers in the forging industry for the FIA Southern Meeting of Members at Malone's Prime Events & Receptions in Lexington, KY. This event offers an excellent opportunity for networking while enjoying lunch and engaging in a presentation about the evolving economic and geopolitical landscapes in North America. These changes are impacting the demand for durable goods and presenting both challenges and opportunities for small to medium-sized forging companies. Understanding these dynamics is essential for making informed decisions in management, sales, human resources, and operations.

 

 

FIA Southern Meeting of Members
Tuesday, June 3, 2025
Malone's Prime Events & Receptions
3373 Tates Creek Road, Lexington, KY 40502 

We will explore the relationship between the economy and manufacturing, using macroeconomic data and benchmarking statistics specifically tailored for privately held manufacturers. Our guest speaker, Cara Walton, Director at Wipfli, will review the 2024 Harbour IQ (powered by Wipfli) Manufacturing Benchmarking results. This data collection covers industry trends, operational efficiency, financial health, and sales forecasting, with a particular focus on the forging sector. Lastly, we'll discuss key factors that leadership teams should monitor to effectively manage both short and long-term strategies.

Click here to view the event schedule.

Registration Fee: $150
This is an FIA Member Only Event

Please login at the top of this page to register. The last day to register for this event is May 20, 2025. No registrations will be accepted after this date. Registrations will not be accepted onsite. If you need assistance with registration or have questions, please contact Kathy Edwards at kathy@forging.org or call (216) 781-6260.

About the Presenter: Cara Walton

As a director at Wipfli, Walton is responsible for Harbour IQ - a manufacturing intelligence tool. She drives the strategic direction and growth of the product offering as well as managing data acquisition and market intelligence within the manufacturing industry. Harbour IQ collects and analyzes millions of data points from thousands of companies on business and operation performance. It is the leading manufacturing benchmarking resource with more than eight years of trended data and conducts custom market studies for businesses across all durable goods industries.

Additionally, Walton studies economic, business, trade and tariff trends impacting the manufacturing industry and consults with clients on what key factors they should be monitoring and how to use the data and information to develop or modify business strategies.

As a thought leader in economics and manufacturing, Walton is frequently called upon to present in person and via webinars to help manufacturers better understand the marketplace as well as share the data and information collected through Harbour IQ.

 


THANK YOU SPONSOR:

 

Optional Plant Tour: (Pre-registration is required. If you plan to attend the plant tour, you must select the tour as a program option below. Registration for the meeting does not automatically register you for the plant tour.
EST Tool & Machine Inc.
55 Dug Hill Road
Brodhead, KY 40409

EST Tool & Machine, Inc., founded in 1994, has established itself as a trusted name in the industry. Its unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction has been the driving force behind its growth. They prioritize their customers and strive to provide exceptional products and services. Their journey has taken them from a small garage to their current 52,000 sq. ft. facility. EST Tool & Machine, Inc., is not just another machine shop; they are a full-service tooling and manufacturing plant that understands the importance of quality, price, and delivery in building and maintaining strong, trustworthy relationships with their clients. 

They continue to invest in the latest technologies to provide quality parts in the most time-efficient manner for their customers. They also employ some of the most highly skilled and trained individuals in the area to ensure they deliver what you, the customer deserves: excellent service, exceptional quality, and on-time delivery.

EST Tool & Machine, Inc., reserves the right to deny admittance to their plant. EST Tool & Machine, Inc., will review the attendee list prior to the event. If they determine an individual cannot attend, they will notify FIA, and FIA staff will inform the attendee directly.

Please note: Attendees must drive independently to EST Tool & Machine, Inc.

Suggested Hotels:

Homewood Suites by Hilton
249 Ruccio Way
Lexington, KY 40503

Embassy Suites by Hilton Lexington Green
245 Lexington Green Circle
Lexington, KY 40503

Staybridge Suites Lexington South, an IHG Hotel
209 Ruccio Way
Lexington, KY 40503

FIA Membership: Interested in FIA Membership? Contact Tricia Abruzzino at tricia@forging.org or call (216) 781-6260.

Cancellation Policy: Cancellations will be permitted until May 20, 2025 and will be refunded in full. After May 20, 2025 no refunds will be given, but substitutions are allowed if submitted to the FIA in writing.

Please Note: No registration is final until accepted by FIA. FIA reserves the right to refuse registration/attendance to any pe4rson. Any registration that is not accepted by the FIA will be refunded in full.
When
6/3/2025 10:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Eastern Daylight Time
Where
Malone's Prime Events & Receptions 3373 Tates Creek Road Lexington, KY 40502
Registration
Registration not available.