LOWVILLE, NY: Local students from grades 8 through 12 toured local manufacturing facilities in Lewis, Jefferson and St. Lawrence counties on October 12, 2018 to celebrate the annual nationwide event, Manufacturing Day.
Nationally, Manufacturing Day is put on by the Manufacturing Institute, an arm of the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), with the idea to promote modern manufacturing practices and jumpstart new approaches to growing the manufacturing talent pool.
The true inspiration behind Manufacturing Day is to show our next generation how they can make a difference and find future careers in manufacturing. The intent is also to introduce the variety of technical and professional careers that are available in the manufacturing sector and to make it clear that manufacturers need the next generation as future employees.
Locally, the Jefferson-Lewis Workforce Development offices, Lewis County Economic Development, Jefferson County Economic Development and the Jeff-Lewis BOCES partner to expose students to the local manufacturers and potential future jobs.
In the tri-county area, twenty-one local manufacturers hosted tours, with over 900 students participating. In Lewis County alone, six manufacturers hosted local students, including Grand Slam Safety, Croghan, NY, Johnson Lumber, Denmark, NY, 
Neenah Paper, Lowville, NY, Omniafiltra, Beaver Falls, NY, OTIS Technology, Lyons Falls, NY and Viking-Cives, Harrisville, NY.
Students were able to tour facilities and get a firsthand look at various manufacturing processes, learn about the variety of careers within manufacturing, and were able to participate in hands on activities. Ultimately, local manufacturers reap the benefit of engaging future workforce in hopes of filling jobs in the future.