SANFORD, N.C. - On Friday, Oct. 4, Central Carolina Community College proudly took part in National Manufacturing Day, an event brimming with energy and purpose. This day was not just a celebration; it was a vibrant opportunity to dive into the thrilling world of manufacturing. With an aim to expand knowledge, ignite curiosity, and highlight the myriad of career opportunities within this dynamic field, Manufacturing Day underscores the immense value manufacturing brings to North Carolina and seeks to inspire the next generation of makers and innovators.

"This is such an important annual event in our community," said CCCC President Dr. Lisa M. Chapman. "It is one of the college's best opportunities to serve as a leading workforce partner in our region. So great to join so many employers with all of the secondary students in Chatham, Harnett, and Lee -- any career they want is right here and the developing talent pipeline is strong!"

The annual Industry Showcase buzzed with excitement from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the E. Eugene Moore Manufacturing and Biotech Solutions Center, located at 2101 Nash St., Sanford. Representatives from local industries in Chatham, Harnett, and Lee counties set up their booths, eager to showcase their companies and products. Attendees were treated to presentations about potential career paths while gaining insights into the importance of manufacturing in their communities. CCCC faculty and department chairs were on hand, ready to share information about careers in manufacturing and the educational pathways that could lead students into this promising field.

For the over 1,000 people attending - including hundreds of middle school, high school, and Central Carolina Community College students, it was an opportunity to showcase the bright future in manufacturing.

The event attracted a diverse array of participants including Arauco, Astellas Gene Therapies, Bear Creek Arsenal, Bharat Forge Aluminum USA, Inc., Boon Edam Inc., Broadwind Industrial Solutions, Carolina Training Associates, Caterpillar Inc., Coty, CTI Systems, Edelbrock, Electric Supply and Equipment, Gildan, GKN Automotive, JMC Tool & Machine, Kyowa Kirin, Mertek Solutions Inc., Morgan Advanced Materials, Motion AI, Mountaire Farms, NC State University Industry Expansion Solutions/North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership, NC State CLAWS, PalletOne Inc., Sanford Trion, STI Polymer, The Bridge Builder, Trans East Inc. DBA Southeastern Transformer Company, Triangle Brick Company, and Wolfspeed.

Each company brought a unique flavor to the showcase, highlighting innovative technologies and career possibilities for individuals across the region and at different points in their career search.

As the morning unfolded, Mertek Solutions, Electric Supply & Equipment, and Stubbs and Sons BBQ provided a hotdog lunch for all participants. The Sanford Area Growth Alliance donated bottled water, and exhibitors enjoyed a catered lunch provided by Quick Bites, courtesy of Carolina Training Associates. This spirit of collaboration was further reflected in the support from additional sponsors like Edelbrock, Motion AI, Mountaire Farms, NC State CLAWS, and The Bridge Builder.

The day's excitement was palpable, and it wasn't just the food and displays that fueled it. Lee County Commissioner Taylor Vorbeck expressed her enthusiasm, noting, "What a huge and amazing opportunity Manufacturing Day is for the community, for high schoolers, and for the many industry partners we have. As the Board of Commissioners, we are thrilled to partner with CCCC and our wonderful industry partners to create opportunities for our children and future generations. Manufacturing is the backbone of our area, and we want to see it succeed and grow."

Sanford Mayor Rebecca Wyhof Salmon was equally enthusiastic: "I'm so excited to be here at Manufacturing Day. This is a phenomenal opportunity to showcase the incredibly important role manufacturing plays in Lee County. The Moore Center is a remarkable community effort that brings these advanced manufacturing opportunities into the spotlight. They are exciting, dynamic, and a key pathway to a bright future."

As referenced in the proclamations from both Lee County and the City of Sanford, the Moore Center plays a pivotal role in equipping students with the skills and hands-on experience necessary to thrive in these rapidly evolving industries. The college is currently under way with initial renovations as well as beginning to utilize existing space to provide in-demand training while working toward commitments for funds to complete the full renovation project.

Mertek Solutions President Jerry Pedley reminisced about the inception of Manufacturing Day in Lee County back in 2012. "This Moore Center is an amazing facility. Now, to see all these manufacturers under one roof ... Manufacturing in Lee County is thriving," he said, his pride evident.

As the event wound down, the collective energy and passion shared by participants left a lasting impression. The day was not only about showcasing manufacturing but also about fostering a community spirit and igniting aspirations for the future. With every conversation and connection made, National Manufacturing Day proved to be a powerful catalyst for inspiration, learning, and growth in the heart of North Carolina's manufacturing landscape.

See photos from CCCC's National Manufacturing Day event at cccc.edu/slideshows.