Photo: L to R - Ethan Rubin, TMC Lead Metal Additive Engineer; Jon Ferguson, TMC Senior Design Engineer; Ian Barker, TMC Production Engineer and Chris Coulter. Not shown in the image but also present at the event were Dave Newton, TMC Operations Manager, Paul Dana, TMC Subtractive Engineer and Mike Dipano, VTSU Manufacturing Technician.
The Manufacturing Collaborative Gets RAPID in Boston!
Last week, VMEC's Chris Coulter and team members from The Manufacturing Collaborative (TMC) spent the better part of last week in New England's largest city at Rapid + TCT, North America's largest additive manufacturing and industrial 3D printing event.
Designed for engineers, product leaders, manufacturers and decision-makers, the conference program delivered deep technical insight, real-world case studies, and strategic perspectives that can immediately apply whether you’re scaling production, integrating advanced manufacturing into existing workflows or exploring what’s next. The agenda featured more than 160 technical presentations totaling nearly 100 hours of programming, all reviewed and hand-selected by industry-leading experts at SME, TCT, and the AeroDef Conference Advisors, as well as over 450 exhibitors showcasing their 3D printing technologies.
As VMEC's Advanced Manufacturing Technology Advisor, this event was right up Chris' alley. "The Collaborative engineers and I spoke to hundreds of people at our booth to discuss their needs for design, prototyping, manufacturing, CT Scanning and training in metal additive manufacturing. We also connected with Dr. Andrea Vlahinos, who is the instructor for our Design for Additive Manufacturing (DfAM) class this July. We got to connect with industry partners from the University of Maine, Apex Accelerator, CCAT, The American Precision Museum and a few VT manufacturers. VTSU students Gabe Hill, Isabella DeCandio and Fraser Pierpont attended and competed in the “America Makes Additive Manufacturing” design competition where they designed and built a multitool."
If you've not visited Vermont’s Advanced Manufacturing Center located at the VTSU Randolph Center campus, now's your chance! Contact Chris Coulter today to schedule a free tour for you, your department or even your entire company!
America at Work: Making America Skilled Again through Registered Apprenticeship
National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) is a nationwide celebration where Apprenticeship USA partners - employers, apprentices and graduates, industry representatives, labor organizations, community-based organizations, workforce partners, educational institutions, and federal, state, and local government agencies and more - host events to showcase the successes and value of Registered Apprenticeship. This year's event will take place April 26 - May 2.
The main theme of this week-long event is to show support in strengthening our economy by developing a highly skilled workforce to meet industry needs and creating pathways for career seekers to catapult into in-demand jobs. The U.S. Department of Labor coordinates NAW in order to promote Registered Apprenticeship, in accordance with the National Apprenticeship Act (50 Stat. 664; 29 U.S.C. 50).
Throughout the week, NAW will host daily themes; check out the NAW site to see what's occurring as well as their Fact Sheet and Promotional Flyer. If you are a current or past employer or mentor who has a success story to share about your Registered Apprenticeship program, please contact Sarah Knight ([email protected]), Sr. Program Administrator for Apprenticeship, Workforce Development Division of the Vermont Department of Labor.
MFG Day webinar recording - Plan Your Event, Expand Your Impact
In case you missed it, last Thursday, April 16, The Manufacturing Institute kicked off their webinar series for this year's MFG Day, Plan Your Event, Expand Your Impact.
The hour-long recording includes a full overview of MFG Day 2026, practical event planning guidance, tips for engaging students in hands-on and memorable ways, and an important update on how event participation will be managed. Whether you are brand new to MFG Day or a longtime host, you will find this session packed with clear next steps and the resources to act on them.
It's not too early to begin your company's planning for this annual celebration of "all things manufacturing!" Whether you host your event on Friday, October 2, MFG Day, or anytime in October, there are resources to assist you in your success in sharing the many great careers that manufacturing offers. And be sure to register for the May 20 webinar, Open Doors, Open Futures: Inside Successful MFG Day Events.
Celebrate National Small Business Week
For more than 60 years, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has celebrated National Small Business Week (NSBW), which acknowledges the critical contributions of America’s entrepreneurs and small business owners. National Small Business Week 2026 will take place May 3 - 9, and SBA will officially recognize their hard work, ingenuity, dedication, and their contributions to the economy.
The SBA Vermont District Office will recognize the Vermont winners at an event in June hosted by VermontBiz Magazine; included are:
- Small Business Persons of the Year: Diane Abruzzini and Colin Riggs, Rigorous Technology, Williston
- Jeffrey Butland Family-Owned Business of the Year: Lindsay DesLauriers, Bolton Valley Resort, Bolton Valley
- Woman Owned Business of the Year: Jennifer Mayhew, Vermont Healthcare Consulting LLC, Williston
- Veteran Owned Business of the Year: Joy VerPlanck, JVP Creative Solutions LLC, Ripton
- Small Business Manufacturer of the Year: Matthew Renna, Queen City Dry Goods LLC, Williston
- Microenterprise of the Year, Vermont and New England Winner: Debra Townsend and Hannah Townsend Allain, Douglas Sweets, Shelburne
- Small Business Exporter: Benjamin Clark, Ann Clark Ltd., Rutland
Congratulations to all winners!
Part of the nationwide MEP National Network and hosted by Vermont State University since 1995, VMEC operates as a not-for-profit with a primary mission, “to strengthen and empower Vermont manufacturers.”
A local resource and trusted adviser to manufacturing enterprises of all sizes, the VMEC team brings expertise in consulting, coaching, hands-on implementation support, training and education for leaders and workers. VMEC is the official representative of the MEP National Network in Vermont.
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