A Strong Showing at the 2025 Operations Managers Meeting

Meetings, Workforce Development

Thank you to everyone who contributed to a highly successful 2025 Operations Managers Meeting. In a year defined by economic uncertainty and rapidly changing business conditions, our focus on maximizing the value of what we already have proved both timely and impactful. Engagement throughout the sessions and discussions made this year’s program especially strong.

Our agenda delivered meaningful insights across several critical areas:

  • Electronic Safety Records – Lexi Lapke and Alex Riesberg of SafetyCulture highlighted how digital safety systems can streamline reporting, strengthen compliance, and improve real-time visibility across operations.
  • Lean Manufacturing – Matt Paison from the Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center shared practical strategies for reducing waste, improving flow, and driving efficiency with the resources already in place.
  • Succession Planning & Knowledge Transfer – Paola Velasquez, also from IMEC, emphasized the importance of preparing for workforce transitions and protecting critical operational know-how for long-term stability.
  • Tri Star Metals Plant Tour – Ryan Snyder and the Tri Star team provided an exceptional behind-the-scenes look at a state-of-the-art, AS9100-certified domestic metals manufacturer. The tour showcased advanced processing equipment, thoughtful workflow design, and impressive inventory capacity—an excellent real-world example of operational excellence.

Across committee meetings, general sessions, roundtables, and the plant tour, attendees shared best practices, exchanged ideas, and strengthened connections that support ongoing improvement across our industry.

We also took a moment to honor our Operations Steering Committee Chair, David Weinand of Oklahoma Steel & Wire, for 30 years of successful leadership of the Operations Steering Committee and the Operations Managers Meeting. Thank you David, and thank you again to our attendees for your participation, insight, and commitment to advancing operational excellence.

Be sure to mark your calendars for Nashville, October 20-21, 2026. We look forward to building on this year’s momentum and seeing you next year!