POTSDAM -- Clarkson University will host a forum on National Manufacturing Day Friday, Oct. 4 beginning at 9 a.m.

The morning session will feature expert presentations by Alcoa, Corning, and Potters Industries as well as the Canino School of Engineering Technology at SUNY Canton. Bill Murray of CITEC will also present an overview of the state of manufacturing in the United States. The expert presentations will focus on the importance of manufacturing, the skills needed to support it, and programs to address those needs. The event will culminate with a tour of Curran Renewable Energies.

"Manufacturing Day is an ideal time to shift the perception of manufacturing and to showcase the career opportunities manufacturing has to offer," said Bill Murray, executive director of CITEC Business Solutions, which works with small and mid-sized manufacturers across the U.S. under the Department of Commerce’s Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) program. MEP is one of the national event partners.

Manufacturing Day Events are especially designed for middle- and high-school educators, guidance counselors, technology teachers, students and their parents. It will introduce the safe, innovative work environments that await the students who pursue manufacturing careers and identify strategies to prepare for success.

Reservations for the Friday event are now closed.