CANTON – St. Lawrence-Lewis BOCES Adult Education, the St. Lawrence County Industrial Development Agency (SLC IDA), and St. Lawrence-Lewis BOCES Career and Technical Education (CTE) successfully hosted the first annual St. Lawrence County Manufacturing Day on Oct. 17.

This landmark event marked a significant step forward for local education and industry collaboration. 

“We were excited to bring St. Lawrence County’s manufacturing industries together to celebrate Manufacturing Day,” said Emilyann McGregor, Supervisor of Curriculum and Instruction at St. Lawrence-Lewis BOCES. “This event provided students with a unique opportunity to explore potential careers and understand the vital role manufacturing plays in our local economy.” 

In previous years, students from St. Lawrence County had to travel to Jefferson County to participate in Manufacturing Day events, which proved challenging for many districts. This year, however, 13 local businesses opened their doors to over 350 students from 12 districts, providing an invaluable opportunity for hands-on learning and career exploration. 

Participating businesses included Brookfield, Cives Steel, Five Mile Farm, Corning, Alcoa, Queenaire, Riverside Ironworks, Potsdam Specialty Paper, AmTech Yarns, Structural Wood, Arconic, Kinney Drugs Distribution Center, and the St. Lawrence Seaway. These tours offered students an inside look at modern manufacturing facilities, showcasing how world-class products are made right here in St. Lawrence County.

Manufacturing Day aimed to inspire the next generation of workers by highlighting the diverse and rewarding career opportunities available in the manufacturing sector. Students met the professionals behind the products and saw firsthand how their classroom learning translated into real-world applications. This event underscored the evolving nature of manufacturing, where creativity, technology, and problem-solving come together to drive innovation.