The Chattanooga Regional Manufacturers Association welcomed approximately 175 manufacturers, industry leaders and community partners to Erlanger Park on May 6 for its inaugural CRMA Symposium.
The full-day event brought together professionals from across the manufacturing sector for networking, collaboration and practical conversations focused on workforce development, environmental health and safety (EHS), and supply chain operations. Designed around the real-world challenges manufacturers are navigating today, the symposium created space for meaningful dialogue, shared insight and new connections across the industry.
Held throughout the unique setting of Erlanger Park, attendees participated in breakout sessions centered on some of the most pressing topics facing manufacturers, from workforce pipelines and healthcare costs to AI integration, operational efficiency and supply chain resilience.
The day began with a fireside chat featuring former U.S. Senator Bob Corker and Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Charles Wood. Their conversation explored leadership, economic trends, infrastructure, manufacturing growth in Chattanooga and the evolving challenges shaping the future of industry. The discussion set the tone for a day grounded in both practical insight and long-term perspective.
Attendees then moved into dedicated breakout tracks throughout the day.
The Workforce Track focused on labor-related cost pressures, employee benefits, healthcare models and workforce development strategies. Discussions led by Jesse Rosenthal of 121 Health alongside leaders from Southern Champion Tray, Nokian Tyres and Adtech Ceramics highlighted the growing need for employers to balance rising healthcare costs with accessible, meaningful benefits for employees. Afternoon sessions shifted toward apprenticeship and work-based learning models, featuring workforce development consultant Autumn Derrick of the University of Tennessee Center for Industrial Services alongside leaders from Komatsu, Miller Industries and Legacybox, who shared practical examples of how manufacturers are investing in long-term workforce pipelines and local talent development.
The EHS Track explored environmental and regulatory developments impacting manufacturers across Tennessee and beyond. Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation Commissioner David Salyers and environmental attorney Rick Hitchcock of Chambliss, Bahner & Stophel, P.C. provided updates on evolving regulations, environmental policy and compliance considerations affecting manufacturers today. Additional conversations focused on energy reduction strategies, sustainability initiatives and utility management practices, with leaders from EPB, Tennessee American Water and Chattanooga Gas discussing opportunities for operational efficiency and cost savings without sacrificing output.
The Supply Chain Track examined emerging technologies and operational challenges shaping the future of manufacturing. Conversations around AI in manufacturing and supply chain systems generated strong engagement throughout the morning sessions, with speakers and panelists exploring both the opportunities and realities of AI integration within industrial operations. Industry leaders representing FreightWaves SONAR and Brickyard companies including Allera, Harmony AI, and Scaylor shared perspectives on how manufacturers can better prepare operationally and strategically for the next generation of technology. Afternoon discussions led by Darrell Edwards, retired COO of La-Z-Boy and representative of UT Haslam College of Business, focused on supply chain resilience, sourcing, transportation and long-term operational adaptability. Leaders from Opella, Kenco and SCT contributed perspectives on distribution, logistics and navigating ongoing supply chain challenges across the manufacturing sector.
Beyond the breakout sessions, the symposium created opportunities for manufacturers, industry partners and regional leaders to exchange ideas, strengthen relationships and continue important conversations throughout the day. The energy across Erlanger Park reflected both the momentum within Chattanooga’s manufacturing sector and the value of bringing people together around shared challenges and opportunities.
The inaugural symposium represents an important step in CRMA’s continued efforts to create relevant, industry-focused programming for manufacturers across the region. From workforce development and operational efficiency to emerging technologies and supply chain strategy, the conversations throughout the day reinforced the importance of collaboration, practical insight and long-term investment in the future of manufacturing.
Thank you to our speakers, panelists, moderators, sponsors, committees and attendees who helped make the inaugural CRMA Symposium a meaningful and successful day for the region’s manufacturing community.
