Made in Steuben Celebrates 10 Years of Inspiring Future Talent

The 10th annual Made in Steuben event, hosted by the Steuben County Economic Development Corporation, brought local industries and eager students together to explore the career opportunities right in their backyard. Held in conjunction with National Manufacturing Day, the event demonstrates the diversity and potential of Steuben County's industries, creating a direct connection between students and employers.

A Decade of Building Career Connections

This year's Made in Steuben event welcomed over 100 students from three area school districts: MSD of Steuben County, Hamilton Community Schools, and Prairie Heights. For many of these students, this was their first opportunity to engage with potential employers and explore different career paths. From advanced manufacturing to sustainable solutions, the event showcased various industries and opportunities for students of all backgrounds and interests.

Jessica Christen, Projects and Operations of the Steuben County Economic Development Corporation, expressed his excitement about the event's continued success. “This year was exceptional. Many employers were pleasantly surprised by the level of detail and thoughtfulness in the students' questions. It is clear these students are taking their futures seriously and want to learn about the possibilities available to them.”

Diverse Career Opportunities in Steuben County

Steuben County has long been a top destination for students looking to enter the workforce earlier than pursuing a four-year college degree. Lee noted, "Numerous opportunities are available for all types of students and workers in Steuben County, whether they want to go straight into a job, pursue technical training, or continue their education."

Several local companies participated in the event, each offering students a glimpse into the many career paths available:

• Brightmark Plastics Renewal Services: A leader in sustainability, Brightmark is transforming waste into new products through its innovative Circularity Centers. The company's waste elimination and reuse approach makes it an exciting place for students interested in environmental solutions.
• Cold Heading Company: Specializing in automotive, commercial truck, agriculture, and military fasteners, Cold Heading provides students with insights into precision manufacturing and the vital role these components play in everyday life.
• Global Archery Products: Known for their exciting Archery Tag® games and other archery innovations, Global Archery showcased career options in manufacturing, recreation, and entertainment.
• Madsen Steel Wire Products: Since 1938, Madsen Steel has been fabricating wire products for various industries. Students interested in engineering and hands-on production were drawn to the range of wire components the company creates.
• Samuel Metal Spinners: Offering advanced metal-forming services, Samuel Metal Spinners partners with various industries, giving students a look into the world of high-tech manufacturing and engineering solutions.
• Univertical: As a global leader in copper and nickel products, Univertical has a rich history of innovation in the plating industry. Students learned how their contributions help power essential technologies.

Supporting Education and Workforce Development

In addition to the manufacturers, two education support service providers—Freedom Academy and Questa Education Foundation—were present to highlight student resources. Freedom Academy offers continuing education programs that help workers develop new skills, while Questa Education Foundation focuses on making higher education more affordable through innovative, forgivable loan programs.

Both organizations emphasized the importance of lifelong learning and how these resources help bridge the gap between education and employment.

Looking Ahead to 2025

The Made in Steuben event continues to grow in scope and impact. "We're already planning for next year," Christen said. "We want to engage more local partners, such as Trine University, to ensure that students understand the full range of career options available right here in Steuben County."

As the county continues to position itself as a leader in workforce development, Made in Steuben remains a cornerstone event for inspiring the next generation of skilled workers, innovators, and community leaders.

Steuben County Economic Development Corporation

The Steuben County Economic Development Corporation (SCEDC) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing economic development in Steuben County and its municipalities. Our mission is to foster economic prosperity through collaboration, creating more employment opportunities, and improving the quality of life for residents. We offer comprehensive services, including business retention and expansion, business attraction, talent attraction and development, and community development and growth.

Visit www.steubenedc.com to learn more about how we can support your business and contribute to the economic success of Steuben County.