From left, Fresno EDC Vice President of Workforce Development Chris Zeitz; Councilmember Nelson Esparza; Fresno EDC CEO Will Oliver, PNM Co. machine shop Director of Operations Mario Persicone and Fast Trak Metal Fabrication owner Ferol Garcia. City council feed screenshot
published on October 16, 2025 – 3:06 PM
Written by Frank Lopez
The Fresno City Council on Thursday, Oct. 16, proclaimed October as “Manufacturing Month” in the City of Fresno, presenting an honor to the Fresno County Economic Development Corp.
October has been designated as National Manufacturing Month to shine a spotlight on American industry, as well as offer educational opportunities that inspire students, parents and educators to engage with and support the manufacturing field.
Fresno EDC CEO Will Oliver, EDC Vice President of Workforce Development Chris Zeitz, PNM Co. machine shop Director of Operations Mario Persicone and Fast Trak Metal Fabrication owner Ferol Garcia were presented the honor in the council chambers.
This is the second year the city has celebrated National Manufacturing Month, said Councilmember Nelson Esparza, who presented the proclamation.
“Manufacturing is not only an industry that just builds products. It builds futures for our working families and for Fresno as a whole,” Esparza said.
He said manufacturing has deep roots in the Central Valley, representing generations of hard work, innovation and resilience, and is a pathway to good paying jobs.
The Fresno manufacturing industry not only presents job opportunities for locals, but for people all over the state, he said.
Esparza said the Fresno County EDC helps manufacturing businesses grow, innovate and stay rooted in the community.
Oliver said the EDC values the partnership with the city of Fresno to compete for new manufacturers, with the city making sure land and buildings are available for new businesses.
“Fresno can compete globally, not just because of the land and location, but because of the people and our collaborative spirit. Recruitment is half the battle though,” Oliver said.
According to estimates from the Manufacturing Institute, the U.S. will have 2.1 million unfilled jobs by 2030.
The manufacturing industry contributes $19.3 billion to the Central Valley’s GDP each year, employing 115,000 residents across the Valley, with over 30,000 of them in Fresno.
The Fresno EDC has helped in creating over 9,000 jobs and generating a $1.8 billion impact.
“The continued support that us manufacturers are getting to develop the workforce is allowing us to stay in business and support the world’s economy,” Persicone said.