Business and community leaders gathered at the Bayfront Convention Center Thursday for an event focused on leadership, workforce development and the future of the region’s industries.
Lori Joint, president and CEO of the Manufacturers and Business Association, says the event began with Manufacturing Day, when more than 2,000 students from across the region connected with local manufacturers and learned about career opportunities.
MBA board member Matt Clark says bringing General James Mattis to Erie gave local business and community leaders an opportunity to hear directly from a national leader and gain insight into what leadership looks like both on the battlefield and in the business community.
Keynote speaking General Mattis emphasized that leadership isn’t just about what you say — it’s about what you do every day. He encouraged leaders to lead with integrity, accountability, courage and compassion. And tonight, the Manufacturers and Business Association showed what that kind of leadership looks like.
During his 44 years in the Marines, General James Mattis rose from an 18-year-old reservist to the highest rank of four-star general. He capped off his military career as head of U.S. Central Command.