Resources, inspiration, and advice are on tap during Manufacturing Day activities in October. Manufacturing Day is an annual, month-long celebration that kicks off the first Friday of October. This year’s New Mexico kick-off event is a virtual panel discussion that offers the first-hand experiences of Four Corners area manufacturers on Friday, October 3, 2025.
Hosted by WESST, New Mexico Manufacturing Extension Partnership (New Mexico MEP) and the Farmington Chamber of Commerce, the virtual roundtable event starts online at 1:00 pm with introductions.
Speakers feature local manufacturing company owners and their founders:
Cody Waldrup, Owner & President of ABC Canvas, Inc., will discuss his company’s expansion into a new location designed to support growing operations, empower employees, and foster collaboration among local business leaders. ABC Canvas reflects a commitment to regional manufacturing excellence and long-term workforce development.
Ivan Clay, Owner and President of Clay Groomer Machine Shop, will highlight how his precision machine shop is actively converting internships into full-time employment opportunities and strengthening the local talent pipeline.
TJ Garcia, CEO and Lead Designer of Jack’s Plastic Welding Inc., will focus on how the company is shaping the future of next-generation manufacturing as it undergoes a dynamic management transition. The leader in outdoor gear manufacturing puts an emphasis on family-oriented culture and quality.
Hailey Facka, Owner and Creator of Charmed, is a rising young entrepreneur turning creativity into commerce. She will share how she prepares for craft fairs – from booth set up to pricing strategies, and how she markets her handmade goods. Hailey’s journey is certain to spark ideas and motivation.
Resources also highlighted
Megan Zipperian, NMSBA Program Contact at Los Alamos National Lab, and Judy Hendricks, NMSBA Program Contact at Sandia National Laboratories, will introduce participants to the New Mexico Small Business Assistance Program. NMSBA supports manufacturers with research, prototyping, and process optimization available through New Mexico’s national labs at no cost to the business.
Jeanene Valdes, Aztec Chamber of Commerce Board Member and Co-owner of Affordable Blind Pros LLC, will discuss how the Aztec Chamber is working to connect local businesses, manufacturers, resources, and tradespeople with events such as the Fall Festival, Chamber Connection, and Small Business Saturday.
Carey Beam, Consultant at Eelahas Resource Group, LLC, will talk about how her company is helping shape the next generation of manufacturing professionals through STEM education and workforce development.
Denise Williams, Innovation Director at New Mexico MEP, and Dawn Facka, WESST Program Director in Farmington, will lead the discussion. New Mexico MEP is a nonprofit organization that helps businesses increase profitability and competitiveness through continuous improvements. WESST is a nonprofit economic and business development organization that provides training, consulting and loans to entrepreneurs and established businesses.
Register for the Manufacturing Day October 3 New Mexico event to explore current trends, operational challenges, and innovative solutions shaping the future of manufacturing.