Last week, Conexus Indiana—represented by Senior Director of Industry Engagement Sonya Snellenberger—had the opportunity to participate in the U.S. Center for Advanced Manufacturing’s (USC4AM) February Strategic Meeting at Western Digital’s corporate headquarters in San Jose, CA.
This event marked a significant milestone for Conexus—serving as a jumping-off point for our emerging partnership with USC4AM. As such, it was the first time we were invited to participate in one of the organization’s exclusive discussions with policymakers, industry leaders and innovators from across the country.
Why This Partnership Matters
By partnering with USC4AM and engaging in national and global conversations beyond Indiana’s borders, we can:
- Share best practices from state and national leaders with Indiana’s advanced manufacturing and logistics (AML) companies who are tackling similar challenges.
- Learn from other regions about policies and strategies—particularly around workforce development and industry innovation—that could benefit Indiana AML.
- Stay ahead of trends that impact Indiana businesses, from AI integration to supply chain resilience to sustainable manufacturing.
- Leverage national resources that can be applied or replicated within Indiana’s AML ecosystem.
This strategic engagement ensures that Conexus remains a vital part of the broader manufacturing conversation, positioning Indiana’s AML sector to capitalize on national and global advancements.
Key Takeaways from the Meeting
The discussions centered on three critical areas shaping the future of U.S. manufacturing:
- Next Generation Workforce Development – Investing in diverse talent pipelines to secure the future of manufacturing. A key highlight was the conversation around public-private apprenticeship programs, such as Western Digital’s partnership with NOVAWorks, which could serve as a model for Indiana companies.
- AI Adoption & Workforce Integration – Exploring how manufacturers can scale AI-driven efficiencies while maintaining governance, trust and workforce enablement. USC4AM introduced its AI in Manufacturing Introduction program, designed to help businesses navigate this transformation.
- Supply Chain Resilience & Policy Alignment – Addressing economic shifts, reshoring efforts and geopolitical risks through stronger public-private collaboration.
Indiana’s Role in the National Manufacturing and Logistics Conversation
The event reinforced that Indiana’s AML sector cannot thrive in isolation. Workforce challenges, technological adoption and supply chain disruptions are national—and even global—issues. Our participation in USC4AM ensures that Indiana remains at the forefront of these discussions, influencing policy, adopting proven strategies and bringing back insights that will strengthen our manufacturing ecosystem.
We look forward to continued collaboration with USC4AM and industry leaders nationwide to ensure that Indiana remains an AML powerhouse. Stay tuned as we bring more insights and opportunities to our partners in the months ahead!
Interested in learning more about the USC4AM? Explore the organization’s list of upcoming Thought Leadership Sessions.
