Manufacturing Solutions Network

05/12/2026

**Manufacturer's Only Event**

Discover how smart automation is shaping today’s manufacturing floor.

Bots & Brews brings from across the Capital Region together for a casual networking mixer designed exclusively for those in the industry. Along with great conversation and connections, attendees will get hands-on with automated , experiencing firsthand how emerging technologies are being used on the manufacturing floor today.

Register to join us on Thursday, May 21 at Yankee Distillers in Clifton Park. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bots-brews-manufacturer-only-mixer-tickets-1988439422841?aff=oddtdtcreator

Ralph W. Earl Company Automation Solutions will showcase:

PolyScope X by Universal Robots – Experience collaborative robotics in action with a live, interactive demo that highlights how this modern, user-friendly interface simplifies for operators, engineers, and first-time users.

Festo VTUX Valve Manifold – Explore the next generation of pneumatic automation and interact with a flexible, modular system designed for intuitive connectivity and a compact footprint.

Thank you to our sponsors:
Presenting Sponsor: Sandler Training in Albany, NY- Winning Process, LLC.
Supporting Sponsors: CDPHP and Garnet River LLC

05/07/2026

Raise a Glass, Share Ideas & See Automation in Action

Join the Manufacturing Solutions Network, powered by CEG, for an exclusive manufacturers-only evening at Bots & Brews!

📅 Thursday, May 21
🕔 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
📍Yankee Distillers, Clifton Park

Connect with manufacturers from across the Capital Region for a relaxed networking mixer built for industry professionals to exchange ideas, talk shop, and build valuable connections.

Featured automation showcased by RW Earl Automation Solutions:
• PolyScope Robotics Platform — simplifying robotic automation from basic pick-and-place functions to advanced motion applications.
• Valve Manifold VTUX — delivering flexibility in machine design with scalable communication and connectivity options.

Attendees will enjoy:
✔ One complimentary drink ticket
✔ Light appetizers
✔ Networking with regional manufacturers
✔ Cash bar

There is no cost to attend; registration is required.
Register Here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bots-brews-manufacturer-only-mixer-tickets-1988439422841?aff=oddtdtcreator

Thank you sponsors:
Presenting Sandler Training in Albany, NY- Winning Process, LLC.
Supporting: CDPHP and Garnet River LLC

Center for Economic Growth

05/07/2026

SCHENECTADY — Chatham Middle School and North Albany Middle School were among the top winners in this year’s What’s So Cool About Manufacturing® video competition, which drew nearly 100 Capital

04/20/2026

Save the Date!

SAVE THE DATE

Tuesday, May 19, 2026 | Port of Albany-Rensselaer | Maritime Summit

Albany Capital Center | 55 Eagle Street, Albany, NY 12207 | Registration and refreshments begin at 8:30am

The program will include internationally renowned Port and Transportation leaders and speakers.

For more information: Call or email Penny Vavura at 518-463-8763 or [email protected]

Port of Albany

04/08/2026

Now open: 2026 Manufacturing Grants supporting NYS manufacturers and not‑for‑profits. Applications close May 7. Learn more and apply below.

🚨 NOW OPEN: 2026 Manufacturing Grants

The Jeff Lawrence Innovation Fund Manufacturing Grants are now accepting applications! Support for NYS manufacturers + not-for-profits to move from concept to commercialization.

🆕 One unified application (Early Stage & Established Companies)
📅 Deadline: May 7 (11:59 PM EST)

🎥Informational Webinar
📅 April 16 | 10:00 AM EST
Join us to learn how to apply, what’s eligible, and how to strengthen your proposal—plus get your questions answered live.

👉 Learn more & apply: https://bit.ly/47rRna6

03/31/2026

⏰ IT'S TIME TO VOTE!!! ⏰
What's So Cool About Manufacturing - Capital Region NY student video contest is open for voting! Check out the cool student videos and vote for your favorite Viewer's Choice today! https://www.whatssocool.org/contests/capital-region-ny/

Center for Economic Growth

03/16/2026

Free Webinar | Knowledge @ Noon – April 14

Join us for an engaging lunchtime webinar:
“Intelligent Automation in Manufacturing: Enhancing ERP Systems for Smarter Operations.”

Manufacturers are turning to automation to simplify workflows, gain better visibility into data, and make smarter operational decisions.

In this session, you’ll learn:
✔ How intelligent document processing tools like Quidi support supply chain workflows
✔ How automation reduces manual tasks and highlights insights about materials and sourcing
✔ Real-world examples of ERP automation in action
✔ What to consider when exploring automation for your organization

Presenter:
Shayne Pendergast, Solutions Architect at Garnet River, will share real implementation insights and practical lessons learned.

Perfect for professionals involved in manufacturing operations, IT, and process improvement.

👉 Save your spot: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_la2mAuiqS_mx_NDqYAUeDQ

Special thanks to our sponsors:
Presenting Sponsor – Sandler Training
Supporting Sponsors – CDPHP and Garnet River LLC

03/11/2026

Join us on April 14 for a FREE Knowledge @ Noon webinar!
Intelligent Automation in Manufacturing: Enhancing ERP Systems for Smarter Operations

Discover how intelligent automation and ERP integrations are transforming manufacturing workflows—from streamlining supply chain transactions to improving data visibility and reducing manual tasks.

What you’ll learn:
• How intelligent document processing tools like Quidi can reduce manual effort
• Ways automation can surface insights on parts, materials & sourcing trends
• Real-world examples showing how ERP systems can be enhanced
• How teams can shift time from repetitive work to higher‑value tasks

Featuring:
Shayne Pendergast, Solutions Architect at Garnet River, sharing real-world use cases, lessons learned, and key considerations for organizations exploring automation.

👉 Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how automation can drive smarter, more efficient operations within manufacturing environments!

Register here: https://bit.ly/knowledgeatnoon_april

Thank you to our sponsors:
Presenting Sponsor: Sandler Training
Supporting Sponsors: CDPHP and Garnet River LLC

03/03/2026

Join us for Knowledge @ Noon on March 10 featuring speaker Alex Titze, Director of Alliances at Dozuki. Learn how are using AI‑driven tools to strengthen performance, improve training, and boost productivity on the frontline.

We’ll cover how Dozuki helps teams:
✅Connect daily operations with existing manufacturing systems
✅Modernize processes without heavy engineering or IT resources
✅Standardize work and reduce turnover through better training
✅Scale expertise across multiple sites with fast, easy deployment

About the Presenter:
Alex T. is the Director of Alliances at Dozuki, the Connected Worker Platform for manufacturers. He brings deep experience supporting small and midsize industrial teams through digital transformation, equipping frontline workers with the tools and knowledge they need to perform.

📌 Register here: https://bit.ly/45R7qxu

Thank you to our sponsors:
Presenting Sponsor: Sandler Training
Supporting Sponsors: CDPHP and Garnet River LLC

02/26/2026

Capital Region manufacturers: Check out this upcoming cybersecurity workshop focused on the current state of CMMC, as well as some common misconceptions and starting points for those new to the subject. Free to attend! RSVP here: https://learnmore.orbitalfire.com/cmmc-crash-course-utica

Are you a smaller manufacturer in the DoD supply chain? Then make sure to join our upcoming cybersecurity workshop with OrbitalFire & FuzeHub: 𝑫𝑶𝑵'𝑻 𝑷𝑨𝑵𝑰𝑪: 𝑨 𝑷𝒍𝒂𝒊𝒏-𝑬𝒏𝒈𝒍𝒊𝒔𝒉 𝑪𝒓𝒂𝒔𝒉 𝑪𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒔𝒆 𝒐𝒏 𝑪𝑴𝑴𝑪 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝑫𝒐𝑫 𝑴𝒂𝒏𝒖𝒇𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒆𝒓𝒔.

📅Wednesday, March 18 10 - 1pm
📍 MVCC ThiNCubator: 326 Broad Street Utica, NY 13501
🔗Register Here: https://learnmore.orbitalfire.com/cmmc-crash-course-utica