The Innovative Manufacturers Center (IMC) is proud to announce that Frederick (Rick) Terry, Business Advisor, has successfully earned the CESMII Smart Manufacturing Acceleration Roadmap Professional Certification from Rensselaer at Work, a division of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

The CESMII developed certification recognizes professionals who demonstrate advanced knowledge and practical skills in designing and implementing customizable strategies that accelerate digital transformation within manufacturing operations. Through the program, participants learn to align emerging technologies with business objectives, streamline production processes, and drive innovation across manufacturing systems.

“Rick’s achievement reflects not only a personal commitment to professional growth, but also IMC’s dedication to advancing modern manufacturing practices,” said Dennis Gilbert, President at IMC. “This expertise will further strengthen IMC’s ability to deliver smarter, more efficient, and more resilient solutions for our partners and clients.”

Rensselaer at Work is recognized for its focus on equipping professionals with future-ready skills in engineering, science, and technology management. The Smart Manufacturing Acceleration Roadmap Certification is designed for leaders who are driving transformation in an increasingly data-driven and competitive industry.

Terry will apply this certification to enhance IMC’s initiatives in process optimization, data integration, automation strategies, and digital innovation, helping position the organization and our manufacturing clients at the forefront of smart manufacturing.

Contact Rick Terry at rickt@imcpa.com or (570) 329-3200 and discover how this certification can help your company accelerate your digital transformation!

In today’s world of manufacturing, artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer just the future—It’s a current tool being used to design products, optimize supply chains, predict maintenance needs, and even generate new ideas. But as AI becomes more integrated into manufacturing, one question becomes critical: Who owns the ideas created by AI?

AI as a “Co-Inventor”

Manufacturers using AI to assist in new product design or R&D may wonder whether the results generated can be protected with patents, copyrights, or trade secrets. And to make the issue even murkier: Intellectual property laws weren’t built for machines that “think.”

What This Means

Patents typically require a human inventor.

Copyrights require a human author.

And trade secrets require measures to keep something confidential—but what happens when AI develops something “new” without direct human involvement?

Who owns the design? If your AI system generates an innovative design, can you patent it? If AI writes a process manual or creates a visual model, can you copyright it?

Currently, in most jurisdictions, IP rights apply only to human creators. AI itself cannot own property rights or hold legal rights—at least not yet.

Practical Implications for Manufacturers

Manufacturers can take practical steps to manage risk and capture value:

• Clarify roles: When using AI tools from vendors or cloud platforms, check who owns the results—some terms of service may give ownership to the provider.
• Human oversight: Ensure there’s a human in the loop who can be clearly identified as the contributor or author, especially for patentable ideas.
• Data Protection: Since AI relies heavily on training data, be cautious about feeding in sensitive or proprietary information that could become part of a shared model.
• Auditability: Keep clear records of how AI systems are used in the innovation process to support any future IP claims.

Looking Ahead

This area is evolving fast. Courts and lawmakers do not have a definitive answer on whether AI-generated work is protected under traditional IP laws. For now, manufacturers should see AI as a powerful tool, but it should be carefully managed when it comes to IP rights.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. If you have questions about intellectual property or the use of AI in your business, consult a qualified attorney.

Written by Tricia Carl, Business Advisor, Innovative Manufacturers Center (IMC)

A new federal initiative is creating powerful opportunities for Pennsylvania manufacturers to modernize their operations, reduce emissions, and strengthen competitiveness. Through the Reducing Industrial Sector Emissions in Pennsylvania (RISE PA) program, small and mid-sized manufacturers may be eligible for grants of up to $500,000 to cover 50% of total project costs, including equipment, labor, and related costs. The application process for these funds requires a no-cost Energy Assessment by a qualified Assessor, provided by IMC.

Funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Climate Pollution Reduction Grants, RISE PA is designed to help manufacturers reduce greenhouse gas emissions while improving energy efficiency, and operational performance. With $40 million allocated specifically to support manufacturers in Pennsylvania, the program will fund high-impact projects that advance sustainable manufacturing practices and drive long-term cost savings.

Who’s Eligible?
To qualify, manufacturers must operate active facilities in Pennsylvania with fewer than 500 employees. Projects must aim to reduce industrial emissions through strategies such as:

• Energy efficiency improvements
• Electrification of systems and processes
• Integration of low-carbon or renewable fuels
• On-site renewable energy installations
• Carbon capture technologies
• Reduction of fugitive or process-related emissions

What’s Covered?
Projects may focus on upgrading core energy systems such as boilers, compressed air, HVAC, motors, lighting, process heating, or refrigeration. Waste reduction and resource efficiency initiatives are also eligible—providing an added path to operational improvements and cost reductions.

Why Act Now?
This is a competitive grant program, and funding will be awarded to applicants with the most compelling, impactful projects. A required first step is the completion of a qualified site assessment to identify energy savings and emissions reduction opportunities. These assessments also provide valuable insights that can help strengthen your grant application and prioritize investments that offer the greatest return.

Benefits of Participation

• Up to $500,000 in funding to support capital improvements
• Reduced energy and operational costs
• Enhanced environmental performance and compliance
• Increased market competitiveness and supply chain appeal
• Accelerated progress toward sustainability and carbon reduction goals

This grant opportunity comes at a critical time for manufacturers facing rising energy costs, increasing regulatory pressure, and growing customer demand for sustainable practices. RISE PA funding can help de-risk your next capital investment and ensure that your facility is equipped for the future of manufacturing.

Get Started
The path to funding starts with a site-level assessment and strategic planning. Now is the time to identify potential projects and prepare for a strong application.

Don’t leave money on the table.
If you’re planning facility upgrades, considering equipment modernization, or aiming to reduce your carbon footprint, this is the time to act.

For more details on how to qualify and prepare for the RISE PA Grant Program, contact IMC today at info@imcpa.com or (570) 329-3200.

Many manufacturers invest heavily in improving operations, reducing waste, and increasing efficiency on the production floor through lean manufacturing principles. But when it comes to sales, it’s not uncommon for teams to fall back on instinct, charisma, or trial and error. That’s where Lean Selling comes in.

Lean Selling applies the discipline of lean thinking to the sales process. It’s about working smarter, not harder focusing on qualified opportunities, reducing wasted effort, and closing more deals by following a clear, repeatable system.

One of the key concepts behind Lean Selling is understanding the “Buyer’s System.” Most buyers have their own process for gathering information, comparing options, and delaying decisions. Without a structured approach, sellers often fall into the trap of giving away their expertise for free, chasing prospects who will never buy, or submitting proposals that go nowhere.

Lean Selling helps sales professionals identify real opportunities early in the process. By asking better questions and uncovering “compelling reasons to buy,” sellers can determine if a prospect is a good fit—and move forward with greater confidence. It also involves getting clarity on budgets and decision-making processes before investing significant time and resources into a potential deal.

Another core idea is consistency. Sales teams that use a documented, systematic process can track what’s working, learn from both wins and losses, and continually improve over time—just like a lean production line. This shift from “winging it” to working with a reliable sales framework leads to more predictable outcomes and less frustration.

Ultimately, Lean Selling empowers teams to stop relying on a few unpredictable buyers and start building a more sustainable pipeline. It’s about eliminating waste, maximizing value, and aligning the sales function with the same efficiency-focused mindset that drives success in operations.

Want to learn how to implement Lean Selling within your facility? Register for IMC’s upcoming Lean Selling – Having A Systematic Approach to Sales versus “Winging it”!

In every manufacturing environment, performance issues and behavior problems inevitably arise. The question isn’t whether challenges will occur, it’s how supervisors and HR professionals choose to respond. That’s where corrective action comes in.

Corrective action is more than just enforcing rules or issuing warnings. Done well, it’s a structured, thoughtful process that helps employees understand expectations, correct course when necessary, and ultimately contribute more successfully to the team. When applied with empathy, consistency, and clarity, corrective action becomes a powerful tool for building trust and sustaining a high-performing workplace culture.

But too often, policies get lost in translation. Supervisors may struggle to apply guidelines fairly, conversations feel awkward or confrontational, and mixed messages from leadership create confusion. That’s why many organizations are rethinking how they approach discipline—not as a punitive measure, but as a leadership skill grounded in emotional intelligence, clear communication, and organizational alignment.

HR professionals in manufacturing play a critical role in guiding this shift. Whether it’s coaching a supervisor through a difficult conversation, aligning leadership on policy interpretation, or creating a culture where fairness and accountability go hand in hand, your influence matters. And like any skill, effective corrective action requires practice, support, and ongoing development.

If you’re ready to sharpen your approach and better support your team, we’ve developed a training series designed specifically for HR leaders and frontline managers in manufacturing.

Want more insights and practical tools? Register for IMC’s 4-part weekly webinar series on Corrective Action from September 24 through October 15. Click here to secure your spot!

From predictive maintenance to generative design, artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming how manufacturers improve efficiency, enhance quality, and remain competitive in a rapidly evolving global marketplace. While some manufacturers are already utilizing AI in their operations, others face barriers to implementation. In this infographic, discover the impact of AI on manufacturing today and in the future, and learn how IMC, as part of the MEP National Network, connects manufacturers with expert guidance, hands-on support, and access to cutting-edge AI solutions tailored to their needs.

As Central Susquehanna WSCM’s Best of PA nominees, Mount Carmel Area and Huntingdon Area Middle Schools recently joined IMC’s Lauri Moon, Manager of the Central Susquehanna WSCM program, at the What’s So Cool About Manufacturing® 7th Annual Statewide Awards held at the Whitaker Center in Harrisburg, PA. Mount Carmel was partnered regionally with Dyco, Inc. with Huntingdon partnered with Gardners Candies, Inc. This prestigious event celebrates student creativity, innovation, and storytelling in highlighting careers in manufacturing across the state.

Central Columbia Middle School featuring Strong Industries from the Central Susquehanna contest, was recognized for garnering the largest number of regional vote totals across the state, during three days of online voting where all Pennsylvania teams competed to win their regional Viewers Choice Award.

Also, in attendance from the Central Susquehanna region was Central Columbia Middle School who teamed up with Strong Industries, a leading local manufacturer, to create a compelling video that captured what makes manufacturing both cool and essential.

Their hard work paid off — the team was recognized for receiving the highest number of regional Viewers Choice votes in the entire state of Pennsylvania! Over a three-day online voting period, schools from across the commonwealth competed for this honor, and Central Columbia Middle School’s entry stood out with the most enthusiastic support. This recognition not only highlights the talent and teamwork of the students but also shines a spotlight on the innovative work being done at Strong Industries and the vital role manufacturers play in our communities. We’re incredibly proud of our students and grateful to Strong Industries for being a fantastic partner in this inspiring educational initiative.

Congratulations to the three teams representing the Central Susquehanna region!

Click here and visit our Facebook post for more pictures from the event.

We are pleased to announce the results of our Central Pennsylvania Manufacturing Tariff Poll. This initiative aimed to gather insights from regional manufacturers regarding the potential impact of proposed tariffs on the region’s manufacturing sector. We extend our sincere gratitude to all participants for their valuable contributions.

Key Takeaways:

• Mixed Revenue Impact: While nearly half of respondents foresee no change in revenue, 31% expect a decline, indicating that some manufacturers anticipate financial challenges, while 23% expect an increase in revenue.
• Pricing Adjustments Are Likely: The majority of respondents plan to increase prices for customers in response to tariffs, while a smaller portion intends to absorb the added costs, reflecting varied pricing strategies.
• Supplier Diversification is a Common Strategy: With 72% of respondents diversifying suppliers, many manufacturers are exploring new sourcing strategies to adapt to potential supply chain disruptions. Twenty-nine percent foresee no significant impact.
• Limited Workforce Impact Anticipated: Despite potential cost pressures, most respondents do not expect to change their workforce size, suggesting stable employment levels across the region.
• Few Formal Response Plans in Place: Only 26% of respondents have created or plan to create response teams, while the majority are either undecided or not pursuing formal strategies at this time.

Visit Central PA Manufacturing Tariff Survey Report for the full report.

IMC remains committed to supporting Central Pennsylvania manufacturers by providing resources and support based on these insights. We encourage industry stakeholders to stay engaged through our e-news and social media channels for ongoing updates and initiatives.

For further information or to discuss the report’s implications, please contact IMC at (570) 329-3200 or email info@imcpa.com.​

This report was produced by the IMC (Innovative Manufacturers’ Center), a non-partisan, public-private 501(c)(3) organization, dedicated solely to advancing the manufacturing sector in our 12-county region of Central Pennsylvania, USA. This report does not reflect or endorse any political opinions, positions, or affiliations.

This poll is now closed. Thank you to everyone who participated. Please watch our e-news and socials for follow-up information regarding the results.

At IMC, we take pride in empowering manufacturers with the tools, resources, and expertise they need to thrive. As we reflect on 2024, we are thrilled to share the significant impact our efforts have had on manufacturers across the region.

This past year, IMC partnered with 125+ manufacturers, helping them drive measurable success and achieve outstanding business outcomes. Together, we realized:

✅ 1,427 jobs created and retained

✅ $27.5 million invested in expansion and modernization

✅ $86 million in new and retained sales

✅ $7.5 million in cost savings

These numbers tell a powerful story of growth, resilience, and innovation in Central PA’s manufacturing sector. IMC remains committed to supporting businesses as they navigate challenges, embrace new technologies, and seize opportunities for the future.

We extend our gratitude to our manufacturing partners, stakeholders, and community supporters who make this impact possible. Here’s to another year of building a stronger, more competitive manufacturing industry!

Are you ready to elevate your manufacturing business? Contact IMC today to see how we can help you achieve similar results!