This year’s conference has already attracted participants from 23 states, all of whom are seeking opportunities for diversification and growth in new energy sectors.  Energy has become the big economic story of 2012 and it is impacting a broad range of industries!  We all agree that alternative energy has the potential to become an economic engine for new jobs and wealth creation in the U.S. The more you know about the opportunities in energy, the better you'll be prepared to take advantage of those opportunities.

That's why WIRE-Net and GLWN are expanding the scope of this year's Making It Here summit and incorporating the theme, "Manufacturing Our Energy Future." In addition to the still viable wind industry, we see a tremendous amount of opportunity for manufacturers to play important roles in the vast world of alternative energy.

With a nod to diversification, Making It Here presents attendees with five key tracks in policy, technology & trends and supply chain opportunities designed to provide knowledge, information and tools one needs to break into potential new markets: Wind, Solar, Natural Gas, Energy Efficiency, and Advanced Transportation.

Summit planners are rounding up more than 50 top representatives, leaders, and policy makers from each area to act as presenters for the two-day summit, and invite you to become a part of this event.

David Foster, BlueGreen Alliance Foundation, a national partner in the Making It Here summit, commented that attendees to this year's summit need to think about how U.S. manufacturers can work together to take advantage of the great opportunities presently available to create a competitive manufacturing renaissance in America.

"Lou Schorsch has been a dynamic advocate for solving the competitiveness issues of American manufacturing in a way that promotes a broad vision of sustainability and corporate responsibility," Foster notes. "As CEO of the largest steel company in North America and a board member of the largest steel company in the world, Louis Schorsch, PhD, CEO, Flat Carbon Americas, ArcelorMittal and Member, Group Management Board, brings a unique perspective on how American manufacturers can thrive in a global environment."

Without a vital manufacturing industry in America—autos, energy services, building products and appliances—the steel industry cannot survive. Thus, ArcelorMittal has a vital interest in policies that promote domestic manufacturing.  In his Keynote Address on July 11 at 11:30am, Schorsch will speak about how America takes advantage of declining natural gas prices and rising demand for renewable energy, fuel efficient and energy efficient products to drive a renaissance in American manufacturing; and the challenges to making all these new products—from drilling pipe to hybrid and electric vehicles to energy efficient lighting and HVAC systems—here in America.

Immediately following at 1:30pm, Chris Ayers, President of Alcoa’s Global Primary Products, will deliver the Policy Plenary opening address.  The Policy Panel is a special area of interest built into the summit's five-track agenda.  Ayers, who also serves as Executive Vice President for Alcoa and a member of the Alcoa Executive Council that sets strategic direction for the company, will lead the panel on Smart Policies for Manufacturing Revival - policy experts who will discuss issues affecting the future of renewable energy production and the supply chain that feeds this important energy sector.

As head of Alcoa Global Primary Products, Ayers oversees a unit that operates 23 smelters and nine alumina refineries worldwide, with bauxite assets in Australia, Brazil, Jamaica, Suriname and Guinea.  Alcoa’s global aluminum smelting capacity totals 4.8 million metric tons, and its global alumina capacity totals more than 18 million metric tons. 

Attendees can register for the Keynote Luncheon for only $40 per person, or attend the full 2-day conference for $695.  Students have a chance to attend both days for only $!59.  Attendees will be able to take away valuable information from the two days, which will address the following questions and challenges:

Technologies to power tomorrow’s vehicles: Hear how electric cars will battle with natural gas cars and trucks, using both compressed gas (CNG) and liquid natural gas (LNG), to power America’s fleet of cars and truck in our near future.  Benefits include big cost savings, reduced emissions, and lowered dependence on foreign oil.   Supply chain opportunities will include tanks, compressors, controls, new engine components, batteries, etc.

Manufacturing Opportunities in Mass Transit:  The president of one of America’s light rail companies will join with the GM of a Cleveland-based company to discuss the exciting future for manufacturing components for the nation’s growing inventory of commuter trains.

How to produce it Clean?  Listen to a lively discussion on how Ohio can get the benefits of natural gas exploration and production without the environmental issues that we read about today.  Former Colorado Governor Bill Ritter will join with Governor Kasich’s Craig Butler and a leading natural gas producer to discuss the compromises necessary to produce it CLEAN.                                                

Cheap Fuels or Feedstocks?   How will all this new American natural gas benefit our country?  Hear representatives from America’s leading energy companies discuss new future markets for natural gas as both a fuel for industrial plants and vehicles…..and as a feedstock for a revitalized national chemical products industry.

Building Energy Efficient Buildings:  The greatest source of energy independence will come from within---better use of our own energy. Hear about projects that are driving a growing market for components and  materials to make our buildings more energy-efficient…..and what that kind of new sales opportunities that means for US manufacturers.

Join us July 11-12, 2012 at Making It Here: Manufacturing Our Energy Future in Cleveland, Ohio, Public Auditorium Building to connect with major players looking to grow the supply chain and increase the energy domestic content in North America. Registration is now open! Please log on to www.MakingItHere.org and click on the Registration tab