Polaris, RIMA look to build stronger local supply chains with March event

POLARIS MANUFACTURING EXTENSION PARTNERSHIP is partnering with the Rhode Island Manufacturers Association in creating a product showcase and networking event with the goal of helping Rhode Island companies develop stronger relationships within the state and build more robust local supply chains.
POLARIS MANUFACTURING EXTENSION PARTNERSHIP is partnering with the Rhode Island Manufacturers Association in creating a product showcase and networking event with the goal of helping Rhode Island companies develop stronger relationships within the state and build more robust local supply chains.

PROVIDENCE – Thanks in part to a $100,000 industry cluster grant from the R.I. Commerce Corp., the Rhode Island Manufacturers Association, along with Polaris MEP, is putting on a Rhode Island manufacturers’ exhibition and networking event on March 23 at the Crowne Plaza Providence-Warwick.

The first such event, Rhode Island Manufacturing B2B is designed to help local companies create business relationships with other manufacturers in the state, with the end result being a stronger manufacturing sector. The three-hour showcase of products and networking reception will take place as part of the two-day 2017 DoD Northeast Regional Council Training & Matchmaking Event presented by the R.I. Procurement Technical Assistance Center, which itself is an effort by the Department of Defense to strengthen the network of manufacturers contracting with the agency. More than 300 small businesses, government agencies and prime contractors are expected to attend this event.

“There are signs of localized manufacturing changing the industry. Partnering with local suppliers can shorten delivery times and be cost competitive to make a manufacturer more agile and responsive to customer demand,” said Christian Cowan, Polaris MEP’s center director. “The RI Manufacturing B2B event embraces that idea by connecting the state’s multi-disciplined manufacturing community to augment supply chains, foster partnerships and spur growth.”

Each exhibitor will be given a 6-foot table to help showcase its capabilities and will be allowed to bring two people to the hall, one to make presentations, the other to roam the room and see what the other exhibitors are up to.

- Advertisement -

“We often hear that manufacturers have limited opportunities to network and understand what others are up to around the state,” said David Chenevert, interim executive director of RIMA. “We think that this event, which will exclusively feature Rhode Island manufacturers, is a perfect solution.”

Registration for the event, which will be held from 3-6 p.m., is free but open only to Rhode Island manufacturers. Click HERE to access the required (and limited) registration, which closes Feb. 24.

No posts to display