WHEREAS, Careers in manufacturing are characterized by above average wages and rewarding work with a well-defined career path. There are over 20,000 manufacturing jobs in the City of Philadelphia, yet area manufacturing companies regularly have difficulty filling open positions; and
WHEREAS, Thanks to the ongoing work of the Mayor's Manufacturing Task Force, manufacturers, government and nonprofits have started to address the skilled-labor shortage they face, through outreach, education and program development; and
WHEREAS, Since 2012, the first Friday in October has been recognized as National Manufacturing Day and has been previously recognized by this body. To celebrate Manufacturing Day, groups both locally and nationally will sponsor projects and programs designed to create greater awareness and consciousness of the manufacturing sector; and
WHEREAS, This year the City, led by the office of Industry and Manufacturing, with external partners including Delaware Valley Industrial Resource Center, Manufacturing Alliance of Philadelphia, Philadelphia Works, Ben Franklin Technology Partners and the School District of Philadelphia, has expanded the celebration to span the work week; and
WHEREAS, There will be events around the City including a “makers” event at NextFab, A Graduate! Philadelphia college fair with a focus on manufacturing, a STEM Regional Network Conference and tours of local manufacturing facilities for Philadelphia School District students and their parents; and
WHEREAS, Manufacturing Week aims to communicate the opportunities in the sector and spotlight the range of products made in the City of Philadelphia for fields including aerospace, food and beverage, healthcare, packaging, and technology; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That we hereby recognize the week of October 2, 2016 as Manufacturing Week in Philadelphia.
RESOLVED FURTHER, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to representatives of the manufacturing industry in the City of Philadelphia as further evidence of the sincere respect of this legislative body.
End