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Amber Smith
asmith@somercor.comJoin manufacturing resource providers, tax professionals, and SBA lenders for a panel discussion about the new federal tax policies and SBA financial resources that are designed to turbocharge manufacturing in 2026.
The panelists will speak on new tax benefits for manufacturers, low-interest rate commercial real estate and heavy equipment financing, and wrap around services to support innovation, productivity, and workforce development.
IMEC President
My leadership has developed from diverse settings that extend from a family-owned business, to manufacturing, universities and non-profits. These various experiences help guide our public-private partnership’s strategic direction to serve as a catalyst for small and mid-sized company competitiveness.
I grew up in a family-owned business where I learned first-hand about the trial, challenges, and pride that I see in the owners and leaders of companies we work with today. I recognize their situations, understand their challenges and have the tools and knowledge to help accomplish their goals. I have also had the good fortune to work in various manufacturing roles from food plant sanitation to maintenance supervision to production, plant manager and business unit manager in companies such as Frito-Lay and Pillsbury.
Through these experiences, I learned how company success is reliant on the skills and talents of its’ workforce. This has driven my passion in human resource development. My Ph.D. included a primary focus on high performance work practices in small and mid-sized companies and career pathways for workers.
I bring a diverse blend of expertise in performance management, small business development, and organizational growth strategies to IMEC. I have helped create and implement several initiatives to increase the flow of state and federal funding to manufacturers for projects, update worker skills, and help smaller manufacturers adopt new technology and business practices to improve energy efficiency.
Qualifications:
Ph.D. in Workforce Development and Education from The Ohio State University
Masters of Business Administration from Franklin University
Bachelor of Science in Operations from Binghamton University
