From left are Chase Churchill, incoming Manufacturers Association of the Southern Tier president; Todd Tranum, MAST executive director; Jay Churchill, MAST president from 1997 through 1999; and Dale Gier, outgoing MAST president.

The Manufacturers Association of the Southern Tier marked its 125th anniversary recently of working to advance manufacturing across Western New York.

The association’s annual meeting, held at the Chautauqua Harbor Hotel, brought together industry leaders, educators, workforce partners and community stakeholders to honor the association’s legacy and look toward the future of manufacturing in the region.

MAST President Dale Gier called the meeting to order and presented the treasurer’s and nominations reports, highlighting both MAST’s sound fiscal management and its strategic investment in the growth of Dream It Do It Western New York–an initiative now serving five counties and reaching thousands of students with manufacturing career pathways. Over the past three and a half years, MAST has invested $200,000 into Dream It Do It WNY, leveraging those funds to secure more than $2 million in external support for expanding manufacturing workforce education across the region.

Gier reflected on MAST’s 125-year journey as a driving force for regional industry growth and innovation. Gier recognized outgoing MAST Board members and Rhonda Johnson of Weber Knapp, who served as MAST’s immediate past president.

“For 125 years, MAST has championed the growth and vitality of manufacturing across Western New York,” Gier said. “Our mission – to enhance the region’s economic strength by advancing the common interests of manufacturers – remains as vital today as it was when our founders began this journey.”

Directing his comments to several Past Presidents of the Association that were in attendance Gier stated, “We stand here tonight on the shoulders of those who came before us–leaders who gave their time, their wisdom, and their passion to strengthen manufacturing in this region. You are not only part of MAST’s history–you are part of its very fabric. The programs we champion, the partnerships we celebrate, and the progress we continue to make are all reflections of the foundation you built.”

Following Gier’s address, incoming President Chase Churchill of Jamestown Electro Plating spoke briefly, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to lead the Association into its next chapter. Churchill will succeed Gier as MAST President for the 2026-2027 term.

“Our success as an organization is only as good as the strength of the partnerships we build. I look forward to being part of growing and expanding our partnerships with other regional organizations,” Churchill said. “We will continue to seek to align resources, share expertise, and deliver practical, high-value services that make a measurable difference for our members.”

The evening also included a moderated discussion featuring former MAST presidents Bruce Erickson, Jay Churchill, Maynard Cotter, John Zabrodsky and Rhonda Johnson, who shared insights from their tenures and advice for the next generation of manufacturing leaders. Their reflections showcased the association’s role in workforce development, infrastructure advocacy, and business collaboration, including pioneering group purchasing and medical programs in the early years to expanding regional partnerships and education initiatives in more recent decades.

The program also featured Austin Walker, Vice President of Operations at Veryable, who discussed innovative approaches to addressing workforce needs through on-demand labor solutions for manufacturers.

Looking ahead, Tranum emphasized MAST’s commitment to “Building Upon Our Legacy” by continuing to strengthen relationships regionally, statewide, and nationally, with a focus on advocacy, talent development, and organizational collaboration.

“We are connecting education, innovation, and industry in ways that prepare our region for the next era of manufacturing,” Tranum said. “As we build on 125 years of progress, MAST remains dedicated to ensuring that manufacturing continues to be the economic backbone of this region’s pride.”

The event was sponsored by Advanced Manufacturing Technology Ahlstrom Shaeffer, Anderson Precision, Artone, Barton Tool, Jamestown Board of Public Utilities, Electrovaya, El Greco, Jamestown Container, Jamestown Electroplating, Jamestown Mattress, Stuart Tool & Die, UBS, University of Pitt-Bradford and Weber Knapp.

Founded in 1900, the Manufacturers Association of the Southern Tier (MAST) is dedicated to advancing the common interests of manufacturers in Western New York. Through advocacy, partnerships, and workforce initiatives, MAST supports its members across the region–driving innovation, economic development, and opportunity.

MAST is the proud founder of Dream It Do It Western New York, a workforce development initiative that is inspiring students to pursue careers in manufacturing through applied learning experiences, career exploration, and industry partnerships.