ONONDAGA, N.Y. — It was a night of remarks, multimedia tributes, and award presentations as MACNY, The Manufacturers Association, hosted its 112th annual Celebration of Manufacturing dinner on May 22.
With a theme of “Building Tomorrow, Together,” hundreds of manufacturing leaders, elected officials, and community partners gathered for the event at the SRC Arena on the campus of Onondaga Community College in the town of Onondaga.
As MACNY described it, “the evening celebrated shared progress, enduring partnerships, and the collective drive to shape a stronger, more innovative future.”
(Sponsored)
Don’t Take the Bait: Phishing Scams to Avoid
Americans lost $8.8 billion to phishing and other fraud in 2022, according to the Federal Trade Commission, with financial fraud increasing over 30% from 2021. Every day, thousands of people
Fraud Contingencies Plans Are Essential
Your business likely has a disaster recovery plan in place—procedures for handling fires, natural disasters or other crises that could disrupt operations or endanger lives. While a fraud contingency plan
“This year’s theme truly captures what makes our manufacturing community so special — a spirit of collaboration, resilience, and forward momentum,” Randy Wolken, president & CEO of MACNY, said in the announcement. “Whether we’re developing the next great product or expanding workforce pipelines, we’re doing it together with a clear focus on building a stronger tomorrow for everyone.”
Steve Gorczynski, regional president at M&T Bank (NYSE: MTB), and Rob Shutts, principal, architecture at VIP Structures of Syracuse also provided additional remarks, which “underscored the importance of public-private collaboration in driving regional growth, advancing equity, and building the next generation of manufacturing talent,” MACNY said.
Innovator, Wall of Fame
MACNY used the event to recognize Yan Liu as the 2025 Innovator of the Year Award. Liu, who serves as the director of global research and development (R&D) at Indium Corporation, is the first woman to receive the honor. MACNY honored Liu for her work in advanced materials and research in the electronics-manufacturing sector.
DeWitt–based MACNY also recognized Graham Brodock, president of Kris-Tech Wire in Rome, who was inducted into MACNY’s Manufacturers Wall of Fame. Brodock’s “visionary leadership, strong community engagement, and dedication to sustainable growth were celebrated as key drivers” of Kris-Tech Wire’s success, MACNY said.
Recognizing longevity
The MACNY program also honored companies reaching major anniversaries in business. This year’s Milestone Award recipients included:
- Oneida Warehousing – 25 years
- NYSERDA – 50 years
- VIP Structures – 50 years
- AmeriCU Credit Union – 75 years
- O.W. Hubbell & Sons – 100 years
- Stickley – 125 years
- KeyBank – 200 years
