2025 SWOT Summit Recap: A Day of Insight, Connection, and Action for Regional Manufacturers

On Tuesday, October 14, manufacturers, speakers, and sponsors from across Kansas and Missouri gathered at the Lenexa Conference Center for the 2025 SWOT Summit for a full day dedicated to advancing the local and regional manufacturing industry through learning, networking, and collaboration.

The day began with opening remarks from Danica Rome, Vice President of Kansas Manufacturing Solutions (KMS), who set the stage for a day focused on growth and opportunity. She then welcomed Bartlett & West, the event’s keynote sponsor, represented by Darron Ammann and his team, who introduced the keynote speaker Donnie Campbell, the real-life inspiration behind Ted Lasso.

Donnie “brought the juice,” inspiring attendees with powerful lessons on building trust, culture, and leadership rooted in mission, values, and principles. Through heartfelt stories, humor, and actionable takeaways, he challenged manufacturers to identify their MVPs and lead with clarity both on and off the shop floor.

After the keynote, attendees filled the sponsor hall for a morning of energetic networking. Conversations echoed throughout the room as manufacturers connected with solution providers dedicated to strengthening the industry.

Session #1 featured presentations on Tax & Finance, SWOT Planning, and Workplace Culture.

Bert Benton (SOR Controls) and Chris Vering (Thuasne) guided manufacturers through identifying strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats unique to their operations.
Gwen Robben (AGH) shared insights on often-overlooked tax and finance advantages available to manufacturers.
Danica Rome (KMS) led an interactive session on workplace culture, combining science and a cross-generational activity to blur generational lines and spark collaboration.

Following the morning sessions, attendees gathered for lunch, sponsored by Kansas State University Olathe, represented by Debbie Kirchhoff, and a presentation from Tiffany Stovall, President and CEO of Kansas Manufacturing Solutions, who delivered an update on the current state of regional manufacturing. During lunch, KCMN’s Member of the Year Award was presented to Stephanie Rogge, Head of People and Culture at PRIER Products, honoring her outstanding commitment to the network and the manufacturing community.

Session #2 shifted focus to Sales & Marketing, Biomanufacturing, and Cybersecurity.

Nikkie Freeman (FlyWheel CMO) shared practical sales and marketing strategies to turn existing activities into profit drivers.
Kevin Mills (AdAstra Bio) explored the evolving world of biomanufacturing and its growing connections to traditional manufacturing.
Jarrad Shull (Kansas City Managed IT) outlined the critical cybersecurity steps manufacturers must take as new threats emerge.

Session #3 closed the day with discussions on Automation and AI, Recruitment and Retention Strategies, and Continuous Improvement.

Alex Gerrish (Nulogy) delivered a dynamic, AI-generated presentation demonstrating real-world ways to integrate automation and artificial intelligence into manufacturing processes.
Hessam Vali (Techam Solutions) provided a deep dive into continuous improvement and the theory of constraints, offering tangible strategies to enhance operational efficiency.
Keely Schneider (Workforce Partnership) highlighted the Returning Citizen Consortium and regional efforts to strengthen the manufacturing workforce through innovative talent pipelines.

As attendees departed, one message was clear: the 2025 SWOT Summit delivered actionable ideas, meaningful connections, and a renewed sense of energy for the manufacturing industry across the region.

Thank you to our sponsors who made this event possible:

Keynote Sponsor: Bartlett & West

Lunch Sponsor: Kansas State University Olathe

SWOT Sponsors: Allen, Gibbs & Houlik, L.C., Federated Insurance, Forvis Mazars, GETYASOME Safety, Holmes Murphy, IronEdge, Kansas Department of Commerce, Kansas City Managed IT, Kansas Manufacturing Solutions, Magic Software, Paric, Syndeo, Techam Solutions, Workforce Partnership