E. COUNTY ECONOMIC GROUP TO HOLD MANUFACTURING EXPO THIS WEEK

The East County Economic Development Council will hold its sixth annual Manufacturing Expo and Resource Fair on Tuesday in El Cajon.

The event is set to run from 3 to 6 p.m. at Prescott Promenade near the Civic Center. It will highlight companies that offer opportunities in manufacturing and skilled labor .

The development council has worked since 1984 to bridge the gap between community, businesses and government.

More than 200 people have signed up for the free event, according to James Sly, president and CEO of the East County EDC.

Nearly 50 local companies are signed up, including Spring Valleybased Deering Banjo, Taylor Guitars out of El Cajon and Vortex Engineering in Santee. Representatives from local schools offering education in trades will also be on site, including the Grossmont Union High School District, Cuyamaca and Grossmont colleges, and Grossmont Adult Education.

The expo will include live manufacturing demonstrations, resume building workshops, activities for students, job information and networking opportunities.

Sly said the event shows off products, crafts and parts that are made in San Diego County, gives companies a chance to reach potential employees and gives students a view of viable career paths.

“Manufacturing is a huge economic driver of regional sustainability and regional economic wealth,” he said. “We know and recognize that as those working in manufacturing age out and move toward retirement, there is a growing need for new manufacturing talent.”

Sly said “the perception of manufacturing as mindless, dark, grinding work hasn’t been reality for a long time.

“It’s very different than it was in our grandparents’ time,” he said. “We’ve adapted and integrated into different times.”

For more information on the fair, go to eastcountyedc.org.