October 2021


NEXT WEEK! Optics & Photonics Caucus Event: Workforce Shortages 

October 27, 2021 at 12:00pm (Eastern)
via Zoom


WORKFORCE CHALLENGES & LIGHTING A PATH TO SUCCESS

The Congressional Optics & Photonics (O&P) Caucus will hold its first policy discussion next week on October 27, 2021 at 12Noon (Eastern) to discuss workforce development challenges in our industry.

APOMA members, both large and small, have dealt with hiring shortages for skilled technicians for years and this challenge has only been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Addressing workforce shortages in our rapidly growing industry is critical to maintaining US leadership in this innovative, global market.  

The O&P Caucus is pleased to present a discussion on this issue and welcomes industry participation. O&P experts will share insights on challenges, strategies, successes, and areas for federal engagement to help address our nation's workforce shortages.

WHAT: Congressional Optics & Photonics Caucus Policy Discussion on Workforce Development

WHEN: October 27, 2021 at 12:00pm (Eastern) VIA ZOOM - Please complete this Zoom registration link to RSVP for the event.

WHO: Congressional Optics & Photonics Caucus Members, Industry Experts

Opening Remarks:
  • Congressman Joe Morelle, D-NY25; O&P Caucus founder & Co-Chair
  • Congressman Brian Mast, R-FL18; O&P Caucus founder & Co-Chair
  • Senator Kyrsten Sinema, D-AZ; O&P Caucus Honorary Co-Chair
  • Senator Steve Daines, R-MT; O&P Caucus Honorary Co-Chair

Panelists:     
  • Alexis Vogt, PhD, Endowed Chair and Associate Professor of Optics at Monroe Community College
  • Jay Kumler, President of Jenoptik North America
  • Trent Berg, President of Montana Photonics Industry Alliance
  • Katie Schwertz, Senior Design Engineer at Edmund Optics

We hope you can join this important discussion!