DVIRC

🚀 Speaker announcement: Garrett Reisman is coming to Reimagine Manufacturing 2026!

We're thrilled to confirm that former NASA Astronaut Dr. Garrett Reisman will take the stage at DVIRC's annual manufacturing summit on October 9 in Philadelphia.

A veteran of two Space Shuttle missions, Dr. Reisman spent over three months living and working aboard the International Space Station and performed three spacewalks. He later served as Director of Space Operations for a leading space manufacturing and transport company, where he helped develop the crew spacecraft that returned human spaceflight capability to American soil.

Today he is a Professor of Astronautical Engineering at USC and a technical consultant for the Apple TV+ series For All Mankind. A Penn grad, he got his start right here in Philadelphia.

At the summit, Dr. Reisman will explore the growing space economy and what it means for manufacturers: where the opportunities are, what it takes to enter the supply chain.

The space economy isn't just for rocket companies. It runs on manufacturers.

🎟️ Early bird registration is open now, save 10% at https://hubs.li/Q04r09vm0

Celebrating 8 Years at DVIRC!

We’re excited to celebrate Serverna Gibson, DVIRC’s Business Development Specialist, for 8 years of dedication and results-driven service.

Serverna works closely with our clients to generate high-quality leads and support their sales growth initiatives. She’s been instrumental in helping dozens of manufacturers grow their businesses and reach new markets.

Thank you, Serverna, for your commitment to our clients and your contributions to DVIRC’s mission.

Celebrating 2 Years at DVIRC!

We’re celebrating Jim Donahue, DVIRC’s Defense Industry Liaison, for 2 years of outstanding service to our manufacturing community.

From his early career as a deep-sea diver in the U.S. Navy to his leadership in technology, manufacturing, and defense, Jim brings unmatched experience and dedication. Over the past year, he’s worked tirelessly to connect manufacturers with the resources, strategies, and partnerships they need to meet the needs of the U.S. Department of Defense.

We’re proud to have Jim on our team and look forward to the impact he’ll continue to make in the years ahead.

We're thrilled to confirm Gordon G. Chang as a featured speaker at Reimagine Manufacturing 2026, DVIRC's Annual Manufacturing Summit.

Gordon is one of America's most prominent voices on China. He's the author of "Plan Red: China's Project to Destroy America" and "The Coming Collapse of China," a Newsweek columnist, and a former Shanghai-based attorney who spent nearly two decades living and working in China and Hong Kong.

At the Summit, he'll make the case that American manufacturing strength is a matter of national security, and that the leaders in the room are on the front lines.

Expect a candid look at China's industrial ambitions, what they mean for your supply chains and competitive position, and why the decisions regional manufacturers make now will shape America's ability to compete for decades.

Registration is open: https://hubs.ly/Q04q08-Y0

DVIRC President and CEO Chris Scafario spoke with Billy Penn at WHYY about the $24 million JPMorgan Chase investment in Philadelphia shipbuilding and what it means for the region's workforce.

With Rhoads Industries expanding at the Navy Yard, Hanwha scaling up, and billions in new contracts flowing to Philadelphia manufacturers, the demand for skilled workers is real and growing. DVIRC is proud to be part of the effort, including a new grant alongside PIDC to provide technical assistance to up to 100 commercial maritime suppliers.

Read the full story: https://hubs.li/Q04pHDL50

Registration is now open for Reimagine Manufacturing 2026! Save your spot soon to lock in a 10% early bird discount.

Join us October 9 at the Arlen Spencer US Squash Center in Philadelphia for our Annual Manufacturing Summit, and choose the way you want to show up:

🏭 Exhibit – Showcase your products and services with a standard table, large booth, or full squash court exhibit

📣 Sponsor – Put your brand front and center with Visibility Sponsorships (Keynote, Jumbotron) or Hospitality Sponsorships (Café, Beverage Stations, Happy Hour)

📖 Advertise – Reach every attendee with a half or full-page ad in the event program

🎟️ Register – Attend as an individual or grab a ticket bundle for your team

Explore all the options: https://bit.ly/4vZTlZn

250 years ago, America declared its independence. Today, manufacturing continues to strengthen its future.

On this historic Independence Day, DVIRC celebrates the innovators, manufacturers, engineers, skilled tradespeople, and workers who keep our nation strong, competitive, and secure.

As we commemorate America's 250th anniversary, we're proud to support the companies building the technologies, products, and capabilities that will define the next 250 years.

Happy Independence Day, and here's to the strength that is manufactured every day.

https://bit.ly/4wmI6tU

For 250 years, American manufacturers have built more than products. They have built communities, strengthened our economy, defended our nation, and driven innovation that changed the world.

This Independence Day, we celebrate the makers, builders, engineers, and skilled workers who continue that legacy every day. Your work powers America's future.

https://bit.ly/44GrqBH

Thank you for building what matters. Happy Fourth of July from MFG250!

Strength is Manufactured.

https://bit.ly/3QaXeek

As President & CEO of DVIRC, Chris Scafario is helping position Philadelphia and the Delaware Valley as a leader in advanced manufacturing, defense, maritime, life sciences, and emerging technologies.

From DVIRC's move to the Philadelphia Navy Yard to the launch of the Manufacturing Moonshot and AI Center of Excellence for Manufacturers, his focus is on helping manufacturers grow, innovate, and compete.

"Strength is not declared. Strength is manufactured."

Read the full profile to learn more about the vision helping shape our region's manufacturing future.

DVIRC CEO Chris Scafario: Rebuilding Philadelphia’s manufacturing legacy Chris Scafario didn’t set out to become one of the region’s most influential voices in advanced manufacturing. But his path, from growing a family beverage business to leading global consumer product lines and eventually rising through the ranks at the DVIRC, has equipped him with a rare blend o...