MAST Brings Regional Manufacturers Together at Blackstone Advanced Technologies

JAMESTOWN, NY – Blackstone Advanced Technologies was proud to host the Manufacturers Association of the Southern Tier (MAST) at our Jamestown facility on 10/23. Representatives from  area manufacturers and partner organizations came together to share ideas, build connections, and align on the work ahead for the region’s manufacturing community.

Why MAST Matters

Founded in 1900, MAST is committed to strengthening the economic health of the region by supporting local manufacturing. Today the association represents 120 manufacturers and their more than 5,000 employees, in a region that is home to more than 450 manufacturers.

MAST’s work centers on four goals:

• Providing access to a network of peers. Manufacturers connect with one another to share experience and solve common challenges.
• Building our region’s workforce. MAST works with schools, training providers, and employers to develop the next generation of skilled talent.
• Creating a better business environment through advocacy and action. MAST speaks up for manufacturers on workforce development, infrastructure, workers’ compensation, health care costs, and tax relief.
• Supplying a forum to share ideas and information. Members gain access to valuable resources and a strong network of partner organizations.

A Room Full of Shared Purpose

Hosting MAST at Blackstone gave leaders and team members from different companies the chance to sit down face to face, get on the same page, and commit to a shared scope of work. The conversation reflected what MAST has stood for since its earliest days, when it first brought the manufacturing community together to find new ways to collaborate.

Strength in the Southern Tier

As a woman-owned, ISO 9001:2015 certified custom sheet metal fabrication company serving defense, industrial, and commercial customers, Blackstone knows how much a strong local manufacturing network matters. Events like this show that when area manufacturers work together, the whole region benefits.

We thank MAST and everyone who joined us for their time, insight, and commitment to seeing Southern Tier manufacturing prosper for generations to come.

Learn more about MAST: mast-wny.com

A tech student's dream at the STEM Wars

STEM Wars is an annual event bringing together middle and high school students across Chautauqua County to celebrate science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Hosted by JCC, the day includes educational activities, skill competitions, mock interviews, a technology fair, and a local manufacturing career fair.

These events are run by Dream It Do It WNY, NYSTEEA, the Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce, the Manufacturers Association of the Southern Tier, and the Chautauqua County Education Coalition.

Kindergarteners Say What They're Thankful For

In discussing gratitude ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday, students at Jamestown and Southwestern schools were recently posed the following question: "What are you most thankful for this year?"
The following are their responses:

¯ Gracelynn Wolf, first grade, Bush: "I am thankful for food, friends, family, everything!"
¯ Addlynn Burdic, kindergarten, Lincoln: "I am thankful for my teacher because I love her."
¯ Carter Johnson, kindergarten, Lincoln: "I am thankful for my friends because they play with me and make stuff."
¯ Constantino Pacheco, kindergarten, Lincoln: "I am thankful for my family."
¯ Hope McLaughlin, kindergarten, Lincoln: "I am thankful for my poppa's kitten, Smokey, because he is super tiny and cute."
¯ Izzibella Ordines, kindergarten, Lincoln: "I am thankful for my friends."
¯ Jaden Crowl, kindergarten, Lincoln: "I am thankful for my mom and dad and two dogs."
¯ Jeremiah Holland, kindergarten, Lincoln: "I am thankful for my teacher because she is funny."
¯ Olivia Anderson, kindergarten, Lincoln: "I am thankful for my family because I love them."
¯ Nova Tatchell Strong, UPK, Love: "I am thankful for food to eat. Broccoli is my favorite food."
¯ Randy Coone Strong, UPK, Love: "I am thankful for my family."
¯ Cameron Trenary, kindergarten, Ring: "I am thankful for my family because they give me hugs and kisses."
¯ Josephine Felton, kindergarten, Ring: "I am thankful for my family and for Miss Kayla who takes pictures of us."

The following are responses from kindergarten teacher Leigh Wissman at Southwestern Elementary School:

¯ Greyson is thankful for "dad, grandpa, grandma, sister, and toys."
¯ Cecelia is thankful for "family, friends, toys, teacher."
¯ Rylo is thankful for "mommy and daddy, my doggie."
¯ Becca is thankful for "friends, family, toys, dog, brother."
¯ Jace is thankful for "dad, mommy, friends."
¯ Kian is thankful for "baby brother, toys, mom, family."

Ms. Wissman also noted that November is Family Literacy Month and, due to a generous sponsorship by local residents Richard and Heather Turner, all the kindergarten classes at Southwestern are receiving a free Scholastic book every month during the 2020-21 academic year. Mr. Turner is a Southwestern alumni and the Turners reside in the district with their two young children. Ms. Wissman says the students think the Turners, who own Blackstone Advanced Technologies in Jamestown, are "awesome."

The kindergartners are also thankful to take home their books to grow their home libraries.

HELPING THEM BUILD THEIR LIBRARIES

Students in Mrs. Leigh Wissman’s Kindergarten class at Southwestern Elementary School received their first monthly book in September 2019 thanks to a generous donation from Ricky and Heather Turner of Blackstone Advanced Technologies. ? ? ?

Blackstone has sponsored the class for each student to receive a free Scholastic book every month. By the end of the 2019-2020 academic year, the students will have a library of 10 books. This month they received “If You Give a Mouse a Brownie” by Laura Numeroff. ??

Mrs. Wissman says she is “beyond” excited. “We have so many students that don’t have books to read in their homes,” she says. “This donation provides a wonderful opportunity for the students to have books at home to share with siblings and their families. We can’t wait to start reading!” ? ?

Thank you to the Turners and Blackstone – we deeply appreciate your support of our young Trojans! ?#TeamSouthwestern #TrojanPride — feeling thankful at Southwestern Elementary School.