We proudly hosted our 112th Annual Celebration of Manufacturing last Thursday, bringing together hundreds of manufacturing leaders, elected officials, and community partners for an inspiring evening dedicated to honoring the people, companies, and innovations shaping New York’s manufacturing future.
Held in Syracuse at SRC Arena and Events Center, the evening celebrated shared progress, enduring partnerships, and the collective drive to shape a stronger, more innovative future. Interwoven throughout the program’s keynote remarks, multimedia tributes, and award presentations was a powerful, unifying theme: Building Tomorrow, Together.
“This year’s theme truly captures what makes our manufacturing community so special — a spirit of collaboration, resilience, and forward momentum,” said Randy Wolken, President & CEO of MACNY. “Whether we’re developing the next great product or expanding workforce pipelines, we’re doing it together with a clear focus on building a stronger tomorrow for everyone.”
A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the 2025 Innovator of the Year Award to Dr. Yan Liu, Director of Global Research and Development (R&D) at Indium Corporation. Dr. Liu made history as the first woman to receive the prestigious honor, recognizing outstanding contributions to technological advancement and manufacturing innovation. She was celebrated for her pioneering work in advanced materials and leading transformative research in the electronics manufacturing sector.
Also recognized was Graham Brodock, President of Kris-Tech Wire, who was inducted into MACNY’s Manufacturers Wall of Fame. Brodock’s visionary leadership, strong community engagement, and dedication to sustainable growth were celebrated as key drivers of Kris-Tech Wire’s success.
The program also honored companies reaching major anniversaries in business — a tribute to the enduring strength of New York’s industrial base. This year’s Milestone Award recipients included:
- Oneida Warehousing – 25 years
- NYSERDA – 50 years
- VIP Structures – 50 years
- AmeriCU Credit Union – 75 years
- O.W. Hubbell & Sons – 100 years
- Stickley – 125 years
- KeyBank – 200 years
Together, these companies represent more than 600 years of manufacturing excellence, reinforcing the critical role long-standing businesses play in sustaining regional economies and communities.
At the event, attendees viewed a special video message from Governor Kathy Hochul, who reaffirmed the state’s commitment to strengthening New York’s manufacturing sector through continued investment in innovation, infrastructure, and workforce development.
Additional remarks from Steve Gorczynski, Regional President at M&T Bank, and Rob Shutts, Principal, Architecture at VIP Structures, underscored the importance of public-private collaboration in driving regional growth, advancing equity, and building the next generation of manufacturing talent.
As MACNY looks ahead to another year dedicated to empowering its members for long-term success, the 112th Annual Celebration of Manufacturing served as a powerful reminder of the collective strength and shared vision that defines the manufacturing industry in New York.