Manufacturing Month 2026
Friday Chamber Coffee: POSTPONED
Due to a change in Governor Pillen’s schedule requiring him to be out of state, we have postponed the Friday, Oct. 2, event at Centennial Plastics. We are working to secure a new date later this month for Governor Pillen to visit Hastings and join our community in celebrating Manufacturing Month. Once we confirm the new date, we will share that information. In the meantime, scroll down to learn more about other Manufacturing Month events happening in the city of Hastings!
Introduction
Manufacturing Month Event Lineup & Registration
Manufacturing Month Mayor’s Proclamation
Help us kick off Manufacturing Month! Mayor Jay Beckby will join us at the Hastings Area Chamber of Commerce to sign a proclamation officially recognizing October as Manufacturing Month in Hastings. We’ll celebrate the businesses and individuals who contribute to our local manufacturing industry and help make it such an important part of our community.
Friday Coffee: Coffee With Governor Jim Pillen | Registration Required
Thursday, October 8 | 4:00–7:00 PM | Bruckman Rubber | 420 W South St.
Manufacturing Tour & Business After Hours | Registration Required for Tour
Come see manufacturing in action at Bruckman Rubber! The evening will begin with a facility tour at 4:00 PM, followed by an open-house Business After Hours. This is a great opportunity to learn more about Bruckman Rubber, its operations, and the impact it has on our local manufacturing community.
Thursday, October 15 | 4:00–7:00 PM | Drake Tool & Design | 3401 Yost Ave.
Manufacturing Tour & Business After Hours | Registration Required for Tour
Drake Tool & Design is opening its doors for a special Manufacturing Month Business After Hours! The evening will begin with a facility tour at 4:00 PM, followed by an open-house-style Business After Hours where you can connect with others and learn more about Drake Tool & Design, its work, goals, and mission.
Thursday, October 22 | 4:00–7:00 PM | Thermo King | 1800 Centennial Ave.
Manufacturing Tour & Business After Hours | Registration Required for Tour
Join us at Thermo King for another special Manufacturing Month Business After Hours. Tour the facility beginning at 4:00 PM, then stick around for an open-house event to connect with fellow community and business members while learning more about Thermo King, its mission, and its impact in Hastings.
Friday, October 23 | 9:00 AM | Hastings Area Chamber of Commerce | 301 S Burlington Ave.
Friday Coffee: "Beyond the Chat Box - What AI Can Actually Do for Your Business" | Registration Required
Join us for a special Manufacturing Month Friday Coffee featuring Simeon Berns, CEO of Ezekiel Solutions. Simeon will explore some of the exciting ways artificial intelligence is being used in manufacturing and the workplace, along with how businesses can leverage AI to improve operations, efficiency, and growth.
Celebration of Progress: Manufacturing Luncheon | Registration Required
We’ll wrap up Manufacturing Month with our annual Celebration of Progress: Manufacturing Luncheon at Lochland Country Club. Join the Hastings Area Chamber of Commerce and Hastings Economic Development Corporation on Friday, October 30, 2026, for our Celebration of Progress: Manufacturing Luncheon at Lochland Country Club! Hear from the Hastings Area Manufacturers Association and special guest speakers Erin Sharpe, Director of Manufacturing with the Nebraska State Chamber, and Vern Powers, Owner of Hastings HVAC. Learn more about the progress, opportunities, and exciting developments shaping Hastings’ manufacturing industry. Be part of the conversation as we celebrate our local manufacturers, recognize how far we've come, and look ahead to what's next!
