2024 North American Manufacturing Conference

REGISTRATION & NETWORKING BREAKFAST - 8:00 a.m. - 8:45 a.m.

WELCOME & OPENING REMARKS - 8:45 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.

Patrick Oland is the Chair of the CME National Board of Directors, as well as the Chief Financial Officer of Moosehead: Canada’s oldest independent brewery located in Saint John, NB. He is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) with over 30 years of experience working in financial and commercial roles. He has a Bachelor of Commerce from Dalhousie University and an MBA from INSEAD.

In addition to his role with CME, Patrick also serves as a director of New Brunswick Power Corporation. Previously, he served as chair of the Saint John Regional Hospital Foundation and Touchstone Community School, as well as director of the Saint John Development Corporation.

Dennis Darby joined CME as President & CEO of Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters in 2017. Dennis’ background includes a 24-year career in senior management at Proctor & Gamble, including leadership roles in the US and Europe. Dennis graduated from McMaster University in 1984 with a degree in Chemical Engineering and Management, and is a registered Professional Engineer in Ontario.

Jay Timmons is president and CEO of the National Association of Manufacturers and chairman of the board of the Manufacturing Institute, the NAM’s workforce development and education partner. The NAM is the largest manufacturing association in the United States, representing small and large manufacturers in every industrial sector, and Jay is a leading advocate for the 13 million men and women who make things in America.

Since Jay took the helm, the NAM has more than doubled in size, dramatically expanded its issue advocacy and enhanced the organization’s influence and mobilization efforts outside of Washington, D.C. He led the NAM to create the NAM Legal Center, acquire the Manufacturing Leadership Council and combine with the Innovation Research Interchange.

Alejandro Malagón Barragán is the President of The Confederation of Industrial Chambers of the United Mexican States, CONCAMIN, established in 1918, is the main organization representing the different industrial sectors and activities of high importance for the economic development of Mexico.

It is an effective business representation organization, recognized by its leadership and full capacity to develop projects and initiatives through its work commissions, that contribute to achieve sustained development for the Mexican industry.

FIRESIDE CHAT WITH FRANCOIS-PHILIPE CHAMPAGNE, CANADIAN MINISTER OF INNOVATION, SCIENCE & INDUSTRY CANADA- 9:00 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.

Our morning speaker will discuss the future trajectory of North American trade and economic collaboration, expounding on the significance of CUSMA/USMCA/TMEC supporting the continued economic integration of Canada, the US and Mexico.

MODERATOR

FEATURED GUEST:

The Honourable Minister François-Philippe Champagne is a businessman, lawyer, and international trade specialist with over 20 years’ experience at large international companies in Europe, particularly in the fields of energy, engineering, and innovation. He has been Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry since January, 2021.

After his election in 2015, Minister Champagne served as a parliamentary secretary to the Minister of Finance until 2017, when he was appointed Minister of International Trade. During his time as Minister of International Trade, the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement entered into force, and Canada signed the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership. In 2018, he was named Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, and oversaw the federal government’s ambitious $187 billion infrastructure investment plan. He was appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs in 2019, and oversaw the creation of Canada’s Declaration Against Arbitrary Detention in State-to-State Relations, which more than 60 countries have endorsed.

MEDIA PANEL: THE POLITICAL FORCES SHAPING MANUFACTURING AND TRADE POLICY - 9:45 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Just two weeks following the US Presidential election, our political insiders will provide an analysis of how recent and upcoming elections in Mexico, the US and Canada are influencing the future of manufacturing and trade policy in North America and around the world.

MODERATOR

Paul Wells is one of Canada’s leading political journalists. He hosts The Paul Wells Show, a weekly interview podcast featuring leaders in government, journalism, business and the arts. His subscription newsletter is a leading source of Canadian political news and analysis for a fast-growing and influential audience. For 19 years, he was the lead political writer at Maclean’s magazine. He has also written for the Toronto Star, the Globe and Mail and The National Post. He has worked extensively overseas, including in Europe, the United States and Afghanistan.

Wells is the author of four books and a frequent commentator on French- and English-language television and radio.

PANELISTS

Doug Palmer has been a reporter in Washington for more than three decades and has been covering trade for more than 20 years.

He has been senior trade reporter at POLITICO since 2013. He helps produce the Morning Trade newsletter each morning, and has covered trade negotiations and disputes with China, the EU and all regions of the world.

Enrique de la Madrid is an author and former Member of the Mexican Chamber of Deputies. He holds a Law degree from UNAM and a Master’s in Public Administration from Harvard’s Kennedy School. Recently, he was in the race to become the candidate for the Mexican presidency under the coalition of opposition parties PRI, PAN, and PRD, known as “Frente Amplio por México”.

His extensive public sector experience includes serving as Mexico’s Secretary of Tourism, Director General of Banco Nacional de Comercio Exterior, Director General of Financiera Rural, and Federal Deputy. In the private sector, he was Executive President of the Mexican Council of the Consumer Products Industry and Director of Institutional Relations and Corporate Communication at HSBC for Mexico and Latin America. In academia, he directed the Center for the Future of Cities at Tecnológico de Monterrey.

He is also a well-known media figure, writing columns for El Universal, participating weekly on RadioFórmula and TeleFórmula with Leonardo Curzio, and hosting the program “Ahora Futuro – México y el Mundo” on ADN 40.

Vassy Kapelos is Host of CTV’s weekly political journal of record, Question Period, and Host of CTV News Channel’s weekday marquee political program, Power Play. She is also the host of the weekday national radio program on the iHeartRadio Canada Talk Network.

Kapelos has extensive experience covering federal and provincial politics in Canada. Prior to joining CTV News, Kapelos was Global News’ Ottawa Bureau Chief and host of The West Block.  Before working in Ottawa, Kapelos covered provincial politics in Alberta and Saskatchewan. Kapelos graduated from Western University with a Bachelor of Arts degree, and then from Dalhousie University with a Master of Arts.

NETWORKING BREAK - 11:00 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.

NORTH AMERICAN COMPETITIVENESS IN A CHANGING WORLD - 11:15 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Manufacturing leaders will share perspectives on the key issues that will drive North American manufacturing growth and competitiveness in a changing global economic and security environment including friend-shoring and supply chains, technology and, skills and labour. 

MODERATOR

Andrew Ahrendt is Director of National Manufacturing for PCL Construction. Based out of PCL’s U.S. head office in Denver Colorado and North American Headquarters in Edmonton Alberta, Andrew is responsible for overseeing PCL’s national manufacturing business and leads PCL’s North American-wide corporate operations support services group. With over 30 years of industry experience and a history focused on manufacturing, advanced technology and mission critical projects, Andrew brings extensive experience with Cap-Ex project development and execution.

Beyond his professional achievements, Andrew is deeply committed to fostering a culture of continuous improvement and collaboration. He actively mentors emerging leaders, sharing his knowledge and experience to cultivate the next generation of industry pioneers. His dedication to outreach and development extends to his involvement in various industry committees and councils such as CII Manufacturing Life Science Committee, and as board chair of the Colorado Chamber of Commerce and is a member of the National Association of Manufacturers Manufacturing Leadership Council, where he advocates for policies and practices that advance the manufacturing sector, ready to meet the evolving needs of its clients and stakeholders.

PANELISTS

Pam Heminger is a senior vice president at Caterpillar Inc. with responsibility for the Strategic Procurement & Planning Division. She leads a team responsible for designing, developing, and connecting world-class capabilities to create value across the entire ecosystem – from the supply base through our manufacturing process – to connect with dealers and customers.

Prior to joining Caterpillar in 2020, Pam held a series of roles with increasing responsibilities in procurement and business operations during her 24-year career at Honda of America including vice president of Honda North America Purchasing.

Pam is a board member of the Center for Advanced Procurement Strategies and the National Minority Supplier Development Council and an active member of World50, an organization for leaders of the world’s most respected companies to collaborate and learn from one another.

David Murray is the Executive Vice President, Manufacturing, IT and Bombardier Operational Excellence System. David’s mandate is to accelerate initiatives, further strengthen Bombardier’s organizational and operational capabilities into the future, as well as allow next-generation digital technologies to further enhance Bombardier’s core processes.

David brings 30 years of experience in the fields of supply chain, operations, information technology and innovation. He worked at Bombardier for 10 years before joining Hydro-Québec in 2015, where he was appointed Head of Innovation and Executive Vice-President for Production. During his career at Bombardier, David held various positions of increasing responsibilities, including General Manager of Challenger Programs, Vice President of Global 5000 and Global 6000 Completions, and Vice President and General Manager of Learjet. Prior to joining Bombardier, he honed his skills at various organizations, such as Flextronics, Nortel and Rolls-Royce.

Francisco N. González Díaz has been representing the interests of more than 700 auto parts companies in Mexico since he was elected executive president of the National Auto Parts Industry Association (INA) in January 2022.

For the last 20 years, he has been promoting Mexico and its industries. Former director-general of Mexico’s foreign-trade bank Bancomext and foreign-trade promotion agency ProMéxico, he also served as Mexican ambassador to Germany. He served as Mexican ambassador to Germany. In 2014, he received a Recognition of Professional Merit from ITAM for his outstanding professional career. He continues to play an active role as a businessman in the country’s health, foreign-trade, tourism, banking and finance sectors. Mr. González holds a BAA from ITAM and an MBA from ITESM.

LUNCH & NETWORKING - 12:00 p.m. - 12:45 p.m.

FIRESIDE CHAT WITH MEXICAN DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR INTERNATIONAL TRADE- 12:45 p.m. - 1:15 p.m.

Hear from a representative of the Mexican government on pivotal trade policies, economic strategies, and initiatives aimed at fostering North American collaboration. This session will provide essential context and insights into Mexico’s role in the regional manufacturing ecosystem.

MODERATOR

With than 17 years of professional experience in the steel sector, specializing in strategic business planning, international trade, and liaison with government and institutions, Garza Rangel is the Senior Institutional Director of Ternium Mexico, a leading company in the steel industry in Latin America. She is responsible for the design and execution of the action plan for strategic relations with authorities, business chambers and associations, and other key stakeholders, both nationally and internationally.

Ms. Garza Rangel also represents the Mexican industry in the following endeavors: President of the Foreign Trade Commission in the Confederation of Industrial Chambers of Mexico (CONCAMIN); Coordinator of the Cuarto de Junto of the Mexico´s Business Coordinating Council (CCE); President of the Foreign Trade Commission of the Chamber of the Transformation Industry of Nuevo León (CAINTRA) and Sherpa of the ‘Investment Group’ of the U.S. Mexico CEO Dialogue.

SPEAKER

Dr. Luis Rosendo Gutiérrez Romano holds a PhD in Government from the University of Essex, specializing in Political Economy. He earned a MA in Local Economic Development from the London School of Economics and Political Science, and a MA in Government from the University of
Essex in England. He graduated with honors from the BA in Economics at ITAM (Mexico Autonomous Institute of Technology) and the BA in Political Science from the same institution. He has also been a faculty member of the Department of Economics at the Ibero-American University, the Monterrey Institute of Technology, the National Autonomous University of Mexico and the Mexico Autonomous Institute of Technology. He has a Diploma in Political Marketing from the ITAM, a Diploma in Social Security from the Ibero-American Organization of Social Security (OISS) in Madrid, Spain, and a Diploma in Advanced Econometrics (time series) from the University of Essex (Summer School) in England.

He has had a long career as a public official in several departments of the Mexican federal government, such as the Ministry of Trade and Industry (1993-1994), the Ministry of Finance (1994-1995), and the Mexican Institute of Social Security (1995-1999). His recent assignments include being Deputy Director General of Planning and Budgeting of the Ministry of the Interior (1999-2000) and Corporative Assistant Director of Credit and Operations of Financiera Rural (2004-2006).

From 2012 to 2024, he was an entrepreneur and financial consultant for various specialized companies for the public and private sectors regarding investment and infrastructure projects.

SENIOR TRADE OFFICIALS FIRESIDE CHAT - 1:15 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

High-ranking trade officials from Canada and the U.S will share insights into the key opportunities and challenges of North American economic integration and CUSMA/USMCA/TMEC renewal within a shifting global trade landscape.

MODERATOR

PANELISTS

Amy Holman, Acting Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Economic and Business Affairs, is a career member of the Senior Foreign Service with the rank of Minister Counselor. Ms. Holman has served as the Acting Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of Economic and Business Affairs since June 28, 2024. She most recently served as the Bureau’s Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary. Previously she was a Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of African Affairs handling Central Africa and Africa-China issues.

Other assignments include Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Dakar and Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary and Office Director in the Trade Policy and Programs division of the Bureau of Economic and Business Affairs. Amy also served in Kabul, Islamabad, Brussels, Lima, Lagos, and Caracas.

She holds a master’s degree from the School of International and Public Affairs at Columbia University, a B.A. from the University of Michigan, and a B.A. from L’Institut d’Etudes Politiques at the Université de Strasbourg, France.

Rob Stewart was appointed deputy minister of international trade effective October 17, 2022. Prior to his appointment, Mr. Stewart served as deputy minister of public safety for 3 years. During this time, he provided leadership on a variety of issues related to national security, community safety and countering crime, Indigenous policing, firearms, border security and emergency management, including requests for federal assistance related to the pandemic and major natural disasters.

Mr. Stewart has spent most of his public service career at the Department of Finance Canada, starting in 1993. He held the role of the Government of Canada’s finance deputy for the G7 and G20 and for the Financial Stability Board from 2016 to 2019. He provided leadership and policy advice to the government on a wide range of financial sector and international trade and finance matters. He was previously the assistant deputy minister of financial sector policy for 2 years, prior to which he held the position of assistant deputy minister, international trade and finance for 4 years. Before joining the Department of Finance Canada, Rob worked at Export Development Canada and in the Canadian sport system.

He holds a BA from Carleton University (1981) and an MBA from the University of Ottawa (1987).

Waldo Fernández González is a Law graduate from the Autonomous University of Nuevo León (UANL), has distinguished himself in both the public and private sectors. He is currently the elected Senator for Nuevo León (2024-2030), representing the “Keep Making History” Coalition (Morena, PT, PVEM), and serves as Chair of the Standing Committee for Monitoring the Implementation of the USMCA. Throughout his career, he has served as a Federal Deputy (2015-2018), where he chaired the Bicameral National Security Commission and received multiple accolades, including the CANACINTRA Eagle Award and the Legislative Merit Award. He has held key roles at both the state and federal levels, and most recently, was the Leader of the MORENA Legislative Group in the Congress of Nuevo León (2021-2024).

TRENDS IN ATTRACTING AND RETAINING TALENT IN THE NORTH AMERICAN MANUFACTURING SECTOR - 2:00 p.m. - 2:15 p.m.

In October, EY released its 2024 Work Reimagined survey results, which uncovered that work is less connected to old ideas of career, rewards and workplaces. In this brief session from our title sponsor, EY will walk participants through the data for the energy and manufacturing sectors in North America,  and provide insight into how to effectively navigate both the opportunities and challenges presented by the current workforce trends including shifting demographics, the need for inclusion, skills challenges and AI adoption.

SPEAKER

NETWORKING BREAK - 2:15 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

PANEL: TRADE AGREEMENT RENEWAL - 2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Manufacturing leaders will take stock of the CUSMA/USMCA/TMEC four years in, discuss key areas to further deepen economic cooperation and specific issues to consider in the lead up to the 2026 review of the agreement. 

MODERATOR

PANELISTS

Rob Wildeboer is the Executive Chairman and co-founder of Martinrea International. Mr. Wildeboer has been an entrepreneurial investor, director or officer of a number of private and public companies and the co-chair of the Canadian Automotive Partnership Counsel (CAPC).

He has served as an advisor to the Governments of Canada and Ontario on a variety of economic, trade, investment, industry, innovation, manufacturing and automotive mandates. Mr. Wildeboer is also the past Chair of the Macdonald-Laurier Institute and holds an undergraduate degree from the University of Guelph, a law degree from Osgoode Hall Law School, an MBA from York University, and an LLM from Harvard University.

In 2012, he received the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in recognition of his contributions to Canada.

Iván Rivas, Public Affairs and Institutional Relations Director for USA, Xignux, holds a Bachelor’s in Economics from ITESM and a Master’s in Public Policy from the University of Chicago, where he was a MOB Scholar. Since 2010, he has served as President of the Chicago Foundation in Mexico.

He began his career as Manager of CEMEX’s Special Credit and Risk Management Project and held roles at SAT, DICONSA, and the Ministry of Economy. From 2012 to 2018, he was Director of the Mexico Competitiveness Center and led the Oportunidades Program. He later became General Director of Coparmex Nuevo León and was most recently Minister of Economy for Nuevo León prior to his current role at Xignux.

Elise Maheu leads the Government Affairs organization for 3M in the United States and Canada across all jurisdictions in both countries since June 2022. Her responsibilities include government affairs strategic planning and execution in the areas of outreach, advocacy, messaging, policy monitoring, and issues management, creating and enhancing value for the company. Her team is spread across both the United States and Canada. She is part of the 3M Global Public Affairs Executive Team.

Prior to this role, Elise led 3M Canada Government Affairs for over 15 years. In her role, she was successful in negotiating a historic agreement with two levels of government from opposite political sides to keep supply entering Canada during the pandemic. Elise has been named one of Canada’s Hill Times Top 100 Lobbyists for the past five years.

She also has extensive business and supply chain leadership experience in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, where she held various international leadership positions in different parts of 3M, including Belgium, the Netherlands, East Europe, and the Middle East. She also held several positions outside 3M in Africa, including for the United States U.S.A.I.D. agency.

Elise represents 3M in various think tanks and industry associations. She is the past Chair of the National Board of Directors for the Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters, a member of the Advisory Board of the Wilson Center, Vice-Chair of the American Chamber of Commerce, and a member of various national and sectorial trade associations.

PANEL: THE FUTURE OF NORTH AMERICAN ENERGY - 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Industry experts will discuss how manufacturing will lead the clean energy transition, including the importance of a continental critical minerals strategy, while touching on key issues on the path to net-zero including energy efficiency, sustainability and energy security.

MODERATOR

David McHattie joined Tenaris in 1999 to help found the Canadian operations. He has held leadership roles in Canada including Marketing, Strategic Planning and now Institutional Relations where he develops and implements stakeholder strategies creating a healthy business environment for Tenaris to grow sustainably. Dave helped develop plans for and integrate investments including projects more than $100M and acquisitions valued over $1B. Dave is the Trade policy lead for Tenaris in Canada and participates on the North American Steel Trade Committee since 2006. He has successfully fought for fair trade in Canada for manufacturing by leading successful anti-dumping Trade Actions at the Canadian International Trade Tribunal.

PANELISTS

Neil Chapman, Senior Vice President, ExxonMobil was born in Stoke-on-Trent, England, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in chemical engineering from the University of Surrey in 1984. Upon graduating, he joined Esso Chemical Company in 1984. Mr. Chapman advanced through engineering, operations, planning and commercial roles in various chemical affiliates prior to the 1999 merger between Exxon and Mobil, and has held several executive positions within the company since.

In 2015, he became ExxonMobil Chemical Company president, a position he held until joining the Exxon Mobil Corporation Management Committee as senior vice president in 2018. Mr. Chapman has served as a member of the board of directors and executive committee of the American Chemistry Council, the board of directors of the International Council of Chemical Associations, and the board of directors and executive committee of the National Association of Manufacturers.

Carlos Garza, VP of Corporate Affairs at CEMEX Mexico since 2015, holds an economics degree from Monterrey Institute of Technology and an MBA from Kellogg Business School at Northwestern University. He designs and implements strategies to strengthen CEMEX’s reputation among stakeholders and leads teams in business risk management, institutional relations, corporate communication, and social impact. Carlos joined CEMEX in 2002, contributing to finance, business development, planning, and global crisis management, as well as leading strategic projects and post-acquisition integration. He also chairs legislative and business risk commissions at CONCAMIN and CAINTRA and is involved with CONCANACO, CINTERMEX, and COPARMEX.

Pat Dalzell is the Vice President, Corporate Affairs and Market Development at Bruce Power, Canada’s only private sector nuclear generator, annually producing 30 per cent of Ontario’s power. Previous to this, he held the roles of Executive Director, Corporate Affairs & Market Development and Director of Government and Stakeholder relations coordinating partnerships with all levels of government along with key member associations, economic development groups, the electricity system operator and labour representatives.

Pat holds a Bachelor of Commerce Degree in Finance from Concordia University and currently serves on the board of directors of the Canadian Nuclear Association and is the Chair of the Association of Power Producers of Ontario (APPrO). He is a charter holder of the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) program and completed the Enhanced Plant Operational Awareness (EPOA) technical training certification and the Leading the Business Program at the IVEY Academy at Western University.

CLOSING FIRESIDE CHAT - 4:30 p.m. - 4:50 p.m.

Hear from the heads of our CME, NAM and CONCAMIN  as they recap important lessons and provide insights on the next steps as we head into trade renewal.

TRI-LATERAL PRESIDENT'S RECEPTION - 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

US Ambassador’s Residence

Transportation from venue to reception provided.

CONFERENCE ATTENDEES & INVITED GUESTS ONLY, GOVERNMENT ISSUED ID REQUIRED