Senator Jon Tester announces keynote speaker for upcoming small business workshop

U.S. Commerce Department’s Tab Wilkins to headline March 7 workshop

Senator Jon Tester today announced the keynote speaker for his upcoming Manufacturing Small Business Opportunity Workshop in Helena on Friday, March 7.

Tab Wilkins is the Pacific Northwest Regional Manager of the U.S. Commerce Department’s Manufacturing Extension Partnership Program. He has more than 20 years of experience in building and leading economic development organizations nationwide that fund new technology development and support small and mid-sized manufacturers.

Tester’s 14th small business workshop will connect national manufacturing industry leaders with Montana businesses to expand economic opportunities and create jobs in the Treasure State.

"This workshop will highlight the tools that manufacturers need to compete in the 21st Century so we can continue to strengthen industry and create more jobs here in Montana," Tester said. "Tab knows first-hand what it takes for manufacturers to thrive in today’s economy, and I look forward to him sharing some of his secrets for success with Montanans."

Tester recently announced the participants for the workshop’s "Made-in-Montana Success Stories" panel. The panelists (a full list can be found online HERE)http://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=3260 include representatives from a Missoula firm that processes chemicals and a tribal-owned business that offers welding services and fuel systems for the United States military.

Tester’s workshop will be held on March 7 at Carroll College’s Campus Center – known as the ‘Cube.’

Tester’s morning workshop, which begins at 8 a.m., is free and open to the public. Montanans interested in attending are encouraged to RSVP at http://www.tester.senate.gov/rsvp.

Tester’s Helena workshop builds on the success of his 13 previous small business workshops held across Montana. More than 2,000 Montanans have attended Tester’s workshops.