--- title: Catalyst Connection Blog (4) description: Our manufacturing blog is your go-to resource for insightful articles and expert advice on the latest trends shaping the industry. (4) --- - [Training & Events](https://www.catalystconnection.org/trainings-events/) [Skip to content](https://blog.catalystconnection.org/page/4#content) [![Catalyst Connection Logo](https://blog.catalystconnection.org/hubfs/CatalystConnection_WeGrow_rgb-2.png)](https://www.catalystconnection.org) - [Home](https://www.catalystconnection.org/) - About Us - [About Us Catalyst Connection contributes to the growth and vibrancy of manufacturing in our region.](https://www.catalystconnection.org/about-us/) - [Careers At Catalyst Connection, we recognize and treat our people as our most important resource.](https://www.catalystconnection.org/careers/) - [Grants & Cost Savings There are a number of grants and tax credits available to manufacturers in the region.](https://www.catalystconnection.org/grants-cost-savings/) - [Executive Committee & Board of Directors Influential professionals who are committed to driving innovation and growth in the manufacturing sector.](https://www.catalystconnection.org/our-people/) - [Staff Dedicated to helping you reach your full potential and thrive in today’s competitive market.](https://www.catalystconnection.org/our-people/#tab_staff) - [Services](https://www.catalystconnection.org/services/) - [People Are You Earning The Reputation As An Employer Of Choice?](https://www.catalystconnection.org/services/people/) - [Process Are you producing your products in the most efficient means and are you meeting quality standards?](https://www.catalystconnection.org/services/process/) - [Products Do you have the right products for the market – and the right market for the products that you make?](https://www.catalystconnection.org/services/products/) - [Technology Are you preparing to become a manufacturer for the 21st century?](https://www.catalystconnection.org/services/technology/) - Insights - [Blog Our blog is your go-to resource for insightful articles and expert advice on the latest trends shaping the industry.](https://www.catalystconnection.org/blog/) - [Resource Library Curated content covers supply chain, optimization, workforce. 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It’s a daily grind tha... [Read More](https://blog.catalystconnection.org/stop-guessing-how-ai-can-streamline-quoting-for-small-to-mid-sized-manufacturers) [![](https://blog.catalystconnection.org/hubfs/Photorealistic%20manufacturing%20recruiting%20scene%20inside%20a%20modern%20small-to-mid-sized%20factory.%20A%20CNC%20machine%20and%20production%20floor%20in%20the%20background%20with%20subtle%20signs%20of%20automation%20and%20digital%20displays.%20In%20the%20foreground.jpg)](https://blog.catalystconnection.org/the-skilled-labor-gap-isnt-just-a-hiring-problem.-its-a-messaging-problem) ### [The Skilled Labor Gap Isn't Just a Hiring Problem. It's a Messaging Problem.](https://blog.catalystconnection.org/the-skilled-labor-gap-isnt-just-a-hiring-problem.-its-a-messaging-problem) [Joe Sherman](https://blog.catalystconnection.org/author/joe-sherman) February 5, 2026 If you run a small or mid-sized manufacturing company, this probably sounds familiar: You need peopl... [Read More](https://blog.catalystconnection.org/the-skilled-labor-gap-isnt-just-a-hiring-problem.-its-a-messaging-problem) [![](https://blog.catalystconnection.org/hubfs/Firefly_Photorealistic%20manufacturing%20operations%20environment%20showing%20the%20contrast%20between%20stru%20504942.png)](https://blog.catalystconnection.org/is-your-erp-ready-for-ai) ### [Is Your ERP Ready for AI?](https://blog.catalystconnection.org/is-your-erp-ready-for-ai) [Frances Phan](https://blog.catalystconnection.org/author/frances-phan) January 30, 2026 Advanced analytics are moving from theory to practice on the manufacturing floor. Forecasting demand... [Read More](https://blog.catalystconnection.org/is-your-erp-ready-for-ai) [![](https://blog.catalystconnection.org/hubfs/customer%20voice.png)](https://blog.catalystconnection.org/why-the-voice-of-the-customer-matters-more-than-ever-in-manufacturing) ### [Why the Voice of the Customer Matters More Than Ever in Manufacturing](https://blog.catalystconnection.org/why-the-voice-of-the-customer-matters-more-than-ever-in-manufacturing) [Lou Musante](https://blog.catalystconnection.org/author/lou-musante) January 13, 2026 Oftentimes, when I sit with manufacturers, whether it’s on a shop floor, in a conference room, or ov... [Read More](https://blog.catalystconnection.org/why-the-voice-of-the-customer-matters-more-than-ever-in-manufacturing) [![](https://blog.catalystconnection.org/hubfs/Firefly_Gemini%20Flash_Create%20a%20realistic%2c%20professional%20manufacturing%20image%20that%20represents%20AI%20standards%20as%20%20738505.png)](https://blog.catalystconnection.org/the-rise-of-the-digital-coworker) ### [The Rise of the Digital Coworker](https://blog.catalystconnection.org/the-rise-of-the-digital-coworker) [Frances Phan](https://blog.catalystconnection.org/author/frances-phan) January 13, 2026 Every few years, artificial intelligence gets declared “new” all over again. A new interface, a new ... 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