The Economy, Tariffs and Trade are Topics at Annual Manufacturing Economic Forecast

The Manufacturers’ Association and the World Trade Center Harrisburg have joined forces to co-sponsor the 2025 Manufacturing Economic Forecast and Tariff Strategies event on March 19th at the Manufacturers’ Association Center of Excellence for Apprenticeship and Training, 3405 Board Road, in York.

The yearly economic forecast outlines current economic trends in manufacturing with a focus this year on economic indicators, interest rates and tax and trade policy. The event is designed for business owners, CFOs/finance, operations, banking management, and community leaders seeking to navigate the 2025 economy. The event will feature two prominent keynotes. Thomas Neal, Managing Director of Interest Rate Management, First National Bank (FNB) will be the keynote speaker highlighting the manufacturing economy and Aaron Applebaum, Counsel at Sidley Law in Washington, D.C, one of the largest global trade firms in the country with speak to trade policy.

Thomas (Tom) Neal is based in Pittsburgh and prior to joining FNB, he spent 15 years with the Derivative Products Group at PNC Bank. Early in his career, Tom was an aerospace engineer with positions at Pratt & Whitney and a subsidiary of GE Aerospace. He is a graduate of Pennsylvania State University with a degree in Mechanical Engineering and received his MBA from Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh. At Sidley Law, Aaron Applebaum has a focus on global arbitration, trade advocacy, and energy. Aaron is an experienced international trade and customs lawyer focusing on advising companies on all aspects of U.S. customs law, including compliance counseling and planning, responding to government inquiries and enforcement actions, and customs-related litigation. Aaron began his legal career at a multinational consumer electronics company, where he performed regulatory compliance diligence on acquisition targets, and designed, implemented, and administered trade compliance programs.

“Manufacturing is the economic driver for central Pennsylvania – who better to speak to our membership than two experts with backgrounds in manufacturing,” stated Tom Palisin, the Association’s Executive Director. “As the global economy deals with the increased potential of tariffs and trade wars both speakers will provide invaluable insight for businesses in attendance” said Tina Weyant, Executive Director of the World Trade Center Harrisburg.

For information or to register for the 2025 Economic Forecast for Manufacturing & Business 9am on March 19, 2025, visit the Association’s website at www.mascpa or contact the Association at 717-843-3891 or office@mascpa.org. Seating is limited for this event.

The Manufacturers' Association is on a mission to ensure that our region’s manufacturing sector not only survives but remains stronger than ever! We exist to ensure that critical knowledge is preserved, expanded, and shared with the manufacturing professionals of tomorrow. Founded in 1906, we are the voice of the industry for hundreds of member & non-member organizations in central PA & northern MD. We support manufacturers with the knowledge they need to operate, hire, & train smarter.
Visit our website at mascpa.org

The World Trade Center Harrisburg serves companies in central Pennsylvania by promoting global trade and delivering relevant educational programs, up-to-date trade information, practical trade assistance, and research & referral services for our members and clients to help them compete and prosper in a global economy. We are a licensed member of the World Trade Centers Association and the regional coordinator for Pennsylvania’s free export assistance services. https://wtccentralpa.org/