Making sense and making stuff with Rob Harris and Kathy Alder

November 5, 2026

From the Corner Office has traded virtual for in-studio recording for this episode. And we are joined by Rob Harris, the executive director of the Sarasota-Manatee Manufacturers Association, and Kathy Alder, vice president of human resources at Chris Craft Corp, and Lithonics and SAMA’s board president. Rob and Kathy spoke with Business Observer Managing Editor about the state of manufacturing in the region addressing workforce issues and the “silver tsunami" and a milestone year for SAMA.

3 Takeaways

(06:38) Invest in your people to build skills and loyalty
(16:05) Coach your employees instead of telling them what to do
(18:00) Let younger employees teach you about new technology

Timestamps

(00:00) Introducing Rob Harris, Executive Director of SAMA, and Kathy Alder, VP of HR at Chris-Craft Corp
(02:05) SAMA's mission and supporting local manufacturers
(04:35) Career opportunities in manufacturing
(05:54) Investing in employees through apprenticeships
(08:12) The importance of manufacturing in an AI-driven economy
(10:24) How tariffs and inflation are affecting manufacturers
(15:24) What makes a good leader?
(17:31) Adapting to technology and workforce challenges
(20:31) The impact of AI and automation on manufacturing jobs
(23:50) The future of SAMA and workforce development
(26:45) Closing thoughts

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