By all accounts, the November 14th Maryland Manufacturing Celebration of Stars event was one of the best events RMI of Maryland has ever hosted. Hosted in partnership with Maryland MEP with support from more than 70 companies and organizations, the Celebration was a festive evening attended by 550 individuals from Maryland’s manufacturing community. With two hours for networking and a wide variety of food stations and cocktails, attendees were able to connect with colleagues and friends and congratulate the 75 of 114 Maryland Manufacturing Stars who were in attendance.

Unquestionably, a harmonious cord was struck with the audience as we celebrated the Stars of Maryland Manufacturing and highlighted stories of success. The evening was uplifting, inspirational and moving. Family was the theme, and doing good for the good of all was the message of the night. Comments from attendees have been overwhelmingly positive. “The message was beautiful, authentic and from the heart,” said Vicki Franz, Publisher of I95 Business.

Highlights of the evening’s program included:

• A congratulatory video message from Maryland Governor Wes Moore.
• RMI President Dr. Mike Galiazzo honoring Congressman Steny Hoyer as Maryland’s brightest manufacturing star followed by Congressman Hoyer presenting Mike with a Congressional proclamation.
• The evening’s manufacturing Stars being called to the stage for a group photo as Sister Sledge’s “We Are Family” was played over the sound system.
• Delegate N. Scott Phillips, who also serves as the Director of MBDA Advanced Manufacturing center Baltimore, introducing Antoine Hutchinson, Owner & CEO of Fabpro Technologies, who spoke about the honor of receiving national recognition from the U.S. Department of Commerce for his success as a minority manufacturer.
• Dr. Mike Galiazzo honoring Mike Kelleher for his leadership as the Executive Director of Maryland MEP.
• Mrs. Posé Bakery’s unique workforce being shared via a heartwarming video that brought tears to the eyes of many and generated a standing ovation for Hal Hackerman and his fellow team members as they stood on stage.
• Dr. Mike Galiazzo closing out the evening with his rousing message to Maryland’s manufacturing stakeholders including companies, educators, legislators and more.
• A closing “That’s What Family’s For” video, produced by Mike Galiazzo, featuring photos of individuals from Maryland’s manufacturing community – another element of the event that tugged at the heartstrings of those in attendance.

Below are links to the event photo gallery and the videos played during the program. We hope you enjoy them!

• View the Celebration of Stars event photo gallery here.
• View Governor Moore’s video message here.
• View the Mrs. Posé Bakery video shown at the event here.
• View the “That’s What Family’s For” video shown at the event here.
• View Dr. Mike Galiazzo’s heartfelt closing message from the event

2024 Maryland Manufacturing Celebration of Stars Sponsors & Partners