A Week of Innovation, Collaboration, and Community Pride
Surry County came together October 3–8 for Manufacturing Week 2025, a celebration of the people, products, and partnerships that make our county strong.
The week brought students, educators, community leaders, and manufacturers together to highlight the essential role that industry plays in Surry County’s economy — and to inspire the next generation of makers to build their futures right here at home.
Kick-Off Breakfast: Starting Strong
The week began with the Manufacturing Week Kick-Off Breakfast, where business and community leaders gathered to recognize the strength, innovation, and impact of Surry County’s manufacturing community.
Speakers Ron Sutphin, Dr. David Shockley, and Blake Moyer emphasized the importance of manufacturing as it fuels Surry County as well as connecting classrooms to careers and helping students discover the creative, high-tech, and rewarding opportunities available in modern manufacturing. The morning set the tone for a week centered on collaboration, education, and community growth.
Curiosity to Careers: Sparking Inspiration
As part of the week’s celebration, SCEDP premiered the first episode of Curiosity to Careers — filmed at Shenandoah Furniture in Mount Airy.
This episode follows Prim Hawks and Jesse Puckett from Mountain Park Elementary School as they explore the world of manufacturing alongside Shenandoah Plant Manager Rocky Killion.
Watch as curiosity sparks career inspiration — and see how local industries are shaping the future workforce right here in Surry County!
Watch the Full Video Here
Watch the Outtakes Here
Our Curiosity to Careers series works to connect students to real-world careers across Surry County, showing that big opportunities start with a spark of curiosity.
Industry Tours: Inside Surry’s Innovation
Throughout the week, SCEDP and our partners visited several of the incredible companies that keep Surry County moving — including Allen Industries, Vitro, Weyerhaeuser, Carolina Carports, Interlam, Ottenweller, and Renfro.
Residents, educators, and community leaders had the opportunity to step inside some of the region’s most advanced facilities to see firsthand the innovation, craftsmanship, and technology driving local industry.
Each visit offered a rare, behind-the-scenes look at how products made in Surry County reach markets across the nation—and the world. From precision fabrication to advanced materials and design, attendees gained a deeper understanding of the diverse manufacturing base that fuels our economy and provides hundreds of local jobs.
These tours helped spark community awareness and pride, showcasing how manufacturing continues to evolve and thrive right here at home. As local leaders and media coverage emphasized, Manufacturing Week was a reminder that the future of innovation begins with the people and industries already shaping Surry County today.
Career Fair: Building the Next Generation of Makers
The week concluded with a Manufacturing Career Fair, connecting local employers with students and job seekers eager to explore opportunities in engineering, production, maintenance, and design.
The event served as a bridge between talent and opportunity — helping students discover that their future careers could begin right here at home in Surry County. The energy and optimism in the room reflected the momentum growing across the region as manufacturers continue to invest in local talent and workforce development.
Local media also joined the celebration, capturing the energy and excitement of the week:
Read the Mount Airy News Article
Watch WXII’s Coverage
Thank You to Our Partners
Manufacturing Week 2025 would not have been possible without the collaboration and support of our community partners, schools, and manufacturers who opened their doors and shared their stories.
Together, we’re building awareness, inspiring curiosity, and strengthening the connection between education and industry in Surry County.
Keep Exploring
Watch more stories, explore behind-the-scenes content, and see how Surry County is inspiring the next generation of makers.
From Curiosity to Careers: Manufacturing in Surry County
From Curiosity to Careers: The Fun Along the Way
Manufacturing Week 2025 | Celebrating Surry County’s Makers
WXII Manufacturing Week Coverage
