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The Manufacturers Association Bids Farewell to Board Member Neil Poffenberger and Re-Instates Josh Hedden for a New Three-Year Term

The Manufacturers Association marked a significant moment this morning as
board member Neil Poffenberger, Owner Poff Holdings, attended his final meeting after six
years of dedicated service to the organization. At the same meeting, the Association
announced the re-instatement of Josh Hedden, Director of Operations at BAE Systems, for
an additional three-year term.

A Consistent Presence Through Years of Growth
Neil Poffenberger has been a supportive voice on the board since joining six years ago.
During his tenure, the Association underwent a number of meaningful changes, including a
transition to a new location, steady growth in membership and territory, and the expansion
of its training programs, apprenticeships, and events.

Neil was also present for one of the organization’s most notable milestones, the awarding of
the TIDE grant, the largest grant in the Association’s history. Over those same six years, the
organization’s team grew from where it began to a staff of 15, with 6 of those employees
joining during Neil’s time on the board. The Association’s insurance and HR services also
continued to develop throughout his tenure, reflecting the organization’s ongoing
commitment to serving its members.

“We are forever grateful for the time and insight Neil has invested in this organization,” said
Tom Palisin, Executive Director of The Manufacturers Association. “He has been a part of
some of our most important moments, and his guidance has made a lasting impact on
everything we do.”

Josh Hedden Re-Elected to the Board
The Association also announced that Josh Hedden, Strategic Operations Director at BAE
Systems, has been re-elected to the board of directors for an additional three-year term.
Hedden brings extensive experience in manufacturing and operations within the defense
industry and has been a valued contributor to the board’s work. The Association looks
forward to his continued leadership and engagement in the years ahead.

About The Manufacturers’ Association: Founded in 1906, The Manufacturers’ Association is
the voice of manufacturing for hundreds of member and non-member organizations in
south central Pennsylvania and northern Maryland. The Association supports manufacturers
with the knowledge, training, and advocacy they need to operate, hire, and train smarter. For
more information, visit mascpa.org or contact the Association at (717) 843-3891.

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Who We Are

The Franklin County Free Press, established by Vicky Taylor in 2019, emerged as a beacon of local journalism for the residents of Franklin County. Under Vicky's leadership, it quickly became an essential source of news, particularly at a time when major newspaper publications were increasingly overlooking local coverage.

On January 1, 2022, the torch was passed to Nathan Neil and his firm, Neil Publishing, LLC. Neil, a local entrepreneur with multiple thriving businesses in Chambersburg, shares Vicky's fervent commitment to both the community and the world of local journalism.

Rooted in the heart of Franklin County and powered by its residents, the Franklin County Free Press continues to bridge the gap, ensuring that the local stories, events, and issues that matter most to the community remain in the spotlight.