Maryland MEP to host 'Gears on the Gridiron,' kick off national manufacturing month

The Maryland Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MD MEP) is excited to announce it will host ‘Gears on the Gridiron,' a family-friendly celebration of Maryland manufacturing on Saturday, October 1, at Capital One Field at Maryland Stadium, as the University of Maryland football team hosts its 2016 Homecoming Game against the Purdue Boilermakers. Hosted in partnership with the Regional Manufacturing Institute (RMI) of Maryland and the University of Maryland, Gears on the Gridiron is being held to show support and appreciation for Maryland-based manufacturing companies and their employees, as well as to inspire and encourage Maryland youth to pursue careers in manufacturing.

Gears on the Gridiron will kick off the State of Maryland’s celebration of National Manufacturing Month, a month-long celebration of manufacturing intended to inspire the next generation of manufacturers. The day-long event will feature a pre-game tailgate for manufacturers, family and friends. Inside the Make it in Maryland Red Zone, interactive product displays will showcase the work of Maryland manufacturers and their employees. During the football game, the University of Maryland will recognize Maryland-based manufacturers in attendance.

In addition to representatives from an array of local manufacturers, advocates for Maryland manufacturing industry attending the event will include Mike Gill, Secretary of the Maryland Department of Commerce.

With Maryland-made products on display and nearly 500 industry members in attendance, Gears on the Gridiron will demonstrate the importance of manufacturing to the State of Maryland and aim to encourage and bolster the next generation of industry leaders in the state, enlightening youth and all involved by highlighting exciting opportunities in the state’s manufacturing industry.

“We’re proud to be in our second year hosting an event that is a much deserved celebration of the incredible work and impact Maryland manufacturers make every day.” said Brian Sweeney, Executive Director of MD MEP. “With the help of the Regional Manufacturing Institute of Maryland, Gov. Hogan, and our many generous supporters, we hope to inform our community and inspire tomorrow’s Maryland manufacturing leaders.”

Gears on the Gridiron will begin at 12:30 p.m. The Make it in Maryland Red Zone will be located on the North East side of the stadium, across the street from Gate B. Those interested in learning more about this terrific event or purchasing tickets can visit www.mdmep.org. Tickets are available through September 15.

Sponsorship opportunities are also still available for this event. Those interested in sponsorships should contact Samantha Calvo at MD MEP (scalvo@mdmep.org; 443-832-4989).

Sponsorships range from $500 to $7,500, including:

- MFG Day Exhibitor ($500) – Includes a 4-foot by 4-foot Exhibition space and 2 tickets to the game, plus access to the MD Manufacturing Day Pre-Game tailgate.

- First Down Sponsor ($500) – Four tickets to the game and access to the MD Manufacturing Day Pre-Game tailgate, along with inclusion in MD MEP social media and marketing as a sponsor of MFG Day 2016.

- Extra Point Sponsor ($1,000) – Eight tickets to the game with access to the MD Manufacturing Day Pre-Game tailgate, along with a signed commemorative MFG Day football and inclusion in MD MEP social media and marketing as a sponsor of MFG Day 2016.

- Field Goal Sponsor ($2,500) – 15 tickets to the game with access to the MD Manufacturing Day Pre-Game tailgate, a signed commemorative MFG Day football and inclusion in MD MEP social media and marketing as a sponsor of MFG Day 2016.

- Touchdown Sponsor ($5,000) – 25 tickets to the game with access to the MD Manufacturing Day Pre-Game tailgate, your company’s name displayed on LED Ribbon at Capital One Field during the game, a commemorative MFG Day football, along with inclusion in UMD social media and marketing as a sponsor of MFG Day 2016, and inclusion in MD MEP social media and marketing as a sponsor of MFG Day 2016 and MD Manufacturing Month.

- MVP Sponsor ($7,500) - 30 tickets to the game with access to the MD Manufacturing Day Pre-Game tailgate, your company’s name displayed on LED Ribbon at Capital One Field during the game, 2 passes to the UMD Corporate Sponsor Suite, a 30-second commercial spot on Baltimore flagship affiliate radio station, a commemorative MFG Day football, along with inclusion in UMD social media and marketing as a sponsor of MFG Day 2016, and inclusion in MD MEP social media and marketing as a sponsor of MFG Day 2016 and MD Manufacturing Month.

About Maryland Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MD MEP):

MD MEP works with partners throughout the state including the Regional Manufacturing Institute of Maryland (RMI) and others focused on growing manufacturing in the State of Maryland by providing resources and services to manufacturers statewide. Through collaborative efforts and strategic partnerships, MD MEP helps Maryland manufacturers expand their business, educate their workforce and create mutually beneficial connections with other Maryland businesses. For more information, please visit www.mdmep.org.

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