FEBRUARY 3, 2021
Gearing Up
2021
Non-manufacturers that want to support MAM members and Missouri manufacturing can connect through event sponsorship and/or one of the MAM Network Partnership programs.
We offer a variety of partnership opportunity levels for both businesses and institutions of education.
Interested in becoming a Partner? Email us to learn about our various partnership options.
Contact us at Info@mamstrong.org
Exclusive Benefits to MAM Members from our Partners
A Partner is a defined as a business who does not qualify as a manufacturer but provides services or products that will benefit our manufacturing Members.
Each Partner company is thoroughly vetted and researched to ensure we are collaborating with a recognized expert in their field and trusted resource.
A key factor is they must align with Missouri Association of Manufacturer’s mission: To Promote, Preserve and Advance manufacturing in Missouri.
Non-manufacturers that want to support MAM members and Missouri manufacturing can connect through event sponsorship and/or one of the MAM Network Partnership programs.
We offer a variety of partnership opportunity levels for both businesses and institutions of education.
Interested in becoming a Partner? Email us to learn about our various partnership options.
Contact us at Info@mamstrong.org
Exclusive Benefits to MAM Members from our Partners
A Partner is a defined as a business who does not qualify as a manufacturer but provides services or products that will benefit our manufacturing Members.
Each Partner company is thoroughly vetted and researched to ensure we are collaborating with a recognized expert in their field and trusted resource.
A key factor is they must align with Missouri Association of Manufacturer’s mission: To Promote, Preserve and Advance manufacturing in Missouri.
We make lighting products that create ambiance, save energy and install easily, but we deliver much more than that.
Williams makes A Visible Difference.
We make lighting products that create ambiance, save energy and install easily, but we deliver much more than that.
Williams makes A Visible Difference.
Patriot Medical Devices brings jobs to Cape Girardeau
Oct. 22, 2020
Patriot Medical Devices brings jobs to Cape Girardeau
Oct. 22, 2020
PROMOTING, PRESERVING, AND ADVANCING MANUFACTURING
The Voice of Missouri Manufacturers.
To stay informed on the latest Missouri manufacturing news, events, resources and more, join our email list.
EHS CONFERENCE
SESSION DETAILS
Learn from industry experts in 3 Keynote Presentations and 21 Breakout Sessions, all focused on sharing updates, best practices, resources and solutions in the areas of Environmental, Health and Safety.
Day 1 - Tuesday, Sept. 23rd
Registration Open from 7:00AM - 5:00PM
7:00AM - 8:45AM
Breakfast, Networking, Visit Exhibitors
8:00AM - 8:45AM
Opening Keynote
Believe in Safety: Know the Risk of Short Cuts
Brandon Schroeder
Brandon Schroeder survived a catastrophic workplace accident in 2011—an event that forever changed his life and purpose. As a journeyman electrician turned national safety speaker, Brandon delivers a raw, emotional message about the real cost of shortcuts and the power of personal responsibility. Through his presentation Believe in Safety, he challenges audiences to reflect, reset, and commit to a culture where safety isn’t optional—it’s personal. His goal? To reach the one person who needs to hear his story before it's too late.
8:45AM - 9:15AM
Visit Exhibitors
9:15AM - 10:00AM
Conference Breakout Sessions
Environmental Track
EPA Legislative & Policy Updates
In this session, Jim Macy from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will share new legislative and policy updates pertaining to the manufacturing industry, including the number of Historic Actions of federal deregulation announced in March 2025.
Jim Macy, Regional Administrator | US EPA Region 7
With nearly 40 years of experience, Jim Macy is a seasoned leader with a proven track record in environmental protection across the Heartland. Possessing a deep commitment to both regional and national environmental leadership, he has built a career marked by innovative solutions, strong partnerships, and a relentless focus on improving public service delivery. Throughout his career, Macy has remained deeply rooted in his community and dedicated to improving environmental resilience for future generations. Prior to joining EPA Region 7, he served as director of the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE), where he successfully led the integration of the state’s energy and environmental agencies into a unified department. Macy’s leadership was instrumental in fostering collaboration and improving the state’s environmental policies and practices. He also served for nearly 30 years with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (MoDNR), where he held various leadership roles, including regional director of the Kansas City Regional Office and director of the Financial Assistance Center. Nationally, Macy made significant contributions to advancing cooperation among state and federal agencies, as well as environmental innovation. He served as president of the Environmental Council of the States (2019-2020) and co-chaired the cooperative federalism workgroup for four years. Additionally, Macy was a long-time executive member and co-chair of the E-Enterprise Leadership Council, where he championed the development of shared governance approaches and customer-centric innovations to improve permitting, compliance, and quality assurance processes. Macy is recognized for his passion for teamwork and process improvement. At NDEE, he implemented Lean Six Sigma principles to streamline operations and establish a pioneering state network aimed at continuous improvement across partner agencies. A native of Gallatin, Missouri, Macy holds a Bachelor of Science in agriculture and a master’s in education from the University of Missouri-Columbia. He was honored with the EPA National Notable Achievement Award in 2001 for his work in Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) stakeholder involvement. Macy and his wife, Lisa, have been married for 31 years. They have two daughters and a grandson. Often accompanied by his French Brittany Spaniel, Molly, he enjoys spending time outdoors fly fishing and crafting custom fly rods.
Health Track
Where Productivity Meets Safety: Ergonomics That Deliver Results
Discover how smart ergonomic workstation design can deliver measurable gains in productivity while reducing operator strain and injury. This session highlights findings from a comprehensive time and motion study conducted by the Ergonomics Center of North Carolina at NC State University. The study evaluated common assembly and packaging tasks performed on industrial workstations and identified key factors impacting performance, accuracy, and injury risk.
You will understand how workstation configuration impacts output and operator health, and how using an ergonomic planning process can lead to significant improvements. Given that many tasks are still performed by human operators, especially those that are repetitive or physically demanding, it is important to create work environments that minimize motion, reduce awkward postures, and lower lifting demands.
Key Takeaways:
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Understand how workstation layout influences productivity, accuracy, and operator fatigue
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Learn a practical process to optimize workstation design for different tasks and users
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Apply foundational ergonomic principles to reduce repetitive motion injuries and support a diverse workforce
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See how small adjustments can lead to measurable improvements in throughput and cost efficiency
Rob Doucette, Sales & Applications Engineer | BOSTONtec
Rob Doucette brings over a decade of experience helping companies improve productivity, reduce workplace injuries, and support operator well-being through ergonomic workstation design. As the Sr. Applications Engineer at BOSTONtec®, he works closely with manufacturers to create tailored solutions that align with both workflow demands and ergonomic best practices. Rob has led educational sessions across the country and has been a featured speaker at leading industry trade shows. Notably, he presented one of MODEX’s Top 10 Educational Seminars. His practical, real-world insights help teams translate ergonomic principles into measurable operational results.
Safety Track
Navigating an OSHA Visit Without Fear
This interactive session will walk you through what to expect during an OSHA visit and how to limit your company's exposure to costly citations. We'll cover your responsibilities, OSHA's inspection priorities, and key strategies like written programs, training, and documentation. Come prepared with questions, and leave with confidence.
Russ Hinds, President/CEO | Mid-America Safety & Environmental
Russell owns Mid-America Safety & Environmental a leading safety consulting and training company located in Springfield, MO. With over 250 active clients covering 25 states, safety management and OSHA compliance is his expertise. He holds several Safety Training Certificates and Professional Qualifications. In his spare time Russell enjoys golfing and traveling with his wife. He is a member of the various organizations including Gate of the Temple Lodge #422, Abou Ben Adhem Shrine, Governing Board Member – Missouri Sports Hall of Fame, Former Board Member – Good Samaritan Boys Ranch, North American Safety Professionals, the American Society of Safety Professionals and Director of Missouri Golf Association.
10:30AM - 11:15AM
Session description coming soon.
Tim Ridderbos, VP of Circular Business Development | Shapiro
Tim Ridderbos is the Vice President of Circular Business Development at Shaprio. In this role, his focus is growing and deepening the relationships with multi-location customers at the corporate level. Tim enjoys getting involved in ongoing projects and working with his team members to implement new ideas that support Shapiro's ongoing growth. Seeing a new customer improve their operations is Tim's favorite part of his job. When he's away from work, Tim is devoted to his family. Also, having worked as as carpenter through school, he also enjoys woodworking in his spare time.
Health Track
Workers' Compensation: An Attorney's Perspective
Session description coming soon.
Contessa Brundridge, Attorney | Jackson Lewis P.C.
Contessa A. Brundridge is an associate in the St. Louis, Missouri, office of Jackson Lewis P.C. She is passionate about preventing workplace disputes, harassment, and litigation through effective partnership with employers on a day-to-day basis. Contessa regularly advises employers regarding all aspects of labor and employment matters including leave management, workplace training efforts, compliance with state and federal human rights laws, and state and federal wage-and-hour laws. When litigation arises, Contessa also rigorously defends employers before state and federal courts, administrative agencies and arbitrators in cases involving wrongful termination, discrimination, and wage and hour matters. Contessa’s practice includes representing employers with respect to labor-management relations matters and best practices at all phases of the collective bargaining process. She has also represented employers in successful discharge grievance arbitrations, several contract interpretation disputes, unfair labor practice charges, contract negotiations and union organizing campaigns for both private and public sector employers. She has represented clients before labor arbitrators, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the Illinois Public Labor Relations Board, and the Food and Drug Administration. Contessa also represents clients in all phases of litigation, including jury and bench trials, dispositive motions, discovery, pre-trial strategy, and client counseling and best practices. Her experience includes conducting workplace investigations involving allegations of employee and managerial misconduct, discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. She regularly provides workplace training and day-to-day advice and counsel on all aspects of employment law issues for clients. While in law school, Contessa also served as the managing editor of the Journal of Dispute Resolution and was a member of numerous advocacy competition teams, including the National Trial Competition team and the ABA Labor & Employment Competition team. She was also awarded several honors for her scholastic achievement as well as her achievement in litigation and trial advocacy. Recently, Contessa authored a chapter in a labor law treatise regarding Section 7 of the National Labor Relations Act.
Safety Track
Behavior Based Safety 101
Behavior Based Safety is a proactive approach to workplace safety that focuses on identifying, observing, and modifying employee behaviors to improve safety performance. In this session, Steve Bell will share the fundamentals of Behavior Based Safety and how companies can begin to implement, or continue to build upon, this approach in their overall company safety program.
Steve Bell, Owner | Employers Health & Safety
With over 28 years’ experience in the Environmental Safety & Health field, Steve and his company have a proven history in helping companies achieve lower incident rates, reduced litigation liabilities, as well as minimizing / eliminating any OSHA, EPA Compliance Citations. Steve also promotes working with all state and local agencies to achieve total compliance for his customers. “The success of my company comes from working at all levels of the organization to help each and every team member to understand their personal need for following all Environmental Health & Safety Rules and Regulations to help improve the processes of the company as well as to help improve their quality of life for their future.”
11:30AM - 1:00PM
Lunch, Keynote, Visit Exhibitors
The 4 Domains of Safety Leadership: Measurable Traits that Change Everything
Employees make choices every day that impact the safety of themselves and others. The most powerful influence on those choices is the leader, who must inspire safe behavior in employees through their consistent actions. After five years of research, Caterpillar statistically validated exactly what those actions are and how to measure them. To be an effective safety leader requires mastery of four core domains and fourteen elements. The most effective leaders create a strong culture of accountability; develop meaningful connectivity with those they lead; demonstrate credible safety consciousness; and build trust amongst their team. Participants will learn how to begin fostering and measuring these leadership behaviors personally and across their organization as they hear inspirational real-world stories of leaders living out these domains.
Trinnie Cortez, Caterpillar Safety Services | Caterpillar Inc.
With over 25 years of experience in safety, operations, and executive leadership, Trinnie’s practical advice and results-oriented approach inspire organizations to embrace safety as the cornerstone of company culture. Drawing on his experience across industries such as manufacturing, construction, and technology, Trinnie shares actionable insights and proven strategies that drive measurable improvements in productivity, team performance, and organizational success. Known for bridging the gap between high-level strategy and frontline execution, Trinnie uncovers opportunities to align safety with operational goals. His expertise in fostering environments where employees feel physically and psychologically safe empowers leaders to build resilient cultures that deliver sustainable results. With Caterpillar Safety Services, Trinnie collaborates with organizations worldwide to strengthen company culture by embedding safety as a strategic driver of operational excellence.
1:30PM - 2:15PM
Conference Breakout Sessions
Environmental Track
Powering Sustainability: How Manufacturers, Higher Education &
Utilities Work Together to Cut Costs & Carbon
Join us for an insightful session on practical sustainability and energy efficiency strategies for manufacturers. Dr. Sanjeev Khanna from the University of Missouri Industrial Assessment Center will highlight how DOE-backed audits can cut costs, reduce emissions, and boost resilience – all at no cost to your facility. We’ll also share real-world examples of what manufacturers are doing to meet sustainability goals, and how utilities companies are stepping up to support these efforts.
Sam Unerstall, Business Development Manager - Industrial Technologies | Ameren Missouri
Sam Unerstall brings nearly 2 decades of experience in energy efficiency, manufacturing systems, and electrification strategy. At Ameren Missouri, he leads industrial electrification initiatives that help businesses, improve operational performance, and reduce carbon emissions. With a background in manufacturing and a passion for sustainable innovation, Sam brings a unique blend of field expertise and strategic leadership to his work in advancing energy and operational efficiency across Missouri’s industrial sector. With a proven track record in both private and public energy sectors, Sam is committed to driving measurable impact through manufacturing excellence, innovative thinking, and long-term partnership development.
Dr. Sanjeev Khanna, Professor of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering | University of Missouri,
Director | Midwest Industrial Assessment Center
Dr. Sanjeev Khanna is a professor and director of Midwest Industrial Training and Assessment Center (ITAC) in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at the University of Missouri. After four years of experience as a hydro turbine design engineer for Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd., India, Khanna has been in academia for over 25 years. He is a winner of the National Science Foundation’s CAREER award and has received technical and pedagogical research funding from the National Science Foundation (NSF), Auto Steel Partnership, Ford Motor Co., International Research Exchanges Board (IREX), U.S. Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Department of Energy, totaling over $9 million. Khanna has received a U.S. patent for developing transparent glass fiber reinforced polymer composites that can protect windows against catastrophic damage under extreme loading and has done pioneering research on residual stresses in spot welds that has greatly benefitted the automobile industry and is developing higher strength and lightweight reinforced aluminum foam for energy absorption under impact. His work has resulted in over 95 journal and conference publications and has co-authored two textbooks on mechanics of materials. Khanna is an Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) Program Evaluator for mechanical engineering and applied mechanics programs. Khanna’s leadership of the DOE-IAC program, which provides industrial energy assessments to Midwest manufacturers while training students, will save Midwest industries served in the last five years over $29 million in energy costs while reducing energy use by 3.5 Terra BTU, reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 0.22 million metric tons (or 440 million pounds) and reducing electric demand by 15 MW every year.
Health Track
Pre-Employment & Post-Accident Testing to Protect Employees
Session description coming soon.
Tom Jensen, Managing Partner | Higginbotham
Tom has over 20 years of employee benefits and workers' compensation experience. His areas of expertise include multiple employer welfare arrangements (MEWA's), association health plans (AHP's), risk analysis, cost reduction strategies, self-insured plan design, contract analysis, claims and service resolution, and healthcare reform guidance and compliance. In 2005, Tom earned a BA in Communications from William Jewell College where he was a member of the college’s football team and served as the team captain. Tom is also an active member of Rotary International, Friends of Abilities First - Board Member, and Past Chair of the Special Education Parents Advisory Council for Nixa Public Schools.
Safety Track
From Citation to Compliance: Navigating OSHA Standards with Confidence
This session offers manufacturers an essential update on OSHA priorities and enforcement trends—straight from a legal perspective. Whether you're facing an unexpected inspection or proactively tightening your safety practices, learn how to handle OSHA visits with confidence, minimize risk, and respond strategically to citations. Packed with real-world examples and actionable takeaways, this presentation equips safety managers, HR leads, and executives alike to stay ahead of regulatory pitfalls.
Julie O'Keefe, Environmental & Safety Attorney - Partner | Armstrong Teasdale
Julie O’Keefe’s niche practice spans both environmental and occupational safety and health, which sets her apart from other lawyers, who typically handle one or the other, but rarely both. Governmental agencies she routinely deals with include, among others, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and state counterparts, the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and state counterparts. She has represented businesses in regulatory matters in virtually every state in the U.S. For non-governmental transactional matters, Julie’s regulatory experience allows her to understand environmental risks and eliminate non-issues. When dealing with governmental agencies, Julie asserts positions that are effective, yet will not needlessly antagonize the agency. She respects her client’s goals. She usually knows the personality and priorities of the regulator on the other side of the table. Julie knows that governmental officials often do not respond to litigation tactics in the same way as private litigants. Julie has been recognized several times on the list of Missouri/Kansas Super Lawyers Top 50 Women, which is based upon peer review. For businesses, Julie is the face of the company when dealing with the EPA, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, the Illinois EPA and other state environmental agencies in matters involving laws such as the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA), Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), Emergency Planning & Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA), Clean Air Act, FIFRA, California Proposition 65, Clean Water Act and the negotiation and performance of remedial investigation/feasibility studies and engineering evaluation/cost analyses. She advises clients in matters involving site assessments, remediation activities, compliance violations, contracts and due diligence during sale or acquisition of real estate, asset sales and stock sales. She also handles CERCLA cost recovery actions and California Proposition 65 actions. As an OSHA practitioner, Julie counsels companies in willful, serious and repeat citations and criminal investigations. Julie has tried many OSHA cases at the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission and state administrative tribunals. Well-versed in environmental and OSHA issues, Julie frequently presents seminars to clients, trade associations and industry groups.
2:45PM - 3:30PM
Conference Breakout Sessions
Environmental Track
Environmental Considerations When Renovating or Expanding Your Facility
Expanding or renovating manufacturing facilities can trigger a range of environmental compliance requirements, including updated air and water permits, stormwater management, hazardous material reporting, and energy impact assessments. This session will outline regulatory thresholds, permitting pathways, and site assessment protocols critical to avoiding enforcement actions and project delays. Attendees will gain practical guidance on integrating environmental planning into facility development to ensure regulatory alignment and operational continuity.
Mike Dustman, Senior Project Manager | SCS Engineers
Speaker bio coming soon.
Health Track
The Evolution of Work Comp: What a Sports Medicine Approach to HealthCare Can Bring to the Table
Any successful sports medicine program leverages 2 key components: time and access. To efficiently return an athlete to their sport requires a model of care that both expedites access to the needed providers and addresses multiple factors that can manipulate the time component. This has been the model of success from high school to the professional level of sports. Why should the industrial athlete be stuck in an antiquated model of care?
Brandon Hetzler, Athletic Trainer | Mercy Occupational Medicine
Brandon is an Athletic Trainer for Mercy Health Systems in Springfield, Missouri. He currently serves as the Clinical Coordinator for Sports Medicine where the collaborative focus is on the complete care of pediatric/adolescent athletes, as well as the general public. Prior to this role, he served as the Manager of the Sports Medicine facility where he led both the clinical therapy team, as well as the sports performance team. Brandon received his Bachelor’s Degree in Sports Medicine from Missouri State University, and his Master’s Degree in Human Performance from Oklahoma State University. After his formal education, Brandon completed a Fellowship at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Additionally, he holds several additional certifications and advanced credentials in the fitness and sports medicine fields. In 2019, Brandon founded Outlaw Movement Systems LLC as an educational resource for those in the movement/healthcare industry.
Safety Track
Understanding & Applying OSHA's Process Safety Management Standard
OSHA's Process Safety Management (PSM) Standard (29 CFR 1910.119) lays out 14 critical elements designed to prevent catastrophic incidents in facilities dealing with toxic, reactive, flammable, or explosive substances. This session will further explain the PSM framework and provide actionable strategies to ensure your facility not only meets compliance standards but also fosters a culture of safety that protects both people and production
James Small, Principal Consultant/President | GETYASOME Safety
James is a results-driven, highly motivated, and competent safety professional with 30 years of experience designing effective safety programs, monitoring safety compliance, and providing guidance to management. He has proven expertise in numerous industries: integrated paper and paperboard mills, plating and coating operations, metal fabrication, meatpacking, manufacturing of industrial and agricultural machinery, computer assembly and mechanical power press operations.
3:30PM - 4:30PM
Networking, Visit Exhibitors
4:30PM - 7:30PM
Reception, Dinner & 2025 Safety/Sustainability Awards Presentation
4:30PM – 5:30PM Reception & Networking
5:30PM – 7:30PM Dinner, Safety & Sustainability Awards
Following dinner, we will have short presentations of the 2025 MAM Safety Awards, recognizing the "Top Ten", "Leader of the Pack", and "Safety Innovation of the Year"! This year, we will also be recognizing Certified Companies who have completed the Missouri Manufacturers Sustainability Certification Program in 2025.
More information about both programs can be found below:
MAM Safety Awards
Missouri Manufacturers Sustainability Certification Program
2024 Leader of the Pack Recipient
Paul Mueller Co. (Springfield, MO)
Day 2 - Wednesday, Sept. 24th
7:00AM - 7:45AM
Breakfast, Networking, Visit Exhibitors
8:00AM - 8:45AM
Conference Breakout Sessions
Environmental Track
Environmental Management Updates
Stay ahead of the regulatory curve with the latest in environmental management updates. This session will cover recent changes in compliance requirements, emerging best practices, and strategies for integrating sustainability without sacrificing productivity. Ideal for safety and environmental professionals who need to balance real-world operations with ever-tightening standards.
Kevin Cassil, Principal Scientist & Strategic Services Manager | Environmental Works
Kevin Cassil has been creating environmental solutions to the benefit of his clients for over four decades. His experience in industry and consulting has cultivated expertise in negotiating remedies, resolving serious enforcement, empowering impaired property redevelopment, supporting high stakes litigation, enhancing environmental compliance and management systems, and counseling for risk management and positive impact to your bottom line. A farm boy turned chemist; Kevin started his career in the laboratory of a pharmaceutical manufacturer who inherited massive environmental liability. That launched his journey navigating myriad aspects of environmental compliance and sustainability, with an intentional focus on the systems and strategies that guide the science and influence business objectives. Today, Kevin is one of the most experienced Principals at Environmental Works, Inc., managing Strategic Services for EWI, where he works extensively with corporate leaders and legal counsel on complex issues across the spectrum of business and environmental needs.
Health Track
Managing Heat Exposure in Industrial Environments
With rising temperatures of recent years, heat stress is no longer just a summer nuisance – it's a serious safety threat. This session will equip safety leaders with strategies to recognize, prevent and respond to heat-related illnesses in industrial Environments. Learn how to implement practical controls, educate your workforce, and keep productivity up without burning your people out.
Shane McAnally, Project Safety Technician | SMC
Safety professional Shane McAnally is employed by SMC in Springfield MO, managing safety projects, training, and developing safety content. After earning a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Safety from the University of Central Missouri, he started his career as a safety intern at a cement manufacturing facility in Eastern Oregon where he would work his way to becoming the Plant Safety Manager. In this position, he became comfortable with the MSHA handbook and was trained as a part 46 certified miner. These experiences have shaped his areas of focus into OSHA/MSHA interpretation, training, program development, incident investigation, and physical inspection.
Safety Track
Risk Management: The Foundation of Safety
In today’s fast-paced manufacturing environments, safety isn’t just a compliance requirement—it’s a strategic advantage. This course session explores how effective risk management serves as the bedrock of a strong safety culture. Attendees will gain practical insights into identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks before they lead to incidents, downtime, or costly liabilities. Through real-world examples, visual tools, and actionable frameworks, this presentation will demonstrate how manufacturers can move from reactive safety practices to proactive risk prevention.
Ashley Parker, MS, CSP, CRIS, Vice President | ASSP Heart of America Chapter; Senior Risk Management Consultant | Amerisure Insurance
Ashley Parker is a Senior Risk Management Consultant at Amerisure Insurance. Ashley provides Risk Management services in the Kansas City metropolitan area, Wichita, and nearby states including Iowa and Nebraska. She is based out of the St. Louis Core Service Center. Ashley has been a Certified Safety Professional since 2023 and a Construction Risk Insurance Specialist since 2024. She is also an authorized trainer for OSHA Construction and General Industry. Ashley has worked in the safety and health profession for over 20 years. She has a background in risk management as well as construction and general industry. Her career in risk management began with a local county government in Chesterfield, VA supporting both County and Public Schools’ workplace safety operations and programs as a Safety and Loss Prevention Officer. She was also an Environmental, Health & Safety Consultant and Co-Owner of a consulting company for a little over 9 years. She then took a position as a Plant Safety and Quality Manager for a folding carton manufacturer specializing in food, pharmaceutical and automotive packaging. She was also an SQF Practitioner for Safe Quality Foods and later promoted to Plant Manager. Her career in insurance began in 2021 with a monoline Workers’ Compensation carrier as a Loss Control Specialist where she relocated from Richmond, VA to Kansas City, MO. In August 2024, Ashley began at Amerisure and is currently a Senior Risk Management Consultant. Ashley earned both her Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in Occupational Safety and Health from Columbia Southern University. She is an active member of both the American Society for Safety Professionals (ASSP) Heart of America chapter and Construction Safety Group of KC. Ashley loves to be involved in her community supporting organizations like Harvesters, Big Brothers Big Sisters Kansas City, Ronald McDonald House of Kansas City, and Girls on the Run of Greater Kansas City.
9:15AM - 10:00AM
Conference Breakout Sessions
Environmental Track
Performance-based Sustainability Programs that Exceed Stakeholder Requirements & Reduce Operational Costs & Impacts
This session will provide attendees with information on how to develop a sustainability program that drives waste and energy reductions, cost savings, employee engagement, and community involvement, while meeting growing customer expectations. A good sustainability program should achieve these efforts while effectively integrating into your specific business model to ensure effectiveness and efficiency. Attendees will learn about how to structure a successful program and hear from a manufacturing company about their experience recently developing and implementing a new program.
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Doug Neidigh, Sustainability Unit Manager | Missouri State University
Doug Neidigh is the Sustainability Coordinator for Missouri State University. He has over 25 years of experience in environmental management, energy management, and sustainability. Over his career, Doug has worked in private manufacturing, state and local government, consulting, healthcare, and academics. Doug is a Registered Environmental Manager (REM) with the National Registry of Environmental Professionals (NREP), and a Certified Energy Auditor (CEA) with the Association of Energy Engineers (AEE).
Health Track
Navigating Drug and Alcohol Compliance in Manufacturing:
A Supervisor's Guide
Supervisors play a frontline role in maintaining a safe and compliant workplace—but drug and alcohol regulations can be a legal and logistical minefield. In this practical session, industry expert John Throckmorton will break down the essentials of compliance, from recognizing impairment and understanding DOT vs. non-DOT rules, to handling reasonable suspicion situations with confidence. Designed specifically for the manufacturing environment, this session arms supervisors with the tools they need to protect their teams, reduce liability, and stay compliant.
John Throckmorton, Senior Training Consultant | Tomo Drug Testing
John Throckmorton is a Senior Training Consultant with Tomo Drug Testing. He has been with Tomo since December 2000, serving as a collection technician, field manager, breath alcohol and drug collection trainer, operations manager and account executive. Often referred to as “JT”, John has assisted businesses with the development and implementation of substance misuse testing programs as well as program reviews for compliance with State and Federal regulations. As a Senior Training Consultant, John annually conducts over 100 educational training seminars and webinars. John is a graduate of Baptist Bible College where he met Carol, his wife of 44 years. They have two grown children and three grandchildren. John has been involved in public speaking for over 45 years.
Safety Track
Severe Weather Preparedness: Developing a Plan
From tornadoes to flash floods, Missouri has been hit hard by Mother Nature lately – proving that severe weather isn’t a matter of if, but when. This session will walk through the critical steps of building a practical, effective severe weather response plan. We'll cover how to protect your people, secure your facility, and keep operations moving when the skies turn hostile. Don't wait for the next siren – prepare now, so you're not caught off guard later.
Speaker from Silver Dollar City
Speaker bio coming soon.
10:30AM - 12:00PM
Conference Workshop
The Risks of Normalization of Deviance
In today’s work environment, slow, seemingly insignificant deviations from standard practices can become the norm. The risks associated with these deviations often are not realized or understood yet can cause significant safety and quality issues. This phenomenon, called normalization of deviance was first noted after the space shuttle Challenger disaster.
In this interactive discussion, participants will learn the principles behind normalization of deviance and be able identify when such deviations are occurring within their worksite and correct the situation, reducing the risk to their organization.
Learning Objectives
At the end of the discussion, attendees should:
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Understand the concept of normalization of deviance
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Identify situations where normalization of deviance has occurred
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Understand the causes that lead to normalization of deviance
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Understand the risks associated with normalization of deviance
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Know some tools to reduce or eliminate the risks associated with normalization of deviance
Keith Compton, CSP, CIT, EMT
Keith Compton has been in the Environmental Health and Safety field for over 31 years. He is currently a Certified Safety Professional (CSP) and Certified Instructional Trainer in safety (CIT) by the Board of Certified Safety Professionals. Dr. Compton is an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) basic, a Level I and II EMT instructor, and a Kentucky State EMT evaluator for the Kentucky Board of Emergency Medical Services. He has a Doctor of Education degree from Liberty University. Dr. Compton is currently the Director of Global Environmental Health and Safety at Radial, Inc. He has served in this capacity for 12 years. Prior to this, he was the regional environmental health and safety manager for Parker Hannifin Corporation in Louisville, KY. He spent eight years in the United States Air Force as an emergency actions controller.
12:00PM - 1:30PM
Lunch, Keynote, Visit Exhibitors
OSHA Updates
OSHA Compliance Assistance Specialist, Elizabeth Morales, will close our our 2025 Midwest EHS Conference with important updates pertaining to manufacturing and industrial companies.
Elizabeth Morales, Compliance Assistance Specialist | OSHA - Kansas City Area Office
Mrs. Morales earned a M.S. Environmental Sciences, with a minor in Occupational Health and Safety from the University of Puerto Rico. She has more than 20 years of experience working with OSHA. During her federal service, she has held different positions such as, Regional VPP Recertification Manager, Kansas City Area Office as an Assistant Area Director, and now she is the Compliance Assistance Specialist in the Kansas City Area Office. Mrs. Morales is an active member of the Region VII- Construction Suicide Prevention Task Force, and the National Heat Illness Prevention Task Force. Mrs. Morales is the OSHA Representative of the Greater Kansas City Field Federal Safety and Health Council, where she provides training, technical guidance, and information to more than 20,000 federal workers within the Kansas City Metro Area. As a result of her leadership, for the last three consecutive years received this council received the “Superior Performance Award from the Secretary of Labor”, which is one of the highest national awards from the Secretary of Labor