About Manufacturing Matters with The Council of Industry
Meet the people behind the products. For more than a century The Council of Industry has been supporting Hudson Valley manufacturers. Through training, advocacy, networking, information, workforce development and more The Council of Industry helps its member grow and prosper in and increasingly complicated global marketplace. From semi-conductors to Jet engine turbines – from apple pie filling to smoked salmon – from cosmetics to high definition micro displays – Council members make the products that make the world run.Through our podcast we introduce listeners to the people who own, work in, and support these businesses, businesses that together are the Council of Industry. We learn about their products and career paths. We learn about their leadership styles and their passion for their work. We learn about their challenges and their opportunities. In the process we learn more about manufacturing and why it is such a vital sector of our economy- vital to our region’s prosperity, our security and our future.We hope you enjoy listening and getting to know the people behind the products. If you have suggestions for people who are part of the Hudson Valley manufacturing community who you would like to know more about or think our listeners would enjoy hearing from please let us know by emailing jhansen@councilofindustry.org.
On this episode of the Council of Industry Podcast, we are honored to speak with Dr. Allison Buckley, President of SUNY Ulster. Dr. Buckley takes us through her remarkable and inspiring journey—from growing up outside Philadelphia and studying labor history to becoming a dedicated educator and eventually stepping into the leadership role of a community college president in the beautiful Hudson Valley.
Dr. Buckley reflects on the challenges and opportunities she faced along the way, including shifting career paths and the process of finding her true passion in higher education. She emphasizes the unique mission of community colleges to provide accessible, affordable, and flexible education options that meet students where they are—whether they are first-generation learners, working adults, or those uncertain about their future direction.
During the conversation, we delve into how SUNY Ulster is adapting to meet the needs of today’s diverse student population by offering pathways that integrate with their lives and goals. Dr. Buckley discusses innovative programs like SUNY Reconnect, workforce training initiatives, and the growing presence of women in manufacturing careers. She also explores how community colleges serve as vital partners to regional industries by providing relevant training and support that fosters economic growth and opportunity.
Whether you are a student considering your educational options, an employer looking to engage with local talent, or simply interested in the evolving role of community colleges in today’s world, Dr. Buckley’s insights shed light on the power of education to transform individuals and communities alike.
For more information about SUNY Ulster, visit https://www.sunyulster.edu/
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The Council of Industry has been the manufacturer’s association of the Hudson Valley since 1910. We are a privately funded not-for-profit organization, whose mission is to promote the success of our member firms and their employees, and through them contribute to the success of the Hudson Valley Community. For more information about the Council of Industry visit our website at councilofindustry.org.
28 Oct 2025TRANSCRIPT
Jim Ferraro, Elna Magnetics
On this episode of the Council of Industry Podcast, we sit down with Jim Ferraro, Vice President of Elna Magnetics, a long-standing Hudson Valley company with deep roots in advanced manufacturing. Jim shares Elna’s fascinating history—from its beginnings in Woodstock in 1955 to its current operations in Saugerties and expansion into California. He explains how the company evolved from a prototype manufacturer into one of the world’s largest distributors of ferrite, a vital ceramic material used in everything from smartphones to renewable energy systems.
Jim offers an inside look at Elna’s unique role in the electronics supply chain, the wide range of industries they serve, and the highly skilled workforce that makes it all possible. He also discusses his own journey in the family business, the company’s commitment to succession planning, and the value of building a diverse team with opportunities for machinists, engineers, and office professionals alike.
Beyond manufacturing, Jim is a strong advocate for workforce development and education partnerships. He talks about his leadership role with Ulster BOCES and the Hudson Valley Pathways Academy, how industry can play a vital role in shaping career pathways for students, and why breaking the stigma around vocational education benefits everyone.
From business growth to community engagement, this conversation highlights how manufacturers like Elna Magnetics are innovating while staying deeply connected to their roots.
For more information about Elna Magnetics visit https://elnamagnetics.com/
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The Council of Industry has been the manufacturer’s association of the Hudson Valley since 1910. We are a privately funded not-for-profit organization, whose mission is to promote the success of our member firms and their employees, and through them contribute to the success of the Hudson Valley Community. For more information about the Council of Industry visit our website at councilofindustry.org.
14 Oct 2025TRANSCRIPT
Vincenzo Buonomo, Rochester Institute of Technology
In this episode of Manufacturing Matters, we sit down with Vincenzo Bonomo, Senior Program Manager and Adjunct Faculty at Rochester Institute of Technology’s Center for Quality and Applied Statistics. With over 25 years of experience partnering with community colleges and industry groups like the Council of Industry, Vincenzo brings a deep perspective on process improvement, workforce development, and building stronger organizations through Lean and Six Sigma methodologies.
Vincenzo shares how he got started working with manufacturers and educators across New York State and why these collaborations are so critical to workforce success. He explains the value of cohort-based training, the power of learning from peers across industries, and the growing relevance of Lean Six Sigma across sectors—from aerospace to healthcare to education.
Whether you’re a manufacturer looking to boost operational efficiency or a professional seeking to understand the systems behind everyday challenges, this conversation offers practical insights into how process-centered thinking can drive meaningful change—at work and at home.
For more information about RIT's Center for Quality and Applied Statistics, visit https://www.rit.edu/processimprovement/about
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The Council of Industry has been the manufacturer’s association of the Hudson Valley since 1910. We are a privately funded not-for-profit organization, whose mission is to promote the success of our member firms and their employees, and through them contribute to the success of the Hudson Valley Community. For more information about the Council of Industry visit our website at councilofindustry.org.
Inside a recent episode
President Buckley, SUNY Ulster
Published 11 Nov 2025 · Transcript excerpt
[…] So I just love the Community College mission more than any other. You know, the fact that it is part of a community that we meet all students where they are, that it really community colleges. Now I am going to sound like it's store A and history. But they came out of really the post -World War II drive for if we're going to fight happen in Europe and World War II of democracy is going to thrive. You actually need everyone to have an education. So there was this linking of democracy and education for all people where they are. It doesn't just have to be a university. So and then I ended up in the beautiful Hudson Valley. […]
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