Troy Nix

Troy Nix serves as the Master of Ceremonies for the Benchmarking and Best Practices Conference. Known for his spirit, enthusiasm, and belief in American manufacturing, Nix will deliver an opening address that will focus on lessons in leadership and the importance of becoming more in tune with one’s inner self. Professionals over the last decade who have heard Nix deliver his opening address know that the first 30 minutes of the conference will spark emotion in each attendee’s inner core. This year’s message will focus on tapping into that internal fuel source to inspire, motivate and overcome obstacles encountered every day. Nix’s tagline “America Is What America Makes” is an essential ideal that motivates those attending the conference to strive for excellence.

Michael Feuz

Michael Feuz is a key member of ITR Economics’ team of expert economists and consultants. Backed by a decade of experience working for technology start-ups, he contributes to the production of client reports, forecast reviews, economic research, and regular client-facing communications.

Michael majored in business administration at Franciscan University of Steubenville and earned his master’s degree in economics from George Mason University. His accomplishments include building, implementing, and executing multiple go-to-market plans for technology start-ups, advancing as a national finalist in a public speaking competition, and publishing multiple op-eds in major media outlets while working in public relations.

Prior to joining ITR Economics, Michael worked as a technology consultant. He helped manufacturers, construction companies, oil and gas firms, financial institutions, and small businesses enhance their operational efficiencies. He worked with C-suite executives across a wide range of industries to improve intra-company communications, data capture and analysis, sales numbers, and profitability.

Laurie Harbour

Laurie Harbour is a partner with more than 35 years of manufacturing and consulting experience. Prior to joining Wipfli, she was the co-owner of Harbour Results, Inc., and has spent her career helping clients develop strategies, improve operations, reduce risk and optimize business performance. Clients benefit from Laurie’s ability to work with leadership teams to assess the current state of their business and provide strategic and operation recommendations for improvement.

Specializations

• Business Strategy
• Leadership Development
• Operational Improvement
• Benchmarking
• Sales Strategy
• Talent Management

Omar Nashashibi

Omar S. Nashashibi is the Founder of Inside Beltway, a nonpartisan lobbying and strategic consulting firm in Washington, D.C. Having worked in the nation’s capital for over twenty-five years, Mr. Nashashibi provides strategic consulting services to companies while also lobbying the White House and Congress on behalf of manufacturing, associations, defense firms, nonprofits, and other sectors. He works with policymakers on trade, taxes, environmental and workplace regulations, supply chains, job training and identifying grants and funding to support projects. Having started his career in Washington D.C. in 1996, Mr. Nashashibi worked for the Office of Management and Budget, a branch of the White House, a large multi-state law firm, and founded a previous lobbying firm in 2005. He graduated from the George Washington University in Washington, D.C., where he studied Political Science and International Affairs.