May 25, 2023

Forest City Gear’s President Kika Young, Director of Operations Jared Lyford, and Value Stream Manager John Cochran attended the 2023 American Gear Manufacturers Association (AGMA) Strategic Networking & Leadership (SNL) Forum in Fort Worth, TX. The annual event is held to offer mid-level managers and executives within the gear manufacturing industry opportunities to network and educate one another.

Young was one of four gear manufacturing executives to sit on the forum’s Leaders In Motion panel and discuss innovation and the future of the gear industry. She was accompanied by Michelle Maddox of B&R Machine and Gear Corporation, Brittany Conner of Spencer Pettus, and Adam Gimpert of Helios Gear Products.

“Kika’s participation in our Leaders In Motion panel brought real world knowledge and practical resources to our attendees on the challenges and realities of leading a gear manufacturing company,” said Leah Lewis, Director of Meeting & Events at AGMA. “Her advice will help many up-and-coming leaders prepare for an executive role in their future.”

The forum offered numerous networking events as well as a tour at the Bell Helicopter Manufacturing Technology Center. “Attending SNL provides us with a tremendous opportunity to network with other professionals within our industry, and so we are able to connect and reconnect with customers and suppliers,” said Lyford. “It’s a chance to be personal with new technology and other leaders who are utilizing these technologies.”