| Fairfield is forging a path as a regional leader in manufacturing innovation—and we invite you to be part of the conversation. Solano EDC Breakfast Manufacturing in Solano County October 16th, 2025 As part of Fairfield Manufacturing Week (October 13–16), Solano EDC is proud to host the Future of Manufacturing Panel Breakfast on Thursday, October 16th at the Logisticenter at Fairfield, 2140 Cordelia Road at Beck Avenue – Building 4. This special gathering will bring together industry executives, public officials, and community leaders for a dynamic conversation on the future of advanced manufacturing in Solano County and the role Fairfield plays in shaping it. Thank you to our Event Sponsors: First Northern Bank, Dermody, JLL, Nor Cal Carpenters Union, City of Fairfield Express Employment Professionals, Funtastic Rentals and Republic Services Lance Hastings – President & CEO of the California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA) Jim Wunderman – President & CEO of the Bay Area Council Both speakers bring a powerful and timely perspective to this critical moment for California’s manufacturing landscape. Greg Matter, Vice Chairman/Head of Advanced Manufacturing, JLL Chris Stout – Director of Operations for Toray Advanced Composites Fairfield Lance Hastings has built a distinguished career advocating for the growth of California’s industrial economy. Under his leadership, CMTA has passed game-changing legislation, expanded digital storytelling to elevate manufacturing’s narrative, and guided firms through complex regulatory and economic landscapes. His deep experience—from international corporate leadership at SABMiller to government relations in the California State Legislature—makes him uniquely positioned to speak to both the policy and business realities facing manufacturers today. His insights will be especially valuable for businesses looking to scale, navigate state regulations, and invest in new technologies. Jim Wunderman leads the Bay Area Council, one of the state’s most influential public policy organizations driving sustainable economic growth, infrastructure investment, and global competitiveness. Jim has worked across sectors—from local government to global business—and has helped shape major initiatives around transportation, workforce development, trade, and regional planning. His leadership in aligning the Northern California megaregion positions him as a strategic voice for how places like Fairfield can leverage proximity to the Bay Area and Central Valley for manufacturing growth, talent pipelines, and innovation-driven development. Greg Matter has advised some of the Bay Area’s biggest and most well-known companies, assisting them in site selection, location strategies and complex real estate negotiations. As leader of the JLL Advanced Manufacturing team, he uniquely specializes in delivering occupier solutions to the automotive, mobility, robotics, IoT, manufacturing and logistics sectors. From venture-backed startups to Global 100’s, he uses data-driven technology solutions to develop the optimal real estate strategy for his clients. His expertise in labor analytics, supply chain strategy and real estate negotiations enables him to seamlessly deliver on his client’s strategic business objectives. In addition to leading the Advanced Manufacturing team at JLL, Greg also co-leads JLL’s Northern California Industrial team and Global Urban Logistics practice. Chris Stout – Director of Operations for Toray Advanced Composites Fairfield As the Director of Operations, Chris is a seasoned leader dedicated to developing and executing strategies that drive operational excellence, establish operational goals, and manage daily business activities that optimize processes. He oversees the entire production of composite materials, ensuring safe operations, high product quality, and adherence to all regulatory standards. Chris has a proven track record of fostering a strong safety culture with a high focus on continuous improvement and building high-performing collaborative teams. In addition to leading the Fairfield Operations team, With more than 25 years of manufacturing experience, Chris is recognized for his ability to develop and deliver quality and operational efficiencies through data driven process analysis and continuous improvement activities. We encourage you to attend the Future of Manufacturing Panel Breakfast and stay for the Career Fair and Business Mixer later in the day. Register Here |
