Member News

Robert Ballard, Founder and President of the Ocean Exploration Trust and Explorer-in-Residence at the National Geographic Society, will be the evening’s guest and keynote speaker April 25th for the 2019 Annual Event hosted by The Manufacturers’ Association.


Ballard discovered the RMS Titanic in 1985, and has since succeeded in locating numerous other significant shipwrecks - including the German battleship Bismarck, the lost fleet of Guadalcanal, the U.S. aircraft carrier Yorktown, and John F. Kennedy’s boat, the PT-109.


The author of numerous books, scientific papers, and articles, he has been featured in several National Geographic television programs, including ‘Secrets of the Titanic’ and a more recent five-part mini-series, ‘Alien Deep with Bob Ballard.’


“We at the Association are delighted to bring someone of Mr. Ballard’s professional caliber and impressive background of adventure and discovery to our 2019 Annual Event - which again will be supported by our platinum sponsor, RKL,” said Tom Palisin, the organization’s executive director.


“We expect great interest in detailing his career and adventures to students in local STEM education programs, and providing our guests with a riveting glimpse into his amazing ‘first-person’ accounts of making history in deep-water dive expeditions. Robert Ballard will provide a keynote which is not to be missed,” noted Palisin.


The Association’s April annual gathering - hosted at The Pullo Center on the York campus of Penn State University - traditionally brings together upwards of 800 business and community leaders for an evening of business networking, great cuisine, and the occasion to recognize outstanding manufacturers from throughout the region for their contributions to business and community during the previous year.