Rhode Island Manufacturers Association Recognizes Raytheon’s Peppe with Veterans in Manufacturing Award

SMITHFIELD, RI – On Saturday, November 7, 2015, the Rhode Island Manufacturers Association (RIMA) and its sister organization makeRI, hosted their annual Manufacturing Renaissance Gala at the RI School of Design Museum of Art.  This year’s event focused on the contributions of the men and women who serve our country and the value they bring to the manufacturing sector.  Kevin Peppe, Vice President of Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems Seapower Capability Systems received the RI Veteran in Manufacturing award.  Mr. Peppe joined Raytheon in 2003 after a distinguished career with the United States Navy.

“Manufacturers are fortunate to have people like Kevin Peppe who take the experience and perspective they developed during their time in the armed forces and apply it in the private sector” said makeRI Board Chair Dave Chenevert, President of Swissline Precision Manufacturing.  “The skills, work ethic and attitude of the young men and women who have served in our military can be of tremendous value to the business community.”

A contribution will be made in Kevin Peppe’s name to Operation Stand Down Rhode Island whose mission is to help homeless and at-risk veterans secure stable housing as well as other assistance according to individual needs including case management, basic human needs, referrals, and education and employment services.

Many manufacturers report they cannot find people to fill their skilled production jobs. Meanwhile thousands of service men and women return home each month, possessing not only an unmatched work ethic but also rigorous technical training and experience.  The military is an underutilized source of top talent, with many differentiated skill sets and focus areas.  Supporting veterans in their efforts to reconnect to employment is as good for our country as it is for our economy.

About the Rhode Island Manufacturers Association and makeRI

The Rhode Island Manufacturers Association (RIMA) and its sister organization, makeRI, are the unified voices of the more than 1,500 RI manufacturers.  RIMA is active in supporting the local manufacturers in a number of ways ranging from legislative and regulatory matters to economic development activities, as well as implementing programs that can deliver tangible bottom line savings to their members.  makeRI focuses specifically on workforce development, education and manufacturing career awareness initiatives to ensure Rhode Island’s manufacturing companies have the talent to compete and grow their business.

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