Innovation Talks Fall 2025: The Future of Local Manufacturing

Join us for the Fall 2025 edition of Innovation Talks, where we shine a spotlight on the future of local manufacturing in Northern Colorado. This year we’re debuting a new and improved format—featuring just one keynote, one panel, and more time dedicated to meaningful networking.
Keynote Speaker
Eric Fitzsimons – Founder & Technical Lead, CNE Creative Enterprises, LLC
Eric Fitzsimons has spent more than 22 years empowering startups and entrepreneurs to accelerate their market entry and achieve scalable growth. As founder of CNE Creative Enterprises, he leads a multidisciplinary team bringing innovative product and system designs to life, with several client companies achieving successful exits. Today, Eric is also a strategic partner of Capstone Commercial Partners, helping prepare investment opportunities for a global network of private family offices.
A proud UNC graduate, Eric’s unique background blends theater arts, computer science, and engineering with a commitment to lifelong learning. In his keynote, Eric will discuss the state of local manufacturing, how the ecosystem is evolving, what the future holds for the industry, and the impact these changes will have on the workforce in Northern Colorado.
Panel Discussion
Following the keynote, stay for an engaging panel of local business leaders working directly in our region’s manufacturing ecosystem. Moderated by our partners at The City of Greeley, panelists will share their perspectives on opportunities and challenges in local manufacturing, including current solutions driving their operations, barriers and constraints they’re working to overcome, as well as the impact of tariffs and strategies to mitigate risks.

• Moderator: Derrek Jerred, Economic Development Manager, City of Greeley
• Nick Gonzales, Operations Leader, Chevron
• Maximilian Knight, Chief Executive Officer, Rooted Robotics
• Eric Fitzsimons, Founder & Technical Lead, CNE Creative
• Miranda Carbaugh, Chief Operations Officer / Director of Sales, Wiley Roots Brewing

#### Networking & Refreshments

We’re excited to welcome Wiley Roots Brewing as both a panelist and our beer sponsor! Expect great drinks, plenty of food, and expanded networking time to connect with fellow entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and community partners. Our partners at gBETA will help kick off the networking session, setting the stage for valuable connections and conversations.

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👉 Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from experts, connect with peers, and dive into the future of local manufacturing in Northern Colorado.

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### 📅 Agenda – Innovation Talks Fall 2025: Local Manufacturing

4:00 PM – 4:10 PM | Networking Kickoff
Kick off the evening with food, drinks, and networking, supported by our partners at gBETA.
4:05 PM – 4:10 PM | Welcome Remarks
Opening and introductions.
4:10 PM – 4:35 PM | Keynote Presentation
Eric Fitzsimons – Founder & Technical Lead, CNE Creative Enterprises, LLC
The future of local manufacturing, ecosystem opportunities, and workforce impact.
4:35 PM – 5:05 PM | Panel Discussion
Moderated by the City of Greeley
Local business leaders share challenges, solutions, and strategies shaping our manufacturing ecosystem.
5:10 PM – 5:30 PM+ | Expanded Networking
Continue conversations, enjoy refreshments, and connect with speakers, panelists, and fellow attendees.