More than 85 participants from Ohio, Canada and points in between were in attendance October 19 for GLWN's Findlay Wind Farm Workshop conducted at Owens College in Findlay, Ohio.

GLWN executive director Ed Weston said the workshop attracted an excellent array of presenting wind developers and general contractors who gave insightful snapshots of their businesses, explained in detail the many intricacies required of the supply chain in the industry, and provided formal training on the anatomy and workings of a wind farm.

The purpose of the workshop, according to Weston, was to provide an update on the various incentives available to wind farm developers in Ohio which are, in turn, creating a wealth of new opportunities within the regional supply chain.

"Ohio is fast becoming a hotbed for wind farm development in the U.S.," said Weston. "A multitude of wind farms are currently in the planning stages or nearing construction throughout the state. And realizing the potential for regional suppliers, GLWN's purpose for this workshop was to help companies learn about these opportunities to determine if diversification into wind makes sense."

The daylong program featured six wind farm developers and four general contractors highly experienced in the wind arena as it pertains to Ohio-based development and beyond.

The workshop kicked off with opening comments and progressed to a small-group format as each developer facilitated breakout roundtable discussions focusing on specialized supply chain and construction areas.

This stylized format enabled attendees to engage in formalized question and answer sessions as they rotated through each station, while getting the opportunity to network with presenters and other attendees. Post workshop feedback from the group suggested that this presentation format was very well received and, subsequently, will be the mode of choice for future GLWN workshops.

"The workshop showcased great discussion, great access and networking opportunities in an informative, structured environment," commented Weston. "The format prompted key discussions that could foster future business and the networking session opened the doors to improved developer-supplier relationships which will help build the supply chain in the region."

James Jacobs, president of American Rail Center in Walbridge, Ohio seemed to substantiate Weston's point. ÒGLWNÕs wind workshop was a very positive day for us," said Jacobs. "We were able to hear actual 'in the trenches' construction discussion that revealed how weather, terrain and logistics can alter work schedules, as well as the real world of turbine placement Ð the complex process of getting the parts from the OEM to field construction. The workshop also presented helpful opportunities to meet new contacts while learning more about all of the playersÕ needs."

The Findlay Wind Farm Workshop follows a similar construction-focused workshop offered by GLWN in Kansas last September.

GLWN's next manufacturing and construction workshop is slated for December 7, 2011 at Zane College in Zanesville, Ohio. You can still register for the Zanesville workshop HERE.