Providing Systems and Solutions to help  Vermont Manufacturers  Innovate, Plan, Perform and Grow
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VMEC E-NEWS BRIEFS - ISSUE 32 - APRIL 2018


BUSINESS OWNER / CEO CORNER  

This executive level summit will prepare organizations to understand, decipher and leverage the powerful technologies and strategies that are becoming available. NOTE: There are discounts available for companies from Vermont who use the codes below: 

  • Obtain a 40% registration fee discount on the Robotics & AI Summit in Boston. Your code is: VTMEC

     
  • Obtain a 30% discount on RBR Insider. Your code is: RBRiVTMEC
     Questions? Contact J essie Steinberg,  Marketing Manager, RoboBusiness       at jsteinberg@mygmail.ehpub.com or (508) 663-1500 ext. 490.   

Adopt or Die: AI Leaves Manufacturing No Choice Artificial intelligence is positioning itself as the transformative technology of the century....embrace the machines or get left behind! 

INNOVATION, GROWTH and  TECHNOLOGY ACCELERATION 

Innovation Engineering® Quick Start, Spring 2018 (exact dates and venue TBD soon!)  Where ANYONE Can Learn Reliable Systems & Tools for being more innovative in their current job RIGHT NOW.   The aim of this 3 session course  is to JUMP START YOUR BRAIN by teaching you proven validated reliable methods for thinking smarter, faster, and more innovatively.  No matter your role in the organization, this course will teach you how to create, communicate and accelerate ideas. 
These can be ideas for working smarter at your current job or ideas for new / improved products, services and systems.  The course is unlike anything you've ever attended.  Instead of hours of lectures you spend 95% of your time in hands- on lab assignments and direct application to your work.  Instead of abstract theory you learn step-by-step methods for HOW to make innovation without being a "creative" or "risk-taker." 

For information on IEQS , please contact either: 
Patricia Giavara, pgiavara@vmec.org/ (802) 279-6103 or 
Lisa Henderson, lhenderson@vmec.org or (802) 299-1456. 

How Manufacturing Automation Is Evolving A look at some of the enabling technologies, trends and suppliers responsible for improving manufacturing automation.

Accelerating the diffusion of technology-enabled business practices Learn about the six levers that can help companies accelerate the adoption of technology and innovative business practices.

Manufacturing USA Institutes Video of the Month See how this institute secures the future of manufacturing in the United States through innovation, education and collaboration.  

OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE and CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT 

VMEC staff members Jon Bates, Karl Swanke and Carla Wuthrich receive new certifications  VMEC is please to announce Jon Bates, Karl Swanke and Carla Wuthrich have completed the requirements to be named Innovation Engineering ®  Blue Belts; Jon has also been certified as a Toyota Kata trainer with the ability to deliver the Train Develop Optimize 10-hour Improvement Kata and Coaching Kata program.  Jon is now one of sixteen trained trainers in the world for this valuable program! 

Using Continuous Improvement (CI) to Benefit Your Business Organizations that instill a common vision throughout the company have a greater chance of successfully implementing continuous improvement. Read how we can help you achieve this milestone in our newest blog post.  

MEP National Network Profile Check out how VMEC and our sister centers around the country work for you as "The Go-To  Experts for Advancing Manufacturing".    

NEW Industry 4.0 Video available Industry 4.0 technologies is said to represent the key challenge and most significant cost saving and revenue growth opportunity facing small- and mid-sized U.S. manufacturers across the near, moderate and long-term time horizons. This 3-minute clip is worth viewing!  
WORKFORCE STRATEGIES and TALENT DEVELOPMENT   

Upcoming VMEC Training   Visit this link and check back often for future  updates. Highlights include: 

Lean Accounting and Accounting for Lean - June 19, Burlington  This workshop is designed for both manufacturing leaders AND their financial counterparts to encourage a greater level of alignment between Lean operations and accounting.  It is highly recommended that CEO's, CFO's, Controllers, Directors of Human Resources, Operations Managers and other leaders from companies committed to Lean transformation attend this workshop as a team.  

Reaching the Next Generation of Manufacturers How do we reach the next generation, change their perceptions about manufacturing, and let them know about available career opportunities? 


RESOURCES for VERMONT MANUFACTURERS 

Women Business Owners Network Spring Conference - April 24, Colchester 
Whether you need a strategy to decide what growth opportunities are worth your investment, are looking for an easier way to manage your business so you can enjoy a little down time, or need to hit 'refresh' for inspiration, the WBON Spring Conference, "Systematizing for Success",  has something for you. VMEC's Lisa Henderson and Carla Wuthrich will be presenting an afternoon workshop, "Actions for Increased Efficiency: Developing a Lean Office". 

VEOC Annual Conference - June 8, Burlington VMEC is a sponsor of this annual event,  the largest annual gathering of Vermont's employee-ownership community. 

Training And Matchmaker Event - Government to Industry: Bridging Opportunities - June 20 & 21, Killington  The key to selling  goods and services to government agencies is understanding how the procurement system works and what government entities need today and tomorrow. This State of Vermont,  Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) event is a not-to-be-missed opportunity that can help foster business partnerships between the government, its prime contractors and businesses. Check back here often as details become available.  VMEC is a sponsor of this event.

Manufactured in VT: A Supply Chain Trade Show for Advanced Manufacturing - September 27, Essex Junction  Don't miss the opportunity to attend the 2018 Manufactured in Vermont trade show,  bringing buyers, suppliers and partners together for new business opportunities. VMEC is a sponsor of this important annual business opportunity.