March 2017
Manufacturer's Edge Team Goes to Capitol Hill
In this issue:
ADAPT Receives Genesis Award
Manufacturer's Edge Goes to Capitol Hill
ADAPTJeffco EDC Honors ADAPT
ADAPT receives Genesis Award for outstanding economic development achievement
ADAPT, the Alliance for the Development of Additive Processing Technologies , a research consortium focused on developing technologies to accelerate the certification and qualification of 3D printed metal parts, has been honored by the Jefferson County Economic Development Corporation with their Genesis Award at today's 24th annual Industry Appreciation Awards Breakfast.
 
"The Alliance for the Development of Additive Processing Technologies (ADAPT) represents a vital partnership moving Jefferson County and the State of Colorado's economy forward," said Sam Bailey, President and CEO of the Jefferson County Economic Development Corporation. "This partnership of small and large businesses, the State of Colorado, Manufacturer's Edge, and Colorado School of Mines embodies Jefferson County's spirit of innovation, entrepreneurship, workforce development, and a shared interest of building the next great generation of advanced industries technologies."
 
"Our entire ADAPT team accepts this honor with tremendous pride," said Heidi Hostetter, ADAPT's industry board chair. "This recognition is validation to our center that we are doing what we set out to do. We strive to help companies big and small research data and find new approaches to additive solutions to achieve the best possible manufacturing outcomes. The ADAPT team is committed to being a major contributor to the economic ecosystem here in Colorado and beyond."
 
Jeffco EDC annually recognizes businesses strengthening the county's current and future economic vitality through many contributions, including increased capital investment and primary job creation. The Genesis Award recognizes outstanding economic development achievement that significantly adds to the long-term economic vitality of Jefferson County, honors creative leadership, innovation, facilitation, and collaboration within and outside the county. Winners were nominated by various entities and chosen by a volunteer committee. Past Genesis Award recipients include Colorado Christian University, Martin/Martin Consulting Engineers, and Xcel Energy.
 
Learn more about ADAPT
capitol_hill Manufacturer's Edge Goes to Capitol Hill
Manufacturer's Edge joins the American Small Manufacturers Coalition for Capitol Hill Day
Meeting with Sen. Cory Gardner
Members of the Manufacturer's Edge team, including staff, board members and client representatives, traveled to Washington DC earlier this month to join forces with the American Small Manufacturers Coalition (ASMC) in an effort to raise awareness of the importance of manufacturing and the contributions being made by the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) on behalf of manufacturers across the country. Over the course of a two-day jam-packed itinerary, the team met with numerous legislators and key political leaders such as Senators Gardner and Bennet to advocate for funding and support of the important federal programs that help American manufacturers innovate and thrive.

Capitol Hill Day also provided an excellent opportunity to congratulate President Trump on recognizing the importance of manufacturing in the United States and the role that it plays in achieving many of the administration's key domestic agenda items. Modernization of military equipment, in-sourcing of jobs, investments in infrastructure projects and similar initiatives all rely heavily upon manufacturers thriving in an environment in which they have resources to increase efficiency and effectiveness, maximize profits and align with a domestic political climate favoring exactly these kinds of priorities. No better industry demonstrates the tangible success of an aggressive legislative/executive agenda than manufacturing, where workers average a salary around $65k a year and where there is a 17:1 return on investment.

Take a look at the infographic below from the MEP to find out more facts about manufacturing in the U.S. facts 

 
 
internsCU Boulder to Connect Local Companies with Qualified Summer Interns
CU Boulder School of Engineering and Applied Sciences to host internship fair on April 5
Has your company  filled its summer internship positions yet? Have you often thought of hiring a summer intern, but put it off until the daffodils bloom and it's too late? Internships are often an afterthought for smaller companies.
 
The CU Boulder School of Engineering and Applied Science is holding an internship fair on April 5 that can help your company find qualified engineering students for your summer internships. There are nearly 1,000 undergraduate juniors and seniors in mechanical, electrical, and aerospace engineering at the CU Boulder campus. Register to be an exhibitor and spend the day meeting interested students and collecting resumes. Space is limited. Register today.
For more information, contact Chris Converse, Student Internship Coordinator, at (303)842-8233. Or email at christopher.converse@colorado.edu.
webinar Grow Your Company through Technology Innovation, Market Diversification and New Product Development
Manufacturer's Edge First Friday webinar to be held on Friday, April 7

What is the difference between ordinary and extraordinary manufacturers? The little extra, in this case, is a commitment to proactively seeking growth. When you're operating a business, your primary focus is addressing your daily tasks... meeting orders on time, working with suppliers, etc. This is understandable - it can be challenging to add something new to the mix, such as workforce development or exporting initiatives.
Rising above this challenge, however, and proactively growing your company through technology innovation, market diversification and new product development is what brings your business to the next level. A strong commitment to growth transforms ordinary companies into extraordinary organizations, enabling manufacturers to achieve improvements in sales, cost reduction and profitability.

In this webinar, John Blignaut of Manufacturer's Edge will explore these challenges and discuss two approaches that will help. Technology Scouting is used when a company needs a technology to improve a process or develop a new product, but doesn't quite know where to find it. Technology Driven Market Intelligence (TDMI) is used when a company has a technology or product and wants to expand and diversify into new markets. Technology Scouting and TDMI are two powerful tools essential to helping you strengthen and grow your business.

Register for the free webinar 
events Upcoming Events
Visit our website for a complete calendar of
manufacturing events taking place around Colorado
CEV Breakfast: Getting Started with Lean Manufacturing for Small Business Enterprises
April 4, 2017
8-10am
This workshop, through a combination of class, simulation and take-away practices, will give you an introduction to the world of lean and some of its most powerful tools.
Manufacturer's Edge
First Friday Webinar: Grow Your Company
April 7, 2017
12-1pm
John Blignaut of Manufacturer's Edge will explore Technology Driven Market Intelligence (TDMI) and Technology Scouting, two powerful tools essential to help you strengthen and grow your business.
Find out more
2017 Colorado Manufacturing Awards
April 13, 2017
5-8pm
The 2nd annual Colorado Manufacturing Awards recognizes exceptional companies and people leading the modern manufacturing economy. This event is limited to 300 tickets.