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CEO Corner

Proclamation to Stay Safe, Stay Strong, Stay Open! Issued by the RestartVT Manufacturing Working Group concerning the operations of Vermont’s manufacturing, fulfillment and distribution sectors during the COVID-19 pandemic, this proclamation is an assertion that Vermont’s manufacturing sector is critical for the state’s economic recovery, health and future development.

Innovation, Growth and Technology Acceleration

The Emergence of Digital Manufacturing Digital manufacturing is not a new concept but is continuing to evolve. From robotics, additive manufacturing and augmented reality to big data, simulation and cybersecurity, technologies can be found in manufacturing facilities across the country. Not sure where to start when it comes to digital manufacturing? The MEP National Network has proven success in bringing digital manufacturing to its clients. View the infographic here to learn more.

Where Manufacturing Is Growing (and Where It Is Not) The impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic will be difficult to predict or parse long term due to a number of variables, including sector, changes in demand and/or likelihood the manufacturer was deemed essential in the spring 2020 closures. However, despite these variables, we can safely assume that issues existing before the pandemic will still affect manufacturers during and after the pandemic. Read the complete article here.

Vermont Startup Collective Grow your business in Vermont with crucial resources, connections, and advice from our community. VSC is a thriving community of entrepreneurs, founders, freelancers, mentors, and investors, looking for expert perspective, thought-provoking conversations, and inspiration each and every day. Find out how to join here. VMEC is a new member of their ever-growing support organization.

NERDIC Industry 4.0 Preparedness Survey New England Regional Defense Industry Collaborative (NERDIC) is exploring views and insights about emerging Industry 4.0 technologies and their impacts on organizations across New England. If you're interested in participating, which will allow you to receive a copy of the survey results, click here

Operational Excellence and Continuous Improvement

$2.2 Trillion - Thank You Exporters! Whether you have exported to your existing international customers, pivoted to international eCommerce sales, investigated potential opportunities, expanded to a new global market, exported for the first time or created an export plan, U.S. firms exported $2.2 trillion (fiscal year 2020) in U.S.-made products and services to customers around the world. Visit trade.gov for more information on how you can access help to accelerate U.S. exports. NOTE: The State of Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development STEP (State Trade Expansion Program) has implemented allowances for digital/ virtual and ecommerce activities due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Visit their site here to obtain further information.

Advanced Strategies for Using Additive Manufacturing to Improve Casting and Injection Molding webinar Increase your awareness of AM by viewing this valuable one-hour recording presented by Purdue and MAGNET, MEP Centers in Indiana and Ohio, respectively.

A Lean Management Road Map to Build a More Proactive Game Plan During economic uncertainty, companies that find a balance between reducing resources to survive and investing in key areas for growth will fare better through the recession and beyond. Read here steps you can take to overcome risk aversion.

Workforce Strategies and Talent Development

Upcoming Training See what we're offering you and your employees...there is something for everyone! Quality, Innovation, Job Training, Cybersecurity, Root Cause Analysis. And Coming Soon! You've been asking for it and we're nearly ready to unveil our "New Remote Lean 101 training with SEW BIZ™ simulation"...watch for an upcoming e-blast on details and dates!

Don't see what you're looking for on our schedule? Contact Robynn Albert, VMEC Marketing and Training Manager (ralbert@vmec.org or (802) 793-2078), to see how we can help you and your team in your company's training needs. 

Improving Safety with the Kata Method What tools/ methodology are you using to create a culture that is effective and efficient? Kata empowers team members to solve problems themselves; read how here
Cybersecurity 

Steelcase Cyber Attack Should Be a Wakeup Call Ransomware attack leads to world's largest office furniture manufacturer shuttering its operations; read here to ensure this does not happen to you!

The Future of Connected Devices The vision of a connected manufacturing system that can sense, analyze and respond will soon be a reality. Cybersecurity plays a complex, crucial and integral role in this vision. Read more here about how connected devices may be in your company’s future.

Resources for VT Manufacturers

Pandemic Information for Vermont Businesses webinar series Join the Vermont Department of Health and the Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development for a weekly webinar series focused on health and commerce pandemic updates for the business community. This webinar series is designed for business owners and organizations that primarily serve businesses.

Cost of Manufacturing Operations Around the Globe, 2020 View our White Papers and Reports page here to read this study by KPMG and the Manufacturing Institute (MI) which provides a current assessment of how the U.S. compares to its main trading partners as a location for manufacturing.

Partner Events Check out what a few of our partner agencies have to offer for you and your staff! Highlights include:



Survey of Dairy Manufacturers in the Northeast This study is conducted to collect answers on the most important safety issues for your business and challenges you are facing due to COVID-19.

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Valuable VMEC Resources! 
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Contact us at (802) 728-1432, 
vmec@vmec.org or connect with your
VMEC Business Advisor at this link

Vermont's Trusted Advisor 
and Go-To Resource for Manufacturing