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VMEC PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

VMEC AND VERMONT CELEBRATE A SUCCESSFUL
NATIONAL MANUFACTURING DAY 2013!

Manufacturers around the state opened their doors and / or spoke publicly during the month of October, hosting events in their facilities that highlight the importance of manufacturing to the state and nation's economy and drawing attention to the many rewarding high-skill jobs in manufacturing fields. We would like to thank the following
Vermont businesses who made this annual event the success that it was - Abacus Automation, Andrew Pearce Bowls, Burton, DR Power Equipment, Danforth Pewter, GW Plastics, K & E Plastics, Mack Molding, Maple Landmark Inc., National Hanger Company, North East Precision, North Hartland Tool Corp., Vermont Teddy Bear Company and William E. Dailey Precast. 

The official MFG Day 2013 wrap video is here! Visit this link and share it with your colleagues and friends.  And lastly, mark your calendars! The official date for MFG Day 2014 will be Friday, October 3, 2014. We'll be in touch in the New Year to share more about next year's plan.

EXPORTECH - Drive Your International Sales Growth
Today! ExporTech™ provides companies with a
systematic process for entering or expanding in global markets and connects them with the best international business experts in the region.  Don't miss this terrific opportunity to expand your business into new global markets!  Also, read here an article by Mike Stone of
Stone & Associates on Refocusing U.S. Export
Assistance Strategy for Manufacturers.

VMEC Q1 & Q2 2014 TRAINING - Check out our training opportunities around the state this winter and spring.  We'll have a few keynote speakers who have not been to Vermont before (this is still being worked out, so check back often on our site for updates) plus we'll be in Newport, Springfield, Rutland, White River Junction, Randolph and Brattleboro just to name a few locations! 

In January, we welcome Jamie Flinchbaugh of the Lean Learning Center for a day-long workshop, "Lean Is Universal but You're Unique! and also a morning-long FREE forum on "Making Innovation a Capability".  March brings Carol Robinson of Pillar Mgmt. Associates back to Vermont for the fifth time to conduct Internal Quality Auditing - ISO 9001:2008 AND Lead Auditor Skills and Techniques Training (three different sessions to choose from) and Burton Manufacturing will host a forum at their Burlington facility in May (not currently posted on-line, check back in March). Much, much more for you and your staff!

BUSINESS OWNER / CEO CORNER 

Made in Vermont Marketplace - April 11-13, 2014 - Want to receive $50 off your booth registration fee? Type VTMANF when prompted on the registration link.  Vermont Business Magazine will be hosting the "Made in Vermont Marketplace" trade show. The show is presented by the Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development and the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets.  The purpose of the event is to showcase the variety of Vermont made products to a wide audience. There will be exhibitors from many different industries including specialty foods, furniture makers, glass blowers, clothing, brewers, distillers to name a few.   

5 Things to Improve Disappointing Performance and Overcome Obstacles to Innovation - A May 2013 Accenture survey of 519 executives found that organizations with a formal system in place for innovation report better outcomes and higher levels of satisfaction from their innovation investment.

 

Educational/ Business Opportunities  

Vermont Internships - THE "go to" site for students and employers interested in internships.  Brought to you by the Vermont Technology Council, this web site was designed for students to connect with Vermont employers and land great internship opportunities in technical, creative, and business pursuits.  

Machinist Training Opportunity - Learn the basic skills required to be a safe and efficient entry-level machinist. 

NEWS & UPDATES IN THE WORLD OF GROWTH AND INNOVATION