VERMONT MANUFACTURING EXTENSION CENTER

Providing Systems and Solutions to help
Vermont Manufacturers Innovate, Plan, Perform and Grow
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VMEC E-NEWS BRIEFS - ISSUE 13 - FEBRUARY 2015
Greetings! 

We're nearly at our three year mark on providing you with these periodic e-newsletters; thank you for your interest in VMEC "E-News Briefs".  As you know, we cover a range of topics for manufacturers and other enterprises that desire to learn and implement systems and solutions to accelerate sustainable and profitable growth marked by performance excellence.  To submit feedback, comments or suggest future content, e-mail vmec@vmec.org. 

Thank you!
OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE AND CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT 

A Simple Guide for Manufacturers on When to Choose a Robot If you've ever considered robotics for your operation, this article can help make that decision. (Source: NIST MEP Manufacturing Innovation Blog)

Made in America: Why New-Shoring Is the New School of Manufacturing Trends for Small Business Read how small manufacturers with a long-term view are protecting their assets. (Source: NIST MEP Manufacturing Innovation Blog)

Read here how North Hartland Tool Corporation assessed their business with CoreValue to track and forecast progress - with positive results in just 18 months. 

Vermont Manufacturing on the Rebound John Burton, NPI President, recaps VT's "best in class" status and how we remain high on this most important list. (Source: New England Business Journal) 

INNOVATION, GROWTH AND TECHNOLOGY ACCELERATION 

Increase Your Speed, Decrease Your Risk and Get Your Momentum Back with FREE webinar offerings from Innovation Engineering and Eureka! Ranch; you may view additional offerings by visiting our Workshops and Events page here. 

InnovationEngineeringLabs.com To change the world by enabling innovation by everyone, everywhere, every day resulting in increased speed to market and decreased risk...sign up today to receive this blog in your in box. 

China's rising Internet wave: Wired companies Read about the implications of Chinese enterprises integrating the Internet into their processes. (Source: McKinsey and Company)  

WORKFORCE STRATEGIES AND TALENT DEVELOPMENT 

VT ExporTech Spring 2015 Seize your opportunity NOW to grow in global markets...sign up TODAY! (NOTE: Event dates may change slightly from current posting; we will re-post if/ when this occurs) 

FREE Forum: Intelligent Vertical Integration March 20 Mack Molding is a leading supplier of contract manufacturing services and injection molded plastic parts to companies in a range of industries. Headquartered in Arlington, plan to visit Mack, consistently ranked among the top 10 non-automotive injection molders in North America. Sign up today for this event - space is limited! 

Measuring, Understanding and Improving the Lean Enterprise April 6 and 7 Bridge the Gap Between Traditional Accounting and Lean Operations with Jerry Solomon, award winning Shingo prize author, when Jerry returns to VT for the third time this spring; he always receives rave reviews of how manufacturing AND their financial counterparts achieve a greater level of alignment between Lean operations and accounting.

SAVE THE DATE! June 1-3 We will once again be offering quality and auditing certifications this year. Carol Robinson from Pillar Mgmt. Associates will return to VT this time for ISO 9001, 13485 and 14001...details are being finalized now and we'll send a posting to you soon. All three dates will be in Essex Junction. 

2015 Trainings, Events, Webinars Check out the variety of opportunities available for you and your employees. And if there is a training not listed, feel free to visit our Workshop Interest Page and let us know how we can help you. 

RESOURCES FOR VERMONT MANUFACTURERS 

2014 VMEC Impact Report Read the 2014 annual impact report for VMEC, including why manufacturing really matters in Vermont and the U.S.


Lunch and Learn at the Generator March 18 VMEC and VtTA combine forces to bring you the monthly gathering of VtTA's members and guests to view Burlington's latest in entrepreneurship and creativity. Sign up today, space is limited. 

Tap Into Government Contracting and Industry Opportunities May 6 and 7 Save the Date and check back often for updates to register and attend...where procurement experts and small business work together.

"The Search for a Good Exit" Ownership Succession Seminar Series  Spring 2015 Learn the basics of how to choose a path for ownership succession in your business. 
ABOUT VMEC - Click here to learn more about us. 
 
The VMEC Team  
Vermont Manufacturing Extension Center  
 
email: vmec@vmec.org * phone: (802) 728-1432 * web:www.vmec.org
 

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