Providing Systems and Solutions to help Vermont Manufacturers Innovate, Plan, Perform and Grow
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VMEC E-NEWS BRIEFS - ISSUE 23 - OCTOBER 2016

OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE AND CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT 


Thirty-nine problem-solving teams from GlobalFoundries and nine other companies presented posters and shared their experiences; see photos of the event and the list of award winners on our forums page here.

Mistake-Proofing, anyone? It's been a while since we last held this public session. Bring a product or service from your organization to work on during this training and walk away with a mistake-proofed result!!  Ideal for BOTH administrative and factory floor personnel...send a team for guaranteed success! 

What's under your Technology Iceberg? Read how to melt risks that could effect your bottom line, and move forward with smoother sailing.

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INNOVATION, GROWTH AND TECHNOLOGY ACCELERATION 


ExporTech 2017  Are you ready to execute your International Sales Plan? VMEC is planning to hold this not-to-be missed program in early 2017 but we need YOU to make it happen. Profitable growth opportunities exist in global markets because 95% of the world's consumers live outside of the United States! Through a working partnership between VMEC and Vermont and Federal Agencies, twenty companies in VT have successfully completed this program....are you next??  Recently announced was the Small Business Administration (SBA) competitive award grant towards STEP, the State Trade Expansion Program. Vermont was awarded over $250,000, with a portion of these funds earmarked for ExporTech 2017 eligible companies...read more here.   Please contact Lisa Henderson, VMEC Director of Client Services, at lhenderson@vmec.org or (802) 299-1456 for information on the program or to let us know of your interest.

Ann Clark Cookie Cutters receives national attention!  Check out this short video produced by MSNBC of Rutland-based long-time VMEC client Ann Clark showing how this small VT business is becoming a game changer in the global sweets market. 
Why Innovation College?  See how one Chief Innovation Officer talks about his experience at Innovation College. 

Preparing for the Factory of the Future  The road is straight ahead and leading to it is a superhighway of technology, innovation and advanced capabilities.  Are you ready?
WORKFORCE STRATEGIES AND TALENT DEVELOPMENT 

Upcoming Training Highlights include: 
VMEC training delivered in the Rutland area?   We'd like to schedule training in the Rutland area during Q1 2017 but we'd first like your input before moving forward. Please take a few moments to respond via this Survey Monkey link and give us your feedback today. Or you may contact Robynn Albert, VMEC Marketing and Training Manager, at ralbert@vmec.org or (802) 793-2078. 

RESOURCES FOR VERMONT MANUFACTURERS 

Innovation Week - October 14-22 Organizing and accelerating the energy of Burlington's technology ecosystem. 

Vermont Tech Jam - October 21 & 22 Your all access pass to innovation! 
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The Search for a Good Exit: Intro to Ownership Succession Planning - October 27  Learn the basics of how to choose a path for ownership succession in your business. 

The Institute for Advanced Composites Manufacturing Innovation (IACMI) 
Advanced composites are currently used for expensive applications like satellites and luxury cars.....read how this concept could lower your overall manufacturing costs. 

Small Business Vouchers Pilot DOE's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) is putting the world-class resources of the national labs at your fingertips. Closing date for this round of funding is November 10. 

Manufacturing Innovation Blog  Check out and sign-up for FREE.  It's powered by the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP), VMEC's federal partner.