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Information and Resources Direct to You!
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We are taking 2015 by storm with a number of new initiatives that showcase the many ways DBR can enable organizations to achieve their goals! This re-vamped quarterly newsletter is one way we'll bring critical information and resource alerts to you. In each issue you'll find cutting edge business news, quick tips you can easily implement, success stories, upcoming events, a trivia contest and more.
We are also very excited to announce the reveal of our new workplacelean® website: www.workplacelean.org. Read more about this in the "What's New" section below.
Last but not least, we have great news for all of those companies participating in DBR's training grants (260e and f). Participants are now able to request online reimbursement by visiting www.dmacctraining.com.
We want to hear from you as well. If you have a business-related question, a recommendation for an article or book review, or information on upcoming events, email me.
Kim Didier, DBR Executive Director
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Cutting-Edge Business Information
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DBR has had a number of clients benefit from these programs that provide funding assistance for businesses to participate in international trade shows both in the U.S. and abroad. Funds go quickly so apply soon! Funds to exhibit at an international trade show held in the U.S.
The Domestic Trade Assistance Program (DTAP) has funds available for eligible Iowa companies that will be exhibiting at an international trade show held in the U.S. between now and September 29, 2015. More information can be found on their website or you can contact a DBR consultant for more information. Funds to exhibit at a trade show held abroad The Export Trade Assistance Program (ETAP) has funds (up to $4,000) available for eligible Iowa companies who will be exhibiting at an international trade show or participating in an IEDA trade mission held outside the U.S. between now and September 29, 2015. More information is available on their website or you can contact a DBR consultant. |
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Client Highlight: Vermeer Corporation
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 Vermeer Corporation in Pella, IA produces agricultural and industrial equipment that is built tough, built to perform, built for value and backed by caring customer service. Like many advanced manufacturers in Iowa, Vermeer had difficulty finding enough skilled employees.
To address their workforce shortage, Vermeer partnered with DBR and DMACC Continuing Education to deliver a training program throughout Central Iowa. In addition to coordinating the training, DMACC provides career planning to each participant and is able to use state funds to ensure the training is accessible and affordable. The program has provided Vermeer with dozens of appropriately skilled candidates!
A few results to date:
- A total of 56 students have graduated from the program (91% completion rate)
- 91% of graduates have been offered employment, most of these at Vermeer.
- Retention for the highly-skilled program graduates hired by Vermeer exceeds 80%.
Read more here.
"We have been able to partner with DBR in developing very innovative and successful models for recruiting, assessing, and training Vermeer employees. Models that are addressing our demand for highly skilled employees, especially welders."
- Mary Vermeer Andringa, CEO and Chair of the Board, Vermeer Corporation
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What's New at DBR - Get Lean in 2015!
Visit www.workplacelean.org
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 Around the world, the most common New Year's resolution is to "lean up". Organizations also should have goals to "lean up" and streamline their processes to achieve outcomes including increased productivity, lower costs, improved employee morale and more. DBR's workplacelean team is helping organizations around the country do just that with their customized approach to Lean training. Every organization has processes both on the floor and in the office that workplacelean can help make more efficient. Visit our new website: www.workplacelean.org for information on our program offerings and for stories of how we've helped organizations just like yours advance their missions by enabling them to spend more time and resources on their real goals.
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Get to Know Your DBR Team -
Bonnie Skykhuis, Lean Consultant
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 As a top DBR Lean Consultant, Bonnie travels all over the country helping organizations in every industry streamline their processes so they can allocate more time and financial resources to where it really counts. A certified Master Trainer for workplacelean® (office lean) and a certified trainer for NIST/MEP Lean (manufacturing lean), Bonnie has conducted over 700 Lean sessions for more than 100 organizations from coast to coast. Client Perspective:
"DBR's WorkplaceLean program has helped LaQuercia increase efficiency in a number of areas, from production to gains in inventory control. DBR was able to meet our unique bilingual and scheduling requirements and as a result of their lean training, we have already seen dramatic increases in productivity. Our employees have enjoyed being an integral part of the process." - Emily Tripp, Controller, LaQuercia, LLC
To learn more about Bonnie and other DBR consultants, click here.
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5S = Sort, Shine, Set, Standardize and Sustain
The popular DBR workplacelean 5S program teaches employees how to organize their physical workspace for greatest workflow efficiency and effectiveness, as well as improved morale. Read more here.
To register for any of the following lean events, contact Caylene Hollinrake at 515.256.4920 or
March 18 DMACC Southridge Center
Room 20B & C 8:00 AM - 4:40 PMCost: $250 This one-day classroom manufacturing simulation is for anyone interested in learning and experiencing Lean concepts to improve their work processes and quality. April 15DMACC Southridge Center, Room 20B 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM Cost: $250 This class trains participants in the basic steps to set-up and lead a process mapping project. 5S: Organizing Your Workspace Part 1: April 29 Part 2: May 6 DMACC Southridge Center, Room 20B 8:00 AM - Noon Cost: $250
Participants will learn 5S tools and techniques as they apply each of the five S's (Sort, Shine, Set,
Standardize, and Sustain) to their workspace with the goal of improving functionality and workflow.
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CIRAS HR and Strategic PlanningMarch 24
Polk County Extension Office
1625 Adventureland Drive, Altoona, Iowa 50009
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM Discover how to use human resources in strategic plans and how HR can proactively meet the needs of your organization. The workshop includes strategies to recruit, retain and upskill your employees.More more information, click here.
IowaBio
FFA Enrichment Center 1055 SW Prairie Trail Pkwy Ankeny, Iowa 50023
Attend the Iowa Biotechnology Association (IowaBio) at its upcoming Partnering for Growth Forum. The Forum focuses on multiple biotech industries active in the state of Iowa.
For more information visit:
http://www.iowabio.org/index.cfm?NodeID=79668
Journey to Your Vision
April 16
Perry, IA
8:00 AM - 3:30 PMThe Journey To Your Vision" is uniquely designed to help Iowa entrepreneurs uncover opportunities for improving their business - while providing the support and connections necessary to make those opportunities a reality. Click here for more information.
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Go to www.DMACCBR.com
to join us as a preferred training provider to help Central Iowa businesses reach their goals.
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What are your organizational New Year's Resolutions?
We'll publish the top 10 next edition! Email to dbr@dmacc.edu.
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