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 Gain access to knowledge and strategic insights from the #1 supply chain management program in the country with three premier supply chain executive education seminars offered by the Broad College of Business at Michigan State University.
If your organization needs advanced supply chain capabilities to drive competitive advantage, then these seminars can help develop the talent to take you and your organization to the next level.
The annual Supply Chain Logistics Management Executive Seminar will be held May 3-8, 2015. For almost 50 years, this seminar has been the preeminent place to develop talent in support of supply chain logistic management strategies. Emphasis is placed on supply chain integration, performance measurement, technology applications, organizational dynamics and the lessons learned from global world-class logistics organizations.
The annual Purchasing and Supply Chain Management Executive Seminar will be held on May 31-June 5, 2015. For 60 years, this seminar has been the leader in developing procurement and supply chain talent for the rapidly-evolving world of supply management. We invite you to join leading educators and industry professionals as they share their insights into the key strategies and practices that world-class organizations are using to achieve procurement and supply chain excellence and build sustainable competitiv4e advantage.
New this year, Implementing a Lean Supply Chain: Best Practices will be held on June 8-12, 2015. This program is specifically designed for executives and managers who desire to implement lean principles and practices in their organization. You will learn about how lean concepts, thinking, practices, and tools can be applied to your organization using an experiential learning approach. This program features a "hands-on" simulation and mix of faculty and industry experts with experience in implementing lean practices, providing a great combination of research knowledge and practical applications of lean methodology.
Further information concerning these programs can be found on the Executive Development Program's website by clicking here.
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 Learn more about the State of Michigan's award-winning Michigan Advanced Technician Training (MAT2) program.
MAT2 training programs are focused on meeting employer needs with industry-driven training programs. Programs are offered in Computer Numerical Control (CNC), Information Technology, Mechatronics, and Technical Product Design.
This educational model allows companies to "grow its own" employees and ensure a future pipeline of qualified, skilled talent. At the end of the three-year training program, students earn an associate degree from a participating community college, and commits to remaining on the job with the company, giving the employer a trained, readily employable high-tech graduate.
Employers are invited to sign up for a series of webcasts taking place in April and May to learn more about the program.
All employer webcasts are from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. and are on the following dates:
- Friday, April 10, 2015
- Friday, April 24, 2015
- Thursday, May 7, 2015
- Friday, May 22, 2015
To register for an upcoming webcast, visit mitalent.org/mat2-calendar-of-events/
For questions, please contact MAT2@michigan.org.
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GM, Ford, and Chrysler are global names. These Michigan-based brands can be found on the streets in every city from Sao Paolo to Shanghai. And, they’re not alone. Small businesses are increasingly entering new overseas markets as well, thanks in part to assistance from the MEDC International Trade Team.
As a small business, the hardest part can be taking the first step toward the international stage. The International Trade Team makes it their mission to ease the process. With offices in China, Brazil, Canada and Mexico, they already have strong relationships built within business communities.
What do these relationships mean for small business? The team already has an understanding of that nation’s trade – from trade laws to culture. When partnering with the MEDC, you gain access to knowledge as well as a matchmaking service to find your international niche.
It’s no surprise that Michigan’s top export is transportation equipment. Other large exports out of Michigan are machinery, chemicals and computer and electronic products.
Say, for example, you are interested in expanding your market to China – the third largest trading partner with Michigan. The Michigan China Center can help find the right businesses for you to work with and facilitate meetings and discussion. This is a solid business connection that already exists, giving your business credibility.
In order to participate in International Trade services, businesses first need to apply via www.michiganbusiness.org/export.
Learn more about international trade and exporting at events throughout the year. You can find upcoming events at events.michiganbusiness.org/calendar.
Click on the infographic to the left to enlarge.
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On March 19, small and large businesses from across Michigan came together at the 2015 Pure Michigan Business Connect (PMBC) Agriculture Summit to connect and network in the hopes of starting partnerships between local suppliers and national food chains.
Jamie Clover Adams, director of the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) was a key speaker at the summit and shared her thoughts on the agriculture industry in Michigan and opportunities for Michigan residents looking to entire the field.
Q: What is the business climate for agriculture in Michigan?
JCA: Simply put, Michigan’s food and agriculture industry is strong and we continue to see new business development, expansion and job creation. According to an estimate released by the Michigan State University Product Center, the annual economic impact is now at $101.2 billion. The first analysis was conducted in 2006 showing the food and agriculture system was valued at $60.1 billion. This newest estimate highlights that Michigan’s food and agriculture system continues on a consistent growth trend.
Q: How has Michigan’s agriculture industry changed in the last five years? What are MDARD’s significant achievements?
JCA: This year, MDARD worked hard to increase Michigan’s food and agriculture footprint in the international markets and issued more than 4,500 federal phytosanitary certificates – a 19 percent increase – enabling billions of dollars in exports for Michigan companies.
Additionally, the department issued 2,635 certificates of free sale – a 36 percent increase over 2012 – to assist companies exporting processed food products. Certificates of free sale assure importing countries that products meet its food safety requirements.
Michigan exports about one-third of its agricultural commodities each year, generating nearly $3.53 billion. More than 60 percent of all Michigan’s agricultural exports go directly to Canada, the state’s No. 1 export market. Rounding out the top countries eager for Michigan-grown products are Mexico, Japan, South Korea, and China.
Our high quality food and agriculture products are in demand by consumers at our local retail stores and farmers markets, in addition to the world-wide marketplace.
Q: Can you discuss how consumer demands are impacting agriculture industries around the U.S. and globally? Are there any Michigan food processors or producers that are doing really innovative things to meet these changes?
JCA: Like all other segments of our economy, Michigan’s food and agriculture industry has changed significantly and continues to evolve based on consumer demands and trends. Processing facilities and producers must have the flexibility and opportunity to adapt to remain economically viable and competitive in the market place. Through research and development, our food processors and producers are always monitoring the changes in consumer demands. Michigan research universities continue to launch new varieties of fruits and vegetables for our producers.
Q: Is there anything you think people would be surprised to know about Michigan’s agriculture industry?
JCA: The diversity of our industry. We produce more than 300 commodities on a commercial basis. Michigan leads the nation in production of 16 commodities from dry beans to flowers and tart cherries to cucumbers for pickles. This diversity is what makes our food and agriculture industry so strong. You can walk into any retail store and walk out with a Pure Michigan Agriculture meal!
Q: What makes the agriculture industry so important to Michigan’s economy?
It’s an exciting time to be part of the state’s food and agriculture industry – whether as a farmer, processor, or community organization. Michigan farmers play a vital role in providing a safe and abundant food supply, as well as a being a strong contributor to Michigan’s economic foundation. As the nation’s second-most agriculturally diverse state, Michigan offers tremendous business and career opportunities. From skilled trades to technology-based careers to veterinarians to starting your own food-based company, the possibilities are endless.
Jamie Clover Adams was appointed director of the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) by Governor Rick Snyder in July 2012. Prior to becoming MDARD director, Ms. Clover Adams worked in various governmental leadership roles for nearly 25 years in two state capitals as well as in our nation’s capital.
For more information, visit MichiganBusiness.org for a recap of the Pure Michigan Agriculture Summit or Michigan.gov/mdard.
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