MEP E-blast: August 14, 2015

National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) sent this bulletin at 08/14/2015 03:39 PM EDT

The very latest news and opportunities from the NIST MEP - Making an impact on U.S. Manufacturing
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August 14, 2015 - View this as a web page - View eblast from August 7, 2015

In This Issue:
 

Emerging Leaders 1.8 Call for Applications

Applications Due September 18th

NIST MEP is accepting applications for the 8th installation of the Emerging Leaders program (1.8). Throughout its duration, a total of 58 centers have had over 80 candidates go through the Emerging Leaders program. This program provides a detailed view of the NIST MEP system and participants engage in a mixture of meetings and group projects. Center Directors have found that graduates of the program become more effective in helping to build partnerships, support their relationship with NIST and develop new networks of peers across the system. A few graduates have even gone on to become Center Directors. For more information about the program or to learn how to apply please contact Wiza Lequin or Gary Thompson.

Small Manufacturer Robotics Workshop

Save the Date

In an effort to help reduce the barriers that small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) encounter with the adoption of robots within their manufacturing facilities, MEP has teamed up with NIST’s Engineering Lab to hold the first ever Small Manufacturer Robotics Workshop.  SMEs who participate in the workshop will:

  • Gain insights into trends, cutting edge tools and emerging robot technologies.
  • Learn how some organizations have been able to address and overcome the challenges of integrating robots into existing manufacturing processes.
  • Tour state-of-the-art NIST robotics research facilities. (if interested)
  • Have the opportunity to influence NIST research by ensuring that their company’s technical interests are considered.
  • Potentially gain future access to NIST’s robotics testbeds in areas such as state-of-the-art technologies, advanced sensor systems, and cutting edge manufacturing application research.

 

Event Details: October 7, 2015 from 7:30am – 4:30pm | Columbia, MD | Details of the agenda and registration will be coming soon.

For questions, please contact Samm Bowman (301-975-5978).

Technology Scouting and TDMI Updates

GENEDGE Utilizes TDMI Under Office of Economic Adjustment (OEA)Grant

In 2013, OEA published a federal funding opportunity (FFO) aimed at mitigating the DoD’s budget sequestration’s impact on towns, communities and, suppliers in the defense supply chain.The FFO would assist defense suppliers in their regions to diversify into commercial markets

To-date, several MEP Centers have been awarded, or are pursuing those grants, and Technology-Driven Market Intelligence (TDMI) is an excellent tool to help manufacturers identify new markets and applications with needs they can address.

A recent webinar featuring Roy Luebke of GENEDGE was held as part of the ongoing series of Tech Scouting and TDMI Community of Practice Web Discussions. The webinar focused on how GENEDGE is using TDMI to help DOD-dependent firms enter new markets, develop new products, and utilize new market channels to grow their business. To view and hear this recording, please click here.

For more information, contact Dave Cranmer or Steve McManus at RTI.

 

MEP Perspectives: Tech Scouting and TDMI Community of Practice

Don't miss the next MEP Perspectives: Tech Scouting and TDMI Community of Practice on Wednesday, August 19th at 2:00 p.m. EDT to hear Bob Oliver from the UW Stout Manufacturing Outreach Center describe how he uses TDMI as part of his Innovation Projects for clients.

Webinar Details: Link | Audio: 1-866-244-8528 | Participant Code: 646772

Recordings of the past four Web Discussions are also available to view by clicking on the links below:

  • August 5 - Using the Tech Scouting and TDMI tools to guide early client discussions; 
  • Jully 22 - How the TDMI service provided market insights in the compounding pharmacy market for a startup company;
  • July 8 - Successful collaborations: How the Virginia Domestic Markets Expansion Program worked together with Tech Scouting and TDMI;
  • June 24 - How the client engagement framework and its resources can help MEP staff prepare for the initial conversation with C-suite decision makers at companies.

Contact: Dave Cranmer or Kirsten Rieth

MEP In the News

Enterprise Minnesota, and state legislators were on hand to celebrate Fraisa USA’s recent ISO 9001: 2008 Certification

READ MORE >>

MASS MEP aids Quinsigamond Community College as they become one of the beneficiaries of the new integrated photonics institute. Quinsigamond Community College will work with industry partners to create new certificate and degree programs to train students to work in photonics. The training program will be headquartered at a new Innovative Technology Acceleration Center, in which MASS MEP is helping them establish.

READ MORE >>

CONNSTEP helps CT manufacturer propel toward success using Enterprise Wide Lean initiatives.

Manufacturers need a supply of skilled employees to remain competitive, but it's often too risky to invest time and capital to train unproven workers.

READ MORE >> 

Quad Cities Manufacturing Innovation Hub will help Regional Manufacturers Grow.

The Quad Cities Chamber, the Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center (IMEC) and the Iowa State Center for Industrial Research and Service (CIRAS) have announced the launch of the Quad Cities Manufacturing Innovation Hub. The Hub will help small and medium sized manufacturers thru operational assessments, business-to-business supply chain connections, access to technology and subject matter experts, among other resources. The Hub will also leverage the resources available at the Quad City Manufacturing Lab.

READ MORE >>

Matchmaking Manufacturers for Supply Chain Success.

Manufacturing matchmaking has been on the forefront of the Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center’s event calendar continuing now into its second year.  IMEC has been reaching out to a diverse group of partners throughout the state in an effort for manufacturing representatives to meet with potential new customers and suppliers. Assisting with new sales opportunities and gaining access to global supply chains is the primary focus of the events.  Read more about the experiences and upcoming events

READ MORE >>

Governor Hogan supports manufacturing at Cheers to Gears event.

Maryland Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MD MEP), a resource for growing and advancing manufacturing in the State of Maryland, held its Make it in Maryland Cheers to Gears event at the Holmatro facility on July 21st.

READ MORE >>

SPI supports Manufacturing Day.

The roster of Manufacturing Day 2015 sponsors grew with the addition of SPI: The Plastics Industry Trade Association, which has pledged support at the silver level, the third consecutive sponsorship year for SPI. A grassroots effort by manufacturers to improve public perception of manufacturing in America, Manufacturing Day is an annual event that has grown in support and visibility across the nation.

READ MORE >>

Manufacturing Day Builds Futures for Many.

In October, thousands of manufacturers, colleges and trade schools across the country will celebrate Manufacturing Day by opening their doors and inviting young people to experience modern manufacturing. The annual national event, executed at the local level, is designed to dispel the prevalent misconceptions about our industry and also address the serious skilled labor gap that now exists.

READ MORE >>

Job growth since the recession: A long, slow rehab.

Enterprise Minnesota president and CEO Bob Kill was interviewed by the Minneapolis FedGazette (a publication from the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis) about the need for manufacturing workers in Minnesota

READ MORE >>

MEP Events

August 19, 2015 from 2:00 - 3:30 PM EDT

Technology Acceleration Working Group Webinar

The next Technology Acceleration strategy and activity webinar will be held on Wednesday, August 19th at 2:00 P.M. EDT.

Webinar details: Link | Meeting Number: 736 138 622 | Dial In: 866-218-2764 | Conference Code: 540 370 246

If you are interested in accessing the inaugural webinar recording that was held on July 16th, please click here.

Contact: Clara Asmail or Ben Vickery

NEW!! September 9, 2015 at 12:30 PM EDT

How MEP Centers Can Integrate Additive Manufacturing Into Client Growth Engagements

Presenting MEP Centers’ Case Studies in which additive manufacturing (AM) played a critical role.  The MEP projects (15 so far) demonstrate the purpose for leveraging of AM throughout various stages of the product development lifecycle.  The case studies are each formatted consistently and neatly presented within a matrix for ease of understanding and communication with SME clients.  The intent is to demonstrate not just what AM can do in the abstract,  or even how others have deployed it, but more importantly how MEP Centers have integrated AM into SME client engagements.

Webinar details: Link | Meeting Number: 731 500 061 | Dial In: 866-218-2764 | Conference Code: 540 370 246

Contact: Clara Asmail

Setpember 23, 2015 September MEP Update Meeting

The next MEP Update Meeting is set for September 23, 2015 in Dallas, Texas at the Hyatt Regency.  The registration cost is $329 per person.  Please visit the MEP Update Meeting event page for registration and hotel information.  The MEP Advisory Board Meeting will also be held on Thursday, September 24th. 

Contact  Kari Reidy or 301-975-4919.

Nov.- Dec. 2015

Supply Chain Optimization Train the Trainer

The sessions will help to develop MEP Center staff for supply chain service delivery. Sessions will include the SCO Leadership Overview, Total Cost of Ownership, and Risk Management.

Dates Now Open for Registration:

Nov 17-19: Portland, Oregon

Dec 8-10: Providence, Rhode Island

Contact: Amy Fitzgerald for more information.

Other Events

August 26, 2015

Implementing A Tier Meeting Process For Improved Communication Across the Enterprise (Register Here)

Tobyhanna, Pennsylvania

September 21, 2015

Professional Energy Manager (PEM) Certification Program (Program Details)

GENEDGE is offering a three-week Certification program for industry, business, healthcare, and government personnel. Upon completion you receive a Virginia Tech certificate and qualify to take the Institute of Energy Professionals examination.

NEW!!! September 23-24, 2015

Proud to Manufacture in Michigan Annual Conference (Event Details)

Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center, a NIST MEP affiliate, will be hosting its 2015 Proud to Manufacture in Michigan Conference. This event celebrates Michigan's manufacturing sector and its importance in the state's economic growth and workforce makeup.

September 24, 2015

Mastering Lean Product Development

Newark, Delaware (Register Here)

October 20, 2015

MfgCON (Register Here)

NC State University Campus Raleigh, NC

NC MEP welcomes you a two-day, educational event for anyone who is serious about manufacturing in NC

What's Happening

MEP System Vacancies

Innovative Manufacturers Center (IMC) is seeking a Business Advisor with a passion for being part of Central Pennsylvania’s manufacturing success.  To be considered, you must have proven success calling on manufacturing business leaders. For more information, click here or contact info@imcpa.com. Position will remain open until a suitable candidate is identified.

The Urban Manufacturing Alliance Regional Gatherings

The Urban Manufacturing Alliance (UMA) is holding 3 one-day Regional Gatherings around the country in Detroit, MI (Thursday, September 24), Los Angeles, CA (Monday, October 26) and New York City, NY (Friday, November 13).  UMA unites individual urban manufacturing practitioners as partners in the burgeoning movement to bring manufacturing jobs back to cities.  The practitioners include individuals in workforce and economic development non-profits and planning and economic government agencies, or who are policy-makers, educators, students, makers, and established manufacturers working actively to support the manufacturing renaissance in cities.

 

Each of the gatherings will include structured and unstructured networking time, facilitated discussions on related topics & industries, and interactive tours or other activities, attendees will have the opportunity to create connections, share and discover best practices, and help amplify the industry’s activities and achievements with fellow member-practitioners. For more information, click on the event site or contact Heidi Sheppard.
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