August 21, 2015 - View this as a web page - View eblast from August 14, 2015

MFG Day Update

MEP Systems Communications Guide

This Guide is a resource for NIST MEP, MEP centers, and partners when promoting Manufacturing Day (MFG DAY), whether that’s through presentations, newsletters, emails, press releases, blog posts and social media, or your day-to-day interactions, this guide will help you spread the word about manufacturing day.  Download Here

This year, the national goal is to register 2,250 events on the official MFG DAY website, increase participation at events, and to measure improved public perception from participants.  Secretary Pritzker recently sent letters to each Governor and select mayors and Congressional Representatives encouraging their increased involvement in promoting and participating in MFG DAY.  In that letter she also included the name and contact information for their local MEP Center Directors. For questions contact Zara Brunner (zara.brunner@nist.gov), or Mark schmit (mark.schmit@nist.gov)

Round 3 State Competition

Regional Forums

In January 2016, MEP intends to publish an announcement of funding availability for MEP Centers in the following twelve states:  Alabama, Arkansas, California, Georgia, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Missouri, Montana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, and Vermont. Prior to the announcement of this federal funding opportunity (FFO), NIST MEP is conducting three regional forums in Boston, MA; San Francisco, CA and Atlanta, GA to provide interested entities more information about the MEP program, the state competition, and answer any questions regarding this FFO.

For more information on the regional forums, including dates, locations and agenda please visit the MEP Competition site.

Hannover-Messe International Trade Fair

Looking for U.S. manufacturers interested in exporting industrial equipment and products to participate in the fair.

The International Trade Administration (ITA) announced that the U.S. will be a partner country at the Hannover-Messe 2016 International Trade Fair in 2016. Hannover-Messe is the world’s largest industrial fair with exhibits and events. Being a partner country provides a significant opportunity for companies to showcase their products and services to an international audience. NIST MEP would like to support ITA by recruiting small and mid-sized U.S. manufacturers who are interested in exporting industrial equipment and products to participate in the fair. We are working with the Mid-Atlantic U.S. Commercial Service to define specific services that could be offered to your clients but we need your help to identify prospects. If you have clients who you think should go to Hannover-Messe 2016, we’d like to know, contact Dave Cranmer, 301.975.5753, david.cranmer@nist.gov or Doug Devereaux, 301.975.4744, douglas.devereaux@nist.gov. For more information visit the event website.

ROI Calculator

How much is the Skills Gap costing business?

The Manufacturing Institute recently released a Return on Investment Calculator for manufacturers. This web based tool, www.costofahire.com, is designed to help employers identify the cost of an open position and offers several ways to reduce costs, with key indicators including on-the-job training turnover, and productivity loss.  The ROI calculator can help MEP staff help manufacturers identify expenses across human resources, training, recruiting, and operations to consider opportunities to reduce costs and improve their business operations.  Ohio MEP affiliate MAGNET provided technical assistance and employer input during the development.  The Manufacturing Institute will be scheduling information webinars soon to review the tool and its intended use.  MEP may work with Manufacturing Institute to schedule one specifically for MEP centers. For more information contact Mary Ann Pacelli, 301.975.4850, mary.pacelli@nist.gov

What's Happening Around The Network and in Manufacturing

IMEC: Regional study reveals major challenges and opportunities for Chicagoland food and beverage manufacturers

The Chicagoland food manufacturing industry represents a massive part of the regional economy, offering major opportunities for inclusive economic growth, as detailed in a recently released report by RW Ventures and IMEC.  Efforts are underway by the leadership of food firms and the business community to collaboratively grow the food industry, and help it capitalize on emerging product areas, changing industry dynamics, and opportunities for inclusive growth. Read Report

GaMEP: Meet Ashely Jordan - The August Face of Manufacturing

Ashley Jordan is a young woman out of Toccoa, GA, whose father founded Meadowbrook Machine & Tool (MMT). Growing up she had no interest in joining the family business and instead dreamed of a day that she could teach elementary school. After graduating college a semester early, she joined MMT with the intent of working there until the start of the school year. Instead she quickly found an interest in the company, the products they were making, and their customers. She then went to North Georgia Technical College, earned her machining degree, and is now planning a career in manufacturing. Read her story and watch her video.

Purdue Manufacturing Extension Partnership Center Vacancy Opportunities

Purdue MEP (Indiana) is seeking qualified candidates for the following positions:

• Technology Adoption Manager (Details)
• Associate Director, Client Services (Details)
• Industry Consultant (Details)
• Associate Director, Engineering & Technology Services (Details)
• Applications Developer (Details)

Send us your News Clips!

Email your news articles to mepeblast@nist.gov