NIST MEP E-Blast: November 6, 2015

National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) sent this bulletin at 11/06/2015 11:44 AM EST

The very latest news and opportunities from the NIST MEP - Making an impact on U.S. Manufacturing

November 6, 2015 - View this as a web page - View eblast from October 30, 2015

NIST MEP Staff Changes

Starting November 16th, Bill Kinser, Director of NIST MEP Center Operations will be embarking on a new professional opportunity with the National Science Foundation (NSF) as the Chief of the Cooperative Support Branch.

Bill has made an extraordinary contribution to MEP especially leading the team of Federal Program Officers (FPOs) responsible for providing financial and programmatic oversight for all Federal funding awarded to support the MEP mission.

“While this is a very exciting opportunity that aligns closely with my experience, I am definitely sad to be leaving NIST and MEP. I have enjoyed my six years with NIST (two years with the Grants Management Division (GMD) and the last four with MEP) immensely and I have learned so much during that time. I am very thankful for the opportunity I have had to work with such a talented and dedicated group of people.” said Bill.

If you would like to reach out to Bill you can contact him at william.kinser@nist.gov.

Data as a Service Webinar

The NIST MEP Manufacturing Policy and Research (MPAR) team will host two webinars on Deceber 2, 2015 to discuss updates to MEP data service offerings. In particular, the webinar will highlight two new tools:

The center comparison tool; and
The industry profile tool.

There will also be a brief discussion on MEIS and how the reports within MEIS can address user data needs. The goal of this webinar is to increase awareness about these tools and around the other data services available from MPAR as well as to gather input on possible changes or updates. Be on the lookout for follow up communications including the agenda.

Webinar Details:

December 2nd, 2015 from 9:30am to 11:00am EST and repeated at 2:30pm to 4:00pm EST

Attendees must register for this webinar. (Morning Registration Link or Afternoon Registration Link). For more information or questions contact Nico Thomas or Ken Voytek.

MEP In the News

The St. Paul Pioneer Press mentioned Enterprise Minnesota in an article about high school students learning manufacturing skills on high-tech equipment.

READ MORE >>

The Manufacturers Resource Center of the Lehigh Valley will once again sponsor the student video contest, “What's so Cool About Manufacturing?” as part of the Dream it Do it Pennsylvania initiative.

READ MORE >>

A new Ohio Manufacturing group which will consist of the Ohio Manufacturing Extension Partnership, and other manufacturing businesses, will focus on supporting the local manufacturing economy through collaborative training, recruiting efforts and a number of advisory services.

READ MORE >>

Green Bay Press Gazette interviewed Wisconsin MEP CEO, Buckley Brinkman, in an article titled Manufacturing jobs part of Wisconsin's future.

READ MORE >>

The Minneapolis-St. Paul Business Journal hosted a roundtable on Minnesota manufacturing moderated by Enterprise Minnesota president and CEO Bob Kill.

READ MORE >>

Automated Dynamics brings laser heating system to LIFT.

READ MORE >>

MMTC, Michigan’s Manufacturing Extension Partnership affiliate, awarded Peckham, Inc. the 2015 Business Excellence Award. The award was presented at the Capital Area Manufacturing Council’s second Annual Dinner in recognition of their dedication to the manufacturing community and commitment to continuous improvement.

MEP Events

November 10, 2015: PA Supply Chain Forum (Registration Link)

Join the Northeastern Pennsylvania Industrial Resource Center (NEPIRC) for an opportunity to develop a responsive, Pennsylvania-based supply chain.

November 13, 2015 at 2:00 PM EST: ROI Calculator for MEP Conversations (Registration Link)

Learn how newly launched ROI tool can help conversations with manufacturers about workforce activities, and Economic Impact discussions.

November 17-18, 2015: Technology Acceleration Working Group (Atlanta, GA)

We will discuss the TAWG background, including outcomes of the Dallas TAWG meeting. In addition the three committees — including System Learning, Metrics, and Scale-Up — will focus on efforts to execute the recommendations from the TA Implementation Plan. There will be a tour of the Georgia Tech Manufacturing Institute and the Invention Studio at the conclusion of this working session. To RSVP, or for additional information, please contact Ben Vickery or Clara Asmail.

NEW!!! November 18, 2015: NIST Services to MEP Centers

The NIST’s Standards Coordination Office will be speaking about how NIST’s services can help you understand the standards and conformity assessment requirements that impact your business and can disrupt your export agenda.

Agenda: