March 21, 2016 - View this as a web page - View eblast from March 14, 2016

NIST MEP Event Reminders

• Upcoming Regional Forums for Round 4 State Competitions: Prior to the July announcement for the next state competition, we will be conducting three regional forums in Washington, DC (May 13), Denver, CO (May 24), and Chicago, IL (June 7) to provide interested organizations more information about the MEP program, the state competition, and answer any questions regarding the funding announcement. For more information on the forums, including dates, registration and specific locations, please visit the MEP Competition page.
  

The Partnership for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization (POWER) Initiative

Last week, the  Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) and the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) announced the availability of $65.8 million through the Obama Administration’s Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization (POWER) Initiative  to develop new strategies for economic growth and worker advancement for communities that have historically relied on the coal economy for economic stability.  With this announcement, communities and regions that have been negatively impacted by changes in the coal economy -- including mining, coal fired power plants and related transportation, logistics and manufacturing supply chains -- can apply for resources to help strengthen their economies and workforces.  Funds are available for a range of activities, including:

• Developing projects that diversify local and regional economies, create jobs in new and/or existing industries, attract new sources of job-creating investment and provide a range of workforce services and skills training;
• Building partnerships to attract and invest in the economic future of coal-impacted communities;
• Increasing capacity and other technical assistance fostering long term economic growth and opportunity in coal-impacted communities.

Additional information about the POWER Initiative, including application materials, is available at www.arc.gov/power or www.eda.gov/power.  Make sure to view What’s New page for additional information, including a summary overview of POWER 2016 and a POWER 2016 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document.

Investing in Manufacturing Communities Partner Map

This map illustrates where the IMCP Communities, MEP Centers and NNMI Institutes are located around the country. Hover over the dots to see the name, description, contact information and other details about each one.

What NIST MEP is Reading

OECD Science, Technology and Industry Policy Papers -- Reshoring: Myth or Reality? (January 2016)
The news that manufacturing companies are increasingly bringing manufacturing activities back home has attracted much attention in recent years. This paper brings together the available evidence to understand how important reshoring is, not only as regards in its impact on individual companies but also from a more aggregate economy-wide view. The paper also discusses the phenomenon of reshoring in more detail, by unpacking the concept itself and analyzing the different motivations why companies choose to reshore activities. In doing so, the paper aims to help guide the policy discussions on reshoring in light of the actions and plans that haven been taken by some governments.

Deloitte and Council on Competitiveness -- Advanced Technologies Initiative Manufacturing & Innovation (2015)
This study emanates from a year-long effort to understand and identify current and future trends in the United States and global scientific research and development (R&D). To this end, Deloitte and the Council interviewed nearly three dozen chief technology officers (CTOs), chief research officers (CROs), chief executive officers (CEOs), and company presidents from various manufacturing sectors, as well as nearly a dozen directors of US national laboratories and research facilities. In addition to identifying and exploring challenges facing US manufacturing and national labs, the initiative was designed to help identify the most promising advanced technologies in development within the United States. The interviewed executives and lab directors were also asked about technologies considered most critical to their company’s competitiveness as well as high-level recommendations for reinvigorating America’s industrial base

MEP in the News

• Students show their skills at OMEP's "Making Great Workplaces" summit. Read More.
• NJMEP client success: Newark manufacturer creates 5 new jobs, increases sales by $50k through workforce development practices. Read More.
• Video of the Week.  Connecticut Congresswoman Elizabeth Esty shared testimony supporting NIST and CONNSTEP at a Research & Technology subcommittee budget hearing held on March 16th. Congresswoman Esty expressed great support for NIST and CONNSTEP by speaking about the work we’ve done to help the manufacturing industry grow in Connecticut. The chairwoman’s opening statement begins at 6:44, with Esty’s testimony closing at 16:15.

Vacancies Around the MEP System

• OMEP is seeking a Regional Manufacturing Leader/Consultant position for the Eugene, Oregon territory Learn More
• CMTC is seeking the following positions: Client Advisors, Advanced Manufacturing Practice Lead and Smart Manufacturing Practice Lead. Learn More