May 31, 2016 - View this as a web page - View eblast from May 23, 2016

Supplier Scouting Opportunity

Eva Jane Beauty, LLC, a small woman-owned startup in Georgia, is seeking to determine the availability of domestically producing a hypo-allergenic hydrophilic polyurethane foam to be used for cosmetic application. The foam is a "open cell polyurethane" cosmetic grade which swells when moistened; very soft and non-abrasive to the touch. The foam must be washable, and able to be re-used multiple times

For more information on this opportunity, go to the Supplier Scouting Home page on MEP Connect, and click on MEP 2016-02. You must have access to the supplier scouting page in order to view the information. If you need access please contact Samm Bowman. For questions about the product please respond to Eva Jane directly by calling 770-382-5263 or emailing themakeupbullet@gmail.com.

NIST MEP and DOE Memorandum of Understanding

NIST MEP and the Department of Energy just announced the launch of the Manufacturing Innovation through Energy and Commerce (MITEC) pilot intended to accelerate U.S. clean energy innovation and industrial competitiveness. Beginning in four states that are not proximate to a National Lab: Georgia, Michigan, Ohio and Virginia, MITEC will work with SMMs interested in accessing advanced tools, technology transfer expertise and research capabilities, while leveraging MEP’s vast technical assistance and business development resources. MITEC strives to broaden the commercial impact of the National Labs and support SMMs as they develop new products and processes, commercialize clean energy technologies and expand into new markets. MITEC will leverage the MEP Centers’ ability to support technology transfer efforts, foster collaborations, and share best-practices—to connect SMMs with the National Labs’ many R&D programs and the technical assistance and scientific expertise they make available. This collaborative support will help manufacturers address technical barriers to commercial scale-up and provide them with the advanced research capabilities of the participating national labs at every stage of the product development cycle. To view the memorandum of understanding, click here. For questions, contact Clara Asmail.

Vacancy Opportunities

The MEP Network is seeking for two Center Director positions:

• After 30 years of working with OMEP Chris Scherer will be retiring next year and OMEP has opened the vacancy for the President position. The OMEP President will report to the Board of Directors and is accountable for funding, personnel development, and oversight, budget preparation and management, strategic and tactical planning, and execution among other operational and legal aspects of carrying out the OMEP mission. The President represents the organization to stakeholders, educational institutions, legislative professionals, and the community. This position plays a crucial role in building relationships with Federal, State, and regional partners as well as manufacturers and industry groups. Learn More.
• Alabama Technology Network announces its search for a new President and CEO. Applications must be received by June 8, 2016. Learn More

National Week of Making

During this year’s National Week of Making (June 17-23), MEP Director Carroll Thomas will make two MEP Commitments to demonstrate how the System will develop the Maker culture into manufacturers in this country. She will announce these commitments on June 20 at the Maker to Manufacturer event at the White House. MEP will:

• Promote services focused on helping Makers become Manufacturers. Throughout the MEP Network, Centers will offer clients a Design for Manufacturability in the U. S. service. This service will educate makers in how to manufacture products by making smart initial choices that enable them to scale up using resources within the US.
• Connect Makers to Short-Run Manufacturers with the possibility of providing a subsidy to help establish the connection.

Updated Top Market Series

The International Trade Administration's Top Markets Series is meant to help exporters determine their next export market by comparing opportunities across borders. Each report ranks future export opportunities within a particular industry based on a sector-specific methodology. The reports provide a detailed assessment of the competitiveness landscape within a sector, as well as the opportunities and challenges facing U.S. exporters in key markets. The updated reports are available for download. Interested exporters can also download or view individual case studies within larger reports. To view reports, click here.

MEP in the News

• Far from rusty: Central Florida manufacturers turn to trendy 3D printing. Read More
• CIRAS was featured in the latest issue of Business Record Iowa, including Center Director Mike O'Donnell who is on the cover. Read More
• Innovate Hawaii study to explore manufacturing facility that would benefit telescopes. Read More
• Nebraska manufacturing extension partnership works with companies. Read More
• KEYC-TV in Mankato, Minnesota did a feature story on Enterprise Minnesota’s State of Manufacturing survey and interviewed Enterprise Minnesota president and CEO Bob Kill. Read More
• U.S. Senator Gary Peters visited Saginaw county and long-time Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center client, Fullertoon Tool, to view their newest facility and discuss upcoming legislation he is championing. Read More. View Video.
• Video of the week: FLATE, the Florida-based National Science Foundation Regional Center of Excellence, is announcing the release of its recently produced new video highlighting the role of “Women in Manufacturing.” The video is an extension of FLATE’s role in leading initiatives across Florida that enable and empower women/girls to be excited and engaged in STEM and manufacturing. The “Women in Manufacturing” Video explores a hotly debated, but relevant topic on gender equality and diversity in the manufacturing workforce.