June 6, 2016 - View this as a web page - View eblast from May 31, 2016

MEP and IBISWorld Partnership

NIST MEP has recently partnered with IBISWorld to provide access to all centers to the IBISWorld Industry Research Database. Several centers are currently using this resource independently but NIST MEP decided to make a blanket purchase of this resource to ensure it is available to all MEP centers and staff to help in their work with potential and future clients. This resource is a complement to the Industry Profiles that are available on MEIS.

IBISWorld’s database contains research reports on 1,300+ different industries. These reports will allow you to quickly become more knowledgeable on the industries your clients operate within. Reports include information on an industry’s operating conditions, current performance, a 5-year industry projection, and macroeconomic trends. Additionally, iExpert Summary Reports are also available to provide you with a quick industry snapshot and key talking points/questions before meeting with clients.

We will be conducting two separate web demonstrations in the upcoming weeks to allow everyone to become acquainted with the system and what is available to them. Individual center IDs and password will be assigned to each center.

• The first webinar will take place on Thursday, June 9 at 11:00 AM EST | Webinar Link | Password: jMbGxadW62c@
• The second on Thursday, June 16 at 4:00 PM EST | Webinar Link | Password: EiRYqJbjm4q$

For questions please contact Ken Voytek.

Utilizing Technology with Mobile Technology

As a follow up to the Utilizing Technology discussion at the most recent System Update meeting, we will be working with The Foundation for Manufacturing Excellence (FORME) to gather direct feedback from the National Network. A brief survey will be sent out this week, by FORME, to Foundation members in an attempt to gather input from the system in regards to the development of a mobile technology. The survey will be open for two weeks, and is part of the “co-creation” process we envision for this project.

NIST MEP is looking to expand the organizations’ technical assistance approach. By creating a mobile app which accounts for the centers perspective of a successful user experience, MEP is looking to improve the sharing of information across the MEP national network, enhance data collection and improve personalization of services, enabling the system to serve clients more efficiently and, long-term, may help grow the capabilities of MEP system through the ability to learn more about manufacturing needs. The purpose of this survey is to move the tone of the conversation from exploratory to deliberate. We know what we cannot do at the moment, and we roughly know what we can do. Let’s now begin a conversation which moves our system closer to a final product.

If you are not a member of the Foundation for Manufacturing Excellence and would like to provide feedback about the use and need of a mobile app, please contact Nico Thomas.

Were you at the Charleston Update Meeting?

If you attended the Update meeting in Charleston, we would sincerely appreciate you taking a few minutes to give us your feedback. As we strive to make every experience better, your responses help us to make those improvements.

For questions please contact Cheryl Gendron, Event and Board Specialist.

Marketing Updates

The Marketing Working Group sends out monthly updates at the beginning or end of a month. Below are just a few key updates for your use:

• Beers and Gears: Manufacturer’s Edge has developed a fun event for Manufacturers called Beers & Gears. These events bring manufacturers together to learn about their processes and how we have helped them improve those processes, and then explore one of the over 200 breweries in Colorado. Manufacturers Edge is providing you with a how to guide, including a detailed schedule and the event logos to help get you started on your own Beers and Gears event. Check it out here (you must have access to MEP Connect). 
• Marketing Materials: If you looking for ways to ramp up your marketing materials? Do you need ideas, content, graphics, or an easy layout to use? If so, let’s help each other out! The goal is to create a centralized marketing content folder on MEP connect for you to upload and download. Email your files -varying from infographics and services brochures, to events, customer testimonials and more- to Cindy Orellana.
• Brand Webinar Feedback: If you missed the brand webinar back on May 11th, we have made it easier for you to view the recording. You will find the webinar split into 3 parts with a total of 11 smaller videos (click here). In addition, we've heard both positive and negative feedback about the quality and skill level of the webinar. In order for us to improve the value of future webinars, please help us by answering five simple questions about the brand webinar.

MEP in the News

• Winners Announced for 2016 Adopt a City Program. The City of Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, NASA, and MAGNET: The Manufacturing Advocacy and Growth Network have revealed the names of eight small and mid-size manufacturers who will receive help from NASA subject-matter experts through the 2016 Adopt a City program. Read More
• The Star Tribune interviewed Enterprise Minnesota president and CEO Bob Kill for a story about how Roseville, MN-based manufacturer Epoch Lacrosse decided to “reshore” some of its manufacturing back to the U.S. Read More
• John W. Lloyd, President and CEO of MANTEC , was named the Chairman of the Board of the Foundation for Manufacturing Excellence. Read More
• Need Help Getting Your Startup's Robot to Market? MassTLC, in partnership with MassRobotics, MassMEP and MassDevelopment, Will Help! Read More