State of the Centers and Comparative Performance

2013 Summer Regional Meeting Registration

MFG Day Webinar

Go Global Webinar Series

What's Happening Around MEP

MEP in the NEWS

Calendar of Events

Make it in America Manufacturer of the Week!

View eblast from May10, 2013

Join us for a 90 minute webinar to learn more about recent research we have done to look at the characteristics of high performing centers in CORE. This webinar is the first in a series that looks at the links between MEP center performance and center characteristics across different dimensions including funding, capacity utilization, use of third-parties, and other factors associated with business model and strategy choices. This webinar is being conducted under the umbrella of the MEP Collaboratory and will help inform centers and the MEP system along critical dimensions of decision making, and is intended to help prepare centers for discussions at the summer regional meetings.

We have scheduled two sessions and the first is on Wednesday May 29th at 9:00 a.m. EDT and the second is on Tuesday June 4th at 2 pm. These sessions are identical and are being repeated so as to maximize availability and attendance. You need only attend one.

May 29, 2013 at 9:00 a.m. EDT
Webinar Link
Password: Welcome301$6

June 4, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. EDT
Webinar Link
Password: Welcome301$6

For questions, please contact Gary Yakimov (Gary.Yakimov@nist.gov | 301-975-4831) or Ken Voytek (Kenneth.Voytek@nist.gov| 301-975-4614) 

Back to Top 

NIST MEP will be hosting two regional meetings for center leadership and other relevant staff to discuss the status of the MEP system, changes in manufacturing, and how best to position the MEP in provide services going forward. These meetings provide MEP with the opportunity to ensure center staff are educated and aware of the latest tools, topics, and goals of the MEP system.

Some of the topics that will be covered at these meetings include:
1. Overview of the NIST MEP Strategic Plan
2. Update on the MEP System Collaboratory
3. Center and Project Impact Analysis
4. Market Industry Analysis & Outlook
5. Panel Discussion: Engaging a CEO in Transformational Dialog

In order to register for these meetings, please click the link below for the appropriate meeting. The event page will have additional information including meeting logistics, registration, draft agenda, etc. The registration fee for each meeting will be $250/person.

June 25-26, 2013 – Denver, CO (register here)
June 24, 2013 - MEP Advisory Board - Denver, CO
July 23-24, 2013 – Philadelphia, PA (register here)

Based on locations we assume that the Pacific Northwest, Southwest and Midwest centers will attend the Denver meeting, and the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic and Southeast centers will attend in Philadelphia. However, both events are open to everyone.

If you have any questions, please contact Kari Reidy at Kari.reidy@nist.gov| (301) 975-4919

Back to Top 

If you missed this past Wednesday's webinar, Join us on June 11th from 2:00-3:00 p.m. EDT for the second system webinar featuring best practices in putting on Manufacturing Day events from Arkansas, New York, and Oregon, and ideas for 2013. There will also be an update from NIST MEP about the revisions to www.mfgday.com which are set to go live at the end of May and about other resources from the national co-producers.

June 11, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. EDT
Webinar Link
Password: Mfgday@10042013
Telephone: (866) 469-3239
Access Code: 734 470 831

For questions, please contact Zara Brunner (zara.brunner@nist.gov| 301- 975-2001) or Mark Schmit (mark.schmit@nist.gov | 301- 975-3255)

Back to Top 

In celebration of World Trade Month in May, U.S. Department of Commerce will launch a webinar series illustrating how U.S. businesses can expand into the global marketplace and reach the 95 percent of consumers outside the United States.

The “Go Global” Webinar Series draws from trade expertise across the Administration to equip companies with the tools they need to start exporting or increase sales to new markets.

Despite a slowdown in the world economy and in world trade volumes, U.S. exports hit an all-time record of $2.2 trillion and supported nearly 10 million jobs in 2012. Several sectors reached record exports last year – from agriculture, to manufacturing, to services. By exporting, U.S. businesses improve their competitiveness.

The following webinars will be held at 1:00pm EST on the dates specified below:

• May 21, 2013: Preparing your business export (SBA)
• June 6, 2013: Picking your market and trade research (U.S. Census Bureau, Foreigh Trade Division)
• June 18, 2013: Finding buyers and making contacts (U.S. Commercial Service)
• July 16, 2013: FInding buyers and making contacts (Foreign Agricultural Services)
• July 30 & August 13, 2013: Trade Financing (SBA & Export-Import Bank)
• August 27, 2013: Documentation and shipping U.S. Census Bureau, Foreigh Trade Division)
• September 10, 2013: Understanding export regulations (U.S. Census Bureau, Foreigh Trade Division)
• September 24, 2013: Understanding export regulations (Bureau of Industry and Security)
• October 8, 2013: Avoiding and resolving problems (International Trade Administration)

If you or your clients are interested in participating in any of the following complimentary webinars, please register at the U.S. Census Educational Resources Website. For questions, please contact Kari Reidy (Kari.Reidy@nist.gov | 301-975-4919);

Back to Top 

DEMEP Vacancy Announcement: Executive Director
The Delaware Technical Community College is seeking a highly qualified individual to become the Executive Director for the Delaware Manufacturing Extension Partnership (DEMEP). The incumbent will be responsible for the administrative direction, strategy, contract management and operational results for DEMEP. In addition, the incumbent will supervise administrative support staff and Manufacturing Extension Partnership Specialist to ensure that small and medium-size Delaware manufacturers are provided with appropriate technical assistance to develop and improve their operations.

For more information, or to apply for this position, please visit the vacancy

announcement at jobpost.dtcc.eduv and search for vacancy number: 090675.

The University of Tennessee Center for Industrial Services (CIS) is recruiting a Director for the Tennessee Manufacturing Extension Partnership (TMEP) program
The position is based in Nashville. The position serves as CIS liaison with the national MEP network; provides leadership and direct supervision for a team of nine regional Solutions Consultants who work directly with business and industry across the state; develops and maintains relationships with business and industry customers, partners and stakeholders; provides leadership for the development and implementation of CIS products and services; works with team members to develop, market and deliver CIS programs to business and industry; and collaborates with university faculty to develop and deliver CIS products and services.

For more information, or to apply for this position, please visit the vacancy announcement at the University of Tennessee's website and search for vacancy number 13000000AV.

Manufacturing Advocacy & Growth Network (MAGNET) Vacancy Announcement: Senior Sales Engineer
MAGNET is seeking a Senior Sales Engineer to generate opportunities with new and existing customers for MAGNET services. The Senior Sales Engineer is expected to act as a business advisor during the sales process to develop and maintain client relationships. The transactions generated by this individual result in client engagements ranging from services related to business growth and productivity improvement. A thorough knowledge of the manufacturing sector will help the successful candidate sell MAGNET’S consulting services that include, but are not limited to: Product Design and Engineering, Value Product Engineering and Value Process Engineering, Growth Plan ning and Market Diversification, Lean, Six Sigma, Continuous Improvement, Sustainable Manufacturing, Quality Management Systems, Environmental, Health and Safety, and Workforce and Organization Development.

This position works closely with the MAGNET delivery team of consulting and engineering services to develop proposals with a clearly defined project scope and statement of work.

For more information, or to apply for this position, visit MAGNET's webiste or contact Veronica Wright at veronica.wright@magnetwork.org | (216) 432-5204.

Back to Top 

• MMTC Client Success: Think Big to Narrow Down your True Markets Like many mold manufacturers, Midwest Mold Services, Inc. (Roseville, MI)—a full service plastic injection mold building company and supplier of low volume plastic parts—never had to seek out customers. However, challenges in the past several years, namely foreign competition, has resulted in moldmakers like Midwest Mold needing to learn how to be proactive with its marketing efforts. Read Article

• The Conversation: Jack Pfunder MRC’s President & CEO, Jack Pfunder was interviewed by the Reading Eagle, a Business Weekly Publication. In his interview Jack focused on manufacturing job losses in the past three decades, the changes brought by technology, and the manufacturing skills gap. Read Article

• Enterprise Minnesota's State of Manufacturing survey shows Health care cost as a hinder for manufacturers For the fifth consecutive year, the cost of health care coverage is listed as the top concern among Minnesota manufacturing executives, according to the 2013 Enterprise Minnesota State of Manufacturing survey. Read More

• Read the Latest from the
  

Back to Top

 Send us your News Clips! Email us at mepeblast@nist.gov

May 22 at 1:00 p.m. EDT
NEW!!! Webinar Series: Latest Update on Wind Energy Supply Chain Opportunities
Join us Wednesday, May 22nd to get the latest on growth prospects in the Wind Energy market. With Congress having passed the Production Tax Credit, new projects are on the horizon – find out which companies are developing new wind farms and what sections of the country are likely to benefit.

• John Hensley, American Wind Energy Industry will provide an update on the wind manufacturing industry as seen from the national association
• Ed Weston, Director of GLWN will provide his insights on the industry from the aspect of their work as supply chain developers for OEMs, general contractors, and owner-operators of wind farms.
• David Buley, Director of Strategic Purchasing at Northern Power Systems will provide an OEM perspective on the industry.

Webinar Link
Password: CEMC
Webinar Contact: Linda Nielsen| (612) 466-4506

May 23, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. EDT
Additive Manufacturing: Industrial Applications
Two Additive Manufacturing (AM) Equipment Manufacturers, EOS and ExOne, will discuss how their machines are designed for industrial applications. They'll present on types of applications and industries that are already using AM and specifications for final product including materials, dimensions, repeatability, mechanical properties, build strategies and so forth.

Webinar Link
Password: Additivem@n1
Meeting Number: 736 268 559
Contact: Clara Asmail

May 23, 2013 from 10 am - 11:30 am Mountatin Time
Webinar: Food Safety Modernization Act Part II, Preventative Controls
Jeff Kronenberg of TechHelp and the University of Idaho School of Food Safety will host the webinar. The cost is $35 ($17 for government employees) and will feature Charles Breen, District Director of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Seattle District. Learn details of the new proposed FDA regulation, Current Good Manufacturing Practices and Hazard Analysis and Risk-Based Preventive Controls for Human Food. It will also prepare you to provide informed feedback to the FDA during the comment period which will end September 16, 2013. For information or registration, visit the site. Those looking for more in-depth information are invited to join Jeff & Charles at our FSMA Workshop in Twin Falls, Idaho on June 25, 2013.