Providing Systems and Solutions to help  Vermont Manufacturers  Innovate, Plan, Perform and Grow
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VMEC E-NEWS BRIEFS - ISSUE 31 - FEBRUARY 2018


BUSINESS / CEO CORNER  

VMEC 2017 Impact Report released  Significant measured impact demonstrated with VMEC clients, Vermont manufacturing and the Vermont economy, plus why  manufacturing is so important in our day-to-day lives. Average 3-year client ROI 140:1 with four manufacturers featured.

 

INNOVATION, GROWTH and  TECHNOLOGY ACCELERATION 

March 8, April 26 and May 31 - Colchester 
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Growth opportunities exist in global markets and exporting can be an important strategy for increasing sales. Today, 95% of the world's consumers live outside of the United States. Learning how to tap into these new markets can have a huge upside potential.  

VMEC can help!   Companies / enterprises are able to quickly move from planning to closing export sales (in just 12 weeks!). No company or enterprise is "too small" to export.  Through a working partnership between VMEC and Vermont State and Federal Agencies, 26 companies in VT have successfully completed this program - you can be next!   C ontact Lisa Henderson, VMEC Director of Client Services, at  lhenderson@vmec.org  or  (802) 299-1456 for information on the program or to let us know of your interest.

UVM Joins High-Profile Regenerative Medicine Consortium  Read how Vermont's largest university has ties to  the federal umbrella of Manufacturing USA and the Department of Defense. Contact Patricia Giavara, VMEC Assistant Director, at pgiavara@vmec.org or (802) 279-6103 to learn how your company can connect to the Manufacturing USA institutes

Confessions of an AI optimist  Are you a Thought Leader on Industry 4.0 Technology and its Future? 
OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE and CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT 

The Unseen Advantages of Adopting Lean Manufacturing Principles  There are at least three major unrecognized advantages of instituting Lean principles, including better navigating the competitive life cycle.

Interested in hosting a VMEC Forum in 2018?  

The Vermont Manufacturer's Forum provides an  informal opportunity for Vermont manufacturers to exchange ideas and discuss practical solutions to common operational problems.  This may include lessons learned during their Lean journey, innovation or other system/ solution implementation experiences, or to announce exciting new manufacturing capabilities and new products. It can also be a great opportunity to interact with potential manufacturer customers.  

VMEC is seeking companies willing to open their doors in 2018 (and beyond) for this FREE learning and networking event for manufacturers.  If you're interested in finding out what it takes to host a VMEC Forum, please contact Robynn Albert, VMEC Marketing and Training Manager, at (802) 793-2078 or ralbert@vmec.org. 
WORKFORCE STRATEGIES and TALENT DEVELOPMENT   

Upcoming VMEC Training   Visit this link and check back often for future  updates. 

How the Vermont Training Program Helped a Long time VMEC Client Read how Trow & Holden in Barre, the State of Vermont and VMEC worked collaboratively to bring Quality Systems training initiatives to a small 
Vermont manufacturer. (Source: ThinkVermont, October 16, 2017 article) 
 
State Workforce Development System Report and Recommendations  The Vermont Legislature last year directed the Commissioner of Labor and the Chair of the State Workforce Development Board to convene a working group on the state's workforce development system.

RESOURCES for VERMONT MANUFACTURERS 

Small Business Administration Emerging Leaders program - April - October 2018  Emerging Leaders is a FREE  executive-level training program for established business owners poised for growth; deadline to apply is March 1. 

Impacts of Manufacturing on Rural Communities Read how MEP Centers such as VMEC and our federal partner, NIST, work to study and support rural manufacturing communities.