Providing Systems and Solutions to help  Vermont Manufacturers  Innovate, Plan, Perform and Grow
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VMEC E-NEWS BRIEFS - ISSUE 29 - OCTOBER 2017


BUSINESS OWNER/ CEO CORNER 

Meet Carla Wuthrich, VMEC's newest team member and  Professional Manufacturing and Business Growth Advisor! 

October is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month  Data shows that  55%  of small- and mid-sized businesses have experienced a data breach or cyber attack and  60%  of businesses are left severely impacted.  As well,  $38K  is the average cost for a small business to overcome a data breach.  Lastly, visit this link to view the VT Chamber of Commerce "Manufactured in VT" Supply Chain show (September 27)  cybersecurity presentation given by Patricia Giavara, VMEC Assistant Director, and Betsy Adams, VT PTAC Procurement Counselor. 

Acting on the Digital Imperative Read how most successful companies m oving towards digital transformation outperform their competition by excelling in three fundamental areas.  

INNOVATION, GROWTH and  TECHNOLOGY ACCELERATION 


There is still room!  This 3-day course is designed for anyone who wants to be able to work faster, smarter and more creatively.  

IE Quick Start will teach you: 

* How to create ideas and problem solve (with methods 8x
   more effective than brainstorming)
* How to communicate ideas in a way that sells
* How to take an idea from inspiration to reality - FAST

In 3 days, you will learn how to accelerate success in your work RIGHT NOW
- no matter your skill, title or experience.  Immerse yourself into Innovation Engineering Fundamentals, presented by expert VMEC Innovation Engineering Black Belts.   Participants have 60 days after the session to successfully complete the coursework and real world application project to achieve an I nnovation 
Engineering Blue Belt certification .

If you're interested in learning more about what VMEC can do for you and your team in getting Innovation started in your organization and the IE Quick Start course, contact Patricia Giavara at [email protected] or (802) 279-6103 or Lisa Henderson at [email protected] or (802) 299-1456. 

ExporTech 2018  exportechlogo Are you ready to execute your International Sales Plan? VMEC is planning to hold this not-to-be missed program in 2018 but we need YOU to make it happen. Profitable growth opportunities exist in global markets because 95% of the world's consumers live outside of the United States! 

Through a working partnership between VMEC and Vermont and Federal Agencies,  26 companies in VT have successfully completed this program....are you next??  

Also, a Small Business Administration (SBA) competitive grant award through the State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) may be able to assist your company with funding support for ExporTech 2018 eligible companies.   Please contact Lisa Henderson, VMEC Director of Client Services, at  [email protected]  or  (802) 299-1456 for information on the program or to let us know of your interest.
 
OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE and CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT 

Vermont and National MFG Day a Success and Still going the rest of October  Over 2,700 companies nationwide have joined the month-long celebration of this sixth annual event, taking place October 6 and throughout the month of October. Fourteen VT companies, including VMEC, opened their doors to host tours, give  presentations and more to showcase their products, services, educate the public concerning manufacturing and career 
opportunities, as well as demonstrate strong 
support for VT manufacturing.  

We're grateful to everyone who volunteered their time and made a commitment to this important awareness-raising and educational annual event, including  American Precision Museum, Andrew Pearce Bowls, Champlain Maker Faire, Darn Tough Vermont, GlobalFoundries (October 24), GW Plastics, Maple Landmark Woodcraft, Randolph Area Community Development Corp., Teknor Apex, VT Agency of Commerce and Community Development (October 20), VT Chamber of Commerce "Manufactured in VT" trade show, VT Technical College and VT Teddy Bear.   And it's not too early to start considering and planning what you and your organization might do as part of next year's Vermont and National MFG Day/ Month scheduled for October 2018!  Check out MFGDay.com for ideas and free resources. 

Cloud-to-Cloud Hopping Takes Planning  Moving between Cloud providers is not impossible but neither is it a simple procedure. Knowing the key steps to take can make this process as painless as possible.
WORKFORCE STRATEGIES and TALENT DEVELOPMENT 

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

Additional Opportunity for Participation by Vermont manufacturers in national Manufacturing Workforce Credential Study In follow-on to a recent survey, NIST MEP has scheduled ten, 1.5 hour Virtual Focus Group sessions from October 16 - November 1 in support of a national study examining the quality, market value and effectiveness of manufacturing credentials. Please click on this  link to sign up for your preferred Focus Group date and time of your choosing.  

RESOURCES for VERMONT MANUFACTURERS 

Vermont Tech Jam - October 20 & 21, Essex Junction Many of Vermont's fastest-growing and most innovative companies gather under one roof at this rockin' career and tech expo. Get cybersecurity  tips, learn how VT companies are using the Internet of Things (IoT) and much more. A panel discussion, "The Next Disruption: Industry 4.0" will include VMEC Director, Bob Zider, on October 20. 

Innovation Spaces Conference - October 26, Castleton Network with owners, users and supporters of innovation spaces.