Providing Systems and Solutions to help V ermont Manufacturers  Innovate, Plan, Perform and Grow
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VMEC E-NEWS BRIEFS - ISSUE 33 - JUNE 2018


INNOVATION, GROWTH and  TECHNOLOGY ACCELERATION 

Innovation Engineering® Quick Start - July 12, 17 and 19, Williston W here ANYONE can learn reliable systems & tools for being more innovative in their job, RIGHT NOW!  This 3-Session course will JUMP START YOUR BRAIN by teaching you proven and reliable methods for thinking smarter, faster, and more innovatively.   This powerful course will teach you how to create, communicate and accelerate ideas. These can be ideas for working smarter in your current job or ideas for new or improved products, services and systems. This course is unlike anything you've ever attended! Instead of hours of lectures, you spend 95% of your time in hands-on lab assignments and direct application to your work. You will learn step-by-step methods of HOW to be more innovative without being a "risk-taker".  

For information on IEQS, please contact either  Patricia Giavara, [email protected] or (802) 279-6103 or Lisa Henderson , [email protected] or (802) 299-1456. 

ExporTech® Graduates 6th Vermont Class! On May 31, the newest companies to the VT ExporTech program marked their  commencement to the world of exporting.   Mamava, Northern Reliability, Skida and VT Smoke and Cure make 30 companies in VT who have successfully completed this valuable program since its inception in 2014!  

Brought to Vermont by VMEC, thanks and appreciation go to our valuable Partners and Sponsors - State of Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development, Vermont Global Trade Partnership (VGTP), Vermont Small Business  Development Center (VtSBDC), State of Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets, Vermont Economic Development Authority (VEDA), U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), NIST Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP), U.S. Commercial Service, FedEx & Stone and Associates. 

Interested in the 2019 ExporTech program?  Contact Lisa Henderson at [email protected] or (802) 299-1456 fo r details.   (Photos - ExporTech graduates and program partners)
   
Unleashing American Innovation Initiative - Request for Information and Forum Announced  NIST is requesting information from the public regarding the current state of Federal technology transfer and the public's ability to engage with Federal laboratories and access federally funded R&D through collaborations, licensing, and other mechanisms.  RFI deadline is July 30, 2018 . 
OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE and CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT 

 A new 27,600 square-foot facility will allow the rapidly growing Randolph-based manufacturer of Light Emitting Diode (LED) products to double its workforce. VMEC was one of the statewide and local partners who worked closely with LEDdynamics on this important expansion project.  Company President Bill McGrath stated, "Bringing VMEC in to assess and make recommendations improved our confidence in business decisions, by having a third party that is both impartial and very qualified to work with."

E ver feel like you're starting Lean over and over again? Toyota Kata, as taught by VMEC, will help you motivate your employees to keep continuous improvement a daily routine.   This session will be taught by  Jon Bates , VMEC Professional Manufacturing  &  Business Growth Advisor.  Jon is a certified Toyota Kata trainer and part of a select group of individuals authorized to deliver the TWI Institute's 10-hour Improvement Kata and Coaching Kata Program.

How is your MFG DAY/ MONTH planning going?  Don't wait until the last minute to plan your organization's open house for this important national event. Several VT companies have participated in past year's MFG DAY events...why not you and why not NOW?  We can help and the earlier the better in the planning phase will make your day, week, month go that much smoother. If you're curious about what your options are for hosting an event, how to get people to your event or how you can make MFG DAY work for your company, visit the MFG DAY site; it's an excellent resource for hosts, new and returning. 

Questions?  Please contact 2018 National Manufacturing Day at this link or Robynn Albert, VMEC Marketing and Training Manager, (802) 793-2078 or [email protected]. 

What is the Internet of Things (IoT) and how can we secure it?   Industry leaders discuss cybersecurity concerns around the Internet of Things and the role NIST can play to help secure our future. Featuring thought leaders from: G2 Inc.,Global Cyber Alliance, Cisco,Tufts University and more. 
WORKFORCE STRATEGIES and TALENT DEVELOPMENT   

VMEC's mission is to strengthen and empower Vermont manufacturers. This can involve aligning people - new and incumbent workers at any career stage - to their organization's strategy to drive desired outcomes and economic success. Read how we can help you.

Visit this link and check back often for u pdates. 

Vermont Technical College (VTC) is seeking qualified individuals to teach in the areas of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering Technology  Perhaps you're working in manufacturing or maybe you're retired and would enjoy "giving back" by teaching current and future members of our advanced manufacturing workforce.  Full-time Faculty - Tenure Track  and Part-time positions are available now at VTC.  Put to use some great employment opportunities where your manufacturing knowledge, skills and experience could make a very big difference. 

35th annual VT Corporate Cup Challenge This annual event is geared to promote physical fitness within the workplace and at home by bringing employees together to enjoy and experience the benefits of fitness. VMEC's Karl Swanke and Patricia Giavara participated in this year's Challenge on May 17. (Photo taken on Statehouse lawn, VT state capitol building, Montpelier.)

RESOURCES for VERMONT MANUFACTURERS 

Bridging Opportunities - June 20 & 21, Killington  The key to selling  goods and services  to government agencies is  understanding how the procurement system works and what government entities need today  and tomorrow. This State o f Vermont,  Procurement Technical Assistance Center  ( PTAC) event is a not-to-be-missed opportunity that can help foster business partnerships between the government, its prime contractors and businesses.   VMEC is a sponsor of this event; in addition, on June 20, VMEC service provider, rbTechnologies, will present a "Cybersecurity Compliance" seminar which will focus on how to get started with a technical assessment of your IT environment against the NIST SP 800-171 controls. 

Champlain Mini Maker Faire - September 22, Shelburne  From engineers to artists to scientists to crafters, Maker Faire is a venue for these "makers" to show hobbies, experiments, projects. VMEC is an organizing partner of this family-friendly showcase of invention, creativity, and resourcefulness!   

Manufactured in VT: A Supply Chain Trade Show for Advanced Manufacturing - September 27, Essex Junction  Don't miss the opportunity to attend the 2018 Manufactured in Vermont trade show,  bringing buyers, suppliers and partners together for new business opportunities. VMEC is a sponsor of this important annual business opportunity. Booth spaces are going fast, act today! 

Women's Economic Opportunity Conference - October 13, Randolph  Mark your calendar for Vermont's 22nd Annual Women's Economic Opportunity Conference, hosted by Senator Patrick Leahy and his wife, Marcelle.  Join in the creation of lively conversation, engaging workshops and effective strategies to improve the economic status of girls and women living in Vermont. Once again, VMEC is a sponsor of this long-running event. 

Avoid Surprises with Agile Technology Budgeting Keeping the budget process simple, dynamic, and agile results in better outcomes. Using an uncomplicated yet disciplined process will align strategy with business while minimizing risk.