Newsletter March 2021 Issue
RIMA wants to Congratulate

Karl Wadensten, CEO and president, VIBCO Inc., for Manufacturing Champion
Stuart Benton, CEO and President, Bradford Soap Works Inc. honored in the Strategic Leadership category
Also Bradford Soap Works, for Excellence in Green Manufacturing

Lumetta Inc., for Overall Excellence at a Small Manufacturer
National Marker Co., for Overall Excellence at a Mid-size Manufacturer
Amgen Inc., for Overall Excellence at an Enterprise Manufacturer
Alcor Scientific, for Excellence in Product Innovation & Design
AVTECH Software Inc., for Excellence in Exporting
Eco Global Manufacturing, for Family-Owned Business
William M. Davies Jr. Career & Technical High School, for Collaboration in Manufacturing
Amerisewn, for Excellence in Workforce Development & Productivity

for their mention in PBN Feb 5-18,2021 paper
Topics
* MEMBER SPOTLIGHT *
* Polaris Events.... Check us out
** JOIN RIMA **
* Member Spotlight *
Atlantic Paper & Supply is one of southern New England’s oldest family-owned sources for industrial packaging & shipping, janitorial, maintenance, and safety supplies. Based in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, we have been the go-to resource for hundreds of business customers since 1948. Our ongoing success is attributable to the fact that we care about the same things you do…supplying you with quality products quickly at the best price.
Your Small Business and Federal Wage & Hour Requirements:
 Did you know that almost every employee in the U.S. is covered by the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA or Act)? As an employer, are you aware of and meeting your obligations under the Act? 

Come join the U.S. Small Business Administration and the U.S. Department of Labor, Wage & Hour Division, for a comprehensive overview.....
Will you consider being a mentor or coach for PrepareRI high school interns?

100% Virtual • Summer 2021 •
Only 1-2 hours per week for seven weeks

fell in January for the first time since April, with the sector losing 10,000 workers to begin the new year. This suggests that broader macroeconomic weaknesses related to the continued spread ....,
Factory orders rose 1.1% in December, increasing for the eighth straight month but declining 0.8% year-over-year. At the same time, durable goods have rebounded strongly since the pandemic READ MORE
Despite a dramatically altered labor market, manufacturers consistently suggest that they have trouble attracting and retaining sufficient workers. More than 77% of small and medium-sized firms expect to continue struggling to identify talent in 2021 and beyond, according to a new survey from 

Date: March 10th
Platform/Location: Whova

Date: April 13th
Platform/Location: Whova

Date: June 8th
Location: Peacedale Preserve Wakefield RI

Date: July 28th
Platform/Location: Zoom

Date: August 23rd  
Congressional Summit:  
Platform/Location: Providence Marriott if in 
Person and Zoom as alternative format.

Date: September 13th 
Location: Kirkbrae Country Club

Date: October 5th 
Platform/Location: Virtual/Whova or possible in person event with location TBD 
 
Date: November 16th
Workshop #3:
Platform/Location: Providence Marriott if in 
Person and Zoom as alternative format.
Check Us Out -- Events

Rhode Island has been fortunate these past six years to have had Scott Jensen heading up the Department of Labor and Training. His efforts working with his team at DLT has far exceeded everyone’s expectations. The various programs implemented under his guidance and the team at DLT has been the keystone for turning unemployed people into employed workers. 

RIMA members are thankful for the results that Real Jobs has done for our business sector. RIMA wishes to thank Scott for his assistance to the many manufacturers he has helped. His dedication, sense of humor and his drive has turned our economy around prior to this pandemic. Below is a link to read about what has been accomplished through the efforts of Scott and his team at DLT. 

RIMA is a major supporter of Real Jobs. We will be advocating that Real Jobs be a permanent fixture in our state budget by creating a state statue to support the program.

 Thank you Scott and all the best on your next accomplishment.

Women in Manufacturing
In today's manufacturing world, women play a much larger role than they have in the past. Whether they are creative, analytical, or process-oriented, there is a place in manufacturing for women.. READ MORE
State of Victoria Australia / U.S. Virtual Trade Mission

Global Victoria Australia is inviting U.S Defence and Aerospace companies to submit themselves for consideration for a Virtual Trade Mission.

Date: May 5th & 6th (Wed & Thurs)
Time: 5:30 pm-7:30 pm (EDT)
US SUPPLY CHAINS FOR VITAL GOODS:
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden is preparing to sign an executive order to review U.S. supply chains for large-capacity batteries, pharmaceuticals, critical minerals and semiconductors that power cars, phones, military equipment and other goods
OSHA Covid-19 Guidance for our shops 
OSHA released its new OSHA COVID Guidance per the President's January 21 Executive Order, titled: Protecting Workers: Guidance on Mitigating and Preventing the Spread of COVID-19 in the Workplace. Attached is a slide deck highlighting some of the key points included. 
READ MORE
SBA Information
With the new PPP coming into play, we have some info sent to us by Mark Hayward District Director of SBA. READ MORE 
RIMA has issued their Covid-19 Auditor program with the support of Governor Raimondo and Dr. Scott. Manufacturers have lead the way since the
pandemic and this is another program that can help stop the spread of Covid-19.
Please review below documents
Rapid Testing Program (BINAX) 
RIMA and Polaris have been at the forefront of providing manufacturers with information on the rapid testing program. Polaris was kind enough to gather documents for easy access: READ MORE
ISM® Mfg. Purchasing
Managers’ Index® 
slowed in January but continued to expand solidly, declining from READ MORE
rose 3.0% at the annual rate in the fourth quarter, boosted by continued rebounds in output. READ MORE
WASHINGTON (AP) 
United States manufacturing expanded in February at the fastest pace three years with the arrival of a surge in new orders.
US Economy adds 49,000 Workers 
The U.S. economy added 49,000 workers in January, bouncing back somewhat after declining by 227,000 in December. There are 9,603,000 fewer READ MORE
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