Combining Efficiency with Other Growth Platforms

April 16, 2013 by

Kansas City Manufacturing Network June Meeting – Case Study  

In recent decades there has been a relentless drive toward building extreme efficiencies in the business environment.  Some firms do this exceptionally well and surpass their competition by being shockingly efficient. However, for most of us the efficiency requirement just keeps increasing. Author and speaker Rick Tirrell, Ph.D., and Robbie Manufacturing C.O.O. Pepper Stokes will discuss four Competitive Platforms: Efficient Platform, Relationship Platform, Creative Platform and Marketing Platform.  They will describe the key characteristics of each Competitive Platform and then show the operational steps Robbie has taken to develop strengths in multiple platforms and how this has given the firm a clear competitive advantage.

Tuesday, June 11, 2013,
7:30-9:00 AM
Hilton Garden Inn, 520 Minnesota Avenue, Kansas City, Kansas

Cost is $15 for members, $25 for guests.  Register by June 7 BY CLICKING HERE or contact Donna Gordon at 816-304-7958

Rick Tirrell, Ph.D., President, Navigator Group, PA  Rick has been helping companies build competitive skills for over twenty years. His work focuses on strategy, culture and organization development. He helps firms establish or revise their strategic planning processes and he often facilitates their annual meetings. His book, The Wisdom of Resilience Builders: How our best leaders create the world’s most enduring enterprises, is a valuable guide to every business leader. He has been a quiet advisor to many presidents and CEOs.

Pepper Stokes, COO, Robbie Fantastic Flexibles  Pepper Stokes, COO has been at Robbie Fantastic Flexibles in Lenexa, KS for 20 years. Prior to Robbie he was CFO at a couple of Kansas City based companies and he started his career at Arthur Andersen & Co in Kansas City.  Pepper and his wife are native Kansas Citians and have two awesome 20-something daughters. Robbie is a recognized industry leader in flexible packaging solutions producing innovative ideas and top-quality packaging products since their founding in 1970.

Mid-America Manufacturing Technology Center (www.mamtc.com) and Missouri Enterprise, (www.missourienterprise.org ) are our Network sponsors. The event is open to area manufacturers and their suppliers. We invite you to join with us to make KCMN the premier resource for manufacturers.

Due our need to cover costs, no shows will be billed. Cancellations will be accepted no later than 3 business days prior to an event so we can provide spaces for those who may be on a wait list. Cancellations of reservations paid by credit card will be assessed a $10 processing fee by the registration service, or contact us for event credit for a future event. You may register as a guest for up to 2 events before membership is required. For questions or comments, please contact Donna Gordon at 816-304-7958

 

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Health Care Reform for Manufacturers – Get Ready for 2014

April 1, 2013 by

KCMN May Meeting

health careThe Affordable Care Act promises a host of new issues, choices, regulations and penalties for employers with the implementation of many of the new provisions in 2014.  Whether you are confident your company will be ready, or just trying to get up to speed, KCMN’s May meeting will be a great source of information for you.  Our panel of experts is aware of the changes on the horizon, and will focus their remarks on decisions and choices that you should consider as you prepare for 2014.

Tuesday, May 14, 2013
7:30-9:15 AM
Hilton Garden Inn, 520 Minnesota, Kansas City, KS

Panel Moderator:
Amy Peterson, Human Resources & Safety Manager, Huhtamaki, Inc.

Panelists:
Robert Aschentrop, Business Consultant for Benefits, Insurance, and Financial Services, CBIZ

Rick Kahle, President—Employee Benefit Division, Lockton

Kenneth A. (Ken) Mason, Leader, Employee Benefits Group, Spencer Fane Britt & Browne, LLP

Ron Rowe, Dept. Vice President, Small Group and Consumer, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City

The panelists will discuss the specific provisions of the law that will likely impact employers, both those with less than 50 employees, and those with over 50 employees, penalties for opting out of health care, and other considerations when making health care coverage decisions.

Cost is $15 for Members, $25 for guests.  Guests may attend 2 meetings before joining as a member.  Sign up by May 10 BY CLICKING HERE, or contact Donna Gordon at donna@kcmn.org, 816-304-7958

Questions you’d like to make sure we cover?

Online registrants will be asked about company size (only reported in aggregate) and will have the opportunity to submit questions they’d like to see the panelists address.

Mid-America Manufacturing Technology Centerand Missouri Enterprise are our Network sponsors. The event is open to area manufacturers and their suppliers. We invite you to join with us to make KCMN the premier resource for manufacturers.
Due to our need to cover costs, no shows will be billed. Cancellations will be accepted no later than 3 business days prior to an event so we can provide spaces for those who may be on a wait list. Cancellations of reservations paid by credit card will be assessed a $10 processing fee by the registration service, or contact us for event credit for a future event.

ABOUT OUR PRESENTERS

Amy Peterson  Amy has been Huhtamaki’s Human Resources and Safety Manager since 2000.  Huhtamaki is a specialty packaging organization that provides many of the world’s most recognizable consumer goods packaging and foodservice containers, as well as the retail line of Chinet® premium disposable tableware.

Robert Aschentrop  With 14 years of financial industry experience, Robert joined CBIZ in 2010 to help build the enterprise consulting practice.  His chief focus in this capacity is analyzing the way companies finance, mitigate and transfer business and health risk.  The CBIZ is the 7th largest public accounting firm and the 14th largest insurance brokerage firm in the U.S. according to Business Insurance. CBIZ was also ranked as the #1 Employee Benefits Specialist in the U.S. for six out of the last nine years.  Robert started in the financial service industry in graduate school while working for the Iowa State University Foundation.  Robert earned a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics, Computer Science and Geography from Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville, MO and a Master’s degree in Leadership and Policy Studies from Iowa State University.

Rick Kahle Rick has nearly 25 years’ experience in the employee benefits field. He came to Lockton Companies in May 2001 as a Producer and was promoted to President in December 2005. Rick is responsible for developing new client relationships and ensuring outstanding service for clients. In addition, his responsibilities include serving on the Kansas City and National Employee Benefit Executive Committees. Prior to coming to Lockton, Rick was the Area President of the Kansas City division at Gallagher Benefit Services.  Rick has become a trusted source related to the PPACA and its implications to health plan sponsors, making numerous health reform presentations and serving on health reform panels. Rick has a B.S.B.A from Rockhurst University, Kansas City, Missouri, and holds Series 6, 63, and 65 Securities Licenses. He is a member of the Employee Benefit Professionals Association (EBPA)

Ken Mason   Ken, a partner with Spencer Fane, leads the Firm’s Employee Benefits Group. He concentrates on ERISA and other aspects of employee benefits law, including both tax and fiduciary issues. He has substantial involvement with retirement and welfare plans, executive deferred compensation, federal employment discrimination statutes, and issues unique to governmental and other tax-exempt employers.  Ken has hosted webinars and seminars on a wide variety of employer-focused issues concerning employee benefits.   Distinctions include listing in the Best Lawyers in America, Missouri & Kansas Super Lawyers, 2005-2009 and has chaired both the Employee Benefits Institute of Kansas City and the Employee Benefits Committee, Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association.

Ron Rowe, Ron Rowe is the Vice President of Individual and Small Group Markets for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas City (Blue KC). For over 15 years Ron has been responsible for various advertising, sales, and product development initiatives at Blue KC. He currently serves on the Blue KC Healthcare Reform Task Force Oversight Committee and Co-Chairs the company’s Health Care Reform Product and Pricing sub-committee.  Prior to joining Blue Cross, Ron was the CEO of six specialty hospitals over a 7 year period and worked with political committees on Healthcare Reform in the early 1990’s during the Clinton Administration. Ron began his healthcare career as an Orderly in a rehabilitation hospital working on nights and weekends while in high school.  After graduating high school and attending Kent State University, Ron served in the US Army on active duty for 8 years working in the medical corps. He holds a BS in Management and Accounting from Park University, and studied in the MBA Program at Rockhurst University.

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LEAN vs. MRP Friend or Foe?

February 21, 2013 by

KCMN April meeting and SOR plant tour – Thanks to all who made this tour a great success – for those who missed the tour, photos are below!

SOR has been on a LEAN journey since 2010.  A significant element of this LEAN journey has been design and implementation of techniques for improving demand flow.  Everything SOR supplies is executed via a configure and build to order process.  With the many options offered in our product set this results in a high mix production environment with a relatively high variability in demand.  Come see how SOR has used LEAN demand flow techniques such as design capacity, Kanban, and standard packaging, in concert with MRP in our LEAN implementation.

Tuesday, April 9, 2013 
7:30  – 9:00 AM
14685 West 105th Street, Lenexa, KS 66215Print

AGENDA
7:30 – 8:00 AM – Registration, breakfast and networking
8:00 – 8:20 AM – SOR company presentation
8:20 – 9:00 AM  Plant tour

Please bring safety glasses or sunglasses to wear for the tour, as protective eyewear is required on the shop floor.  Closed toe shoes are also required.

Cost is $15 for members and $25 for guests. Guests may attend 2 meetings before having to join as a member.  Sign up today at BY CLICKING HERE, or contact Donna Gordon at 816-304-7958, or donna@kcmn.org

SOR Overview

SOR is a Kansas based globally recognized manufacturer and marketer of high quality process instrumentation. We offer a comprehensive line of pressure, level, temperature and flow measurement products. SOR actively serves all sectors of the process industry, with our particular strength being in the Oil & Gas, Power, Petrochemical, and Chemical segments.

 Due to limited space, no shows will be billed. Cancellations will be accepted no later than 3 business days prior to an event. Cancellations of reservations paid by credit card will be assessed a $10 processing fee by the registration service, or contact us for event credit for a future event. Guests may register as a guest for up to 2 events before membership is required. For questions or comments, please contact Donna Gordon at 816-304-7958

Mid-America Manufacturing Technology Center  and Missouri Enterprise are our Network sponsors. The event is open to area manufacturers and their suppliers. We invite you to join with us to make KCMN the premier resource for manufacturers.

KCMN SOR Tour_1 KCMN SOR Tour_2 KCMN SOR Tour_3 KCMN SOR Tour_5 KCMN SOR Tour_6 KCMN SOR Tour_7 KCMN SOR Tour_9 KCMN SOR Tour_10 KCMN SOR Tour_11

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Safety: What You Need to Know in 2013

February 4, 2013 by

Kansas City Manufacturing Network March MeetingSafety First

In a business environment where what you don’t know can hurt you, it’s important to know how to keep employees safe, and how regulatory requirements can affect both productivity and the health of your business. KCMN’s March meeting will feature 3 speakers who will get you up to speed on best practices and regulatory compliance.

David E. Redlin, REM, QSP, Registered Environmental & Safety Professional, Progressive Environmental & Safety Consulting Services: Safety is Every body’s Business, a “Common Sense” guide to: Assuring Worker Safety, OSHA Compliance, Insurance Rate Reduction (Lower EMR & Injury Case Management) and using your Safety Program as a Marketing Tool! Dave can answer any questions concerning OSHA, EPA or DOT regulations.

Allen Vinyard,  SHARP Coordinator,  Kansas Department of Labor: Allen’s  presentation will cover what to expect when the OSHA consultant visits your location.  What paperwork should be done, what the consultant looks for during an inspection, and what to expect from the report.

Daniel Stark, CIH, Assistant Director and Program Manager with the Missouri On-site Safety and Health Consultation Program: Daniel will provide an over view of the Missouri On-site Safety and Health Consultation Program.  The presentation will cover the Programs history, operational aspects, and the various benefits in participating in the Program.

Tuesday, March 5, 2013  – note the date change!
7:30-9:00 AM
Hilton Garden Inn, 520 Minnesota Avenue, Kansas City, Kansas

Cost is $15 for members and $25 for guests. Guests may attend 2 meetings before having to join as a member.  Sign up today at BY CLICKING HERE, or contact Donna Gordon at 816-304-7958, or donna@kcmn.org   

Our founding sponsors, Mid-America Manufacturing Technology Center (www.mamtc.com) and Missouri Enterprise, (www.missourienterprise.org) will be our sponsors for this event. The event is open to area manufacturers and their suppliers. We invite you to join with us to make KCMN the premier resource for manufacturers.

photophoto dave redlin

 

 

About our Presenters

Allen Vinyard is a Safety Consultant/SHARP Coordinator with the Kansas Department of Labor, Industrial Safety and Health Unit. In his current position, he conducts work place inspections at various businesses across the state of Kansas, and coordinates the SHARP program. The Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP) provides incentives and support to small, high-hazard employers to work with their employees to develop, implement and continuously improve the effectiveness of their workplace safety and health programs. Allen is a graduate of the University of Central Missouri, with a Bachelor of Science in Safety Management. In his career, he has worked with the Kansas Department of Labor, Kansas Department of Transportation, and Hamm Construction.

Daniel Stark is the Program Manager for the Missouri On-site Safety and Health Consultation Program within the Missouri Department of Labor, Division of Labor Standards.   Before becoming Program Manager, Mr. Stark was a safety and health consultant within the OSHA Consultation Program for 10 years in Missouri, Kansas, and Nebraska.  He possesses a Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Hygiene and a Master’s Degree in Industrial Hygiene from the University of Central Missouri.   Mr. Stark is also Board Certified through the American Board of Industrial Hygiene as a Certified Industrial Hygienist.

Dave Redlin, AKA Safety Dave, is a Registered Environmental Manager (REM), Qualified Safety Professional (QSP) an OSHA Training Institute Outreach Trainer and founder of Progressive Environmental & Safety (PES) Consultants based in Kansas City since 1988. He has experience in small and large Machine Shops, Tool & Die Shops, Plastic Injection Molding facilities and Construction companies. He has a vast knowledge of OSHA, EPA & DOT compliance, training and Audits. He is the “Go-To” Guy when OSHA, EPA or DOT conducts an inspection. He will represent you during the inspection, develop a corrective action plan and obtain a settlement or complete dismissal of some Citations or penalties. He has conducted more Informal Settlements with the Kansas and Kansas City Area Office of OSHA than anyone else in the industry!

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Energy Management: Now is the Time, and This is the Place

January 2, 2013 by

KCMN February Meeting

In a marketplace with fluctuating costs, and an uncertain regulatory environment, energy use is increasingly coming under scrutiny.  The wide variety of energy intensive processes makes it difficult for manufacturing facilities to track and manage energy costs. While the cost to purchase energy is a significant line item factor, the cheapest energy is that which you don’t use.  There are no lack of opportunities for manufacturers to trim energy consumption, but a lack of knowledge can hinder the ability to take advantage of these opportunities.  Energy engineer Gary Hogsett presented to a packed house of KCMN attendees in early 2011, so KCMN is happy to bring Gary back to provide practical, actionable solutions for dealing with this unavoidable cost of doing business.

Tuesday, February 12, 2013
7:30-9:00 AM
Hilton Garden Inn, 520 Minnesota Avenue, Kansas City, Kansas

Cost is $15 for members and $25 for guests. Guests may attend 2 meetings before having to join as a member.  Sign up today by clicking HERE , or contact Donna Gordon at 816-304-7958, or donna@kcmn.org

About our Speaker  

Gary Hogsett P.E., CEM, LC, LEED-AP, Mid-America Manufacturing Technology Center

Gary Hogsett serves as the worldwide President of the Association of Energy Engineers for 2012.  He received two engineering degrees specializing in industrial energy management, and has performed more than 4,000 energy studies in the last 32 years.  He is also a passionate speaker on the topic of energy, and in one respect, he’s something of a rarity: a very experienced energy engineer who has also won ten humorous speaking contests.  Join us for a fast paced, inspiring presentation which will provide recommendations for saving energy in your facility that are ready for immediate implementation.

Due to our need to cover the event costs, no shows will be billed. Cancellations will be accepted no later than 3 business days prior to an event. Cancellations of reservations paid by credit card will be assessed a $10 processing fee by the registration service, or contact us for event credit for a future event. You may register as a guest for up to 2 events before membership is required. For questions or comments, please contact Donna Gordon at 816-304-7958

 

 

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Workforce in 2013: Finding the Right Fit

December 11, 2012 by

KCMN January Meeting

One of the more common complaints of companies, who are growing, facing retirements and/or planning for the future, is that finding the right people to fill open positions is a continual struggle.  January’s KCMN meeting will focus on strategies for finding people to fill those gaps.  In addition, we’ll discuss workforce trends and issues for 2013, and some new programs and opportunities being presented by the region’s community colleges.

Tuesday, January 8, 2013
7:30-9:00 AM
Hilton Garden Inn, 520 Minnesota Avenue, Kansas City, Kansas

Panelists:

John Emmett, Panel Moderator, Manpower

Julie Yang-Brethauer, FPC, Director, Human Resources, Torotel Products, Inc.

Lisa Kist, Director, Human Resources, Robbie Flexibles

Clint Lanchaster, Director, Technical Services, National Association of Trailer Manufacturers

Panel Discussion:

Join our 3 company representatives who will share their workforce strategies, including:

  • Utilizing social media to be where your target employees are
  • Building relationships with schools who offer  education and training programs that are a fit for your skill needs
  • Visibility in your community – being involved in STEM and other programs can drive interest
  • Positioning your company to hire transitioning military personnel
  • Setting up an employee referral program

Cost is $15 for members and $25 for guests. Guests may attend 2 meetings before having to join as a member.  Sign up today at by clicking here , or contact Donna Gordon at 816-304-7958, or donna@kcmn.org

Information and Resources for Manufacturers:

Quarterly Employment Survey – John Emmett will provide highlights for Manpower’s  Employment Outlook Survey 4Q 2012

Metropolitan Community Colleges Business and Technology Center will discuss the launch of their Precision Machining Consortium Program

Kansas City Kansas Community College will provide information on their awarded grant that will launch their Training for Employment (T4E) initiative for careers in construction and advanced manufacturing.

For KCMN members, we are considering launching a quarterly special interest group for those manufacturers interested in continuing the dialog on workforce issues.  KCMN advisory board member Lisa Kist is heading up this effort.   Come to the January meeting for more information!

Mid-America Manufacturing Technology Center and Missouri Enterprise are our Network sponsors. Due to our need to cover the event costs, no shows will be billed. Cancellations can be accepted up to 3 business days prior to an event. Cancellations of reservations paid by credit card will be assessed a $10 processing fee by the registration service, or contact us for event credit for a future event.

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Making the Plan Visual

September 21, 2012 by

KCMN November meeting and Holland 1916 plant tour

A combination print shop and machine shop, Holland 1916 has expanded rapidly from its roots as a metal nameplate producer.

The company moved into decorative castings and, most recently, metal fabrication and rugged RFID tags.  Holland 1916 understands that “Lean Manufacturing” is a journey and through continuous improvement, has worked to improve flow and reduce inventory and lead times while expanding the number of product lines.

Holland 1916 will discuss their company’s processes for:

  • Production Flow,
  • Production control and
  • WIP Management

 Tuesday, November 13, 2012
7:00-8:30 AM
1340 Burlington, North Kansas City, MO 64116

Cost is $15 for members and $25 for guests. Guests may attend 2 meetings before having to join as a member.  Sign up by November 9 BY CLICKING HERE , or contact Donna Gordon at 816-304-7958, or donna@kcmn.org

AGENDA

7:00-7:15 AM – Registration and breakfast
7:15 – 7:45 AM – Holland 1916 company presentation
7:45 – 8:15 – AM  Plant tour

8:15 – Wrap up and Q&A

Please bring safety glasses or sunglasses to wear for the tour, as protective eyewear is required on the shop floor.  Closed toe shoes are also required.

 

About Holland 1916

Founded 96 years ago, Holland 1916 is a progressive product identification manufacturer for the industrial market. To continue to improve our customer responsiveness, Holland 1916 Inc. is now the parent of three operating companies:

Holland Nameplate Inc.: a manufacturer of nameplates and durable RFID products

Holland Interface Solutions Inc.: a manufacturer of membrane switches, touchscreens, elastomeric switches, labels, overlays and castings

Holland Integrated Metal Solutions Inc.: a manufacturer of operator cabs, consoles, enclosures, panels, metal fabrication and electro-mechanical assemblies

We strive to continue the tradition of our Founder Lou Holland in providing innovative solutions to our customers.

Mid-America Manufacturing Technology Center (www.mamtc.com) and Missouri Enterprise, (www.missourienterprise.org ) are our Network sponsors. The event is open to area manufacturers and their suppliers. We invite you to join with us to make KCMN the premier resource for manufacturers.

Due to space limitations, no shows will be billed. Cancellations will be accepted no later than 3 business days prior to an event. Cancellations of reservations paid by credit card will be assessed a $10 processing fee by the registration service, or contact us for event credit for a future event. You may register as a guest for up to 2 events before membership is required. For questions or comments, please contact Donna Gordon at 816-304-7958

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Manufacturing in 2013: Are We Growing or Not?

August 9, 2012 by

KCMN October meeting

The Outlook for the US Economy – Jon Willis, Assistant Vice President and Economist, Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City.  Jon Willis will give a presentation on the state of the U.S. economy and discuss the economic outlook for 2012.  In the presentation, he will discuss recent developments in labor markets and inflation with an emphasis on the manufacturing sector.

Navigating the Capital Markets – Financial Industry Panel Discussion.  Three capital market panelists will discuss their forecast for the financial market and discuss strategies for financing growth or continuing operations in 2013.

Forecast Questions? Do you have a particular data point/area of interest you’d like out speakers to cover?  Submit your questions to Donna@kcmn.org, or include them as part of your online signup process.

Tuesday, October 9, 2012 
7:30-9:00 AM
Hilton Garden Inn, 520 Minnesota Avenue, Kansas City, Kansas

Cost is $15 for members and $25 for guests. Guests may attend 2 meetings before having to join as a member.  Sign up by October 5  by clicking here  , or contact Donna Gordon at 816-304-7958, or donna@kcmn.org

Speakers   

Jon Willis  is the Assistant Vice President and Economist at the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City.  Jon joined the Economic Research Department in September 2000.  A native of Iowa, Jon received a B.A. degree in economics from Grinnell College in 1993 and a Ph.D. degree in economics from Boston University in 2001.  Jon conducts research on labor market dynamics over the business cycle and the relationship between the price-setting behavior of firms and inflation dynamics.  In addition to working at the Bank, he has served as a visiting assistant professor at the University of Texas at Austin.

David Enslen is a Senior Vice President at Commerce Bank, leading the Bank’s commercial banking efforts in the Kansas City Metro area.  David has over 35 years of banking experience in the Kansas City area marketplace.  Commerce Bank is a $20 Billion publicly-owned regional bank that operates as a Super-Community Bank offering an array of sophisticated financial products delivered with high-quality, personal customer service.  Commerce Bank has provided commercial banking services in the Midwest for over 145 years and is the highest rated bank in the country and receives regular recognition for its high level of customer service.  Commerce provides services nationally but primarily operates in 13 states with 363 branches.  The Company’s promise – We Ask, Listen and Solve – is not just our brand, but also our corporate focus.

Timothy D. Leland is a Managing Director and Partner of TGP Investments, and is responsible for leading the firm’s business development efforts. Prior to joining TGP, Mr. Leland served as an investment banker for more than fifteen years, focused primarily on sourcing and executing middle-market mergers and acquisitions transactions. TGP Investments, L.L.C., founded in 2005, is a Kansas City-based merchant banking firm led by a strong investment team with extensive experience in middle-market private equity investing.  TGP’s private equity investment fund has $56.5 million under management, and was formed to make middle market investments in well-managed, profitable, and growing companies. The Fund prefers to provide growth capital for acquisitions or internal growth, or to facilitate liquidity or a sale event for existing shareholders.

Jeff Phillips is Senior Vice President of Missouri Bank where he focuses on assisting Entrepreneurs with their banking needs utilizing his background in manufacturing, distribution and wholesale financing.  Missouri Bank is a $550 million, family owned bank with all four offices in the Kansas City metro.  Missouri Bank understands that running a business is not easy.  It’s not for everyone.  So to those whose DNA dictates launching companies from scratch, we raise our glasses high and say, running your business is not a good idea.  It’s a great one.

Mid-America Manufacturing Technology Center  and Missouri Enterprise  are our Network sponsors. Due to our need to cover the event costs, no shows will be billed. Cancellations will be accepted no later than 3 business days prior to an event. Cancellations of reservations paid by credit card will be assessed a $10 processing fee by the registration service, or contact us for event credit for a future event.

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Manufacturing’s Next Leaders — How to manage the transition in your business

August 9, 2012 by

KCMN September Meeting

With many manufacturers facing an aging workforce, the question of who will provide leadership and direction over the next decade is becoming an issue to consider.  Do you have the bench strength you need when faced with a retirement of a key member of your team?  Have you developed a management succession plan in your organization that ensures a smooth transition?  Join author and nationally recognized speaker Dr. Steve Cohen, and 20 year manufacturing veteran leader Marty Sawyer to learn how you can make your organization ready for growth, expansion or replacement of key members within your manufacturing company

Steve M. Cohen  Ed.D.,  principle with the Labor management Advisory Group
–Organizational design issues: are you building an organization or a community?
–Building a culture of high performance;
–Succession planning: overt vs. inadvertent;
–Who will be ready to move up and who won’t?

Marty Sawyer, CEO and co-owner of Trimac Industrial Systems LLC
–First things first: what to consider before planning your succession
–Three Succession Mistakes not to make
–Keys to Success

Tuesday, September 11, 2012
7:30 –9:00 AM
Hilton Garden Inn, 520 Minnesota Avenue, Kansas City, Kansas

 

Cost is $15 for members and $25 for guests. Guests may attend 2 meetings before having to join as a member.  Sign up by September 7 by clicking here, or contact Donna Gordon at 816-304-7958, or donna@kcmn.org

About our speakers:

Marty Sawyer is a 20 year veteran of heavy industry.  Starting her career in the steel and fabricating industry, she ran her 5th generation family business Richards & Conover Steel.   Rich-Con was founded by her great-great grandfather in 1857 and was the oldest business in Kansas City.  Assuming the Presidency from her father Marty led the company through a difficult turnaround until its sale in 1999.

After Rich-Con, Marty did several interim and consulting projects for several companies until 2003, when she and her partner purchased the assets of a troubled equipment manufacturer, Infra-Red Technologies.  The new company was Trimac Industries, LLC which grew from start-up to a 15% Return of Sales.  In 2008, private equity investment was brought in to fund further growth and invest in Trimac’s proprietary technology and unique niche.  The next several years were difficult because of the recessionary impact on capital equipment purchases, but she and her partner decided to repurchase Trimac back from the ownership group in 2012.

Currently Marty is CEO and co-owner of Trimac Industrial Systems LLC, a manufacturer of industrial custom equipment.  Trimac designs and builds ovens, washers and finishing equipment for paint, powder and other coating applications.  In addition, Marty is President of Steel Chain, LLC an interim management and advisory practice where she helps companies change in order to make more money.

Marty has a unique perspective on what makes business thrive.  Her background in family businesses, as a start-up entrepreneur and a hired executive gives her a well-rounded outlook on leadership.  Her focus is companies who are ready to make changes to make more money.  Her understanding of the challenges of a high transaction commoditized business compared with the long cycle, complex sale seen in custom equipment has shown her the best methodologies to use for each situation.  From turnarounds to rapid growth, her expertise is in creating a powerful strategic focus as the implementation roadmap.  Marty’s primary concentrations are Finance, Operations and Marketing, to insure that performance quickly improves.

 Steve M. Cohen  Ed.D. is a principle with the Labor management Advisory Group.  LMAG is a full service human resources consulting practice.  For the past 20 years of consulting, Dr. Cohen  assists his clients by developing human resources systems including job descriptions, performance appraisal systems, policy and procedure manuals, and wage and salary surveys.  Another areas of expertise include dispute mediation, and the prevention and “work out” of sexual harassment and employee conflict and violence situations.  He also conducts management related training.

Dr. Cohen completed his undergraduate degree in Social Work from the University of Kansas, his master’s degree in Management and Supervision from Central Michigan University, and his doctoral degree in Educational Psychology from Northern Illinois University.  He also has a Certification in Alternative Dispute Resolution from De Paul University School of Law and a Certification in Labor Relations from the Wharton School of Business.

In addition, Dr. Cohen has taught undergraduate and  graduate courses in Public Administration/Personnel Administration at Northern Illinois University, National College, Rockhurst College, and University of Missouri KC. He has published numerous articles in National Journals and presented papers at National Conventions.  His book:  Mess Management: Lessons From a Corporate Hit Man was published in September 2010 by AuthorHouse, Inc.

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Brewing up some new connections – KCMN, AWS and SME Summer Networking Event

June 26, 2012 by

Join us August 22, 2012 at the Boulevard Brewery – Brewhouse Bar

Kansas City Manufacturing Network members – you asked for more opportunities to meet,  exchange ideas and forge new relationships with manufacturers.  In response, KCMN is teaming up with the American Welding Society and the Society for Manufacturing Engineers for Networking, Appetizers and Boulevard beer.

Learn more about three great organizations who provide resources and support to the area’s manufacturing community, and participate in discussions to help you get to know your fellow manufacturers.

  • Signup is limited to the first 75 people who sign up
  • Appetizers by Blanc Burgers and Bottles
  • Cost is $20 per person
  • Advance registration is required, no walkins will be accepted at the door
  • Pay online at BY CLICKING HERE or cash or check at the door – due to 3 organizations involved, no invoicing

Boulevard Brewing
Brewhouse Bar
2501 Southwest Blvd
Kansas City, MO 64108
August 22, 2012
4:00-7:00 PM

As this is a manufacturers event, attendance will be limited to KCMN, AWS and SME members and their invited manufacturing company guests.

KCMN, AWS and SME would like to thank Spencer Fane for being the exclusive sponsor for this event.

At Spencer Fane, we take pride in our ability to work in partnership with our clients to achieve their goals. Our client engagement philosophy highlights three critical steps: We identify achievable goals. We work to find the best strategy for achieving those goals. We implement powerful legal strategy in a skillful, aggressive and cost-effective manner. We believe our success is measured by our results. Spencer Fane has a wealth of experience representing regional, national, and international manufacturing companies. We have guided our clients through the complex legal issues that arise including contracts, employment issues, asset protection, and environmental requirements.

 

Kansas City Manufacturing NetworkThe Kansas City Manufacturing Network (KCMN) was established in 1993 and provides educational and   networking opportunities to strengthen the region’s manufacturers. Manufacturers can learn through real world experiences such as plant tours, presentations by local subject matter experts, and panel discussions sharing lessons learned from fellow manufacturing companies.

 

The American Welding Society (AWS) was founded in 1919 as a multifaceted, nonprofit organization with a goal to advance the science, technology and application of welding and related joining disciplines. From factory floor to high-rise construction, from military weaponry to home products, AWS continues to lead the way in supporting welding education and technology development to ensure a strong, competitive and exciting way of life for all Americans.

 

 

The Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) is the premier source for manufacturing knowledge, education and networking. Through its many programs, events, magazines, publications and online training division, Tooling U, SME connects manufacturing practitioners to each other, to the latest technologies and to the most up-to-date manufacturing processes. SME has members around the world and is supported by a network of chapters and technical communities. A 501(c)3 organization, SME is a leader in manufacturing workforce development issues, working with industry, academic and government partners to support the current and future skilled workforce.  Click here for the corporate brochure on SME.

KCMN is supported by   Mid-America Manufacturing Technology Center  and Missouri Enterprise  as Network sponsors. The event is open to KCMN, AWS and SME members and their invited manufacturing company guests. 

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