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Chamber interest: Ten Manufacturing Trends to Watch in 2017
As the New Year begins, the editorial team at the Manufacturing Leadership Council offers its predictions for the year ahead. Contributors to this blog include David R. Brousell, Jeff Moad, Sankara Narayanan, and Paul Tate.
Trade Tensions Loom as Global Uncertainty Dominates 2017
Political upheavals during 2016 in both the U.S. and Europe have created unprecedented levels of uncertainty about the freedom of international trade for manufacturing companies over the next decade. The prospects of a major trade deal between the U.S. and 12 Pacific Rim countries, known as the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), now seem dead in the water following statements by the incoming Trump Administration to abandon the deal. A similar Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) deal with Europe is stalled. And the U.K.’s Brexit vote last June has thrown the traditional trade relationships between many European companies into disarray and could take up to a decade to resolve. Large corporations may be able to negotiate their way through the minefield of future trade agreements, but small- and medium-sized manufacturing enterprises will need to be vigilant and flexible if they wish to maintain broad and open access to key export markets around the world.
The Coming Collision Between Jobs and Automation
Faced with a dramatically changing political environment stressing nationalism and protectionism, U.S. manufacturing’s profile will rise in 2017 as the debate over how best to expand manufacturing jobs takes place. That debate will become increasingly illuminated by a growing understanding that automation, in contrast to off-shoring, has played a key role in not only job elimination in the past but also in defining what jobs and skills are needed in the future. It will also become increasingly clear to policy makers that automation isn’t slowing down, and that the adoption of advanced automation and information technologies will continue to result in not only further low skill level job losses but also fewer mid-level positions, exposing the fragility of the idea of “bringing back” jobs to the U.S. This dichotomy will force a national conversation about how far industry should automate in relation to needed employment, once again pitting those who perceive the emerging digital global economy as a tailwind against those who perceive it as a headwind.
The Skills Shortage Hits Home
Meanwhile, the ongoing debate about whether the manufacturing skills shortage is real will finally come to an end. A growing U.S. economy, lower unemployment levels, and expected lower taxes on businesses under the new Trump Administration will spell accelerated expansion and an increased need for more manufacturing workers, engineers, and managers. At the same time, the push toward Manufacturing 4.0 will create a growing demand for software engineers in manufacturing. The result: Manufacturers that have already created a Next-Generation Workforce strategy and supply chain will prosper, while others will struggle to attract the human capital needed to take advantage of new opportunities.
M4.0: It Will Resemble a “Digital Wagon Train”
The journey to Manufacturing 4.0, the next wave of industrial progress built on digital technologies that many manufacturers are now beginning to undertake, will come to resemble a “digital wagon train”, traveling slowly, at times haltingly as companies come to grips with the fact that M4.0 is much more of a cultural and leadership transformation than a technological challenge, requiring deep changes in leadership orientation and practices to deal with the complex, multi-layered transition to M4.0. Manufacturing leaders will need to make tough decisions about vision, strategy, alignment, execution, and culture to achieve the promise of M4.0. The challenge will come down to whether leaders are personally ready for the epochal transformation in front of them. Spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical energies will need to be harnessed as much as adopting and integrating new technologies.
M4.0: Manufacturing Leaders Must Broaden Their Horizons
As part of that reorientation, manufacturing leaders will also be required to broaden their horizons as Manufacturing 4.0 creates new, digitally-enabled opportunities to enhance operational efficiency by building new workflows that link previously isolated functions such as manufacturing, supply chain, and new product development. Leaders will be forced to gain deeper knowledge of how other, contiguous functions work in order to understand the opportunities for cross-functional collaboration, ultimately resulting greater customer value. And manufacturing leaders will be expected not just to understand how contiguous functions work, they will need to be able to build stronger alliances so that they can influence decisions made across functional boundaries.
Machine Learning and AI Enter the Mainstream
Having spent much of the past decade perfecting the sensing, collection, and organization of data from the plant floor and across the supply chain, manufacturers in 2017 will get serious about leveraging a new generation of deep machine learning, artificial intelligence, and natural language tools that will not only turn all of that data into new, real-time insights about how the business is operating, but also deliver valuable recommendations for improving operations or even heading off problems. Already, for example, manufacturers are applying machine learning protocols to detailed part quality, product testing, and field performance data to quickly isolate and fix the underlying causes of quality problems.
The Digital Thread Stitches Together the Supply Chain
Until now, manufacturers have tended to aim their Manufacturing 4.0 initiatives at cutting costs and improving efficiency of internal processes such as equipment maintenance and quality. Increasingly, however, manufacturers—particularly those that rely on partners for production and assembly—will endeavor to build platforms that securely give external partners access to the “Digital Thread.” These digital platforms will enable visibility into product and design change data and applications that enable collaboration. The result will be reduced part tooling costs, increased design reuse, faster and less expensive prototyping, and much more flexible production.
Blockchain To Emerge as New “Trust” Platform for Manufacturing Value Chains
Originally developed to support the Bitcoin digital cryptocurrency, the ability of the underlying blockchain technology to create deeply-encrypted, immutable records in a highly-secure distributed ledger will become increasingly important as a way to increase trust between collaborating manufacturing enterprises. In 2017, blockchain technology will begin to be developed and adopted by innovative manufacturing companies as a more secure, and ultimately disintermediating approach to creating more agile supply chains that can automatically negotiate and close new financial and supply-side partnership deals, ensure IP protection, provide trusted proof of product provenance and certification, and ratify material traceability and transparency.
Manufacturing Cybersecurity Threats Demand Urgent Rethink
Increased connectivity as part of a Manufacturing 4.0 transformation strategy will inevitably create greater vulnerability to digital disruption, interference, and malicious attack for the world’s manufacturers. One in five manufacturing companies already report that cybersecurity concerns have materially slowed, or prevented, one or more Manufacturing 4.0 projects or initiatives, according to the latest Manufacturing Leadership Council Cybersecurity survey. Over half also believe that in the next five years, cybersecurity concerns could hinder the speed and scope of adoption of M4.0 technologies and approaches in some way. Traditional cybersecurity policies are no longer adequate in this increasingly connected, data-driven world. Manufacturers of all sizes will need to rethink, redesign, or radically improve their cybersecurity strategies to better protect key assets, networks, products, and personnel as they move along their journey to Manufacturing 4.0 in the year ahead.
Use of Advanced Analytical Software to Increase
Manufacturers will strive to hone their skills in using advanced analytical software, already one of the most desired technologies, to not only improve decision-making but also to identify new business models and opportunities. Expect to see many companies extend their expertise with the software from a largely diagnostic activity today to increasingly predictive and even prescriptive undertakings with the technology. Building the capability to travel this maturity curve with the software will determine which companies create new competitive advantages, potentially enabling them to disrupt and even reshape their markets.
#BestChamber practice: Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce and PNC partner to Support Entrepeneur's Success
Suzy Chang, owner of Alfresco Booth had a dream of creating a unique photo business that positioned itself to be the “go-to” photo booth for events. Between her excellent customer service skills and unique photo quality, her desire to build her own business inspired her to seek out avenues to help her realize her dream, and it all started with a unique partnership between the Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce (NACC) and PNC Bank.
Alfresco Booth is one of several local businesses that have benefited from a partnership between NACC and PNC Bank to assist start-up businesses realize their success through scholarships and NACC resources and multiple services. The partnership is in its seventh year.
“When I first approached the Chamber, I had just launched my business and finances were tight. They suggested the PNC Scholarship, which provides a full year Chamber Membership for start-up businesses that qualify. The PNC scholarship provided me with a great checking account and amazing merchant service rates and access to the NACC. Between my relationships with the Chamber and PNC I've successfully grown my business. I credit my success to the NACC and PNC Bank which built a bridge to the essential things that made success possible,” shared Chang.
“As a Chamber, our job is to be a partner and resource for businesses of all sizes,” said Nicki Anderson, President/CEO of the NACC. “Many start-up companies don’t always have the financial resources necessary to get involved in the community including the Chamber of Commerce. Our partnership with PNC Bank and their scholarship program has enabled us to bring in these promising leaders and community businesses builders.”
“Offering the PNC scholarship and partnering with the NACC gives us access to business owners we might not have otherwise had the chance to meet,” said Erich Kroll, Business Banker with PNC. “We sit down to discuss their visions and dreams, and give them the financial tools and resources to realize those dreams.”
Contact: Lauren Holtz lholtz@naperville.net 630.355.4141
Youth Career Expo 2017 Business and Industry Supporting The Emerging Workforce
Hampton, Virginia - - The Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce and the Peninsula Council for Workforce Development, in partnership with the Greater Virginia Peninsula Six School Divisions, will host the ninth annual Youth Career Expo on Thursday, March 2, 2017 from 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM at the Hampton Roads Convention Center. This award winning event is designed to help the future workforce make informed choices about life after high school.
Students from age 16-19 will participate in mock interviews and in a panel discussion with human resource professionals. Participating students will also visit exhibits presented by businesses from various industry sectors. They will gain exposure to the types of positions available and the educational and training requirements for entry level career opportunities within the Greater Peninsula area.
This year’s event welcomes back Newport News Shipbuilding as the presenting sponsor and participants can expect a spectacular technology display! The Youth Career Expo is expected to have over 2,000 high school students, 250 business professionals and members of the United States Armed Forces conducting mock interviews and serving as guides. In addition, over 60 exhibitors divided by industry clusters: Shipbuilding, Construction, Healthcare, Advanced Manufacturing, Local Government Agencies, STEM, Defense, Finance, Higher Education, and more.
There are volunteer opportunities available for mock interviewers and guides. Please visit www.pcfwd.org to learn more or contact Rita Bond at 757-826-3327. For sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities, please visit www.vaPeninsulaChamber.com or contact Jackie Shapiro at 757-325-8162.
5 Star Chamber: Rapid City Area Chamber of Commerce 2016 Community Guide & Membership Directory
The Rapid City Area Chamber of Commerce 2016 Community Guide & Membership Directory is available at the Rapid City Chamber today! Thanks to Linda Rabe, Kristina Simmons and the chamber team for their help and direction putting this together!
Town SquarePublications (www.townsquarepublications.com) can help you accomplish your chamber's gloss map, directory, community profile or publication needs at no expense to the chamber. Please email John Dussman at jdussman@tspubs.com or call (847)-427-4633.
Mayor Walters to give Battle Creek State of the City address
Battle Creek Mayor Dave Walters will give an annual State of the City address next week.
The event is from 7:30-9 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 24, at the Kool Family Community Center, 200 W. Michigan Ave. It is hosted by the Battle Creek Area Chamber of Commerce.
Walters is expected to present the city's accomplishments over the past year and officials' plans for 2017. The event is open to the public, but an RSVP is required. A hot breakfast will be served.
Those who wish to attend can call the Chamber at 269-962-4076. Read more: Battle Creek Enquirer
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Greenwood Leflore Chamber of Commerce Names MVSU Big Business of the Year
Mississippi Valley State University (MVSU) was honored last night by the Greenwood Leflore Chamber of Commerce as Big Business of the Year during its 99th Annual Meeting. Each year, the Chamber recognizes outstanding businesses, volunteers and citizens for their success, dedication to excellence and leadership in the community.
"It is an outstanding honor for MVSU to be selected for this award," said Dr. William B. Bynum Jr., president. "We are truly living out the tenets of One Goal. One Team. One Valley. Without the awesome work of our students, alumni, faculty, and staff this community award would not have been possible. Our community presence has improved tremendously since my arrival. I want The Valley to continue these great works as we strive to improve the lives of those around us and continue to be community partners."
MVSU has been an active participant in the local community and beyond. Valley’s students have completed over 52,000 community service hours since October 2014. MVSU has sponsored and/or volunteered at Bikes, Blues, and Bayous, 300 Oaks, Greenville’s Dragon Boat Race and Viking Half Marathon along with tutoring students, volunteering with Habitat for Humanity, providing water during the Flint, Mich. Water Crisis, volunteering and hosting Hope America’s Christmas for Children Giveaway for Mississippi residents, assisting during the United Way’s Day of Caring, among many other efforts.
Most recently, MVSU has been named to U.S. News & World Report Best Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Regional Universities South rankings; College Choices’ Most Affordable Business Schools, and ToBecomeaTeacher.org’s Best Teaching Colleges in Mississippi Listing. Valley’s students have won several honors throughout the nation and state.
MVSU has an internationally renowned choir and band. The choir has performed in Chicago, Cincinnati, Jackson, Memphis, New Orleans, Omaha, Seattle, St. Louis, and Vancouver. Overseas destinations have included Brazil and Italy. In March 2014, Valley Singers toured Boston and performed at Boston University, Old South Church, the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, and Acton-Boxborough Regional High School. The Mean Green Marching Machine Band has performed at the Presidential Inauguration of Richard Nixon, Indianapolis 500, Rose Bowl Parades, National Olympic Sports Festival, Official Honor Band for President George H.W. Bush’s Visit to Mississippi, to name a few of its noteworthy performances.
Qualifications for the honor include a proven track record of success and positive contributions to the community in philanthropy or community support for activities and projects; along with being a Chamber member in good standing. Nominations were received from the local community for the award. Read more: MSVU.edu
Chamber collaboration: Reedsburg council moves forward with ‘Discover Wisconsin’
Reedsburg is one step closer to potentially being featured on “Discover Wisconsin.”
Common Council approved a proposal giving the city administrator the authority to sign a contract with Discover Mediaworks. The vote was unanimous during council’s regular meeting Jan. 23.
City Administrator Stephen Compton said the City would partner with the Reedsburg Area Chamber of Commerce to fund the $40,000 project. The City would be responsible for $21,600, and the chamber would cover the rest.
Some of the money has already been set aside in the budget for this year, Compton said.
It costs nearly $219,000 per episode but Discover Mediaworks can offer the service for $40,000 thanks to sponsors, said Greg Smith, the company’s managing director. Besides creating the episode, the company also needs to buy airtime. Many people believe the show is on public television but it has always been on cable, he said. The businesses that advertise during the show bear the brunt of expenses.
Reedsburg’s episode would air three times over a two-year period, he said. If filming took place this year, the show could debut in 2018 or 2019 and would air in 8 states. Episodes are a little over 20 minutes long, but run for a half hour with commercials.
Smith said Discover Mediaworks would collaborate with the chamber of commerce to highlight different kinds of events and attractions throughout the year. Read more: Reedsburg Times-Press
Jasper Chamber interest: Women Empowering Women to Gather for First Time in 2017
The Dubois County women’s leadership organization, Women Empowering Women (WEW), will gather on Wednesday, February 8, at the St. Joseph Church Parish Center, 1029 Kundek Street in Jasper. Doors will open at 11:30am for networking before the meeting begins at 11:45am. This event is open to all prospective and current WEW members.
True to its mission statement, the importance of mentoring and networking will be the focus of WEW’s first meeting of the new year themed It’s Not About Me, It’s All About Me. According to Forbes, activities related to mentoring and networking create competitive advantages in business and careers. In this session, we will hear mentorship success stories and how members can be a part of the mentoring program. Attendees will also be given opportunities to expand their networks by participating in small groups organized by professional interest. These discussions will be designed to help participants engage in discussions on current topics facing our communities, professions and interests.
Advanced reservations are required for members and guests. Reservations should be made by calling the Jasper Chamber of Commerce at 812-482-6866 or by emailing chamber@jasperin.org by Wednesday, February 1. The cost for lunch is $5.00 per person and is payable at the door.
The mission of Women Empowering Women is to inspire women in business to reach their highest potential by instilling confidence, building networks, and promoting community in Dubois County. Membership is open to any woman in business who lives or works in Dubois County.
For more information about WEW and to access a membership application, visit the organizations’ Facebook page or contact the Jasper Chamber of Commerce. More information – Nancy Eckerle – 812/482-6866
Agriculture director speaks to Cave City chamber
Members of the Cave City Chamber of Commerce got a lesson Tuesday night in agriculture when Warren Beeler, executive director of the Governor’s Office of Agriculture Policy spoke.
Beeler, a former hog farmer from Caneyville, talked to chamber members about how Kentucky has used tobacco settlement money for advancements in agriculture.
“This money has been a blessing,” he said.
Fifty percent of the money the state received has been invested in agriculture.
“We’re doing agriculture better than we ever have in history,” he said, adding that the tobacco settlement money has come to be used as seed money to help Kentucky farmers help themselves.
The current trend in agriculture is producing more with less.
In a Power Point presentation, Beeler showed how much more farmers produce in pork, chicken, corn, eggs, soybeans, wheat and milk now compared to what was produced in 1950.
The slide showed hog farmers producing 176 percent more pork per sow with 44 percent fewer sows. It also showed that 333 percent more corn being produced on 11 percent fewer acres.
Beeler also talked about new advancements in agriculture, such as robotic milking systems where cows are trained to go to a robot to be milked in order to get fed.
He also touched on new crops that are being studied, such as chia, canola, sumac and hemp.
“My 90-year-old dad is the least afraid of hemp,” he said. “It’s just a crop to him. We made rope out of it during World War II.” Read more: Glasgow Daily Times
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