Michigan Chamber Professional Digest
February, 2017
This is a
longer-than-normal newsletter, but please make sure to read David Rumbarger’s
note about Amazon’s tax-status in Mississippi and (as always) news you can use as a Michigan Chamber of
Commerce professional:
Michigan Chamber Of Commerce
Announces 2017-2018 Legislative Priorities/Agenda For Growing Michigan's
Economy And Reshaping Government
The Michigan Chamber of Commerce today announced legislative priorities for 2017-2018. These priorities were developed by the Chamber's policy advisory committees and members who attended nine regional meetings, providing input from over 800 business leaders from across the state. The Chamber's legislative priorities were unanimously approved on January 31, 2017 by the Michigan Chamber's 80-member Board of Directors.
"The core purpose of the Michigan Chamber is to help members solve their business problems and prosper," said Chamber Board Chair Raymond A. Biggs, President & CEO of West Shore Bank, Ludington. "These legislative priorities will be used to focus lawmakers' attention on public policy initiatives to strengthen our economy and encourage job creation."
"The Michigan Chamber represents over 6,500 job providers throughout the state who employ over one million residents," noted Michigan Chamber President & CEO Rich Studley. "Chamber members are strongly committed to moving Michigan forward by advancing this agenda to grow Michigan's economy, strengthen communities and reshape government."
"The Chamber's 2017-2018 legislative priorities reflect our ongoing commitment to delivering powerful advocacy and being a strong voice for business at the State Capitol," Studley added.
"The Michigan Chamber is unwavering in our support for free enterprise and our advocacy team will aggressively work to improve Michigan's economic competitiveness through enactment of these legislative priorities," said Jim Holcomb, Senior Vice President for Business Advocacy & General Counsel for the Michigan Chamber.
"Our legislative priorities establish a solid foundation for an impressive job creating agenda," Holcomb added. "To hold legislators accountable, prior to the 2018 election, we will publish a detailed scorecard to inform voters which legislators supported job providers and economic growth and who did not."
The Michigan Chamber's 2017-2018 legislative priorities target eight high-priority issue areas:
Education & Workforce Readiness
Employer Rights
Energy & Environment
Federal Entitlement Reform
Health Care
Legal Reform
Tax Climate
Transportation & Infrastructure
The Michigan Chamber's 2017-2018 legislative priorities are available on the Michigan Chamber's website at www.michamber.com/priorities. For specific questions on high-priority issue areas, please contact:
Education & Workforce Readiness, Employer Rights, Health Care, Legal Reform Wendy Block at wblock@michamber.com or (517) 371-7678
Energy Policy, Environmental Regulation Jason Geer at jgeer@michamber.com or (517) 371-7673
Michigan's Tax ClimateTricia Kinley at tkinley@michamber.com or (517) 371-7669
America's Entitlement Programs, Transportation & Infrastructure - Rich Studley at rstudley@michamber.com or (517) 371-2100 Source: Michigan Chamber
Birmingham-Bloomfield Chamber: Looking Ahead to
Some of the Biggest Summer Events in Birmingham
While it may be the middle of another cold and windy Michigan Winter, it never hurts to look forward to some of the big events happening this Summer in Birmingham.
First is Art Birmingham. Happening May 13th and 14th Art Birmingham is an exquisite fine art fair that will showcase more than 150 juried artists in an elegant and extraordinary setting. Featured work includes painting, ceramics, photography, jewelry, glass, wood, sculpture, mixed media, fiber, metal and more. Admission is free.
In July is Day On The Town, the biggest shopping day of the year! Head to Downtown Birmingham on July 22 for great deals and fun family activities, including a kid’s bike parade, face painting and live music.
The Woodward Dream Cruise is back for it’s 23rd year. On August 19th see more than 40,000 muscle cars, hot rods, custom, collector, and special vehicles driving down a 16 mile stretch of Woodward Avenue.
The Birmingham Street Art Fair will wrap the Summer up on September 16th and 17th. With more than 140 juried artists among unique shopping and fabulous restaurants, the Birmingham Street Art Fair is the perfect send-off to Summer. Read more: Birmingham-Bloomfield Chamber
Southern Wayne County
Regional Chamber Announces New President
The Southern Wayne
County Regional Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce its new president
and executive director, Ronald J. Hinrichs. Hinrichs, who is set to start his
new position on February 6, most recently served as the director of
events & media relations for the Dearborn Area Chamber of Commerce.
“We are thrilled to have
Ron join our team,” commented David Goodwin, chair of the Southern Wayne County
Regional Chamber’s board of directors. “Ron brings a level of enthusiasm and
experience that will strengthen and enhance the resources available to our
membership and the community.”
Hinrichs joins the
Chamber with valuable knowledge in nonprofit management and administration,
having worked in managerial roles with various organizations. At the Dearborn
Area Chamber of Commerce, he was a key component in enhancing marketing,
networking and promotional opportunities for the members of the Chamber and
various partners in the Dearborn area community. Working alongside a creative
and committed team, he significantly increased value and attendance for the Chamber’s
signature community and business events.
“The Southern Wayne
County Regional Chamber has made a wonderful decision in choosing Ron as their
next president,” commented Jackie Lovejoy, president of the Dearborn Area
Chamber of Commerce. “His administrative expertise, political acumen, and
general “can-do” attitude will fill the role perfectly. His focus on member
engagement and inclusion is phenomenal, and congratulations are in order all
around!”
He also led the national
award winning Metro Detroit Young Entrepreneurs Academy, which provides middle
school and high school students the tools needed to build their own, real
business.
“I am honored to have
the opportunity to serve the community and members of the Southern Wayne County
Regional Chamber,” said Hinrichs. “The Chamber is the key resource in our
region providing businesses, organizations and community partners with the
tools necessary to realize their dreams. I am eager to start working with our
talented staff and members to grow and enhance our region for our future
generations.”
Hinrichs is an alumnus
of Dearborn High School, and the Henry Ford Community College Honors Program.
He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Wayne State
University. Hinrichs resides with his wife Leah, daughter Natalie, and son
Ronald in Riverview, Michigan.
For More Information,
Contact:
David Goodwin, Chairman
of the Board
Southern Wayne County
Regional Chamber of Commerce
Tel: 734.284.6000
Flint & Genesee Chamber Rolls
Out Referral Rewards Program
Members and employees of the Flint & Genesee Chamber of
Commerce play an active role in helping the organization grow its membership.
And starting this year, the Chamber is thanking those who make referrals with a
new rewards program.
As part of the program, the Flint & Genesee Chamber now offers
monthly rewards sponsored by various member organizations. If a member or
employee makes a referral that results in a new membership, that individual
will receive the reward featured for the current month. (There are five rewards
available each month.)
Examples of upcoming packages include:
· 1,000 business cards and up to one hour of
design from Ads Plus Printing (February)
· A professional headshot or a 1-minute
business introduction video from Vandyke Photographers and Video Media
Production (March)
· A $25 gift certificate from Cork on
Saginaw (April)
What’s more, the top referrer of the year (with a minimum of five
referrals) will receive one year of an enhanced online directory listing and an
annual networking pass, which includes free admission for two to all monthly
Chamber Luncheons in 2017.
According to Heather Kale, Director of Member Services, referrals
are important to individual businesses as well as the overall organization.
“By referring a business for a Chamber membership, you’re not only
contributing to the vitality of our broader business community, but also to the
continued success of a colleague’s business,” Kale said. “Everyone benefits.”
To complete the referral form, click here.
For more information, contact Member Services at (810) 600-1404 or memberservices@flintandgenesee.org.
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.
Wyoming-Kentwood
Chamber of Commerce 2017 Community Map
The
new Wyoming-Kentwood Chamber of Commerce 2017 Community Map is
available at the Wyoming-Kentwood Chamber today! Thanks to Bob
O'Callaghan 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 guide or
publication needs at no expense to the chamber. Please email John Dussman
at jdussman@tspubs.com or call (847)-427-4633.
Hillsdale County Chamber luncheon:
Auto industry, entertainment topic of discussion
The auto industry and entertainment
was the topic of discussion at Tuesday's Trends Luncheon at Olivia's Chop
House.
The luncheon was sponsored by the
Hillsdale County Chamber of Commerce, the Economic Development Partnership of
Hillsdale County and Spring Arbor University, was the fifth in a series.
A record number of Hillsdale County
professionals were on hand for the event to hear Tracy McCullough, president
and chief executive office The Cardinal Group, Rick Brenner, president of
Michigan International Speedway and Josh Burgett, vice president of business
development at MIS speak.
Randy Yagiela, executive director of
the chamber welcomed everyone to the event and thanked them for braving the
weather.
He said this was by far the biggest
crowd to attend one of the lunches.
McCullough, began the conversation
by discussing the auto industry and its projections looking ahead to 2030.
She said technology is a driving
force in an ever changing industry.
During her presentation she
highlighted the growth of autonomous cars in the industry and highlighted Mcity
the University of Michigan's Mobility Transformation Center. It is the largest
autonomous vehicle camp in the United States involving all of the major
manufacturers. Read more: Hillsdale Daily News
#BestChamber practices: Rochester
Regional Chamber: Chamber Chat with Jill Sorensen
It's a new year and a great time to get more involved with our Chamber. Here are a few tips to get you started:
1. Grab your calendar and check out our events page and register for all of the upcoming events that you'd like to attend. Our events tend to fill up quickly, and regularly attending events is a great way to connect other members and build relationships.
2. Join a PCN group. PCN stands for Preferred Client Network and the goal of the groups are to build solid referral relationships with other members. Visit our website for a full list of groups.
3. Submit a Spotlight on Business article to be featured in our E-newsletter.
4. Attend Ribbon Cutting ceremonies. It's a great way to meet and welcome new business owners into our community and network with Chamber members.
5. Reach out to us with any questions you have. We are here to help you!
Don't forget to register for our Entrepreneurship Seminar Series which will be held on Friday, February 10, 2017 at the Rochester Hills Museum Calf Barn.
Please visit our website for more of our upcoming events and to register www.rrc-mi.com
Have a great week!
Jill Sorensen
Communications and Membership Relations Manager
It's a new year and a great time to get more involved with our Chamber. Here are a few tips to get you started:
1. Grab your calendar and check out our events page and register for all of the upcoming events that you'd like to attend. Our events tend to fill up quickly, and regularly attending events is a great way to connect other members and build relationships.
2. Join a PCN group. PCN stands for Preferred Client Network and the goal of the groups are to build solid referral relationships with other members. Visit our website for a full list of groups.
3. Submit a Spotlight on Business article to be featured in our E-newsletter.
4. Attend Ribbon Cutting ceremonies. It's a great way to meet and welcome new business owners into our community and network with Chamber members.
5. Reach out to us with any questions you have. We are here to help you!
Don't forget to register for our Entrepreneurship Seminar Series which will be held on Friday, February 10, 2017 at the Rochester Hills Museum Calf Barn.
Please visit our website for more of our upcoming events and to register www.rrc-mi.com
Have a great week!
Jill Sorensen
Communications and Membership Relations Manager
Coldwater chamber: Transition of
leadership
Jan. 20 marks a change of Presidents in the United States of America that happens every four or eight years. Regardless of who you voted for on Nov. 8 of last year (and I hope you voted), the 45th presidency of our great country begins on Friday.
Another transition of leadership, albeit much more modest, also takes place in January of this year. Brad Rockey becomes the past Chair of the Coldwater Chamber of Commerce, and I am honored to have the opportunity to become the chair for 2017. Quinn White becomes the vice chair and Paul Plant becomes the second vice chair.
The executive board will now consist of Brad, Quinn and myself. The commitment of these individuals, along with the dedication of the entire board and Chamber Executive Director Nichole Steel makes the decision to take a turn as chair a very easy one to make.
In preparation for this month's column, I had a chance to review Curt McRae's contributions over the course of 2016. I want to thank Curt for his passion for the Chamber and for his efforts to be entertaining and creative in addition to informative. I've thoroughly enjoyed reading his articles.
My first involvement with the Chamber of Commerce began when I founded Phil's Driving School, LLC, in 2004 (www.philsdrivingschool.net). My father and the business' namesake, Phil Hickey, joined the Chamber before we made our first dollar.
Phil recognized the value of the membership in the areas of networking, marketing/promotion, new business support, and civic commitment to the development of all businesses in our community. Read more: Daily Reporter
Deb Muchmore appointed 2017 Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce
Board Chair
The Lansing Regional
Chamber of Commerce (LRCC) announced this week that Deb Muchmore will serve as
the chairperson of their 2017 Board of Directors.
“Nothing is more
central to the purpose of the Chamber than working to create a climate where
businesses can succeed, enabling our region’s economy to thrive and lift
everyone who lives here,” Muchmore said. “A healthy business community drives
the Chamber’s ability to deliver top notch programs for employers and their
employees, and be the strong advocacy voice for business. In 2017, the Chamber
board will continue our focus on policies that improve member value and drive
regional economic health.”
Muchmore is a
partner in the government consulting firm of Kandler Reed Khoury &
Muchmore, and she has served on the LRCC board since 2011. Muchmore will
replace current board chair Joe Ford of Netvantage Marketing, who will remain
on the board. The move also sets up MSU Federal Credit Union CEO April Clobes
to take over in turn in 2018.
An MSU graduate,
Muchmore has been a public and government relations strategist for more than 30
years, with an emphasis on Michigan’s economy. In recent years, she also helped
expand the Lansing Economic Club–a regional forum for promoting economic,
leadership and cultural topics through a variety of speakers. Read more: The Peninsula
Flint & Genesee Certified Tourism
Ambassadors Program Sees Continued Growth
Since launching in late 2015, hundreds have joined the Flint & Genesee Certified Tourism Ambassador (CTA) network. And the program shows no signs of slowing down.
Accredited
through the Tourism Ambassador Institute and administered at the local level,
the CTA program is an industry-recognized certification that serves to increase
tourism by inspiring front-line employees and volunteers to turn every visitor
encounter into a positive experience.
It’s
the only program in existence today that gives an official designation to
individuals – from mayors to general managers to drivers to waiter staff – who
are passionate about their destination.
“There’s
tremendous community spirit here and the CTA program is a great way to leverage
that enthusiasm,” said DeAndra McCain, Director of the Flint & Genesee
Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Looking
forward, the Flint & Genesee Convention & Visitors Bureau has monthly
trainings scheduled through the rest of the year. Upcoming classes are
scheduled for Feb. 22, March 24 and April 27.
Interested
in learning more? Visit www.ctanetwork.com/app. From there, select ‘Michigan’
from the drop-down menu and click on ‘Flint & Genesee’ to complete the
enrollment application.
Traverse
City Chamber Of Commerce Member Awarded The 2016 Distinguished Service Award
A local legend was recognized Friday for his business leadership
in Grand Traverse County.
The Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce awarded the 2016
distinguished service award to Herb Lemcool.
Lemcool ran C&H Maintenance for nearly 50 years, and spent 16
as a county commissioner.
He's also been involved in countless community projects and committees.
Lemcool says it's an honor and that the chamber has become a huge
part of his life.
“When you're active in the community you don't expect these kinds
of awards your job is to give not to receive and so I’m so blessed to be part
of this chamber of commerce, and so many things that have happened in my life
have been connected to the chamber,” Lemcool said.
Harbor Springs Chamber of commerce announces annual meeting
Harbor
Springs Area Chamber of Commerce leaders invite chamber members to the annual
membership meeting at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 26, at Birchwood Farms Golf
and Country Club. This event is sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of
Michigan.
At
the annual membership meeting, new board members will be sworn in, the new
executive committee will be introduced, and Sandy Duley will hand over the role
of president to Marcie Wolf.
Members
in good standing are asked to download the official ballot for the election of
four members to the Harbor Springs Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.
These positions are for three-year terms, beginning Jan. 26, with the exception
of the executive committee level per the Harbor Springs Area Chamber of
Commerce by-laws. Members can download the board of directors ballot from the
Harbor Springs Area Chamber of Commerce website, www.harborspringschamber.com
The
board of directors is working together on a vision for the Harbor Springs Area
Chamber of Commerce. The board is creating an actionable strategic plan that
will benefit the organization and its members, and continues to work on the
behalf of its members as the organization moves forward into the new year.
A
free lunch will be provided to chamber members and advance registration is
required. Chamber members can call (231) 526-7999 or email marge@harborspringschamber.com to
reserve a spot prior to the event. Read more: Petoskey News
Cheboygan Chamber swears in
officers, board of directors
The Cheboygan Area Chamber of Commerce recently announced that its
officers and board of directors have been formally sworn in and have assumed
their positions for 2017. The Cheboygan Area Chamber of Commerce represents
member businesses, organizations, municipalities and individuals who operate in
and contribute to the economy of the greater Cheboygan area. While the chamber
employs a full time executive director and office manager to run day to day
operations, it is the all-volunteer board of directors that is charged with the
governance of the organization and setting the strategic direction. Elected as
Chamber President for 2017 is Missy Koszegi, managing broker of Coldwell Banker
Schmidt in Cheboygan. Joining Koszegi as officers of the board are 1st Vice
President Dede Anderson of Mullett Lake Marina and Anchor In Marina, 2nd Vice
President and Secretary is Darren Selden of Citizens National Bank, and
Treasurer for 2017 is Marianne Ridings of Black River Customs.
Shari Schult of McLaren Northern Michigan just completed her term
as Chamber President for 2016 and will join the above group of officers in a
past presidents role. The remaining members of the Board of Directors are as
follows: Scott Beard of Straits Area Printing, Emily Clare of Purple Tree Books
and Coffee, Jade Hunt of Schwartz Boiler Shop, Bryan Groff of Cheboygan Brewing
Company, and Linda Moline of Encore Financial Group. Each board member is a
long standing member of the chamber and does business throughout the Cheboygan
area and has a great passion for growing the local economy. "I am very
excited for this year and for our chamber," said Koszegi. "Our
economy is growing again and the Cheboygan Area is positioning itself to grow
with it. Our chamber is poised in 2017 to enhance the value to our members
through leadership, engagement, advocacy, development and support
(LEADS)." Koszegi went on to encourage any and all businesses and
organizations to get involved in the Cheboygan area, and to consider joining
the Cheboygan Area Chamber of Commerce as a member. For more information about
the Cheboygan Area Chamber of Commerce or to become a member , contact the
Chamber office at 231 627-7183 or
Cheboygan Chamber
FYI- Note from
Mississippi- David Rumbarger, CEO Community Development Foundation:
Amazon decision will help create equitable e-commerce environment
Shop local. We hear it
all the time, we see it posted at the entrance of our favorite locally-owned
retailer, we read it in advertisements, on Facebook and at the ends of many a
tweet. But in today’s marketplace, how easy is it to truly #shoplocal, especially
if you can purchase those tennis shoes you’ve been eyeing for less, online? If
you ask any of CDF’s small-business-owning members, they’d tell you it gets
harder each year.
For 85 years, our state
has operated under a sales tax law that made in-state retailers the sole
collectors of sales tax. Yet, as technology becomes commonplace and with
shoppers crossing the divide between traditional stores to online sellers, over
time, our desire to save money is costing us much more than the few dollars you
are saving by purchasing that belt you tried on at the mall from Amazon
instead.
Sure, it can be
convenient to shop on Amazon, and yes, it can (sometimes) be cheaper thanks to
the tax break Amazon is given by Mississippi. Shipping is even free with your
annual $99 Prime Membership, which technically, is not free. But convenient
consumerism is costing our state and the city of Tupelo and Lee County crucial
tax revenue. We’re giving out-of-state retailers a free ride as far as
contributing to the overall growth and well-being of our communities is
concerned.
Meanwhile, local
merchants selling the same merchandise and returning sales tax to the economy
are supporting the community in ways that more than make up for the price
differential: providing personalized service, employing local citizens, serving
on community boards and committees – contributing to our greater good. Amazon
doesn’t sit on our local arts council, donate money to our schools, join the
Chamber or provide the tax revenue that can finally fill that pesky pot hole
you’ve been dodging for months.
This week’s announcement
that Amazon, the largest online retailer in our state, will begin to collect
Mississippi’s seven percent sales tax, demonstrates what skillful negotiations
can accomplish. The successful talks between the Internet giant and
Mississippi’s Department of Revenue somewhat levels the playing field.
While estimates vary as
to the exact dollar amount Amazon’s collection will mean to the economics of
our state, it’s expected to be in the millions. What was once an unfair
practice is now one step closer to becoming more equitable as e-commerce sales
in Mississippi continue to grow.
The revenue generated by
Amazon’s collection of sales tax will contribute to solving some of the state’s
budget problems. As more online retailers follow suit, Mississippi can hope for
an enhanced economic forecast. In the meantime, we can do our part by
continuing to shop locally. The best part? Shipping is always free.
David Rumbarger is
president and CEO of the Community Development Foundation in Tupelo.
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.
Bourbina and Lyons join Midland
Chamber staff
Mallory Bourbina has joined the Midland Area Chamber of
Commerce as
an information specialist. Bourbina will work in a shared role with
responsibilities to include customer service and coordination of office manager
duties.
Bourbina comes to the Chamber with a background in office
management, customer service and bookkeeping services. She has a bachelor of
science in history from Central Michigan University, and has recently moved to
Midland. She can be reached at chamber@macc.org or (989) 839-9901.
Emily Lyons has joined the Midland
Area Chamber of Commerce as a program specialist. Lyons works in program and event
planning for the Chamber, including Partnerships for Education (Reality Store;
Young Entrepreneur’s Academy; Career Search, Business/Education Forums), and she will assume the
Farmers Market manager role.
Lyons comes to the Chamber with a background in banking,
education, farming and horticulture. She was one of the first people to help
implement the token program at the Midland Area Farmers Market. Lyons has a
bachelor of science degree in horticulture from Michigan State University and lives in Midland
with her family. She can be reached at elyons@macc.org or (989) 839-9901. Read
more: Midland Daily News
Top Five Daily Postings in the last month at Midwest Chamber of Commerce
Daily – click to go there or Google search “Midwest Chamber of Commerce blog”
|
Jan 4, 2017
|
121
|
|
Jan 26, 2017
|
112
|
|
Jan 24, 2017
|
102
|
|
Feb 6, 2017
|
102
|
|
Jan 20, 2017
|
95
|
Last Month’s Stories
Troy Chamber to Host
“Best of Troy Awards” Breakfast Featuring A Keynote by Matthew Cullen of Rock
Ventures theteam@troychamber.com
Chamber opportunity: Michigan West Coast Chamber of Commerce:
Michigan West Coast Director of Sales and Member Engagement apply here http://bit.ly/2haLmXY.
Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce names new executive director UpNorthLive.com
Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce names new executive director UpNorthLive.com
Muskegon
County Economic Forecast to take new tone in 2017 M
LIVE
The Birmingham-Bloomfield is available at the Birmingham-Bloomfield
Chamber of Commerce today! Thank you to Joe Bauman and
the B-B Chamber team for their help and direction putting this together!
#BestChamber Practices: Clarkston Area Chamber: Support Local
Businesses by going out to lunch! Clarkston Area Chamber of Commerce
Grand Rapids Chamber leads negotiations to protect electric choice
& ratepayers Grand Rapids Chamber
Gladwin Chamber to host legislative
breakfasts Midland Daily News
Sterling Heights Chamber
of Commerce: Why is it Good to be a Chamber Member? Chamber office at 586.731.5400, x22.
Lansing expands internet access with more than 100 new Comcast
outdoor Wi-Fi hotspots Michigan Peninsula News
If your
chamber would like their own Chamber directory or gloss community map in
July/August, 2017, please contact me at your earliest convenience.
Best,
John
John Dussman | Chamber Manager
jdussman@tspubs.com | 847-427-4633 | Town Square Publications
Daily Herald Media Group
155 E. Algonquin Road | Arlington Heights, IL 60005
jdussman@tspubs.com | 847-427-4633 | Town Square Publications
Daily Herald Media Group
155 E. Algonquin Road | Arlington Heights, IL 60005
Do you have a story idea?
If you have a chamber news item that you would like to be included in the Chamber Executive Michigan Intelligence Report or the Midwest Chamber of Commerce Daily News blog (above), please email me at jdussman@tspubs.com with subject line: Chamber Executive Michigan Intelligence Report or call me at (847)-427-4633. Thank you.
If you have a chamber news item that you would like to be included in the Chamber Executive Michigan Intelligence Report or the Midwest Chamber of Commerce Daily News blog (above), please email me at jdussman@tspubs.com with subject line: Chamber Executive Michigan Intelligence Report or call me at (847)-427-4633. Thank you.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.