Chamber interest: Top 10 manufacturing trends for 2019
10. Investment / funding for SMEs
As established enterprises wrestle with becoming more innovative and agile, ‘buying in’ that mindset and approach will be an increasingly attractive option. For start-ups and SMEs, the benefit is being able to access funding and support from a wide range of sources and being able to tap into the much wider resources of larger organisations, without necessarily compromising their independence.
Whether through financial investment, accessing IP or simply agreeing a mutual sharing of resources, 2019 will see increased partnerships and collaborations between established manufacturers and smaller operators.
9. Better diversity
2018 saw the continuation of a major conversation and focus on diversity across all levels of society. From a manufacturing perspective, the business case is clear – an organisation is likely to perform better financially if its workforce is more diverse. Diversity is going to continue to be top of the agenda for many years to come, and with greater public awareness will come increased government scrutiny and tougher legislation.
Forward thinking businesses will pre-empt this by implementing more rigorous and impactful programmes to accelerate the diversification of their workforces.
8. Workforce of the future
Digitalisation holds great promise for manufacturers, yet it is not an off the shelf solution. Any sort of transformation is as much about the people implementing it as it is about the technology. With digital skills a scarce resource, manufacturers need to be investing now to ensure that they are building a workforce of the future. 2019 will see increased investment in digital training, both internally and in partnership with centres of education, such as universities and accelerators.
Partnering with complementary businesses will also help bring knowledge into businesses in a cost-effective manner.
7. AI/Machine Learning
The increased adoption of IoT will also see an increase in the amount of data that manufacturers produce. Data may be the crude oil of the 21st century, but without the ability to analyse and action based on tangible, accurate insights, it is simply taking up space. This is where artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning comes in – having the ability to manage volumes of data, generate legible insights and proffer solutions will greatly increase manufacturers’ responsiveness, improving efficiency and helping identify new business opportunities.
2019 will see greater levels of importance attached to manufacturers’ ability to incorporate AI and machine learning into their operations.
6. 5G rollout
5G will deliver huge improvements in download speeds, latency reduction and the ability to remotely control a vast array of devices. 2019 will be the year that the groundwork and preparation for 5G rollout really picks up, with the potential for the beginning of a limited rollout by the end of the year.
For manufacturers looking to fully invest in IoT this will be a huge gamechanger, giving them true real-time control and insight which will result in being able to make faster, more impactful decisions.
See also
- SSG Insight: the rise of the intelligent factory
- $765bn of infrastructure projects to be delivered through digital manufacturing in next 10 years
- Technology, governance and risk: Navigating the evolving challenges of the manufacturing industry
Almost unheard of by anybody outside the cryptocurrency-sphere until 2017-18, blockchain is now taking the manufacturing world by storm. The coming year will see a direct impact of blockchain on financial operations, boosting speed, security and a cost-effective solution to transactions.
Looking at the supply chain, blockchain technologies will also influence different areas from management, tracking and transaction reporting.
4. AR and VR enhancement
The majority of manufacturers, or those working in the sector, have encountered some form of virtual or augmented reality in recent years. Whether it is quirky start-ups or large-scale global brands, we are set to see more of this technology incorporated into existing processes and products to enhance overall experience.
We will continue to see new companies emerge, identifying innovative ways of adopting it, while established organisations will mine their business to uncover areas of improvement.
3. Cyber security
Cyber threats will continue to dominate technology spending. As companies become more digital, and increase their connected footprint, they will be increasingly exposed to cyber criminals. At the same time, they need to balance the need for security with the need to be able to innovate.
Businesses will need to develop new ways of securing their operations, with a growing realisation that the firewall approach isn’t fit for purpose, either in preventing breaches or allowing them to be more agile.
2. IoT expansion
It is widely accepted that the Internet of Things (IoT) market is growing at an exponential rate and becoming the norm for many, with 3.6bn connected devices used for daily tasks this year. In 2019, we can expect this growth to continue to spread.
Boosted by 5G connectivity and advances in sensor technology, the manufacturing industry will see more IoT devices than ever before to drive forward the industrial revolution.
1. Industry – university collaboration
There has long been an understanding of the value of industry/university collaborations; however, until recently this was limited to a few select partnerships. In 2019, links between industry and academia will continue to strengthen as both sides seek to use the resources and expertise of the other to enhance their own offerings and increase their understanding of the theoretical and practical applications of new technologies. More information: Global Manufacturing
Chamber's 'Giving' trees support local charities in Geneva
For the first time, the Geneva Chamber of Commerce has a giving tree on display at the Geneva History Museum, one of 16 in the museum’s annual program where local charities decorate trees according their mission.
The tree promotes support for the 2019 Swedish Days festival, from June 18-23, which the chamber hosts, featuring dala horses and other traditional Swedish ornaments, said Geneva History Museum Executive Director Terry Emma.
The charity that gets the most votes for its tree will receive all of its proceeds, while the rest will share with the museum.
Emma said while it’s nice that public comes in to vote with dollars for their favorite trees and their most favored causes, the most money comes in through online donations.
“We’ve already had a major donor give $1,000 online for Lazarus House,” Emma said. Read more: Kane County Chronicle
Arlington Chamber: 94th Annual Meeting Review
On Friday, December 7, more than 200 members and guests gathered at the Sheraton Pentagon City Hotel to celebrate the Chamber's many successes in 2018 and look forward to what is to come in 2019.
To kick off the afternoon, 2018 Chair Lindsey Rheaume of EagleBank highlighted some of the Chamber's accomplishments over the year, including its powerful business advocacy efforts, increase in membership, and successful execution of numerous event updates. Incoming 2019 Chair Greg Hamilton of Arlington Magazine spoke about building on the Chamber's growth and successes of 2018 moving into the new year. Hamilton also announced the 2019 Board of Directors and that Scott Ritter of United Bank will serve as the 2020 Chair of the Board. Assistant General Manager & Director of Legal Affairs at the Washington Capitals Don Fishman delivered the keynote speech, which focused on the 2018 Stanley Cup champions, how it's such an exciting time to be in Arlington, and why they love call Arlington their home.
The afternoon also included the presentation of prestigious awards, including the 2018 Chair's Award to Virginia Hospital Center, the 2018 President's Award to Greg Hamilton of Arlington Magazine, and the 2018 Committee of the Year to the Government Affairs and Economic Development Committee, co-chaired by Brian Gordon of Apartment and Office Building Association and Tad Lunger of McGuireWoods LLP. Congratulations to all of our winners!
For more photos from the Annual Meeting, visit our Facebook page. We encourage you to tag yourselves and your organizations in the photos!
Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce 2018-2019 Business Directory and Resource Guide
The Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce 2018-2019 Business Directory and Resource Guide is available at the Virginia Peninsula Chamber today! Thanks to Bob McKenna, Suzy Johnson and the chamber team for their help and direction putting this together!
Town Square Publications (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.
Wisconsin Rapids Entrepeneur Takes Home the Top Prize at the Central Wisconsin Hatch Regional Finale
Area entrepreneur Pete Jungwirth of Wisconsin Rapids took home the top prize at the Central Wisconsin Hatch Regional Finale Wednesday night held at the Noel Car Barn, earning $5,000 for his company, Amira Learning. The company uses artificial intelligence technology to help teachers assess students’ reading levels and improve their skills individually, based on specific areas where they need help.
The HATCH Finale was attended by a crowd of nearly 250 people who watched six area entrepreneurs pitch their business to judges and vote for their favorite. During the award presentations at the end of the evening, Fred Raasch of BrightStar incorrectly announced that Siren Shrub was the winner of the People’s Choice Award, determined by a popular vote of those attending. The correct recipient of the People’s Choice Award and $500 cash prize was Michael More and his product, The Scape, while Siren Shrub earned the BrightStar Entrepreneur Award and a $500 cash prize.
The Scape is a unique product that synchronizes aspects of mobiles, light projectors and sound machines to help babies and adults sleep. More and The Scape product won the local Hatch event in Stevens Point to qualify for the finale.
Siren Shrub, a company run by Layne Cozzolino and Mindy McCord from Stevens Point, produce a line of concentrated sipping vinegars made from locally grown fruits and herbs. Siren Shrub presented in June at the Wisconsin Rapids Hatch event and were selected as one of the “Wild Card” presenters at the regional finale.
Area entrepreneur and philanthropist John Noel kicked off the event with some words of encouragement for the six finalists. “Regardless of what happens tonight, pursue your dreams with every ounce of your passion,” he said. “And as your dreams become successful businesses, I encourage you to do what you can to give back and make the world better.”
HATCH is funded by BrightStar Wisconsin Foundation with the help of a matching grant from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation and support from local sponsors for the finale that included the Judd S. Alexander Foundation, Compass Properties, Ruder Ware Law Firm, BMO Harris Bank and North Wind Renewable Energy.
The Central Wisconsin Hatch Regional Finale was hosted by Compass Properties and organized by BrightStar and the four organizations that hosted the preliminary local events; Portage County Business Council, Marshfield Chamber of Commerce, Entrepreneur and Education Center in Wausau and Mid-States Technical College - Wisconsin Rapids campus.
Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce 2018-2019 Business Directory and Resource Guide
The Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce 2018-2019 Business Directory and Resource Guide is available at the Virginia Peninsula Chamber today! Thanks to Bob McKenna, Suzy Johnson and the chamber team for their help and direction putting this together!
Town Square Publications (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.
December Power in Partnership To Feature Nikki Jackson with Federal Reserve
Nikki Jackson, Senior Vice President & Regional Executive, Louisville Branch, with the Federal Reserve Bank, will be the featured speaker for the Paducah Area Chamber of Commerce December Power in Partnership breakfast. The breakfast will be held on Thursday, December 6 at 7:30 a.m. at the Julian Carroll Convention Center. US Bank is the sponsor.
The Louisville branch covers metro Louisville, southern Indiana and western Kentucky. As leader of the this Branch, Jackson connects the public, business leaders, community bankers, community development organizations, and educators—the groups representing Main Street—to the Fed. She oversees the Branch’s community development and economic education initiatives. Jackson earned a Juris Doctor from the University of Miami School of Law and a bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Hampton University.
She serves on the boards of Greater Louisville Inc., OneWest, the Louisville Regional Airport Authority, and Board of Advisors of University of Louisville’s College of Business and Family Scholar House. She is a member of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
In 2017 she was selected as Louisville Business First’s “Woman of Influence.” She has also been honored as one of “20 People to Know in Banking and Finance,” “Forty Under 40” and recognized as one of the “10 Most Influential Women of Louisville.”
Below are the details of the breakfast:
When: Thursday, December 6, 7:30-8:30 a.m.
Where: Julian M. Carroll Convention Center, Ohio Room
Speaker: Nikki Jackson with Federal Reserve, Louisville Branch
Sponsor: US Bank
Cost: $15 for members, $25 for non-Chamber members
Wisconsin Rapids Entrepeneur Takes Home the Top Prize at the Central Wisconsin Hatch Regional Finale
Area entrepreneur Pete Jungwirth of Wisconsin Rapids took home the top prize at the Central Wisconsin Hatch Regional Finale Wednesday night held at the Noel Car Barn, earning $5,000 for his company, Amira Learning. The company uses artificial intelligence technology to help teachers assess students’ reading levels and improve their skills individually, based on specific areas where they need help.
The HATCH Finale was attended by a crowd of nearly 250 people who watched six area entrepreneurs pitch their business to judges and vote for their favorite. During the award presentations at the end of the evening, Fred Raasch of BrightStar incorrectly announced that Siren Shrub was the winner of the People’s Choice Award, determined by a popular vote of those attending. The correct recipient of the People’s Choice Award and $500 cash prize was Michael More and his product, The Scape, while Siren Shrub earned the BrightStar Entrepreneur Award and a $500 cash prize.
The Scape is a unique product that synchronizes aspects of mobiles, light projectors and sound machines to help babies and adults sleep. More and The Scape product won the local Hatch event in Stevens Point to qualify for the finale.
Siren Shrub, a company run by Layne Cozzolino and Mindy McCord from Stevens Point, produce a line of concentrated sipping vinegars made from locally grown fruits and herbs. Siren Shrub presented in June at the Wisconsin Rapids Hatch event and were selected as one of the “Wild Card” presenters at the regional finale.
Area entrepreneur and philanthropist John Noel kicked off the event with some words of encouragement for the six finalists. “Regardless of what happens tonight, pursue your dreams with every ounce of your passion,” he said. “And as your dreams become successful businesses, I encourage you to do what you can to give back and make the world better.”
HATCH is funded by BrightStar Wisconsin Foundation with the help of a matching grant from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation and support from local sponsors for the finale that included the Judd S. Alexander Foundation, Compass Properties, Ruder Ware Law Firm, BMO Harris Bank and North Wind Renewable Energy.
The Central Wisconsin Hatch Regional Finale was hosted by Compass Properties and organized by BrightStar and the four organizations that hosted the preliminary local events; Portage County Business Council, Marshfield Chamber of Commerce, Entrepreneur and Education Center in Wausau and Mid-States Technical College - Wisconsin Rapids campus.
Byron Center Chamber of Commerce named 2018 Outstanding Chamber of the Year finalist
Thanks to its creative community events and continued growth and retention numbers over the last few years, the Byron Center Chamber of Commerce was recently recognized by the Michigan Association of Chamber Professionals as a finalist for the 2018 Outstanding Chamber of the Year award.
Winners and finalists in the small, mid-size and large chamber categories were announced at the MACP's annual convention, which was held on Oct. 18 in Flint this year. Executive Director Amy Zeilenga was on hand to accept a certificate and promotional seal on behalf of the chamber, which competed in the small category.
Zeilenga announced the award to the chamber's membership at a business luncheon held Nov. 7, during which she passed out mini trophies stamped with the saying, "We Are The Chamber!"
"We are thrilled to be considered a finalist and recognized in this way," Zeilenga said. "We were highlighted at the awards ceremony for our creative community events like 'Steer in to Byron Center' and our continued growth and retention of chamber members."
Zeilenga said the chamber's membership has nearly doubled in size over the past seven years.
"This award shows our chamber is dedicated in promoting strong business practices, recognizes leadership and contributions to our community, and establishes best practices within the industry," Zeilenga said. "We are especially proud of our accomplishments within the area of leadership and growing a stronger community to live, work and visit. More: M LIVE
Kernersville Chamber of Commerce 2017-2018 Community Guide
The Kernersville Chamber of Commerce Community Guide is available at the Chamber of Commerce today! Thank you to Chris Comer and the Chamber team for their help and direction putting this together!
Town Square Publications (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.
Indiana Chamber meeting: Jasper honored, cited as a role model
Weekend filled with Christmas parades
After the Indiana Chamber of Commerce annual membership meeting ended Tuesday night, Mitch Daniels approached Terry Seitz and said something that resonated with the Jasper mayor.
Hearing that sentiment from a leader he respects touched Seitz.
Speaking in front of a crowd estimated to be larger than 2,000 people at the Indiana Convention Center earlier in the evening, Seitz expressed a message of gratitude. Jasper was named the Indiana chamber’s Community of the Year in early September, and last night, the city was recognized at the yearly event.
“To be named the Indiana Chamber of Commerce Community of the Year is indeed an honor, because through the emphasis on community rather than city, it distinguishes an entire region,” Seitz said. “And Jasper is a regional community.”
A press release issued from the mayor’s office Tuesday night explained that Seitz told the crowd Jasper serves as the economic center of southwest central Indiana. He said that long before the term “regional city” was promoted by the state, Jasper established itself as a center of enterprise and employment, healthcare and education, dining and shopping, and tourism and entertainment.
In a phone interview after the event, Seitz thanked Matrix Integration CEO Brenda Stallings for nominating the city. He said about 40 elected officials, companies and organizations connected to Jasper attended the dinner. When it came to a close, even more people came up to him and shared their ties to the city.
“I’m so grateful for anyone and everyone who has sent notes and congratulatory mentions, and, of course, all those who were present tonight,” Seitz said in the call. “Our business community truly has an impact on not only the state of Indiana [and] this country, but also in international markets, as you well know.”
When asked what makes Jasper a great place, Jasper Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Nancy Eckerle said it’s all about the people.
“Whatever the cause is or the effort that’s going on, it’s always about the people,” she said. “People are willing to give of themselves, whether it’s their time, their talent, their finances ... whatever it is, people are always there to give and contribute and to keep making Jasper such a great community.”.
Seitz acknowledged the significant impact and everyday hard work that happens in Jasper, both from city employees and the business community.
“They make it and shake it, and we help support it and drive it as our city,” he said.
He believes Jasper won the award because of the strong businesses headquartered in Jasper, and the local government’s matching of pace with the business community. After the awards dinner ended, he said the city still has room to improve.
“It means there’s a lot of work still ahead,” Seitz said, reflecting on what the honor means to Jasper. “I looked at this tonight and said it’s not a pinnacle of anything. It’s a moment to kind of rest, give pause and say thanks. But work will continue as we have been going and then some, as long as we can carry that forward.”
He continued: “We’ve achieved an honor and an award, but ultimately, we have a lot of work left to do, and we’re gonna get it done.”
Past Community of the Year Award winners include Indianapolis, Bedford, Bloomington, Carmel, Fishers and Goshen. Read more: Dubois County Herald
Town Square Publications Chamber Membership Directories and Community Profiles: The best in the U.S.
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