Manufacturing 2.0
Rock River Valley manufacturing experts discuss the many facets of manufacturing: technology, education, training, events, people and any other aspects of this important segment of our economy. They’ll use this blog to get the word out and solicit feedback on local and global manufacturing. They hope to better engage our employers, employees and our future work force and increase their understanding of manufacturing.

GROUP ENERGIZED by WIND

February 26th, 2009 at 04:59pm Tom McDunn

The Wind Energy Initiative of the Rock River Valley convened with a stellar updraft, hosting 70 energetic participants (no pun intended, well maybe). Discussions focused on growing the participation of local manufacturers in the WIND supply chain to additional companies in the region. The WEI committee envisions the region getting smarter about the requirements to be a world class wind supplier. Ideally, a company or companies would take the lead as integrator of subsystems that other companies could support to develop a Rockford-based supply chain. One current bottleneck for the success of “big wind” is the transmission or powertrain. The Rockford-Milwaukee-Chicago corridor is rich in experience and expertise in this area. Our region is a natural to participate. We just have to make the connections. Once the pathway is clear the WEI committee envisions working with local, state, and federal resources to eliminate stumbling blocks to meet that goal.There are many ways for the region’s companies to come up to speed. Many partnering and consultative options exist. Also, there are many conferences and trade shows to participate in. One upcoming event is the Windpower Expo in May in Chicago. ( http://www.windpowerexpo.org/ )

The WEI committee has organized a followup meeting to discuss these options and refine a focus for the region. The next meeting is 8:00-10:00 am, March 10, at the EIGERlab. Any company is welcome to participate.

The WEI was a committee formed from the Manufacturer’s Council of the Rockford Chamber. The group was a model of what a committee can accomplish in the 21stcentury. I applaud the efforts of the team which includes: Tom  Austin, Melesia Boyer, Ellwyn Englof,  Pete Gustafson, Richard Hrynkow, Mark Lietz,  Mike Molander, Daniel Otho, and Mark Podemski.

Anyone interested in the next meeting of the WEI on March 10, 2009 can contact Richard Hrynkow at  815-395-6626.  

Entry Filed under: Networking, People, Productivity, Technology, Education & Training, Economy

3 Comments Add your own

  • 1. bob trojan  |  February 26th, 2009 at 6:39 pm

    This was, in my opinion, one of the best “seminars” that I have attended. Kudos to Richard, Ellwyn and the Manufacturers Council and its Chair, Tom McDunn. In a short 2 hours we had a great introduction to the industry and what it takes to participate.

    This is an opportunity for the region and we encourage maximum interest and participation.

  • 2. Teresa Beach-Shelow  |  February 28th, 2009 at 5:43 am

    I am excited too! This is a great industry for the RRValley to persue. I encourage individual companies that are interested to add to their strategic plan moving up to AS9100 regestration and partner with experts in moving their job shop from smaller quantities to one that can really deal with the different mind set of high precision, zero defect, high production work. Our local companies will have to be prepared in order to participate.

  • 3. Jim Phelps  |  March 1st, 2009 at 12:07 pm

    Yep… and lot’s of folks out there with the skills to fill these jobs.

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