Archive for February, 2009
February 25th, 2009
I posted earlier IBM some further facts about reasons for IBM going to Dubuque. One additional key feature that IBM and Dubuque bragged about was that “7 college presidents spoke in support of this move”.
It got me wondering…how many do we have around here? Sweeny’s post today about stimulus money coming for the airport’s aerospace education building tells me we have more than we think…
Let’s call it the Aviation University or something like that…and let’s add:
NIU, RVC, Rockford College, Rockford Business College, U of I School of Medicine, College of Nursing, Rasmussen College…let’s see, that’s 8 so far.
How about we add the Entrepreneurship Center at the Eigerlab and something I’m not familiar with: a College of Pharmacy?
Gee, that could make 10!!
If you look at Dubuque’s list, they include a Bible College, a Theological Seminary and an aviation “enrichment program for children”.
Maybe we need to blow our horn more!!
February 25th, 2009
Here’s what our European trading partners are doing to address Green Manufacturing and aid for industry.
Aid
February 25th, 2009
I am so glad that the President talked about entrepreneurs. Here are a few previous posts….
Entrepreneurs
Wannabe?
February 25th, 2009
Gosh, the President must have been reading my blog… Cheerleader
Look at the results of today’s quickie polls!!
Polls
February 25th, 2009
In case you missed the seminar announcement, see it here…. Wind
Here’s a short primer for manufacturers….
Some Initial Thoughts as You Consider Joining the Wind Industry Supply Chain:
· Already huge world-wide industry ($~75B)…. dominated by European and Asian suppliers …. scrambling to establish and rapidly grow U.S. supply chain means Rockford companies are competing on a global cost and capability basis
· GE Energy (~$6B) is the largest U.S. supplier of utility scale wind turbines and its supply chain is pretty well established
· The Europeans and Asians are modeling their business practices on the automotive and aerospace industries and hiring senior people into their U.S. operations from these industries
So, working with the big wind turbine companies and/or their suppliers is like working with the U.S. automotive and aerospace companies
o Competitive pricing, long-term partnerships, high pressure on delivery and quality performance
o Very rigorous qualification process to get on bidders’ lists
o Processes and systems must be in control and documented
o Contracts can be very one-sided and include liquidated damages clauses
· The sourcing tendency has been to globally source the smaller parts and U.S. source the many large (and huge) parts. This is beginning to change as the U.S. market is becoming so large and transportation costs have become so unpredictable.
· The typical utility scale wind turbine has around 8000 parts and many have “aerospace-type” tight tolerances and quality requirements.
· Wind turbine companies are looking for established companies with solid financing who can grow at rapid rates to support the forecast demand.
February 24th, 2009
Here is another article about the importance of new business start-ups and entrepreneurs. It may sound like a broken record if you’ve followed my previous posts:
Wannabe?
Now, as some of you may know, 7 years ago, several of “retired” executives from Hydro-Line started our current company. So this is from someone (me) that’s walked the talk.
I also believe that our region can do more starting up of new businesses…and lead us out of the current crisis; here’s the latest… Entrepreneurs
And there are plenty of resources around to help you!!
February 24th, 2009
Renewable energy will be getting a huge boost from the new administration. The wind energy industry can potentially be a source of additional component parts manufacturing business for Rockford.
The Rockford Chamber of Commerce Manufacturing Council’s Sub-Committee on wind energy business is sponsoring a workshop on the potential business prospects making component parts for OEM wind turbine companies. This industry has been experiencing a 40+% growth rate. In 2008, Vestas, a leading OEM, installed a wind turbine somewhere in the world every four hours. These large turbines each have up to 8,000 component parts.
In 2007, Illinois was third in the nation in newly installed wind turbine generating capacity and ranked 8th that year in installed capacity. There are several large wind farm installations in progress in the state. The Acciona 67 turbine wind farm near Lena will soon begin generating energy.
Rockford, both from a manufacturing view point and a geographical / transportation stand point, is well positioned to take advantage of the wind industry’s growth potential.
Join us for a closer look at the possibilities of wind energy business and give us your input on how Rockford companies, individually or as a collaborative, can benefit from this growth industry.
This workshop will be held at the Eiger Lab auditorium, 707 Fulton Ave., Rockford, on Thursday, February 26th, from 8:00 – 10:00 AM. Doors will open at 7:30 AM for registration and breakfast rolls. Call 815-395-6626 [Richard Hrynkow] to make a reservation. There is no cost.
Planned Agenda
- Introductions
- Overview of the Wind Industry
- Overview of Wind Turbine Systems / Components
- Supplier Requirements and Typical Certification Process
- Panel Discussion by 2-3 Local Companies Sharing Their Wind Industry Experiences
- Open Discussion Highlighting Possible Next Steps
February 24th, 2009
Yes, many have started their businesses when the economy was in a down cycle…here’s who and how….
Startups
Remember the post regarding “Small and Local”…here it is….Small
This is what I was talking about….start up small and build from there!
February 23rd, 2009
The stated reason that we read about regarding IBM’s recent announcement of their setting up shop in Dubuque, Iowa was the skilled workforce. I’m sure that had something to do with it, they claimed that 7 area college presidents personally made the pitch. Here is the IBM press release….IBM
I do not want to diminish the importance of skilled workforce and education.
But in searching the internet, I find that between the Governor’s involvement, state, local and city incentives that amounted to $52 million of the $100 million project cost, that there is more to the story. It’s called money….read about it here in the Chicago Tribune….Tribune
February 23rd, 2009
Interesting poll…
Fear
follows my earlier post about confidence….Confidence
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