Archive for July, 2009
July 25th, 2009
This past week, Techworks at the Eigerlab hosted 11 young people at their annual Manufacturing Camp. I had the chance to attend the final session on Friday when they were quizzed on reading a caliper and using a laser gun to record their answers.
When the class was finished I asked one of the young ladies, Rebecca Richert, what was her favorite part of the week-long program. Without hesitating, she said “when I was running a machine tool the other day”.
Well, that was surprising to me yet encouraging at the same time. To hear a young lady say she enjoyed running a machine…WOW!
One of the cool exposures they had was with SolidWorks engineering software. At the end of the program, they each received a printout of their drawing they made using SolidWorks…and a free Student version of the software for their personal use.
Now, how cool is that?
Techworks hosts manufacturing camps each summer for eighth-, ninth- and 10th-graders.
The weeklong camp teaches students basic manufacturing concepts, precision measurement and shop safety. By the end of the week, the students have designed and manufactured products and have toured local manufacturing operations.
The camp is sponsored by Women of Today’s Manufacturing, the PACCAR Foundation and Rockford-based Fabricators and Manufacturers Association.
Well done all you supporters and keep up the good work! And spread the word to your friends!
July 24th, 2009
The wind energy industry in Illinois is projected to generate $1.9 billion in economic benefits for the state over the next 25 years, according to an economic impact study of wind energy development conducted by Illinois State University’s Center for Renewable Energy.
“Wind energy in Illinois not only provides clean, renewable energy for the state’s energy needs, but also provides tremendous economic development benefits,” says David Loomis, director of the Center for Renewable Energy and an associate professor of economics at Illinois State University.
The study examined the direct and indirect economic benefits, including jobs, tax revenues and payments to landowners, from the 17 major wind development projects that are online around the state. Those wind farms currently generate a total of 1,118 MW of electricity.
The study found that the wind energy projects created 6,019 full-time equivalent jobs during construction periods, with a total payroll of over $306 million. They also support 292 permanent jobs in rural Illinois areas, with a total annual payroll of over $15 million.
Research for the study was funded by a grant from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.
Wind energy projects benefit local economies by generating $11.4 million in annual property taxes and $4.36 million per year in extra income for Illinois landowners who lease their land to wind farm developers, according to the study. In total, wind energy will generate an economic benefit of $1.9 billion over the life of the projects.
For more information, visit renewableenergy.ilstu.edu.
July 23rd, 2009
Tomorrow will be our last day of camp–tours of Advanced Machine and Ingersol will cap off a great week!
We have had 11 faithful attendees everyday. It is great to see them do the neat stuff at the new John Lundin Learning Center at Eigerlab plus the rapid prototyping machines at the FAB Lab. How to measure, why manufacturing is important, lots of snacks, lunch time speakers, SolidWorks, why math?, how much money can you make? hands on, the sherif, on and on!
Neat thing though, our SolidWorks teacher attend the WOTM Manufacturing Camp one of it’s first years. He was great and so excited! The results of this big effort by special people in our comminity, like Judy Pike, Barb Bishop, Kevin Thompson and sure me….we have been there all of the years, has paid off in such big dividends. We know we are impacting individual lives for keeps! Way to go! And thanks to any of you for your support money, time, and otherwise.
July 22nd, 2009
 I was pleasantly surprised when my wife pointed out the latest catalog from Menard’s. 20 pages of products MADE IN AMERICA!! Each of the items has the American flag and the city/state where the product is made…all of them in the USA.
Hats off to Menard’s! Here is their web link…enjoy and BUY AMERICAN…. Menard’s
July 21st, 2009
I attended an interesting program this afternoon sponsored by the Rockford Area Economic Development Council. It was an Inward Mission from Israel and Uriel Lynn, President, of the Israel Federation of Chambers of Commerce, Tel Aviv was the keynote speaker. Manufacturing companies, such as mine, were given an opportunity to give a 5 minute pitch about our company and why we’d like to export to Israel.
What interested me in Mr. Lynn’s talk was how he stated, several times, that Israel welcomed IMPORTS from the US (and other countries)!
Why, you might ask, would he say this?
Well, in his (and his government’s view) imports make their local manufacturers more competitive by competing with world class companies. Also, they are looking for the lowest prices, and imports would keep pricing at the lowest level.
Now, I found that interesting…how about you?
I’ll post a few more insights into this market later.
July 21st, 2009
Mr. Douglas Woods, President of the Association for Manufacturing Technology gave testimony before the US House Committee on Small Business. Among the many points he made, he described the credit shortage that still exists for buyers of machinery. He points out that in the 1st 5 months since the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, only $200 bil. of the $787 bil. has been spent or committed and virtually NONE has reached manufacturing.
He also gives a number of specific suggestions for the Congress to consider…. I wonder if this will get the same attention of forced legislation as the Health Plan?
AMT Testimony
July 17th, 2009
In case you’ve missed this 7 part series that was posted over the past several weeks, here are the links to each topic. A pretty handy guide to some interesting topics that I hope you can use in your business.
Introduction
Innovation
Talent Management
Continuous ImprovementÂ
Global
Green
SupplyChain
For Further Information, Contact:
Mary Hallock
Manufacturing Specialist
815-721-4474 Office
815-753-8729 Fax
mhallock@imec.org
July 16th, 2009
Manufacturers and Engineers; take notice, here’s a flow chart of your upcoming Health Plan controlled by the Government. Hope you don’t have any serious medical problems…HealthPlan
July 15th, 2009
For the professional who is in design work for labels etc. here is a growing market… Â Labels
July 15th, 2009
 In years past, the U.S. would be the first to come out of recession. Now it looks like China has taken over… ChinaLeads
Maybe they’ve started the Christmas toy production!
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