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. |
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Add comment September 14th, 2008
On Sunday evening there will be a VIP reception with US Ambassador to Sweden Michael Woods…follow them along their journey here….
http://rockfordelegationtosweden2008.blogspot.com/2008/09/flying-to-sweden.html
1 comment September 14th, 2008
See how manufacturers can use this technology here….
Add comment September 14th, 2008
Follow the Sweden Delegation here….
http://rockfordelegationtosweden2008.blogspot.com/2008/09/flying-to-sweden.html
On Sunday evening there will be a VIP reception with US Ambassador to Sweden Michael Woods.
Add comment September 12th, 2008
As reported earlier, a collaborative effort between several Rockford Organizations resulted in us hosting a reception at the Chicago International Machine Tool Show on September 10th. This was the first event of this kind and we wanted to take advantage of the International exposure and increase Rockford’s presence internationally.
Judging from the attendance and many positive comments from invitees and sponsors, we’d have to say it was a success. Our mission was to attract potential customers and spend some time showing them the strengths of Rockford manufacturing. Nineteen organizations were sponsors and we each extended invitations attendees of IMTS. Networking in a face to face environment is surely a good method. After walking and standing all day, it also makes for a leisurely way to network and allows for some “downtime”.
Yes, we had a good turnout. We were able to engage in introductory discussions with representatives from Canada and the Czech Republic. The Czech representatives freely admitted that their export strategy is changing. They want to establish assembly and manufacturing operations in the U. S. and we’ve invited them to visit Rockford. The Canadians too, want to increase trade between our countries. They will be hosting a trade mission into the U.S. later this year, so we will get connected to see how we could participate.
Events such as this at a trade show creates a good environment to begin to establish new business relationships. One discussion leads to another and new doors get opened. I was introduced to the VP of a new Manufacturing Succcess magazine and he was very interested in how we did this event. He says he’ll try to introduce the ideas to his colleagues. He was very interested in the various happenings in Rockford Manufacturing.
We learned a good deal about this first event and we’ve already begun to think about the next time we do this. When it happens, I’m sure we’ll have more sponsors as well as more invitees.
Add comment September 12th, 2008
Guilford High School teacher Mike Lantz writes regarding the experience his vocational education students had last week at Goodwill Industries….
“My name is Mike Lantz, and I am a teacher and coordinator of the vocational education program at Guilford High School in Rockford, Il. I took my class to the Goodwill Abilities Center on September 5th for a tour of the facility, to learn about the many jobs, services, and programs that they offer to the community. As a way to introduce the students to the new Shop Goodwill program, the program director, Courtney Geiger, planned a great activity for the kids. She had the kids team up and shop through the Good Will store for an outfit that one of the students would model. Students were encouraged to accessorize with hats, purses, shoes, belts, and anything else they could find in the store. The kids dressed up and we had a photo session which was tons of fun for everyone. After the photo shoot, the kids wrote up a description of the outfit that was modeled, and now our kids, or models, can see themselves on the Shop Goodwill website. They can even purchase the outfit that they modeled. They should like it since they picked it out.
The activity with Shop Good Will was so much fun for all of us. The bus ride home was a lot of fun and you could tell all of the kids had a great time learning about Good Will and participating in the activity Courtney had planned for us. Good Will in Rockford has been a great partner with the schools here in Rockford. I look forward to working with the good people at Good Will for many years. I also look forward to doing some shopping online with shopgoodwill.com.”
Special thanks to Courtney Geiger and Craig Grugel for making this happen.
Add comment September 11th, 2008
As reported earlier, a collaborative effort between several Rockford Organizations resulted in us hosting a reception at the Chicago International Machine Tool Show on September 10th. This was the first event of this kind and we wanted to take advantage of the International exposure and increase Rockford’s presence internationally.
Judging from the attendance and many positive comments from invitees and sponsors, we’d have to say it was a success. Our mission was to attract potential customers and spend some time showing them the strengths of Rockford manufacturing. Nineteen organizations were sponsors and we each extended invitations attendees of IMTS. Networking in a face to face environment is surely a good method. After walking and standing all day, it also makes for a leisurely way to network and allows for some “downtime”.
Yes, we had a good turnout. We were able to engage in introductory discussions with representatives from Canada and the Czech Republic. The Czech representatives freely admitted that their export strategy is changing. They want to establish assembly and manufacturing operations in the U. S. and we’ve invited them to visit Rockford. The Canadians too, want to increase trade between our countries. They will be hosting a trade mission into the U.S. later this year, so we will get connected to see how we could participate.
Events such as this at a trade show creates a good environment to begin to establish new business relationships. One discussion leads to another and new doors get opened. I was introduced to the VP of a new Manufacturing Succcess magazine and he was very interested in how we did this event. He says he’ll try to introduce the ideas to his colleagues. He was very interested in the various happenings in Rockford Manufacturing.
We learned a good deal about this first event and we’ve already begun to think about the next time we do this. When it happens, I’m sure we’ll have more sponsors as well as more invitees.
Add comment September 9th, 2008
This month, Goodwill Industries® of Northern Illinois and Wisconsin Stateline Area (Rockford, IL) went “back to school” and invited students from two local high schools to learn more about Goodwill® and everything it does. On September 2, 48 sophomores from Academic Career Education (ACE) High School — a new vocational school with a curriculum focused on workplace technical skills — toured the Goodwill’s facilities and learned about several business units. On September 5, 12 juniors and seniors from Guilford High School’s special education class participated in a similar day of learning.
In past visits from local high school students, Goodwill staff gave them a tour similar to one they would give any other group. This year, the agency worked with the schools to expand the tour and asked participants to complete a hands-on assignment.
“In having students see the gamut of training and educational opportunities in our community, it was natural to think of Goodwill-Northern Illinois. The students were able to find out about resources that are available in times of need,” said ACE High School Principal Michael Cermak. “What was most special was how the staff made a day tailored to a high school student. There were plenty of activities and excitement that made the afternoon go quickly.”
During the ACE students’ visit, the Goodwill split the group into three smaller groups. They toured a variety of business areas, including the manufacturing training center, the music recording studio, the e-commerce operations and the retail store. During the retail tour, students split into small groups to create outfits that would later be sold on shopgoodwill.com. One student modeled the outfit while another provided commentary. Students also wrote descriptions of the outfits for the auction web site. The Goodwill filmed the fashion shows, and after all the groups were finished, they came together to watch the video.
“I don’t think most of them had much previous exposure to Goodwill,” said the Goodwill’s Workforce Development Manager Courtney Geiger. “Those who did pretty much just knew about the store, and they were surprised they were able to put together a stylish outfit.”
After visiting the Goodwill last year, two Guilford High School students applied for jobs with the agency and were hired. Geiger said the school was eager to return because administrators and teachers saw first-hand how Goodwill could help their students.
“We’re trying to open communications with other school districts to coordinate similar programs,” said the Goodwill’s President and CEO Sam Schmitz. “It’s an opportunity for us to open our doors to the students and let them experience what we do for the community.”
Add comment September 7th, 2008
News Conference details: Monday, September 9, 2 p.m., at TechWorks, 185 15th Ave, Rockford 61104
IMTS Rockford Reception
On Wednesday, September 10, 19 local companies and organizations will partner to host a first-ever “Rockford Reception” during IMTS. The networking after-show-hours reception is intended to introduce manufacturing companies to the Rockford region’s technologies and capabilities. The invitation-only event will be attended by current and potential customers of local manufacturing companies. Participating host companies will showcase their products and services at with tabletop displays during the reception. A video showcasing the capabilities of local manufacturing companies will also be show during the reception. The video was produced by Comcast.
IMTS Student Summit
On Tuesday, September 9, the Rockford Chamber of Commerce in partnership with many local partners (see list below) will send 200 local high school students to the IMTS Student Summit. Local manufacturers will travel with the students, as Industrial Mentors, to answer questions about manufacturing processes and careers in manufacturing. The Student Summit is an industry-wide effort to help introduce students to careers in manufacturing through interaction with industry professionals and exposure to state-of-the-art manufacturing technology. Students from Jefferson, Guilford, East, Keith, Belivdere North, Belvidere, Roosevelt and the new Academic Career Education High School will participate.
Add comment September 5th, 2008
The mission of the Boone and Winnebago Counties Workforce Investment Board is to create a competitive, skilled and educated workforce by providing a system for the citizens of Boone and Winnebago Counties to gain meaningful employment responsive to the needs of business.
The Workforce Connection is a partnership of state and federally funded employment and training programs, economic development agencies and educational entities committed to providing a workforce that meets the needs of our business community, now and in the future.
The One-Stop Centers in Rockford and Belvidere provide one contact for employers to find workers and for jobseekers
to receive training, education and employment services.
For more information, contact John Strandin:
Phone: 815-395-6600
Fax: 815-395-8548
jstrandin@theworkforceconnection.org
Add comment August 18th, 2008
Planning is moving forward rapidly.
Student Day, September 9th is filling up with 200 plus students from Belvidere North, Jefferson, Guilford, Roosevelt, ACS, and Keith. We still need a few Mentors to ride the bus and spend time at the event with the students.
Networking Day, September 10th is almost filled, a few more sponsors will complete our plan.
Any interest in either event, see the links below.
http://blogs.e-rockford.com/manufacturing/2008/07/30/imts-update-3-student-day/
http://blogs.e-rockford.com/manufacturing/2008/07/31/imts-update-4-networking-reception-sept-10th/
Rockford will be well represented!
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