U. S. Still on Top of Manufacturing World

Add comment November 5th, 2009

The U.S. has never been more important in global manufacturing. Manufacturing.net spoke with Dr. Chris Kuehl, Economic Analyst, Fabricators & Manufacturers Association, to learn what he believes the future holds for U.S. manufacturing.  See it here.. US

Energy Dynamics Invited to speak at SEA CEO conference

Add comment November 4th, 2009

Energy Dynamics, Machesney Park, was invited to share it’s successes as a Supplier Keynote speaker at the SEA (Supplier Excellence Alliance) CEO meeting on September 10^th. Included in the update was our progress on implementing Lean manufacturing, winning new Aerospace customers due to our Lean supply chain and improved performance metrics. For example, On Time Delivery performance over the last 18 months has gone from 80 % to 100 % on time since implementing small lot size, 1 piece flow and Kanban deliveries.  You tube link, http://www.youtube.com/user/TheSEAOnline#p/u/10/8zdu6yyEjBs

Additionally, Energy Dynamics Inc. was nominated for an Industry award for Leadership and Culture in implementing Lean business systems. The winners will be announced at the annual meeting in November.

Stay Tuned!

‘Cheers’ for Blue-Collar America

Add comment November 4th, 2009

Now here’s a guy that is out-in-front for us manufacturers.  John Ratzenberger, known as “Cliff” on the long running and very popular TV show “Cheers” has dedicated to the careers for young people in manufacturing.

I and a few others had the privilege of having dinner with John earlier this year when he was doing some filming at the Techworks/Eigerlab.

This story is worth reading…   Cheers

An open letter from Colorado Governor Bill Ritter:

Add comment November 2nd, 2009

Here in Colorado, we’re seeing encouraging signs of success and reason for optimism.

Last week we learned Colorado’s unemployment rate has dipped to 7%, now nearly 3 full points below the national average of 9.8% — and lower than all but a dozen states’ unemployment rates.

We’re still not out of the woods. Too many Coloradans are still struggling to find work, as businesses and families tighten their belts and adjust to the new economic reality. We continue to face a very difficult budget situation in the capitol. We’re making tough choices from limited options, requiring everyone from state employees to those who rely on public services to make even more sacrifices in the months ahead.

While challenging, this new economic reality presents us with a fresh opportunity to think ahead, adapt and create new pathways to grow and prosper in the 21st Century.

That’s why we’re building New Colorado Partnerships that better connect government with businesses, schools, and our research facilities to invest in our people and attract the industries of tomorrow to Colorado. We’re transforming government to keep pace with the rapid changes each Colorado business and family must face today, while making it tighter, more entrepreneurial, and more nimble to meet the challenges of these new economic times. We’re offering tax incentives to businesses that create jobs in Colorado, providing access to capital, making revolutionary changes to improve our education system, and strengthening our public universities.

That’s why Forbes.com and CNBC both rank Colorado among the top five states in which to do business. It’s why Colorado schools are well-positioned to receive millions of dollars in federal “Race to the Top” funding. And it’s why many experts believe our diverse economy will help Colorado emerge from the national recession sooner and stronger than other states.

Our bold strategy is already paying dividends, as last week’s unemployment report confirms. We are setting an example for the rest of the nation to follow. The challenges ahead are great, but they are not impossible, and Coloradans have a reason for optimism.

Please join me to share this simple message of hope:

While unemployment continues to creep upwards of 10% or even 15% in other states, Colorado is open for business and attracting new jobs every day. This month alone, two major New Energy Economy companies — SunRun and SMA Solar Technology — have announced plans to open their doors and hire more than 700 new workers here in Colorado.

They join dozens of other new energy, aerospace, bioscience, and technology companies adding thousands of new jobs and forever re-orienting Colorado’s economy to be more innovative, more prosperous, and more sustainable.

Government can’t do everything, and our New Colorado Partnerships aren’t the only reason companies and entrepreneurs are choosing to open their doors in Colorado. But government can do a lot to build a brighter future for families and businesses and help all of us achieve the Colorado Promise, and so long as I’m governor, it will.

Sincerely,

Bill Ritter, Jr.
Governor of Colorado

Rep. Manzullo Finds Troubling Provisions in Speaker Pelosi’s Health Care Bill

4 comments November 1st, 2009

Here is Congressman Manzullo’s first reading of this 1990 page bill.  It took him 100 hours to read the first one and he has serious reservations on this one.  See it here..   HealthBill

A To-Do List for the Manufacturing Czar

Add comment October 29th, 2009

What should the Manufacturing Czar advise the President? Following are a few suggestions:Czar

Green Regs Could Cost 4 Million Jobs

Add comment October 28th, 2009

Take a look..  JobsLost

Holiday Shopping Ideas

Add comment October 27th, 2009

Why buy stuff made “over there”, why not MADE IN AMERICA?..  USA

Manufacturing Your Future Student Program

1 comment October 27th, 2009

The future of manufacturing depends upon a strong educated workforce.  The Rockford Chamber of Commerce Manufacturers Educational Outreach Committee continues to work with the local School Districts to encourage students to work towards a future in manufacturing.  As part of this partnership, we are sending students to the FabTech International & AWS Welding Show in Chicago.  The MEGA event anticipates hosting over 1,000 exhibitors, drawing an expected 35,000 attendees and featuring thousands of live equipment demonstrations throughout pavilions dedicated to metal forming, fabricating, tube and pipe, stamping, lasers, thermal spray and welding.   There will be a structured environment for the students this year with an orientation, mentors, a scavenger hunt wrap-up session.  This is a great opportunity to give students a first-hand look at the exciting world of manufacturing.

To ensure a successful trip we are asking for your help to cover costs of busses and sack lunches for students, teachers, parents and manufacturing mentors traveling on the bus.

Please consider sponsoring five students for $150, ten students for $300, or an entire bus for $1,100 so that as many students as possible can attend FabTech on November 18 at  McCormick Place in Chicago, Illinois.  All donations are tax deductible.

For more information regarding FabTech sponsorship or mentoring, please contact Mindy Shockley at (815) 316-4337 or mshockley@rockfordchamber.com.  

Manzullo Seeks Re-Election

3 comments October 26th, 2009

With a sharp focus on putting Americans back to work, Congressman Don Manzullo (R-Egan) kicked off his 2010 re-election campaign today by filing his petitions to continue serving the great people of northern Illinois in the U.S. House of Representatives.

A nationally recognized leader in the mission to strengthen manufacturing in America, Manzullo will continue to seek opportunities to create jobs and improve the lives of the people he represents in northern Illinois’ 16^th Congressional District. The District includes the counties of Winnebago, Boone, Stephenson, JoDaviess, Carroll, Ogle, most of McHenry County and parts of Whiteside and DeKalb counties.

“It is an honor and a privilege for me to represent the people of northern Illinois in the United States House of Representatives,” Manzullo said. “Our nation is at a crossroads on many issues, and we must focus on the need to put Americans back to work.

“My American Jobs Agenda would create economic opportunities for our entrepreneurs to survive these difficult times, thrive again, and create needed jobs for Americans. It is a stark contrast to many of the job-killing policies Congressional Democrat leaders are pursuing that will penalize employers and put more Americans on the unemployment lines. I seek the opportunity to continue my mission to strengthen manufacturing in America and put Americans back to work. At the same time, I will continue to fight wasteful Washington spending and reckless tax increases that threaten the pocketbooks of the people I represent.”

In Washington, Manzullo serves as the senior Republican on the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Asia, the Pacific and the Global Environment, and he’s a member of the House Financial Services Committee. He continues to co-chair the bipartisan House Manufacturing Caucus and he was named Chairman of the Republican Policy Committee’s Task Force on Manufacturing. He created the Export Controls Working Group and was named as a commissioner to the prestigious Congressional-Executive Commission on China, which battles human rights abuses and religious persecution in China.

Through these committee assignments and leadership positions, Manzullo is able to continue his mission to make U.S. manufacturers more competitive at home while leveling the playing field for American workers competing with overseas companies that often do not play by the rules. Most recently, Manzullo has been leading the charge in Congress to protect the U.S. patent system that spurs American innovation and jobs. He is also leading efforts to reform our export control policies to strengthen national security and create jobs for Americans.

In northern Illinois, Manzullo will continue to work with local officials and business leaders on major projects that will provide job opportunities for generations to come. He has helped spur new initiatives in northern Illinois focused on improving transportation, increasing access to health care, protecting children from Internet predators, developing renewable energy, improving education, strengthening manufacturing, bolstering public safety, helping our veterans, and protecting the environment.

Congressman Manzullo annually earns recognition as a “Taxpayer’s Hero” from Citizens Against Government Waste, a “Taxpayer’s Friend” by the National Taxpayers Union, and a “Friend of Agriculture” by the Illinois Agricultural Association. He has also been called “Senior Friendly” by the 60 Plus Association, and he received the “Guardian of Small Business Award” from the National Federation of Independent Business numerous times. He has received several endorsements from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and the National Association of Manufacturers has consistently honored him with the “Award for Manufacturing Legislative Excellence.”

In addition, he was recently honored with the “Distinguished Community Health Superhero Award” from the National Association of Community Health Centers, and he received a Certificate of Excellence from the National Breast Cancer Coalition.