http://blogs.e-rockford.com/manufacturing 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. Sat, 19 Jul 2008 12:39:19 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en Owning your own business is really a crazy place to live. The ups and downs in an eight hour day are unreal. Just this week in one hour we quoted a million dollar a year for 10 years job and found out we had 20,000 questionable parts out in the ... http://blogs.e-rockford.com/manufacturing/2008/07/19/business-blogtalkradio/ Sam Schmitz, President, Goodwill/Abilities Center, announced today that they have been selected by Goodwill Industries International (GII) as one on five national "Kaizen" training sites for this fall.  Goodwill/Abilities Center was selected from a group of 26 Goodwill agencies from around the country that bid to be a "Kaizen" training ... http://blogs.e-rockford.com/manufacturing/2008/07/18/goodwillabilities-center-receives-national-recognition/ I came across this quote regarding the June 2008 composite index from manufacturing.net: “This quarter’s results unequivocally reflect slowing activity in manufacturing and offer little prospect for an overall increase in activity over the next three months,” said Donald A. Norman, Ph.D., MAPI Economist and survey coordinator. “The news, however, ... http://blogs.e-rockford.com/manufacturing/2008/07/18/exports-support-the-manufacturing-sector/ Here are some tips for making sure you get your money from your customers. In times of rising costs, every dime must be recovered from our accounts receivables. Remember, the order isn't completed until the money is collected! http://www.businessweek.com/smallbiz/content/jul2008/sb20080711_982308.htm http://blogs.e-rockford.com/manufacturing/2008/07/17/show-me-the-money/ I am excited to be writing about the 2008 International Manufacturing Technology Show Student Summit at McCormick Place, Chicago Illinois, Tuesday, September 9, 2008. Superior Joining Technologies, Inc. has participated in this event each year. Each mentor we have sent has really enjoyed the experience. The school districts send students that ... http://blogs.e-rockford.com/manufacturing/2008/07/16/student-summit-at-2008-imts/ Good news, our quotation, based on price, was favorable!  I mentioned that we submitted a slightly different design, based on our design standards and he checked with his customer and said it was acceptable.  It was, however, interchangeable as far as fit and performance. Now my contact wants to become our ... http://blogs.e-rockford.com/manufacturing/2008/07/16/export-to-china-update-4/ Goodwill/Abilities has openings for 10-12 students to fill up spaces for the summer manufacturing camps at TechWorks. If you know of any 6th-8th graders who may be interested in the camp, please have them contact Sam Schmitz or Courtney Geiger (815-965-3795). They will supply you with ... http://blogs.e-rockford.com/manufacturing/2008/07/16/manufacturing-camp-looking-for-students/ Wikipedia puts forth "Twixters are typically young adults (ages 12-29) who live with their parents or are otherwise not independent by other means, primarily financial. If they are employed, it is often unsteady and low-paying." With the recent spate of financial deals going south I cannot help but wonder if twixters ... http://blogs.e-rockford.com/manufacturing/2008/07/16/are-twixters-hurting-the-economy/ Although it may seem far away, the IMTS show in Chicago September 8-13th is fast approaching. With 1,279 exhibitors over 1,000,000 square feet of exhibition space, it is being considered the 4th largest IMTS ever! In case you wonder if the economy is going to affect attendance, visitor registrations is ... http://blogs.e-rockford.com/manufacturing/2008/07/14/imts-update-2/ For exporting manufacturers who are enjoying a competitive international marketplace due to the low dollar, this weekend struck me with some news that shows what a small, global world we live in. Last Friday, it was announced that Abu Dhabi Investment Council, an arm of the Gulf emirate government acquired a ... http://blogs.e-rockford.com/manufacturing/2008/07/14/good-news-bad-news/