2011 July Issue 3

Resources

Enterprise Minnesota e-Trends

July 29, 2011

On the Pathway to Growth

Minnesota manufacturers are seeing results from a new business growth program.

It's just been a year since Enterprise Minnesota introduced Pathways to Business Growth, an ambitious three-year plan to help Minnesota-based manufacturers develop and implement innovative strategies that lead to growth.

Ten manufacturing companies are participating in the program during year one: The Aagard Group, Absolute Quality Manufacturing, Alexandria Pro-Fab Company, Akkerman Inc., Automated Equipment, Fiserv Solutions Inc., Ideal Aerosmith, Innovance Inc., Pequot Tool & Manufacturing, and Ultra Machining Company.

Through the Pathways to Business Growth, manufacturers take part in business assessment, strategic planning, innovation and idea mining services, organizational and leadership development, and marketing strategy. Enterprise Minnesota is establishing industry-wide best-practices for working with manufacturing companies on business growth initiatives. The project goal is to deliver a 20:1 return on investment for participating companies.

In addition, the program provides access to several events that are open to all manufacturing companies at no cost. Enterprise Minnesota has partnered with the College of Continuing Education (CCE) and the Carlson School of Management (CSOM) at the University of Minnesota to offer sessions ranging from leadership development to global strategy.

On August 10, John Murray, a lecturer at CSOM, will present Global Strategy & Marketing at the Holiday Inn in Owatonna. Presented in partnership with the Center for International Business Education and Research at the University of Minnesota and the Southern Minnesota Initiative (SMIF), the session will cover how to develop a coherent strategy for marketing products and services in international markets. Tim Penny, executive director of SMIF, will provide a welcome and opening comments.

The next day, David Hirschey of CCE will present Financial Intelligence: Basic Business by the Numbers at the Holiday Inn in St. Cloud. The session will review financial language and definitions, the context of financial Information, measuring and reporting metrics and financial performance management, and how to move from financial strategy to execution.

The Pathways to Business Growth enables Enterprise Minnesota to collaborate with several resources that all work to help manufacturers grow. Eventually, Enterprise Minnesota will share the program nationwide via NIST MEP says Bob Kill, president of Enterprise Minnesota.

"This is just a small step in making Minnesota manufacturing a leader in growing manufacturing throughout the country," he said. "A strong manufacturing sector is central to the state's economic growth and competitiveness. The Pathways to Business Growth brings together resources for manufacturers to get on the track to finding new markets, customers, ideas, and products."

Enterprise Minnesota's proposal was one of 22 projects awarded nationwide from a $9.1 million program funded by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) in 2010. All projects enhance the productivity, technological performance and global competitiveness of U.S. manufacturers.

Business Events

GreenLean^SM Equals Business Growth

August 17, 2011
8:00am-11:00am
Great River Energy
12300 Elm Creek Blvd, Maple Grove
$79 Early Bird Rate (before August 10) or $110 Regular

Lean techniques focus on reducing waste, increasing efficiency, saving costs, and finding new ways to grow - the same principles that apply to green. Competing and winning today in business requires foresight that includes GreenLean^SM to create strategies that deliver clear, measurable, and rapid returns. Come hear multiple perspectives on how today's successful organizations are utilizing GreenLeanSM practices to improve productivity, competitiveness and opportunities for growth.

Speakers:

MJ Patterson, Development Facilitator & Rick Lent, Quality Initiatives Manager, Pearson

Brian Kopas, Vice President of Operations, Foldcraft

Sarah Richards, Director of Sales and Marketing, Jones Metal Products (via video)

Tami Gunderzik, Product Portfolio Manager, Xcel Energy

Mary Kay McVey, Lean Operations Manager & Sang Albrecht, EHS Manager, Uponor

Industry News

Toro Adds Peterson:

The Toro Company announced that its board of directors has elected Renee J. Peterson to the offices of vice president, finance and chief financial officer1. Peterson joins Toro from Eaton Corporation, where she most recently served as vice president, finance and planning for that company's Truck and Automotive Segments, which had revenues of nearly $4 billion over the past 12 months.

Asset Recovery Corp Receives R2 Certification:

Asset Recovery Corporation has received R2 ("Responsible Recycling") certification through ANAB accredited certification body, SGS. R2 is an internationally recognized standard that governs how technology recyclers handle, dispose of, and resell IT equipment, with an emphasis on environmental protection, data security, and worker health and safety. It signifies an active commitment to the industry's highest standards.

Arctic Cat Introduces New ATV :

Marking its first entry into the growing pure-sport side-by-side market, Arctic Cat Inc. introduced the all-new Wildcat V-Twin 1000i H.O. The Wildcat is a full-production version of what was previously reserved for off-road race vehicles, offering the largest displacement engine in its class, industry-leading suspension travel, 13 inches of ground clearance and a full-perimeter frame..

Minnesota Employers Foresee Productivity Gains, Increased Hiring:

More than 300 business leaders from across Minnesota expect their companies' employee productivity will increase during July, August and September, according to a survey conducted in late June by Twin Cities Business. Some 43 percent of respondents also anticipate revenue gains, and 33 percent plan to increase their employment levels during the period. Industries most likely to see employment increases are insurance; accounting and other professional services; retail/hospitality and manufacturing. More information is available via www.tcbmag.com.

Upcoming Events

Leveraging ISO Certification to Grow Business

Presented by Enterprise Minnesota

August 3, 2011

8:00am-12:00am

Unisys, Roseville

More information

Global Strategy & Marketing

Presented by Enterprise Minnesota

August 10, 2011

8:30am-12:30pm

Holiday Inn, Owatonna