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SAVE THE DATE: May 5, 2011 for “Maine Ingenuity-Manufacturing the Future” Manufacturing Summit
The Manufacturers Association of Maine, in partnership with Maine International Trade Center and Maine Technology Institute is proud to present “Maine Ingenuity-Manufacturing the Future”, a manufacturing summit, on May 5, 2011 at Owl’s Head Museum in Owl’s Head, Maine from 9AM-4PM.
Mark your calendar and watch for more information!
What’s Happening at MAMe?
The Insurance Committee is working on some final pieces of the partial self-funded health care plan. More on this upcoming!
BGS (Business Growth Services) is exploding with several projects going on and many more in the pipeline. If you have any business needs, call MAMe today to inquire about Business Services!
Compliance Plus Program is attracting much attention from members, stakeholders and our federal delegation. A design team is in place and will be meeting in the coming weeks to begin designing the MAMe Compliance Plus Program! Out sincere thanks to Julie Churchill, Maine DEP and the folks at Maine DOL for their major support!
MAMe would like to thank The Baker Company in Sanford and Eaton Corporation for hosting two great seminars this past week. In Sanford, Constellation New Energy, MAMe energy partner, presented an overview of electricity information, cutting costs and understanding the energy market to better budget and manage energy costs. WESCO organized the Arc Flash seminar presenting safety solutions, protection and compliance to members.
Please check our calendar of events for upcoming tours, events, seminars and manufacturing summit!
SPC Receives ISO Certification
Specialty Products Company is happy to announce our certification to ISO 9001:2008. 2010 was a great year for SPC. Not only did we become registered to ISO 9001:2008, but we also started our 5S program and Lean Manufacturing training.
We attribute our success to our outstanding team support at SPC and to Business Growth Services (BGS) consultants Premier Management Associates Bruce White and Management Engineering Edward Kearney through the Manufacturers Association of Maine!
SPC will now add 20,000 square feet of manufacturing space, in four phases, to current facility. We recently signed with a contractor to erect phase one. Phase one is 5000 square feet, steel construction, with regulated climate control. The whole time they will be focused on 5S and Lean Manufacturing so no space, time or energy is wasted.
SPC is very happy to be on the move in such a dismal economy. I want to personally thank our customers, vendors, and associates for their help and trust in the people that make their living at Specialty Products Company. It makes it pleasant and exciting to come to work every day. Thank you so very much!
Michael W. Cuthbertson, President
The Manufacturers Association of Maine proudly presents The Manufacturers Association of South Central Pennsylvania’s Employers Educational Foundation
Dana Dehoff, Vice President of Operations, MASCPA, was in Maine on January 28, 2011 to present the successful Industry Partnership Initiative model. MAMe has been working on the Industry Partnership model which is defined as a state-wide sectoral strategy that understands the education and training needs of business as a demand-driven approach. Industry Partnership model builds upon existing partnership structures (existing education and training systems) to help meet the skills needs of businesses, the career goals of workers, and the economic development goals of Maine and is coordinated out of the association.
To serve our members, communities and partners, MAMe is launching a data collection system assessment tool that will allow the association to 1) Obtain demographic information about members including sector work (i.e. aerospace, energy, defense, etc…), 2) create and maintain data on personnel (HR, skill levels, education and training for current and future workers in manufacturing) and a workforce database to be used for creating consortium and specific training for manufacturing.
Workforce Development and Education and Training are the key focus of the Industry Partnership Initiative.
Ms. Dehoff presented history on Industry Partnership (IP) Development, how MASCAP uses existing partners and stakeholders (education and workforce system programs and services), how to strengthening Maine’s industry by creating an industry led training strategy, how we can grow & develop by Sub-Clusters, the importance of building on success and how to sustain the model.
Attendees included manufacturers and business community leaders, HR/training managers, policy makers, educators, trainers and economic developers.
Dana M. Dehoff, CWDP, Vice President of Operations, Certified Workforce Development Professional, MBA, Consortia Manager: Pennergy Source
In her current role, VP of Operations, Ms. Dehoff works to bring companies together to address their business development needs.
Ms. Dehoff participated in start-up of five industry partnerships in the state of PA including: apprenticeships for metal working skills, maintenance, food industry, original equipment manufacturers, printing and electronics. Ms. Dehoff’s work experience includes both Community College and in the Job Training Partnership Act (now WIA). Ms. Dehoff has been with the Manufacturers’ Association for 10 years. Ms. Dehoff holds a BA and AS from Millersville University and an MBA from St. Joseph’s University
Meeting with Senate President Kevin L. Raye
Lisa Martin, MAMe and Rich Grich ,MEAA had the honor of meeting with Senate President Kevin L. Raye at his office in Augusta on January 19th to discuss MEAA activities and plans, the Aerospace States Alliance (ASA) and how Maine and Co. can help our cluster grow the aerospace sector. Senator Raye was very much in favor of our business and educational activities and took the initiative to determine what role he would be able to play in assisting the MEAA in ASA activities. The ASA has a committee that consists of Lt. Govenors from states across the country who actively participate in stimulating and growing aerospace business in their states. Maine does not have a Lt. Govenor but the closest position would be President of the Senate. He assigned Christopher Cote, Special Assistant to the President, to work with MEAA in support of our efforts.
FACTA/Red Flag Rules: Are you compliant?
As a member of the Manufacturers Association of Maine, we want to offer you educational opportunities to help you stay compliant with federal and state laws.
One area of concern is the growing number of security breaches and cases of identity theft taking place nationwide.
We have found that many businesses are confused, overwhelmed or simply not aware of their legal responsibilities under the law to protect personal information for their employees and/or customer accounts.
On December 31, 2010, compliance for FACTA/Red Flag Rule was enforced. If you haven't implemented an Identity Theft prevention program/policy, you may want to consider this a priority. Please know that this is not solely the responsibility for your IT department.
If you're saying..."oh my gosh", you're not alone. Over the years, the laws have changed and confused everyone as to what is needed.
Some Good News! If you're uncertain about what policies, training or procedures your company needs, please contact Maine Business and Employee Solutions. They are an affinity partner/member with consultants who can provide you with a free risk assessment. You may also qualify for a NO cost solution as a MAMe member. Their job is to help your business stay compliant and make the process easier.
For more information contact:
Regina Krause-Consultant
Maine Business and Employee Solutions
207-504-2990-Direct
maineemployeesolutions@yahoo.com