MAMe to Partner on Assessment of Manufacturing Data
MAMe, with internal database capacity system, will lead a statewide assessment of data collection system with partners Maine Wind Industry Initiative and the Hydrogen Energy Center (HEC) to assess Maine’s alternative energy manufacturing capacity and capabilities.
The ACT database system allows MAMe to indentify capabilities and capacities for industry. In an initiative to assess the alternative energy landscape in Maine, MAMe will be surveying members in early June. This data will allow the partner organizations to market capabilities to OEM’s in search for development of alternative energy markets.
What’s Happening at MAMe?
Cluster/Sector Development: The MAMe medical Device Manufacturing Cluster feasibility study is underway. Henry Bliss is conducting a feasibility study focused on the current status and future potential of the medical device development and manufacturing sector here in Maine. "MDMC" in the subject line above is an acronym for "Medical Device Manufacturing Cluster". This study is funded through a grant from Maine Technology Institute awarded to the Manufacturers Association of Maine (MAMe) and the Biosciences Association of Maine (BAM). Henry’s assignment as Lead Consultant is to conduct and coordinate this study over the next 5-6 months. Part 1 consists of an assessment survey tool to gather in-dept information about capabilities and capacity in the medical device field. All MAMe manufacturing members will receive the survey in June, 2011.
Education and Training: The MAMe Education Committee and members of the board are developing a statewide strategy for demand-driven workforce and education plan to present to Governor Lepage and his advisory team. This industry Partnership model is modeled after a very successful program in South Central Pennsylvania. MAMe and staff from Maine Dept. of Labor are developing the Maine model to present in June.
Business Growth Services (BGS) Every day, members contact MAMe for business services. These requests are turned over to the BGS consulting network to understand what is keeping the company awake at night. Each and every company are visited to understand the scope is need (BGS does NOT sell services!!) The BGS network are working on projects for members including new owner company strategic planning, ITAR registrations, grant writing, ISO and more…if you have a need for business services, please call MAMe at 854-2153 or email Info@mainemfg.com Remember, the private sector creates wealth….
New Members: more and more companies are joining MAMe! As we grow in numbers, we are also expanding the services we offer (health plan, education and training, cluster development, networking, tours, business services, scholarships, policy, compliance, summits, and so much more). If you know of a company that is not a member, please refer them to us!
New members since May 11—Cameron Flow Control, Limerick, Maine, an engineered actuation solution and specialty gear products company! Welcome Cameron. www.c-a-m.com.
MEAA News
The Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO) Show in Miami was widely represented by over 560 companies that had booths at the show. There was a variety or suppliers exhibiting at the show as well as primary and secondary aircraft manufacturers, engine manufactures and maintenance/repair/overhaul companies. I was able to approach 157 companies that I targeted, of which, 62 said they were interested in expanding their supplier base. I met directly with purchasing contacts at the booths or if they were not available, I gathered their contact information.
I am currently following up on potential business opportunities for our members. The next MRO Show will be in Dallas, TX in 2012. We should consider putting together a Maine Aerospace Section of 4-6 booths manned by our members. If you are interested in participating contact Rich Grich at meaa@mainemfg.com.
Richard Grich
Director
Maine Aerospace Alliance
386 Bridgton Road
Westbrook, ME 04092
Tel: 207-854-2153
Cell: 207-699-7774
Fax: 207-854-3865
MTI R&D Funding Summer Session
Dear MTI Friends and Partners:
MTI will be hosting a day-long summer session on June 23 for entrepreneurs and small businesses to learn about R&D funding and meet with officials from eight of the eleven federal funding agencies representing the Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer (SBIR/STTR) programs. The federal SBIR/STTR program represents the largest source of early-stage research and development funding for innovative technology in the US providing more than $2.5 billion each year to small businesses across the US to help entrepreneurs take their ideas from laboratory to market.
June 23, 2011
Point Lookout Conference Center
Northport, Maine
AGENDA:
8:30am Registration
9:30-4:30pm Presentations
$25 includes lunch
This year’s Summer Session will host officials from:
► US Navy
► Defense Advanced Research Project Agency
► Department of Homeland Security
► National Institutes of Health
► National Science Foundation
► US Department of Agriculture
► US Department of Energy
► US Department of Transportation
Who Should Attend?
Small business owners, entrepreneurs, scientists, inventors, consultants as well as service providers to network with other active SBIR /STTR participants to learn about the opportunities available through the SBIR/STTR program for technology-based businesses.
Register at www.mainetechnology.org/news-events
or with Linda Adams at207-582-4790 x 206 or ladams@mainetechnology.org
Members in the News
Congratulations to Mid-State Machine
Gov. Paul LePage awarded Maine companies for their public commitment and manufacturing or service excellence.
The 21st Annual Governor's Awards for Business Excellence were presented Tuesday, May 17 at the State House in Augusta. LePage says the six businesses show commitment to excellence, top quality workmanship, their employees and community service.
Recipients are Duratherm Window Corp. in Vassalboro; Hardwood Products Co. LP in Guilford; JSI Store Fixtures Inc. in Milo; Mid-State Machine Products in Winslow and Waterville; Snowman Printing and Presort Express in Hermon; and Treworgy Family Orchards in Levant.
HighTower Expansion
HighTower, sponsor of the 2011 Manufacturing Summit, recently expanded with new advisory team Simmons Wilkes Investment Advisors (a MAMe member) in Portland.
Maine Composites Alliance Receives MTI Grant
Maine Composites Alliance announced it has been selected by MTI to receive a $489,468 grant with Maine Wind Industry Initiative and E2Tech Council to organize, promote and expand Maine’s ocean and wind energy cluster.
Montalvo Receives MTI Grant
The Maine Technology Institute has awarded more than $50,000 in seed grant funds to five companies across the state that specializes in biotechnology and precision manufacturing.
MAMe member The Montalvo Corp. was one of the recipients. The Montalvo Corp. used the MAMe BGS consulting network to assist with grant writing.
The Montalvo Corp. in Gorham will use funds to fund market research for its tension control system designed for automated fiber placement applications: $12,500