On October 7 (and throughout the month), manufacturers, community colleges, and universities around the nation will open their doors to show the next generation the amazing careers available in manufacturing as part of MFG Day. This is a big deal. Today’s manufacturers face two major issues: workforce and supply chain. While we can’t predict exactly … Continue reading 2022 MFG Day
Author: mcgraw
New Ticket Options Available for ILC Annual Conference
Registration remains open for the Iowa Lean Consortium (ILC) Annual Conference on Tuesday, October 25, at the Meadows Event Center in Altoona. The conference is the state’s largest event for continuous improvement professionals. It includes pre-conference workshops and tours on Monday, October 24, followed by a full day of keynote speakers, networking opportunities, and break-out … Continue reading New Ticket Options Available for ILC Annual Conference
One-Person International Music Business Benefits from CIRAS Research, Contract Expertise
Being a one-person show hasn’t stopped Eduard Mato from securing multiple federal contracts for his musical instruments and music education business. From his office in Centerville, Eduard Mato runs U.S. Music, an international business that provides musical instruments, music lessons, and coordination of performing arts events. A highly trained professional musician himself, Mato started the … Continue reading One-Person International Music Business Benefits from CIRAS Research, Contract Expertise
ISU President Tours Mason City Plant
Cardinal and gold pride was on full display when Iowa State University President Wendy Wintersteen toured a Stellar Industries plant in Mason City this past August. The company, which manufactures hydraulic truck-mounted equipment, accessories, and specialty trailers, invited employees who were ISU graduates and current interns to join the tour, giving President Wintersteen a chance … Continue reading ISU President Tours Mason City Plant
Did You Know? Agencies Buy Benefits Not Features
Every product or service has features and benefits, but did you know that you should never mention a feature without explaining the benefit of that feature? Why? Because not every feature is a benefit to your target customer. For example, if your target customer lives in Florida, heated seats (the feature) of a product would … Continue reading Did You Know? Agencies Buy Benefits Not Features
Watching Iowa’s Economy – September
Here is CIRAS’s quick look at major economic indicators, our assessment of Iowa’s industrial economy, and recommendations for you as a business leader. For an introduction and a description of the indicators used, see our first post. Indicator Status Underlying Data Notes ISM Manufacturing PMI® Strong data with indications of price easing and availability … Continue reading Watching Iowa’s Economy – September
CIRAS Supplier Scouting Program: A Year of Reflection
During the past couple of years, we have seen major disruptions and changes in how we conduct business. It’s not a stretch to claim that all of us have experienced some impact from supply chain disruptions, whether professionally or personally. In 2020, during the early stages of the pandemic, CIRAS and other Manufacturing Extension Partnership … Continue reading CIRAS Supplier Scouting Program: A Year of Reflection
Internships Key to Recruiting Young Talent
When Marlene Hernandez graduates from Iowa State University next spring, she’ll do so with newfound self-confidence and a resume packed with experience. As an intern with CIRAS, Hernandez delved into everything from employee compensation issues to safety and health. “It has made me feel more confident in my capabilities and has helped me develop professional … Continue reading Internships Key to Recruiting Young Talent
Impact of the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022
The CHIPS and Science Act of 2022, signed into law on August 9, will inject up to $280 billion in critical and emerging technologies. The bill provides more than $52 billion to subsidize semiconductor manufacturing, including tax benefits and other incentives to encourage U.S. businesses to build new chip manufacturing plants in the U.S. The … Continue reading Impact of the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022
Staff Update: Meet Emily Betz
Emily Betz has joined CIRAS as a project manager specializing in process improvement. Emily has over 10 years of experience using Lean principles to help companies solve their business challenges. She has helped hundreds of organizations examine their processes to gain efficiencies and improve productivity. Emily has worked in multiple sectors including manufacturing, construction, finance, … Continue reading Staff Update: Meet Emily Betz