2011 Lean Systems Summit
August 12, 2011 – Eastland Park Hotel, Portland, Maine

To view 2011 Summit Presentations http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/btc/events.html


Innovation Engineering Leadership Institute
October 17-19, 2011 – The Harraseeket Inn, Freeport, Maine

Why INNOVATION? Why NOW? Why YOU? The Way to Wealth is not a mystery it's within the reach of every organization that is open to learning. The Way to Wealth is INNOVATION. When your services and or products are Meaningfully Unique employees are proud and motivated, management is optimistic and everyone makes more money and has more opportunities.

The Way to Wealth is INNOVATION... Meaningfully unique products and services make more money. Period. If you want to get out of commodity market hell, and sell on value – then you need to improve and offer more meaningfully unique services and products to your customers. A Georgia Tech Study found that businesses focused on Innovation have doubled the profit margin versus those who sell based on low price.

Registration Cost... The regular cost is $1,995 per person for companies with more than 500 employees and $995 per person for smaller companies and non-profits. When teams of 4 register from the same organization, you only pay for 3 – the 4^th is free (with no other discounts). We offer this because research indicates significantly greater company success when organizations have a team of people attend.

For Maine Manufacturers, you may qualify for a substantial discount at $495 per person. Contact Rosemary Presnar at (207) 623-0680 for details.

The price includes 20 hours of interactive classroom work - 10 hours of company coaching - a one year membership to the Innovation Engineering Labs portal of advanced tools - breakfast and lunch for three days plus three continuing education units (CEUs) from the University of Maine.

For complete details, downloadable brochure, hotel, registration and agenda go to: http://www.innovationengineering.info/maine/


Principles of Lean Manufacturing Workshop
November 15, 2011 – AVCOG, 125 Manley Road, Auburn, ME 04210

Traditional manufacturing philosophies stress high utilization of machinery and manpower with little concern for cycle time or manufacturing waste. Lean manufacturing focuses on creating greater production efficiencies by implementing value-added activities to minimize waste. By utilizing a simulated learning environment, workshop participants experience a complete Lean transformation and learn how to implement Lean principles within their own company. By introducing and implementing Lean principles, your company can improve efficiencies, reduce waste, increase profitability and provide customers with high quality products at competitive prices.

Who Should Attend?
Priority registration to companies not familiar with Lean Principles. Business and manufacturing leaders that are interested in a continuous improvement mangagement system to reduce inventory costs, improve overall quality, improve on-tikme delivery performance, and improve long-term productivity.

Results of Lean Manufacturing
Participants in our workshops have reported significant results after implementing Lean principles in their own enterprises including:

   •  90% reduction in lead times
   •  85% reduction in work-in-process
   •  85% improvement in quality
   •  50% increase in productivity
   •  50% reduction in floor space

Date: November 15, 2011

Time: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Location: AVCOG, 125 Manley Road, Auburn, ME 04210

Cost: $99 per participant (this workshop is typically valued at $295; this event is being hosted by AVCOG and presented by Maine MEP); breakfast and lunch is included (dress is casual)

Register Online

For more information, contact Wayne Messer at 207-783-9186.


Valuing and Accelerating Your Innovations

Do you have ideas?
Are you tired of trying to guess what your innovation is really worth?
Are you looking for connections to help you accelerate your innovation?

If you said "Yes" to one of these questions, this workshop is for you! Turn your innovation concepts into easy to understand business plans.

Here's how it works:

Translate it. Through an interactive workshop, you'll 'translate' your idea into a simple description that anyone can understand, regardless of their background.

Value it. After your idea is translated, you'll gather key data to run a Merwyn Business Simulation that gives you a total assessment of your innovation in one easy-to-understand scorecard, including how much you will sell, the quality of your idea, innovation readiness and proprietary protection, and royalty rates expectations.

Sell it. License it. Distribute it. Find a manufacturer or investor or partner for it.

The USA National Innovation Marketplace and the Maine Innovation Marketplace are Internet-based Open Innovation Marketplaces that connect innovation sellers, buyers, investors, manufacturers and distributors. It provides an innovation research report and sales forecast that buyers can understand in 60 seconds.

Register for the following date and location:

* Please check back often for future training and meeting dates

Programs

Lean Training
Does your company need education in Lean thinking? We can facilitate solutions to achieve your enterprise or operational goals. We’ll train your staff to think "Lean" so that the entire organization understands the concepts and the benefits of a Lean transformation. Reduce your current costs and create capacity for growth; call 207-623-0680 to arrange an initial needs assessment for on-site training sessions.


Machine Operator Skills Training (M.O.S.T.)
M.O.S.T. is a pilot program launched in the six New England states to address the advanced machine shops' critical need for qualified operators. The program will assist your company in hiring new specially trained, skilled workers. Turn your workforce into an asset that will give you the competitive edge! Contact Rosemary Presnar at 207-623-0680 or e-mail rosemaryp@mainemep.org.