2008 Working Groups

The Council's working groups further its mission to promote, facilitate, enable and advocate for the implementation of "world class" manufacturing enterprises in Greater Grand Rapids, and participation is open to area manufacturers. A brief summary of each group’s efforts includes:

Globalization

Champions: John Fynewever, Irwin Seating; Rick DeBlasio, Bissell Homecare

• Develop a Globalization Experience Survey
• Research areas for collaboration
• Collaborate with Right Place/MMTC-West staff on the development of a learning product around globalization issues
  

Innovation

Champion: David Muir, Paragon Die & Engineering

• Support the creation and implementation of InnovationWORKS
• Investigate new Council initiatives to support manufacturing innovation

Issues and Opportunities

Champion: Peter Perez, Carter Products Company
Exchange information and knowledge on policies that constrain or propel the competitiveness of manufacturing on a local and national level.

Operational Excellence

Champion: John Buchan, Autocam Corp.

• Complete Best-in-Class Matrix elements, assessment and database: Purpose, People, Direct & Indirect Processes
• Host several Enterprise Excellence learning events
• Solicit CI (continuous improvement) individuals from member companies to participate in self-assessment and outreach
• Revive the Best Practices Tours and Sunrise Series events
  

Workforce Development

Champion: Nancy Ayres, Flexco

• Participate and support WIRED West Michigan workforce development initiatives
• Explore new workforce development issues to pursue either through WIRED West Michigan or this working group
• Promote the utilization of existing workforce development systems as a means to implement workforce development strategies
• Promote work-based learning as an important component of workforce development