April 25th Manufacturing Matters! Conference gives Wisconsin firms tools to gain competitive edge

MADISON, Wis. – New York Times best-selling author Oren Harari will keynote the 10^th annual Manufacturing Matters! Conference on Wednesday, April 25, in Milwaukee. 

More than 700 participants from 250 manufacturing firms are expected to attend Wisconsin’s leading conference devoted to manufacturing excellence.  Governor Jim Doyle will address the conference at 1:10 p.m. prior to the afternoon keynote speaker.

Harari, a nationally recognized expert on innovation, leadership and growth, is the author of “Break from the Pack: How to Compete in a Copycat Economy.”  His book explores the homogenizing effects of globalization on American business, and calls for business leaders to resist what he calls the “commoditization” of their products and services.  “The future success of Wisconsin manufacturing depends on the ability of firms to launch dramatic breakthroughs in product development, customer care, collaboration, mobility and speed,” he said.

Teaching Wisconsin manufacturers how to achieve this kind of radical differentiation is the focus of this year’s 10^th annual Manufacturing Matters! Conference, said Michael Klonsinski, executive director of the Wisconsin Manufacturing Extension Partnership (WMEP) which hosts the annual event.

Afternoon keynote Steven S. Little, business growth expert and author of “The 7 Irrefutable Rules of Small Business Growth,” will discuss the best practices of organizations that achieve sustained and profitable growth.  Little is the former president of three fast-growth companies, two of which were manufacturing firms that achieved profitable growth rates of more than 500% during his tenure.

The all-day Manufacturing Matters! Conference will be held Wednesday, April 25, at the Midwest Airlines Center, Milwaukee.  Registration is $269 for manufacturers before April 11; and $319 after.  To register call 1-877-800-2099 or visit www.manufacturingmatters.org.

More than 30 conference workshops include sessions on lean manufacturing; strategic business growth; e-business; sales and marketing; supply chain management; reducing healthcare expenses; business forecasting; leveraging new technologies such as RFID and bar-coding; and attracting and retaining top-performing employees, one of the most urgent issues facing today’s manufacturers.

For the first time, WMEP will organize roundtable discussions over the lunch hour as well as provide a networking area.  This is a great opportunity for manufacturers to exchange ideas and discuss issues of mutual concern, Klonsinski said. 

“Our goal is to provide manufacturers with the tools and techniques they can use to make immediate improvements to their businesses,” said Klonsinski.  “Manufacturing is a strong and vibrant $44 billion industry in Wisconsin, but change is essential for manufacturers to compete globally.  The status quo is no longer an option.”

Major sponsors include:  Ariens; Harley-Davidson Motor Company; Deere & Co.; Oshkosh Truck Corp.; Trane; The Business Journal; Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce; Wisconsin Technical College System; Clifton Gunderson, LLP; Commercial Communications, Inc.; Guardian Business Solutions, Inc.; Lapham-Hickey Steel; Vrakas Blum; Suby, Von Haden & Associates, S.C.; and the Wisconsin Department of Commerce.

WMEP provides technical expertise and business assistance to help small and mid-size manufacturers adopt advanced manufacturing technologies and business practices.  WMEP is a leader in lean manufacturing, strategic business development, quality systems and supplier development.  Last year WMEP-assisted manufacturers reported a $233 million economic impact with 2,696 jobs created/retained.  For more information, visit www.wmep.org or call 1-877-856-8588.