This month's newsletter continues to highlight events and opportunities for increased knowledge and productivity.  Though this month has no particular theme, I hope the articles remain useful and guide you towards further examination. 

And in case you are new to the Industry Pulse newsletter, here are the February, March and April editions.

As always, you may always reach me via our HELPWEB or at any of the contact information given below for more information about any article.

But this month, I would further urge you to contact me with your questions, comments or anything you would like this newsletter to highlight.  I would love for this newsletter to be as interactive as possible, allowing for industry to act as an additional contributor and editor.    

NC State - Industrial Extension Events

I have previously discussed some of the basic training courses offered by NC State through the Industrial Extension Service, such as Lean 100, Six Sigma, etc.  Yet, they offer far more training opportunities, in far more applications than might be understood. 

For instance, consider the upcoming opportunities in a number of different areas:

Total Productive Maintenance - improving your overall equipment effectiveness (OEE)

Hazardous Materials Transportation  - learn the requirements to ship, receive and handle hazardous materials

Lean Office  - apply lean principles in non-manufacturing settings

Energy Savings in Lighting and HVAC  - energy conservation measures are introduced and evaluation methods are discussed.

I would urge you to consider these events, as well as to periodically check the events calendar for new events as they are posted.  Additionally, considering some of these events are happening soon, please go today.

Eureka! - A Free Growth Event

Most manufacturing leaders know there are two ways to grow: you can expand your base of business, or cut costs and improve margins.  Or, you can do both.

Such growth may begin with an executive overview of Eureka! on Wednesday, June 4, 2008 from 12-2PM at CVCC's East Campus in Hickory.  The free luncheon, presented in partnership with the Center for Emerging Manufacturing Solutions, the Hosiery Technology Center and NC State Industrial Extension Service is intended to provide a glimpse into the only program that has been customized and refined specifically to help US manufacturers grow their companies by:

-          Developing at least 50 business-building ideas

-          Screening these ideas to identify those likely to succeed

-          Coaching and action planning to validate them and get the best ideas ready for market

Additionally, the program is intended to show how Eureka! can help you diversify your market base and develop new product ideas and get them to market quickly, to name a few.

If interested in this FREE session, please RSVP by calling Linda York (327-7000 x. 4265) or Joe Suave (327-7000 x. 4123) by May 30.

This is a great way to learn about this new program, developed by the #1 growth expert in the country.

Committee of 100 Member Spotlight

Since 1967, Catawba Valley Medical Center has built strong relationships with the people, businesses and communities throughout the Catawba Valley.

As the region's largest not-for-profit community hospital, it is their mission to improve the health status of the Catawba Valley. 

They do this by providing high-quality healthcare services, as well as by supporting organizations dedicated to improving our standard of living.