Friday, May 21, 2010, 8:30AM - 11:45AM
ENGLISH
Third-Party Event
Organization Name: Rockford Area Economic Development Council

8:00 AM         Networking Breakfast

8:30 AM         Welcome Remarks

• Janyce Fadden, President, Rockford Area Economic Development Council
• David Kouidri, Executive Director Swiss American Business Council; President, Polydec International Inc.

8:40 AM         Panel I – Manufacturing Workforce Development: Challenges and Solutions

What trends are occurring regarding workforce needs in the manufacturing sector? Where are their gaps between employer needs and available skilled labor? What kind of resources and programs are available to companies searching for qualified workforce? How are education institutions collaborating with industry to create a workforce aligned with the manufacturing needs of tomorrow?

Panelists:

• Harry Moser, Agie-Charmilles
• Jim Warren, Fabricators and Manufacturers Association
• Stephen C. Mandes, National Institute for Metalworking Skills, Inc.

9:40 AM         Coffee break and networking

10:00 AM       Panel II – How Should Suppliers Adapt to the Changing Needs of OEMs?

How are the needs of OEMs changing in terms of quality, delivery, price, and dimension? Why are the needs of OEMs changing and how can suppliers help? How can suppliers better position themselves for the changing environment? What key factors would enable domestic suppliers to compete with low-cost economies?  What can suppliers do to provide value to OEMs? (inventory management, management of other subcontract operations, direct reporting of quality metrics to your customers, etc.)?

Panelists:

• Ferran Canals, Talgo, Inc.
• Jackie DeThorne, Parker Hannifin
• Keith Ishigure, Nippon Sharyo
• Lynne Passett, Electro-Motive Diesel

11:15 AM       Keynote - Celebrating U.S. Manufacturing, its Benefits and Future

• Rodney Grover, Society of Manufacturing Engineers

12:00 PM       Adjourn

To register, complete the RSVP Form and fax it to 815-987-8129 or e-mail the required information to alakey@rockfordil.com.

Location: