Center for Economic Growth

FuzeHub's: The Power of R&D Partnerships: Advanced Materials (Virtual)
2022-07-27 10:00 - 11:00 (America/New_York) | NY
Across the state, advanced materials innovations involve ceramics, chemicals, glass, metals, plastics, and more, enabling high-performance products in sectors ranging from electronics and aerospace to medical equipment and consumer products.
Join us for the next Power of R&D Partnerships: Advanced Materials to discover how advanced materials innovations are enabling high-performance products in sectors ranging from electronics and aerospace to medical equipment and consumer products throughout New York State.
Judith Tholl, Moderator
Panelists: Dr. Alan Rae, Devon Shipp, John Simmins and John Sinnott

Learn More & Register Here>>

Critical Elements of a Successful Export Business Plan
2022-07-28 09:00 - 10:00 | NY
Join this webinar for an overview of the highly successful Export New York Program
Presented by Jim D’Agostino, President CNYTDO & MEP Center Director
Are you new to exporting? Thinking about it as a strategy to grow your business but not quite sure how to get started? Overwhelmed by regulations? Struggling to determine good markets for your product/service? These are just a few of the question Export New York will help you figure out.
Do you have employees that are new to their export/regulatory role? This is a perfect way to get them up to speed. They will also leave with a new network of people to lean on in the future. In partnership with Syracuse University, student interns will be made available to help you do research. Come learn what the program is, what the time commitment is, how it is funded, and when you can get started on this exciting venture.
Learn more and register here

Supply Chain Management for Small Business: Webinar Series | Sourcing - Minimizing Price Increases & Ways to Manage Costs/Leadtime Issues
2022-08-03 09:00 - 12:00 | NY
Has your business been deeply affected by supply chain issues?

About this event

If you have a business that is deeply affected by supply chain issues, this series will give you the tools to navigate this challenging environment. The course will be broken up into four monthly supply chain classes, each lasting 3 hours, conducted via Zoom, June – September, 2022, 9AM – 12PM (each webinar).
This webinar series will include the following topics, on the following dates:

6/01/22: Introduction to Supply Chain Management – State of the US Economy & What is Supply Chain Management
7/06/22: Making & Planning – Ways to Manage Demand, Costs & Labor Issues
8/03/22: Sourcing – Minimizing Price Increases & Ways to Manage Costs/Leadtime Issues
9/07/22: Deliver – Ways to Manage Freight Costs/Issues & Most Efficient/Effective Way to Ship

This Webinar Series will be Taught by: Patrick Penfield is a Professor of Practice – Supply Chain Management and Director of Executive Education at the Whitman School of Management – Syracuse University. He has his Ph.D.in Sustainable Resource Management and is Certified in Purchasing Management (CPM), Certified Fellow in Production and Inventory Management (CFPIM) and Certified in Integrated Resource Management (CIRM). He was voted Faculty of the Year at the Whitman School of Management in 2007 & 2018, selected for the prestigious Syracuse University Meredith Teaching award in 2009 and in 2015 received the Oberwager award for engagement with students. Penfield has over 15 years of industry experience in Supply Chain Management & Manufacturing working for such companies as the Raymond Corporation, Johnson & Johnson and Philips Electronics. Professor Penfield’s research focuses on Forestry, Natural Resource Management and Sustainability. Dr. Penfield has appeared on Good Morning America, CBS & ABC Evening News and has done several print media interviews with USA Today, Fox, CNN, Bloomberg, Time, Newsweek and several other trade magazines and news media outlet.
Dr. Penfield Media Clips:

CBS News: Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg makes recruiting truck drivers a priority as industry reaches a breaking point
Washington Journal: Patrick Penfield on Delays in U.S. Supply Chain
2WGRZ: Town Hall: Is there reason for cautious optimism about inflation?

Sponsored by:

Onondaga SBDC
Syracuse University, Whitman School of Management
Technology Development Organization (CNY TDO)
Cornell Cooperative Extension Madison County

REGISTER HERE>

Hatched: An Inventors and Entrepreneurs Meetup
2022-08-04 18:30 - 20:00, 2022-09-01 18:30 - 20:00, 2022-11-03 18:30 - 20:00, 2022-12-01 18:30 - 20:00 | Tech Valley Center of Gravity, 30 3rd Street, Troy, NY, 12180, United States
Have a Product or Project Idea? Hatch it at the Center of Gravity.
Join us the first Thursday of each month to connect with other creative souls, product developers, inventors, patent attorneys and more who are interested in entrepreneurship, intellectual property, and bringing ideas to life. Our goal is to help inventors and entrepreneurs navigate the business world.
SHARING NIGHTS: Share your project’s current status, get and give feedback, explore next steps, connect with potential team members.
SPEAKER NIGHTS: Once a quarter we’ll host a speaker who will share their experiences and lessons learned from their entrepreneurial journey, followed by Q&A and discussion.
We’ll also share other events that may be of interest to this community.
This meetup is organized by The Tech Valley Center of Gravity. We are a makerspace, prototyping center, manufacturing incubator, STEAM-education center and creative community located in the heart of downtown Troy, New York. A member-supported 501(c)(3) community resource organization, the Center of Gravity serves members from Albany, Columbia, Rensselaer, Saratoga and Schenectady counties and beyond with space, tools, technology and expertise to explore and exercise their creativity, turn ideas into objects of art and/or utility, and launch new ventures based on their own ingenuity.
TVCOG Members: Free
Non-Members: Suggested Donation $5.00 at www.tvcog.net/donate

MORE INFO >>

2022 IgniteU Startup Showcase
2022-08-10 17:30 - 20:30 | Brown’s Revolution Hall, 425 River St, Troy, NY, 12180
IgniteU NY invites you to our 2022 Startup Showcase. Hear from the seven companies who have been growing and scaling their operations with us over the past eight weeks.
Join us on Wednesday, August 10th for an evening of pitches, networking, and food + drinks at the Brown’s Revolution Hall in downtown Troy.
The event is free and open to the public.
If you are unable to attend this event in person, we will be live streaming the event on our Facebook Page.
Please only register here if you plan on attending this event in person. No need to register here if you plan on watching the facebook live stream.
If you are in interested in sponsoring this event, contact Samuel Mere at smere@nystec.com.
Photography, Video and Audio Recording, and Use of Likeness
In registering for this event, you understand that NYSTEC (including IgniteU NY) or its designees may take or use livestreaming, photographs, or other video and/or audio recordings to capture or record parts, or the entirety of, the event. In registering and attending, you grant NYSTEC (including IgniteU NY) the right to livestream, otherwise publish, reproduce, use and/or reuse any such media or images containing you, or any likeness of you, with or without your name, for any NYSTEC-related purpose or promotional activity, and as part of any NYSTEC copyrighted material. You release, and agree to hold harmless, NYSTEC from any claim or action related to the above, and you agree that your authorization and release shall inure to the benefit of the successors, assignees and licensees of NYSTEC. All photographs, video/audio digital files, prints, or other reproductions or recordings made by or for NYSTEC shall be the exclusive property of NYSTEC.
FAQs
What are my parking options for the event?
There is a parking lot next to Brown’s that you are welcome to park in, free street parking is available on any of the adjacent streets, and parking garages in Troy are also free of charge during the duration of the event.
How can I contact the organizer with any questions?
Please reach out to us at igniteu@nystec.com.
What does the event cost?
Startup Showcase is free and open to the public.
What’s the refund policy?
Please keep your attendance status updated on Eventbrite for a proper headcount.
Do I have to bring my ticket to the event?
Please bring your ticket either on the Eventbrite app or on paper for expedited check-in.

Learn More & Register Here

Utilizing the Industrial Manufacturing Technician (IMT) Registered Apprenticeship Trade to Hire, Train, and Retain
2022-08-16 09:00 - 22:00 | NY
Are you interested in learning more about how you can utilize Registered Apprenticeships to hire, train and retain your workforce? Indium Corporation’s President and Chief Operating Officer, Ross Berntson, will provide insight as to how they utilize the Industrial Manufacturing Technician (IMT) Registered Apprenticeship Trade to create a career pathway opportunity. A general overview of the IMT Trade will be provided, in addition participants will learn how Indium started with IMT and how they plan to utilize additional Registered Apprenticeship opportunities in the future.
Let MACNY help you Build Your Bench: Hire, Train and Retain Utilizing the Industrial Manufacturing Technician (IMT) Registered Apprenticeship Trade

Learn More & Register Here

Supply Chain Management for Small Business: Webinar Series | Deliver - Ways to Manage Freight Costs/Issues & Most Efficient/Effective Way to Ship
2022-09-07 09:00 - 12:00 | NY

Principles of Lean Enterprise Methodologies and Simulation
2022-09-21 07:30 - 16:00 | Crowne Plaza Albany – the Desmond Hotel, 660 Albany Shaker Road, Albany, NY, 12211, United States
Lean Manufacturing encompasses a set of continuous improvement techniques that, when implemented, shorten the time between customer order and shipment by eliminating or reducing non-value added activities. One effective approach to capturing the power of Lean is the CEG’s signature Lean Simulation. Working for “Buzz Electronics” (a mock manufacturing facility), participants assemble a product on a simulated factory floor, incorporating the various principles of Lean along the way. By participating in a Lean Simulation, you experience how to use half the manufacturing space and half the effort to produce products in half the time with fewer defects.
SIMULATION OBJECTIVES
This full-day program combines a comprehensive classroom presentation with hands-on simulation of a production facility. In this workshop, we introduce the basic concepts of Lean Manufacturing and demonstrate the tools and methodology necessary to implement “lean” on the shop floor.
Participants act as production workers, applying the lean tools to their individual workspaces as well as across the entire product line. This learn-do technique over four “shifts” illustrates cause and effect relationships for the lean tools presented. Participants review methodology and lessons learned from previous shifts, deciding what and how to implement while working with realistic constraints such as available resources, cash flow and resistance to change.
TOPICS COVERED
• Traditional Manufacturing
• Defining Lean
• Eight Wastes
• Standardized Work
• Total Productive Maintenance
• Visual Controls
• Workplace Organization (5S)
• Plant Layout
• Quick Changeover
• Point of Use Storage
• Quality at the Source
• Pull Systems
• Cellular Flow Manufacturing
• Batch Size Reduction
• Takt Time
• Work Balancing
• Keys to Success
BENEFITS OF THE LEAN MANUFACTURING OVERVIEW
Participants will learn how to identify the eight wastes in manufacturing and experience how productivity can be improved by applying standard work, visual controls, quick changeover, batch size reduction, point-of-use storage, quality at the source, pull systems and more.
Cost: $395 per person
Limit of 16 people
Manufacturers Register Here

September: VentureB Presentation
2022-09-27 16:00 - 18:00 | ETEC Building – University at Albany, SUNY, 1220 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY, 12206, United States
CEG coaches entrepreneurs in creating & delivering a presentation resulting in an open public pitch to regional investors & business leaders.

About this Event
VentureB is a quarterly program designed for entrepreneurs to gain visibility to the region’s angel and institutional investors, business service providers, advisers, students, faculty, alumni and the early stage business community.

Join us for a VentureB In-Person Presentation on Tuesday, September 27th.

Presenters:
Virtual Babysitters Club
An online marketplace that connects parents with virtual lessons/activities for their kids conducted by professional performers over Zoom, keeping kids engaged in “virtual babysitting sessions” full of activities like magic, dance, art, games & more!
pRxcision
Unintended misuse of antibiotics leads to societal and financial impact to hospitals and insurers. By using pRxcision broadly to support the personalization of antibiotic prescribing in a hospital setting, tens of thousands of needless deaths per year could be prevented, and antibiotic resistance could be reduced, extending their time and scope of value and effectiveness.

AGENDA
3:30 – 4:00 | Check in
4:00 – 4:10 | Welcome & Panel Introductions: Michael Lobsinger, CEG
4:10 – 4:55 | Presentations, each followed by Q&A

Virtual Babysitters Club
pRxcision

4:55 – 5:00 | Closing Remarks
5:00 – 6:00 | Networking & Refreshments

Download the map of the location here>> For directions, Enter ETEC building Albany in Google Maps.

REGISTER HERE

Understanding Your Competitor’s Suppliers Before Selecting Your Own
2022-10-05 12:00 - 13:00 | NY
Wednesday, October 5th at Noon EST
Food for Thought Virtual Product Development Luncheon
Understanding Your Competitor’s Suppliers Before Selecting Your Own
Mastering your supply chain is just as important, if not more so, than perfecting your product. Knowing where your competitors source their products from can be game-changing. For example, if you can source the same bulk rate for raw material, you have a chance to be competitive and break into the market. Learn how to use international trade data to answer interesting questions like “Which suppliers do my competitors use?,” “Which country should I choose to manufacture my products?”, and “How do I know if the supplier I’m looking at is honest and the right fit for me?”
Be prepared for a live demo! Think about a company you’d like to see import data for, and we’ll take a look during the Q&A portion.
About The Speaker
Dave Applegate is the CEO and Founder of ImportYeti and has 8 years of product development and importing experience at WrestlingMart, the world’s largest specialty wrestling store. ImportYeti is a free tool that allows users to access the US import and trade database to find wholesale suppliers.
Click the registration button below to reserve your seat at our free virtual event! Virtual meeting room information will be sent to attendees before the event.

Register for Food for Thought

Hatched: An Inventors and Entrepreneurs Meetup
2022-10-06 19:00 - 20:00 | Tech Valley Center of Gravity, 30 3rd Street, Troy, NY, 12180, United States
Thursday, October 6th at 6:30p EST
HATCHED, The Capital District Inventors and Entrepreneurs Meetup
Playing a Long Game: High Value Materials Manufacturing at Free Form Fibers
Free Form Fibers path to its present commercialization efforts involved important support from the local Capital District community as well as various state and federal agencies through programs to assist small business in their development. CEO Shay Harrison will discuss the history of the company, its technical progress to date, and the present and future impact of high-performance materials in technology fields such as land- and air-based power generation and hypersonic vehicles.
About Free Form Fibers
Free Form Fibers (FFF) is a start-up manufacturing company located in Saratoga Springs, NY that is commercializing laser-driven chemical vapor deposition (LVCD) technology to produce high performance materials such as fibers, powders, and composite structures for challenging, high value-add applications. LCVD technology developed out of early additive manufacturing work from the 1990’s and has progressed as advancements in laser technology and precision control software have been made. The drive to scale up production capacity is rooted in the need for advanced materials solutions in fibers for composites, particularly ceramic matrix composites, and high purity powders for next generation semiconductors.
About Shay Harrison
Shay Harrison assumed the role of CEO of Free Form Fibers in the fall of 2020 after serving eight years as their senior materials scientist. He has worked in industrial development and production of advanced materials for nearly 25 years, leading or co-authoring approximately a dozen U.S. and international patents. Dr. Harrison has a B.S. in materials science and engineering from Rice University and a Ph.D. in materials science from the University of Connecticut, with a dissertation thesis on laser-driven chemical vapor deposition (LCVD) of silicon carbide. Along with several of his colleagues at Free Form Fibers, Dr. Harrison is one of world’s leading experts in the field of LCVD.
HYBRID EVENT! Joins us at the CoG, or via Zoom. Register at the link below.

Register for HACTHED

Have a Product or Project Idea? Hatch it at the Center of Gravity.
Join us the first Thursday of each month to connect with other creative souls, product developers, inventors, patent attorneys and more who are interested in entrepreneurship, intellectual property, and bringing ideas to life. Our goal is to help inventors and entrepreneurs navigate the business world.
SHARING NIGHTS: Share your project’s current status, get and give feedback, explore next steps, connect with potential team members.
SPEAKER NIGHTS: Once a quarter we’ll host a speaker who will share their experiences and lessons learned from their entrepreneurial journey, followed by Q&A and discussion.
We’ll also share other events that may be of interest to this community.
This meetup is organized by The Tech Valley Center of Gravity. We are a makerspace, prototyping center, manufacturing incubator, STEAM-education center and creative community located in the heart of downtown Troy, New York. A member-supported 501(c)(3) community resource organization, the Center of Gravity serves members from Albany, Columbia, Rensselaer, Saratoga and Schenectady counties and beyond with space, tools, technology and expertise to explore and exercise their creativity, turn ideas into objects of art and/or utility, and launch new ventures based on their own ingenuity.
TVCOG Members: Free
Non-Members: Suggested Donation $5.00 at www.tvcog.net/donate

MORE INFO >>

Retool’22: A Climate Tech Conference for Manufacturers
2022-10-17 - 2022-10-20 | Northwest Arena, 319 W 3rd St, Jamestown, NY, 14701
The Retool WNY Initiative presents a climate technology conference for manufacturers and associated partners in upstate New York. Join industry leaders, manufacturers, investors, and entrepreneurs October 17–19, 2022 to learn, network, and collaborate on opportunities related to developing new business in the emerging climate technology sector.
New York State’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act of 2019 sets aggressive targets for decarbonization and reduction of greenhouse gases by 2050 with the goal of 100% zero-emissions electricity by 2040. Industry is changing, creating new manufacturing opportunities. Are you prepared to take advantage of them?
What to Expect

Learn about market opportunities that exist in the climate technology sector.
Discover innovators who are already in the climate technology supply-chain.
Hear from entrepreneurs and investors about how to grow new businesses in Western NY and the Southern Tier. Meet secondary and higher education leaders who are formulating new programs and courses in response to climate technology and clean tech manufacturing needs.
See examples of electrified vehicles and equipment, and talk with industry experts.

Attendees
Manufacturers, entrepreneurs, investors, small business owners, public sector leaders, secondary and higher education workforce leaders from across New York State and the Northeast region.
Costs are outlined when you click to REGISTER. Early bird discount extended through Sept. 15th and bundled pricing available for businesses wishing to send 3 or more people.

Agenda
Monday: Check-in. Pre-conference networking opportunities at the Robert H. Jackson Center, the Roger Tory Peterson Institute, and the Chautauqua Harbor Hotel.
Tuesday: Keynote speakers, panel discussions and breakout sessions at the Northwest Arena. Dinner and tour of the National Comedy Center.
Wednesday: Half-day schedule with speakers on the challenges of manufacturing in the climate technology sector. Electric vehicle showcase.

Learn More & Register Here>>

Global NY Webinar on Doing Business in India
2022-10-18 09:30 | NY
GLOBAL NY EXPORT WEBINAR SERIES

Expand Your Presence in the Global Marketplace

Global NY’s latest initiative provides export education to NYS small and medium-sized businesses through a series of expert-led webinars. Tapping into Global NY’s international network of trade representatives—from Africa, Canada, China, Europe, Israel, Mexico and South America—this series gives participants advanced exporting information with localized insights on a number of trade-related topics.

Join Global NY Webinar on Doing Business in India
Tuesday, October 18, 2022, 9:30 AM EDT
With representatives around the world and programs offering export funding and assistance, Global NY helps New York businesses enter or expand their presence in the global marketplace. Global NY is pleased to announce the launch of a new trade office in India.
A large, dynamic economy with an expanding middle class, India continues to represent huge opportunities for businesses. Bilateral U.S.-India trade in goods and services jumped from $120.6 billion in 2020 to $159.1 billion in 2021, signaling resilience in the commercial relationship between the United States and India. Moreover, after Indian GDP declined by 7.3 percent in 2020, the IMF estimated Indian GDP growth to achieve 9.0 percent in 2021. The Indian economy is projected to grow by 6.4 percent in 2022. India jumped three places to become the United States’ ninth largest trading partner in 2021, with sales of U.S. goods and services valued at $56.8 billion.
The following sectors provide growth opportunities for U.S. companies in the Indian market:

Civil Aviation
Defense
Education
Energy
Environmental Technologies
Food and Agriculture Value Chain
Healthcare
Information and Communication Technology
Travel and Tourism
Safety and Security

Learn more & Register here>>

New York State Innovation Summit
2022-10-25 - 2022-10-27 | Buffalo Convention Center, 153 Franklin St, Buffalo, NY, 14202
NYSTAR and FuzeHub invites you to join us for the New York State Innovation Summit on October 25-26, 2022 at the Buffalo Niagara Convention Center. This multi-day event for NYS organizations that want to showcase and discover new and emerging technologies that support innovation and drive business growth.
The event serves as an opportunity to foster collaboration; introduce industry to experts that can assist growth, strengthen our statewide innovation ecosystem and showcase promising early stage companies. Whether you’re a startup, an economic developer, or an established manufacturer, the NYS Innovation Summit is for you.
The 2022 New York State Innovation Summit will showcase companies and researchers at the forefront of emerging technologies and new advancements in production capabilities. This event celebrates New York State leadership in technology-led economic growth with experts in biotechnology, new materials, energy innovation, and artificial intelligence that will explore current technology convergence opportunities, ways to accelerate commercialization, and issues of manufacturing sustainability.

Learn more and Register here

Food for Thought: SBA 101- Intro to Small Business Support
2022-11-02 12:00 - 13:00 | NY
Are you looking for funding or free consulting to help your business start, grow or recover? The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) offers many financial and educational resources for small businesses, beyond the recent COVID relief programs. Join the SBA Upstate New York District Office virtually on November 2nd at 12:00 pm EDT for an introduction to traditional SBA programs, including financing, counseling, federal contracting and disaster assistance. The presentation will provide an overview of SBA services and local Resource Partners, who provide low- and no-cost support to small businesses.

Jeffrey Boyce was appointed Upstate New York Branch Manager for the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) in March of 2020. In this role he manages a significant portion of the District’s 34-county territory, collaborating with public and private sector agencies, organizations, and individuals to promote SBA capital access programs, in addition to other SBA federal resources that assist small business owners and entrepreneurs. Mr. Boyce also serves as SBA’s Project Officer for the New York Small Business Development Center (SBDC) network.
REGISTER TODAY!

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This free, virtual series is brought to you by the Manufacturing Incubator at Tech Valley Center of Gravity.
The Manufacturing Incubator provides expert coaching, advisory services and support for product-related startups. We offer resources specifically tuned for hardware development through our Makerspace and Prototyping Center, with our advanced manufacturing equipment and flexible workspace.

Supply Chain Virtual Lunchtime Workshop Series
2022-11-15 08:00 - 2022-11-22 17:00 | NY
Join the conversation! This three-part virtual workshop series, brought to you by MTRC, is designed to provoke innovative new ideas and strategies in Global Supply Chain Management.

Registration is for all 3 workshops:
1. November 15, 2022 – Current Issues and Failures in Global Supply Chains
2. November 17, 2022 – Supply Chain Models and what we can learn from each. What are the innovations, creativity, and strategies of various supply chain models including electronics, automotive, fast fashion, food, and pharma
3. November 22, 2022 – Supply Chain Strategies and Architectures – What to focus on now in your Supply Chains

REGISTER HERE
Can’t make it? Sign up today to receive the full recording and any distributed materials.

Building an Ecosystem: Troy’s AI Center of Excellence
2023-03-09 18:30 - 20:30 | Tech Valley Center of Gravity, 30 3rd Street, Troy, NY, 12180, United States
Summary
AI is finally mainstream. Join us to learn about the burgeoning community at the AI Center of Excellence in downtown Troy – an upcoming resource in the upstate innovation ecosystem. We will discuss the facility’s mission and share tactical next steps for regional innovation industry players to connect and grow our ecosystem.

About the AI Center of Excellence
The AI Center of Excellence will form the point of aggregation for AI-related expertise, resources and capabilities for the purpose of creating AI-enabled solutions for commercial and public sector customers, incubating AI start-ups, and facilitating R&D opportunities for research organizations. It will compliment and strengthen Regional industry hubs, including video gaming, nanotechnology, and life sciences.
The AI Center — the first of its kind in the Northeast — will have a suite of spaces to host educational activities, conferences and events, and showcase AI capabilities to the public. The Center will also sponsor a range of educational outreach programs designed to elevate the Capital District to becoming the most AI literate community in the world. The AI Center of Excellence is being designed to perpetuate AI literacy and learning across all demographics segments.

About Bob Bedard
Bob’s career has centered on building market-changing products, services, and businesses based on opportunities to gain competitive advantages by applying emerging information technologies. As an early pioneer in online services and electronic commerce, the commercial solutions he brought to market have helped thousands of Fortune-ranked to middle-market customers realize competitive advantage. Over the past ten years, Bob has turned his attention to commercializing emerging Information Technologies in Corporate Planning, Artificial Intelligence, Business Analytics, and Business Intelligence.

THIS EVENT IS IN PERSON.

Register here>>

Smart Manufacturing – What it is, Why it Matters, and How to Get Started
2023-03-28 07:30 - 12:30 | Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Howard P. Isermann Auditorium, Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies, 1623 15th St, Troy, NY, 12180
Manufacturing Innovation Network, powered by the Center for Economic Growth, is proud to present the RPI Smart Manufacturing Innovation Center and CESMII – “The Smart Manufacturing Institute”, as their industry experts provide an introductory workshop on Smart Manufacturing and why it is critically important to implement now to secure the future success of your manufacturing operations.

Smart Manufacturing – What it is, Why it Matters, and How to Get Started
Strategies for leveraging real-time [manufacturing process] data to improve decision making and optimize performance.
Tuesday, March 28, 2023, | 7:30am-1:00pm (Tour will conclude at 1pm)
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Howard P. Isermann Auditorium, Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies
1623 15th St, Troy, NY 12180 (parking instructions to follow)
Meet the Speakers!

Check out their bios here>>

In this workshop, you will learn about:
The Business Case for Smart Manufacturing
• What is Smart Manufacturing and why it matters to manufacturers
• Closing the gap between business strategy and technology enablement
• How new capabilities bring together people, process, and technology
• Tactics for upskilling the workforce

Smart Manufacturing Building Blocks
• Smart Manufacturing Principles
• Going beyond process control and dashboards (Industry 3.0 vs. Industry 4.0)
• Digital Lean and Smart Manufacturing synergies
• Leveraging Cyber-Physical systems, OT-IT partnerships, the SM Innovation Platform, and SM applications

Taking the First Step
• Smart Manufacturing critical success areas
• Understanding your current state
• Establishing a strategic vision and roadmap
• Prioritizing quick wins and longer-term plans
• Techniques for digitally connecting manufacturing systems to collect actionable data for better decision making

And tour the RPI Smart Manufacturing Innovation Center in the Manufacturing Innovation Learning Lab (MILL).
• See Smart Manufacturing systems in action, in an agile manufacturing facility that looks like yours
• Understand from industry experts how to digitally connect modern and legacy manufacturing equipment to collect contextualized data and implement powerful analytics
• How to protect data security including trade secrets, intellectual property and company privacy

Plus, connect with the regional Smart Manufacturing ecosystem, including SM experts and suppliers, and view Smart Manufacturing Project Success Stories

REGISTER TODAY!

Principles of Lean Enterprise Methodologies and Simulation
2023-04-20 07:30 - 16:00 | Capital Region Chamber, 5 Computer Drive South, Colonie, NY, United States
Lean Manufacturing encompasses a set of continuous improvement techniques that, when implemented, shorten the time between customer order and shipment by eliminating or reducing non-value added activities. One effective approach to capturing the power of Lean is the CEG’s signature Lean Simulation. Working for “Buzz Electronics” (a mock manufacturing facility), participants assemble a product on a simulated factory floor, incorporating the various principles of Lean along the way. By participating in a Lean Simulation, you experience how to use half the manufacturing space and half the effort to produce products in half the time with fewer defects.
SIMULATION OBJECTIVES
This full-day program combines a comprehensive classroom presentation with hands-on simulation of a production facility. In this workshop, we introduce the basic concepts of Lean Manufacturing and demonstrate the tools and methodology necessary to implement “lean” on the shop floor.
Participants act as production workers, applying the lean tools to their individual workspaces as well as across the entire product line. This learn-do technique over four “shifts” illustrates cause and effect relationships for the lean tools presented. Participants review methodology and lessons learned from previous shifts, deciding what and how to implement while working with realistic constraints such as available resources, cash flow and resistance to change.
TOPICS COVERED
• Traditional Manufacturing
• Defining Lean
• Eight Wastes
• Standardized Work
• Total Productive Maintenance
• Visual Controls
• Workplace Organization (5S)
• Plant Layout
• Quick Changeover
• Point of Use Storage
• Quality at the Source
• Pull Systems
• Cellular Flow Manufacturing
• Batch Size Reduction
• Takt Time
• Work Balancing
• Keys to Success
BENEFITS OF THE LEAN MANUFACTURING OVERVIEW
Participants will learn how to identify the eight wastes in manufacturing and experience how productivity can be improved by applying standard work, visual controls, quick changeover, batch size reduction, point-of-use storage, quality at the source, pull systems and more.

*Continental breakfast and lunch will be provided.

Register Today!

Ralph W. Earl Automation Solutions Expo 2023
2023-05-18 09:00 - 14:00 | Crowne Plaza Albany – the Desmond Hotel, 660 Albany Shaker Road, Albany, NY, 12211, United States
Join us for our annual Automation Expo, as we showcase our wide offering of automation solutions from our 25+ exhibitors. Visit with industry leading Automation Experts, and interact hands-on with the the technologies on-site.
The event starts at 9 am and ends at 2 pm. Lunch will be served from 11 am to 2 pm.
There is no cost to attend.
We are expecting a large turn-out, and registration is limited. Register as early as possible to avoid missing out on this opportunity.
We look forward to seeing everyone at the event!

Learn More & Register here

Knowledge @ Noon - Effective Onboarding by M3
2023-06-13 12:00 - 13:00 | NY
Knowledge @ Noon is a monthly webinar series designed to help manufacturers stay up-to-date with the latest trends, ideas, and best practices. Each month will feature a new topic led by industry experts who will share insights and provide valuable knowledge and tools to help your organizations learn and grow.
In this Knowledge @ Noon monthly series the *Manufacturing Innovation Network will explore the significance of effective onboarding, a critical process for organizations that helps to increase employee engagement, reduce turnover rates, and improve productivity by providing structured support and training for new hires.
Statistics on the importance of onboarding:

According to a survey conducted by Careerbuilder and Silkroad Technology (nine percent,) or 1 in 10 have left a company because of a poor onboarding experience, and 37% percent of employees said their manager did not play a critical role in their onboarding experience support.
Without proper onboarding procedures increases in employee turnover and loss of productivity occur. This decreased employee engagement costs companies large sums of money every year.
When a company has great onboarding 69% of employees are likely to stay for at least 3 years.

SHRM (the Society for Human Resource Management):

69 percent of employees are more likely to stay with a company for three years if they experienced great onboarding.
New employees who went through a structured onboarding program were 58 percent more likely to be with the organization after three years.
Organizations with a standard onboarding process experience 50 percent greater new-hire productivity.

Speakers:
Mary Malone McCarthy is founder and CEO of M3 Placement & Partnership, a national executive search, talent acquisition, and strategic HR firm. As CEO she has led the organization to significant growth through the team’s focus on building strong partnerships with a shared services approach and a passion for exceptional service. Prior to founding M3, Mary Malone spent over 15 years as Senior Vice President at Northland Communications, responsible for the oversight of Human Resources, Marketing and Client Relations for the organization. See Mary Malone’s Bio here>>
Donna Hughes, JD, is the Founder and CEO of Hughes Solutions, LLC, an executive coaching and human resources consulting business. Donna launched her business to enable senior and emerging leaders to excel in their leadership capabilities, and to support diversity in the C-suite, where women and people of color remain underrepresented. Donna is a sought-after speaker for institutions of higher education, national organizations, and has been a guest podcast speaker on various topics including, embracing change, the value of leadership coaching, conscious leadership, diversity, equity and inclusion, culture transformation, and leading organizations through the Covid-19 pandemic and social unrest. See Donna’s bio here>>
Following each segment there will be an opportunity for Q&A.
*The Manufacturing Innovation Network, powered by the Center for Economic Growth (CEG), serves as a forum for Capital Region manufacturers to Learn, Share, and Grow. This Network brings together Capital Region manufacturers to learn from experts on industry relevant topics, participate in thematic roundtables, discuss common issues, and expand their network.
Register Here

Bots & Brews: Manufacturers Networking Event
2023-06-22 15:00 - 18:00 | Nine Pin Ciderworks, 929 Broadway, Albany, NY, 12207
Join the Manufacturing Innovation Network, featuring Ralph W. Earl, for Bots & Brews on Thursday, June 22 from 3 – 6 pm at Nine Pin Cider in Albany, NY.
Come see how cobots are putting the power of automation in manufacturers’ hands.
You’ll get to experience the UR20 cutting-edge features firsthand. Test its programming, feel its new footprint, and witness its enhanced speed and capabilities. Don’t miss out – see the UR20 in person now!

hold the teach pendant
explore the new software
test its enhanced speed
witness its expanded capabilities

Don’t miss out on this chance to immerse yourself in the future of robotics.
Thank you to our Sponsors:
Beverage Sponsor Garnet River
Food Sponsor: R.W. Earl

FREE DRINK: One ticket purchase is good for one beer, cider or non-alcoholic drink per person!
Manufacturers! Register Today!

Knowledge @ Noon: Sustainability Basics to Build Your Business & Reduce Your Footprint
2023-07-11 12:00 - 13:00 | NY
Knowledge @ Noon is a monthly webinar series designed to help manufacturers stay up-to-date with the latest trends, ideas, and best practices. Each month will feature a new topic led by industry experts who will share insights and provide valuable knowledge and tools to help your organizations learn and grow.
In this Knowledge @ Noon monthly series the Manufacturing Innovation Network provides a great opportunity to learn why a sustainability vision is important, how to get started and resources to assist with the journey. Hear from the experts at the Pollution Prevention Institute and how a local manufacturer, ClearView Packaging, is making the transition.
Speakers:
Kim Bawden is the Technology Commercialization Program Manager and is a Senior Staff Engineer at the NYS Pollution Prevention Institute at RIT, where her primary role is to provide technical assistance to industry. Ms. Bawden supports manufacturers throughout the supply chain by assessing manufacturing processes for improvement opportunities, performing material and energy balances for baseline metric quantification, researching and identifying environmentally preferable and cost-effective alternatives, and by assisting companies in meeting sustainability certifications/scorecards. Prior to joining NYSP2I, Ms. Bawden worked in industry for eight years in various manufacturing engineering capacities for Harris RF Communications and Microwave Data Systems. She holds an M.S. in Sustainable Systems from RIT’s Golisano Institute for Sustainability as well as a B.S. degree in Industrial Engineering and a M.E. in Engineering Management, both from RIT. She is also a Life Cycle Assessment Certified Professional (LCACP).
Trent Romer is a sustainability expert, author, and TEDx Speaker who has spent 30 years in the plastic bag manufacturing industry before serving as a sustainability operating partner for a private equity firm. His latest book, “This Is Our Home,” is a cautionary yet inspiring tale to take personal action in the fight against the planet’s destruction. Romer has multiple certificates and degrees from prestigious universities including Yale, Harvard and University of Albany. In 2022, Romer spoke at TEDxBoston. He authored Finding Sustainability, a “gold winner” in the Non-Fiction Book Awards.

Following each segment there will be an opportunity for Q&A.
*The Manufacturing Innovation Network, powered by the Center for Economic Growth (CEG), serves as a forum for Capital Region manufacturers to Learn, Share, and Grow. This Network brings together Capital Region manufacturers to learn from experts on industry relevant topics, participate in thematic roundtables, discuss common issues, and expand their network.
Register today!

Becoming An Employer of Choice
2023-07-13 08:00 - 10:00 | Capital Region Chamber / CEG, 5 Computer Drive South, Albany, NY, 12205, United States
Thursday, July 13 | 8 – 10am | 5 Computer Drive South, Albany, NY 12205
According to the National Association of Manufacturers recent survey 75.7% of manufacturing leaders listed attracting and retaining quality workforce as a primary business challenge.
The same playbook is not enough. Workers seek quality jobs, and companies that prioritize job quality become employers of choice.
Job quality is not just about the job; it is a combination of key drivers that are important to each worker’s overall employment experience. Pay and benefits matter, and so do a multitude of other factors like workplace safety and health, a voice, culture, scheduling predictability, skills building, and advancement. Together, these distinguish an employer of choice from the rest. The bottom line, It all matters.
Join us and learn what strategies you can take to become an employer of choice.
Speakers:
Mary Malone McCarthy, Founder and CEO of M3 Placement & Partnership, a national executive search, talent acquisition, and strategic HR firm. As CEO she has led the organization to significant growth through the team’s focus on building strong partnerships with a shared services approach and a passion for exceptional service. Prior to founding M3, Mary Malone spent over 15 years as Senior Vice President at Northland Communications, responsible for the oversight of Human Resources, Marketing and Client Relations for the organization. See full bio here>>
Donna Hughes, JD, Founder and CEO of Hughes Solutions, LLC, an executive coaching and human resources consulting business. Donna launched her business to enable senior and emerging leaders to excel in their leadership capabilities, and to support diversity in the C-suite, where women and people of color remain underrepresented. Donna is a sought-after speaker for institutions of higher education, national organizations, and has been a guest podcast speaker on various topics including, embracing change, the value of leadership coaching, conscious leadership, diversity, equity and inclusion, culture transformation, and leading organizations through the Covid-19 pandemic and social unrest. See full bio here>>
Anne Rush, Founder and CEO of Elasta Jobs, LLC, recognizes the growing need for creative and individualized talent solutions for organizations. She started Elasta Jobs to create mutually beneficial HR solutions for independent talent and companies. Placing a premium on earning our clients’ trust, Anne leverages her prior experience as an HR Executive to vet the talent within the Elasta Jobs’ network. Anne is recognized as an HR thought leader and has been featured in a variety of publications and speaking venues.
Christine McLear, Director of Workforce Development, Center for Economic Growth, started at CEG in 2021 to oversee workforce programs and partnerships, including management of CEG’s group sponsor program for NYS Registered Apprenticeship. With a specific focus on manufacturing trades, this program supports attraction and retention of diverse talent to meet workforce needs.
Don Wiesenforth, a seasoned leader with over twenty-six years of diverse professional experience including as owner and president of a local manufacturing company, founder and partner of an exhibition management company, leading a lean transformation in healthcare, as well as a strategic business advisor to manufacturing and technology companies. He currently serves as Senior Vice President of Business Growth Solutions at the Center for Economic Growth (CEG) and Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) Center Director. See full bio here>>
Register today!

Knowledge @ Noon: Using Analytics & Modeling to Support and Enhance Business Decisions
2023-08-08 12:00 - 13:00 | NY
Companies are experiencing the following performance improvement results by analyzing and digitizing their manufacturing operations:
• 15-20% Cost Reduction
• 15-30% Productivity Increase
• 10-30% Throughput Increase
Come learn how a company’s data can be effectively used as an asset to make better decisions, faster using a Visualize, Analyze, Optimize methodology. Matt Hodson of Growth & Performance Solutions will discuss the current landscape of data analytics and discuss how organizations are receiving significant benefits from a model-based analytics approach.
Topics to be discussed include:
1. Improve Performance (Lean Six Sigma)
2. Balance Workforce (Shift/ Personnel Optimization)
3. Prepare for Growth (CapEx/ Capacity Planning)
4. Improve Supply Chain Resiliency
5. Improve Scheduling/ Planning
Don’t miss out on this chance to immerse yourself in the future of analytics and prepare your company for future performance and growth.
Meet the Presenter:
Matt Hodson is the President and Owner of Growth & Performance Solutions in Albany, where he provides advisory, consulting, and training services to manufacturing, logistics, and services organizations across North America. Matt has over 20 years of experience supporting organizations in modeling & analytics including GE, Lockheed Martin, NASA, Pfizer, AltaMed, Boeing, and others.
Matt received an MBA, an M.S. in Operations & Information Technology, and a B.S. in Industrial Engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute. He is also certified in Lean, Six Sigma, and Scrum Master. He can be contacted at MattHodson@GrowthPerformanceSolutions.com or 508.450.9379.

REGISTER HERE

2023 EDGE Symposium
2023-09-19 - 2023-09-22 | GE Research, Niskayuna, NY
Join us September 19-21 for the 2023 EDGE Symposium at GE Research in Niskayuna, NY.
The Edge Symposium combines four major technology tracks–Edge & 5G, Controls & Optimization, Cybersecurity, and AI/ML & Robotics–into one exciting, in-person event! The first two days will feature keynote talks, workshops, technical sessions, and live demonstrations to highlight the latest research and developments in these areas. The third day is reserved for networking sessions and side bar discussions.
Don’t miss this collaborative and hands-on learning experience connecting 400+ industry thought leaders in these fields. It’s a great opportunity to network with key government agencies, industry customers, and technology partners.

Learn more & Register here

Knowledge @ Noon - Authentic Leadership
2023-09-19 12:00 - 13:00 | NY
Did you know that a staggering 58 percent of employees trust a stranger on the street more than they do their own boss? According to a Harvard Business Review survey, this alarming statistic sheds light on the pressing need for authenticity in leadership within today’s corporate landscape.
In this engaging and interactive session, we will explore Authentic Leadership and its power to transform. By providing simple and practical insights tailored for the workplace, attendees will gain valuable insights to bridge the authenticity gap and drive real change, amplify influence, enhance effectiveness, boost morale, and ultimately drive the realization of business objectives.
By the completion of this session, participants should be able to:
• Define Authentic Leadership and its implications.
• Discuss five key characteristics of Authentic Leadership.
• Recognize the importance of cultivating leaders at every level of your organization.
• Explore a framework designed to nurture leadership excellence and foster self-awareness.
By the end of this event, you’ll have some actionable tips to lead authentically, inspire trust, and pave the way for a thriving organizational culture. Don’t miss this chance to revolutionize your leadership approach and drive meaningful change within your team and company.

Meet the Presenter:
Tim Williams is on a mission to help leaders build resilient and successful organizations that adapt to a market that is continually changing. He is the CEO of the veteran owned management consultancy, The 110 Group. He has over 20 years’ experience in organizational change management and consulting to health care, higher-ed, non-profits, public safety, and businesses across the U.S. Tim guides his clients to intentionally manage change using a formal, deliberate, and comprehensive approach helping them emerge stronger and better able to respond to an ever-changing business environment.
Tim has a bachelor’s degree in Biology and Chemistry from Rhode Island College and a Master of Business Administration from the University at Albany.

Knowledge @ Noon is a monthly webinar series , offered through the *Manufacturing Innovation Network, designed to help manufacturers stay up-to-date with the latest trends, ideas, and best practices. Each month will feature a new topic led by industry experts who will share insight and provide valuable knowledge and tools to help your organization learn and grow.

Register Here!
