The Barrie/Midland & area Senior Managers Strategic Interest Group session was hosted by DV Systems on November 17^th 2011.

DV Systems is the only Canadian manufacturer and supplier of air systems, having been making industrial compressors since 1954.  The company's objective is to provide reliable, innovative products and compressed air system solutions combined with exceptional customer service.

This month's session included a presentation by Chris Berni, Manager of the Centre for Applied Research and Innovation at Georgian College.  Chris spoke about the function of the Centre of Applied Research and Innovation - conducting research to support Canadian business innovation including developing and testing new products and helping business develop/adapt innovative processes n technologies to gain competitive advantages.  All intellectual property is transferred to the participating business to ensure commercialization.  The centre accesses funding through various bodies such as:

• Ontario Centres of Excellence
• Health Technology Exchange
• Ontario Innovation Trust
• NSERC - CCI
• Colleges Ontario Network of Industry Innovation (CONII)
• IRAP

Chris' presentation has been posted to the Barrie/Midland/Muskoka member area and can be viewed/downloaded at http://www.emccanada.org/emc_member/ontario/barrie

Just an interesting note - Georgian College has a rapid prototyper with a 10 cubic inch envelope.  Chris would be the person with whom to touch base if this is of interest.

After the presentation, the group discussed a number of EMC services that are pertinent to their business comparing notes as to who is using what as far as programs and training and a plant tour was conducted for members who had an interest.