Upcoming networking Events;

February 2nd, 2010 - Owner / CEO Networking Event, Dairytown Products, Sussex, NB   

• Discussions on Current Issues, Wage Trends, direction for 2010

• Round Table Networking regarding Issues effecting this group
• Safety in their shops, what are the challenges and successes
• 2010 Schedule development
• Input into the building of this group's web page on the EMC website - how can we make it a valuable tool.

Feb. 17th, 2010 - NB North West (Miramichi, Bathurst, Peninsula)

• Beyond Buy-In: Quick and Effective Culture Change in Manufacturing featuring George Raine of Montana HR.

Note that events are also in the works for Southern NB,Central NB and the Moncton Region.

Activities being scheduled are a result of a recent survey which had an overwhelming response and 'thank you' to our members for that. The top issues of interest are as follows; 

• Number 1 in every province - Dealing with Change in the workplace - Breaking Old Habits
• Wage trends for 2010 including Min. wage increase plans for NB
• Flexible Workforce / Workplace
• Disaster planning / Business resumption / data management and recovery
• Panel discussion - updates on Safety, Human Rights, Labour Issues       
• Quality Systems
• Material Handling and Process Flow
• Waste Management / Recycling / green Initiatives                           

I will be diligently working to provide sessions that address these topics as well as others. Should you or your organization have expertise in any of these areas, and would like to host a knowledge sharing event please contact me.

EMC New Brunswick Safety Group Pilot

Worksafe NB recognizes the benifit of companies tackling safety challenges in a networking environment that is not inclusive of the regulator. As a result EMC will be running a safety group pilot this year. This group will be facilitated by health and Safety professionals from EMC and will focus on continuous Improvement in health and Safety resulting in the reduction of accident frequency and, in turn, organizational compensation costs.

The pilot group will consist of approximately 20 companies with the first session being held on Feb 1st at the Molson facility in Moncton. Should you be interested in taking part, the following applies;

• you want to improve upon your current health & safety practices
• there is no charge for the pilot project
• you do not have to be an EMC Member
• you cannot currenty be working on a program or project with Worksafe NB

Please feel free to contact me if you have an interest.

EMC National manufacturing Conference May 10-12, 2010

This is truly a 'world class' event and I am pleased that the venue includes presenters from both NB and PEI. Many of the presentations offered are 'best practice' sessions by EMC members. The 'food sector' is also very well represented' and that may be of interest to many Atlantic Canada companies. I would be delighted and very proud to have Atlantic Canada well represented at this event.

Training Programs

As a result of discussions throughout our provinces with many manufacturers, I have asked our training center to offer a few, very relevant, newly developed training courses. I believe that the timing of these topics is perfect as many are truly focused on continuous improvement throughout different areas of their business. You can access the training schedule on-line  or cantact Todd Oliver in our training center for more details and dates but I have highlighted the events for you below.

Onboarding Talent - The term 'Onboarding' refers to the process of integrating new employees into the organization, of preparing them to succeed at their job, and to become fully engaged, productive members of the organization. It includes the initial orientation process and the ensuing 3-6 months (or however long it takes to get an employee "up to speed" in a particular company or discipline).

Workforce Planning - This workshop introduces the concepts and tools to understand the process and objectives of workforce planning and the practical considerations to put a plan in place. You will participate in a 'hands on' workshop that goes beyond concepts and provides you with templates and planning tools that you can take back to your workplace and get your workforce planning process in gear.

Lean Management Program - Value Stream Solutions 'Lean Management Program' teaches production managers and supervisors how to build waste elimination and process improvement into the day-to-day job of employees through the implementation of standard leadership tools and practices.

Applications of Lean in Accounting and Administration - This one day introductory workshop is designed for CFOs, Controllers, Accounting and Office personnel that are responsible for accounting and accounting-related administrative processes in their building.

In summary, this is simply a sampling of the current activity. News continues to come to me of folks using the 'Member Needs Help', SR&ED services and the response to the online training has been overwhelming. Everyone has been doing a great job getting signed on to the web site so keep up the great work. Please feel free to contact me at any time should you have questions or ideas.