I am always inspired by the determination and steadfast leadership Excellence in Manufacturing Consortium (EMC) members continue to showcase, as they face any challenge and overcome any obstacle.  Looking back to this time last year, 2011 brought a new sense of renewed optimism for our members, as well as a chance for them to take advantage of new opportunities after a long few years of a brutal economy.

For 2012, we will continue to see manufacturers throughout Canada become more optimistic... not to let their guard down, but a growing sense they have turned the tide and will continue their path of growth and continuous improvement.  This is an important improvement in the subjective metric of how industry sees the future. 

Regardless of the challenges faced this year, it has been another very active one for EMC and our members.  The programs launched over the past several years continue to produce solid results for our stakeholders, as they continue to address the rising costs of business, the Canadian dollar, finding the right workers and skilled labour, et cetera. 

I am pleased to report there have been many successes again this past year.  EMC's 2011 member programs have resulted in millions of dollars being put back into our members' pockets, through improved business performance and economic opportunities.  Initiatives such as EMC's Safety Group, Energy Group, member-owned Purchasing Co-Operative, Scientific Research & Experimental Development program and sector initiatives are all providing bottom line impacts that have helped our manufacturers remain a vibrant part of our lives here in Canada.

I am also proud at how EMC has proactively responded to our members' needs with the success of several new initiatives this year, such as EMC's Hybrid Lean Consortium in Brockville/Leeds Grenville and the launch and growth of iMiN (Interactive Manufacturing Innovation Networks), a series of fully public networks interconnecting manufacturers and industry professionals in ways which provides a key forum for competitive gains and adopting innovation, in ways never done before en masse!

EMC's family of member manufacturers is bigger once again.  A true testament to the spirit of EMC and the vision and values manufacturers place in the model, EMC continues to grow. 

Recently I had the opportunity to participate in an important round-table discussion lead by Canadian PLANT, for their 2012 Business Outlook, which included EMC Chairman and President of Troy Sprinkler Ltd., Jim McCoubrey.  This was a unique and diverse group from many sectors across Canada.  I also had the great pleasure of participating in another round-table lead by Manufacturing Automation earlier this year as part of that publication's Editorial Board.

Jim and I were very pleased to see this optimism is shared by sectors and manufacturing stakeholders throughout Canada, with common themes that emerged from the discussions.  It is also good to see the results of the surveys conducted by EMC and our media and other partners all point to the same conclusions.  The challenges, priorities and needed solutions being implemented for our members have been validated.  We are on the right track and our members are becoming more and more competitive every day.

As we wind down for the holidays, I encourage you to avail yourself of the value-added services available to help your business… making 2012 a year where manufacturers continue to grow and become more competitive.  Ask yourself, how can EMC help my business?  Stay tuned for several NEW initiatives being launched early in 2012 as we continue to 'build the case for manufacturing in Canada!'  We are here to help ALL manufacturers become more successful, regardless of your size, sector or sophistication.

On behalf of our EMC staff and member-services team, I would like to extend our best wishes for a very Merry Christmas and a safe, prosperous and happy new year.  We thank you for your patronage and look forward working with all our manufacturers, community and business partners in 2012.