CAMT aims to encourage global competitiveness of Colorado manufacturers through on-site technical assistance and support and collaboration-focused industry programs. Because we believe in the value of enabling and nurturing business networks, CAMT has been a key driver in the initiation of taskforces across the state. These taskforces provide a platform for business leaders to learn from other successful business leaders, share technical knowledge and innovations, and uncover strategic partnership opportunities.

Below is a listing of several active manufacturing taskforces:

• Colorado's first manufacturing taskforce, the Colorado Springs Manufacturers Task Force, began in 2003 and enjoys over 200 members with an active program offering bi-weekly events important to local manufacturers. Contact Dave Anderson at dcanderson51@comcast.net for more information.
• The Adams County Manufacturers Association (ACMA) has been in existence for approximately two years, offering quarterly events and is hosting a manufacturing plant tour of several Adams County manufacturers on October 3. The ACMA also has over 200 members. To learn more about the Adams County Manufacturers Association, contact DJ Caschette.
• The Manufacturers Council of Mesa County in the Grand Junction area has also been in place for two years. Manufacturers interested in participating should contact Sven Wedikin.
• Jefferson County will be holding an Inaugural Meeting to initiate the Jefferson County Manufacturers Council on Friday, October 12th from 8 to 10 am. Visit the Jefferson Economic Council Web site for more information and to RSVP.

Local manufacturers determine the format and structure of their manufacturing group in their area as well as determine the type of programs that are offered. These taskforces are operated by manufacturers, for manufacturers. If interested in starting a manufacturing taskforce in your area, please contact Jo Ann Miabella Galvan, Director of Industry Alliances & Programs for CAMT.

Big R Manufacturing is a locally-owned bridge and culvert manufacturer located in Greeley, Colorado with 90 employees. Since its inception 36 years ago, the business has served corporate and government customers across the country. In 2001, the current owners took over the business and prepared to dramatically increase its revenue.

Primarily through better targeting of market needs, Big R has seen a remarkable increase in sales from 2001 to 2006. Big R contacted CAMT in 2005 for assistance in fulfilling the increase in customer demand as efficiently and quickly as possible. CAMT customized a Lean Manufacturing training plan for Big R aimed to increase productivity and curtail non-value added activities. Big R's entire workforce completed training on the Principles of Lean Manufacturing, while a full one third of the workforce completed value stream mapping trainings and implementations as well as a five-day kaizen event focused on rapid improvement using the implementation of several lean tools.

The CAMT training enabled Big R to reduce lead times by 50% to meet the increase in customer orders, resulting in retained sales of $1,000,000. Many new practices were implemented on the shop floor. Using Visual Workplace tools created by Dr. Gwendolyn Galsworth, Big R created a visual production schedule board that staff uses to communicate and monitor progress on the shop floor, significantly decreasing wasted time. Most important, the CAMT training facilitated a shift in the company-wide culture, encouraging staff to recognize the value of their work and their collective ability to attain and sustain the anticipated growth.

"The tools that we learned from CAMT have changed the way we look at our costs, and we have embraced lean practices as part of our culture."
--Kenzie MacPherson, President

Results:

• Invested $75,000 in Workforce Practices
• Retained Sales of $1,000,000
• Savings of $100,000
• Invested $1,000, 0000 in a state-of-the-art facility
• Reduced lead times by 50%

Through solicitations, the Dept. of Energy encourages industry to participate in cost-shared R&D of new technologies and systems that will save energy, improve productivity, and reduce environmental impacts in industrial facilities. Watch the Active Solicitations Web page for upcoming funding opportunities, including the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) solicitation, scheduled to be issued this month. View a list of SBIR/STTR Technical Topic Titles, and keep current on solicitations by subscribing to the mailing list.

APICS,the Association for Operations Management, is heading to Denver to host the preeminent networking and educational event of the operations industry: The 2007 APICS International Conference & Expo.

This year's conference will be a training and education event for supply chain and operations management professionals. The APICS team has developed three days of action packed, interactive and informative sessions featuring supply chain pioneers, which promise to deliver immediate impact and take- home value for attendees.

Members of the Denver business community are invited to attend the Expo at no charge. Bring the entire operations team and together you will be able to get an early look at some of the newest products and services the field has to offer. The complimentary pass may be used 12:00-4:00 p.m., on Monday, October 22, and Tuesday, October 23. Lunch is also complimentary and will be available between 12:45- 2:00 p.m.

To find out more about the 2007 APICS International Conference & Expo, including a list of participating exhibitors, and to receive a complimentary Expo pass visit the APICS Web site. To find out more about the conference, visit the Conference Web page. Full conference registrations are still available.