Manufacturers that mistake social media as an entirely outbound process are finding themselves ill equipped to deal with the reality that it is a two-way street.

When asked if he’d listen to suggestions from fans about how to fix his struggling ball club, late California Angels Manager Gene Mauch said, “Feedback is like perfume. A little is great, but too much is poisonous.” This is not unlike the sentiment ...

More so than perhaps any other industry, the woodworking market has been hard hit by the economy, and companies are doing whatever they can to not only survive, but thrive.

Listen in as these 2011 WOOD 100 companies share their strategies for success. The webinar will provide you with the tools you need to improve your business, marketing and production strategies – and grow your sales.

Topics covered include:

• ...

NAM (National Association of Manufacturers) September, 2011 Manufacturing Economic Report

Informed investment and business planning decisions require timely analysis of key U.S. government economic data and manufacturing industry trends. An accurate view of the manufacturing economic outlook is essential for policymakers to make informed and supportive decisions that promote the competitiveness of manufacturers in the United States. The NAM’s economist breaks down complex data into straightforward, usable nuggets of information. His in-depth insight provides a ...

South Central College (A Minnosota Community and Technical College) joined select company on Thursday – October 27, 2011.

That is, SCC will be one of two institutions in the country to pilot the Right Skills Now program, an accelerated training program designed to fast-track employees for manufacturing and machining companies desperately seeking talent.

The program is an outgrowth of President Barack Obama’s Council on Jobs and Competitiveness. Earlier this year, Obama convened members of the council with leaders from the education and ...

Industry & Education Learning Together

Madison College was pleased to host a Sanding Seminar recently where our students had the opportunity to mix with individuals from companies around the state. Two guest experts, Peter VanDyke of Stiles Machinery and Bob Usselman of 3M presented on sanding methods, materials and technology during a 4 hour lunch & learn sponsored by Stiles. This is exactly the dynamic Madison strives to create ...

A group called RATE –  Reducing America’s Taxes Equitably – launched in September. Its members are companies and trade organizations advocating “sound and equitable reforms to the U.S. corporate tax code,” and hoping “to restore America’s competitiveness so the U.S. once again becomes a destination for investment, job creation and strong economic growth.”

Over the last month, the number of members in the group has risen from 13 to 16. Among them are a number of corporate heavy hitters, including ...

October 13, 2011
Congress Passes Three  Free Trade Agreements (FTAs)

Congress approved free trade agreements with South Korea , Colombia and Panama, ending a four year drought in the forming of new trade partnerships and giving the White House and Capitol Hill the opportunity to show they can work together to stimulate the economy and put people back to work.

In rapid succession, the House and Senate voted on the three trade pacts, which the administration says could boost exports by $13 ...

Transportation Goods, Electrical Equipment, and Furniture Are Among Sectors Most Likely to Gain Jobs as U.S. Manufacturing Returns, Predicts The Boston Consulting Group

Analysis Finds That U.S. Could Gain 2 to 3 Million Jobs and an Estimated $100 Billion in Output as Seven Industry Clusters Approach a ‘Tipping Point’ over the Next Five Years

Transportation goods such as vehicles and auto parts, electrical equipment including household appliances, and furniture are among seven sectors that could create 2 to 3 million jobs ...

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