Issue link: http://www.insightdigital.biz/i/80745
FACE TIME PHOTOGRAPH BY SCOT T EHLERS/IMAGE STUDIOS, FOR INSIGHT Ann Franz on New North manufacturing Ann Franz, strategic partnerships manager at Northeast Wisconsin Technical College and coordinator of the NEW Manufacturing Alliance, has worked throughout her career with both manufacturers and educators. She recently sat down with Associate Editor Nikki Kallio to talk about New North manufacturing, improving the profile of manufacturing among K-12 students, and why area companies should attend the upcoming Manufacturing First Expo & Conference Sept. 26. www. insightonbusiness.com WE ARE SO FORTUNATE TO live in northeast Wisconsin because we have such a diversification of manufacturing, and because of that we're able to weather the storms when one of those sectors is down. What I've been hearing from manufacturers is that they are doing well, and they do feel that 2012 will continue to do well for them. The Northeast Wisconsin (NEW) Manufacturing Alliance commissions a study each year with the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh Business Success Center to know what the manufacturing vitality of the region is. When you think 23 percent of all jobs are tied to manufacturing, it' s We found that 94 percent of all the companies polled were either healthy financially or very healthy. That' s going to be strong. significant for our region. We polled manufacturers that had $3 million or more in revenue, plus 25 or more employees. In northeast Wisconsin, 392 companies fall into that parameter, and 193 of those took the telephone survey. That' s having an organization like the NEW Manufacturing Alliance – we're able to talk directly with manufacturers. (Exporting) is definitely an area of growth and that's why at the September 2012 • important that we are able to do a pulse check to see if it' s what's so important about INSIGHT | 19 [continued] » U PFR O N T