Issue link: http://www.insightdigital.biz/i/80745
FACE TIME Our organization believes it's critical that we focus on K-12 students. If we have kids who are not even considering (manufacturing), we're going to be in deep trouble. Manufacturing First Expo & Conference (see page 22) we have a breakout session specific to how manufacturers can be globally competitive. We're really excited about the conference being able to provide some information for those manufacturers that haven't gone into that area yet. Innovation is another big focus of the event – how they're utilizing innovation on their plant floor to even how they recruit people. In our study that we did in know about the baby boomers, no new news there – but that's going to really start having an impact, so where are you going to fill in that pipeline? Our organization believes it's critical that we focus on K-12 students. If we have kids who are not even November 2011, 45 percent of respondents said they couldn't find the skilled workforce they need. We asked that same question the year before, in November 2010, and it was 29 percent. We will be doing another study in November – it'll be very interesting to see: Has that improved, or hasn't it improved? And retirements – as we all considering that occupational field, we're going to be in deep trouble. If one out of four needs to get into manufacturing, but we're not really saying anything about that – that's a huge issue. Our organization has really invested a lot in K-12 this past year. To develop that relationship we're hosting (the night before the Manufacturing First event) the Excellence in Manufacturing and Education Partnership awards, where we're spotlighting manufacturers and educators working together. The Northeast Wisconsin Manufacturing Alliance was formed when Paul Rauscher (president of EMT International, see Cover Story, p. 26) called NWTC and said, "Hey, I'm looking over our plant floor and I see a lot of old people. it is. I met with him first in January 2006 and then in June 2006 with 12 manufacturers. All manufacturers agreed that if we are going to solve this problem, we have to be behind it and lead it. The first thing that we did was Conference is a culmination of all these activities, of showing that we need to come together as manufacturers, to speak in one voice and to connect and work together. connect individuals who were being dislocated at Georgia Pacific with our employers in the alliance. The Manufacturing First Expo & You're used to hard work, earning your business and doing what it takes—so are we. Our biggest investment is your success. Your growth depends on flexibility, customized services and experienced bankers you won't find in larger institutions. At Investors Community Bank, we have the background to bring you options and the dedication to know as much about your business as you do. Trust us for financing, business banking services, cash management and more. Understanding your business like no one else. Get to know us at 888-686-9998 or investorscommunitybank.com. They worked really hard to earn my business. I respect that. 20 | INSIGHT • September 2012 " Paul says it like InvestorsCommunityBank.com www. insightonbusiness.com