MEDP Announces the 2017 NEXT Series for Manufacturers

Jan 5, 2017

A graphic portraying the cycle of the NEXT series

(MCMINNVILLE, OR) - The McMinnville Economic Development Partnership (MEDP) announces NEXT: Strategic Solutions for Advanced Manufacturing, a solution driven series designed to assist manufacturers with the problems they face daily. Designed by MEDP and with the help of our accredited speakers, the NEXT Series was formed to help manufacturers continue the success they find today by being prepared for what comes “next.”

The series will feature four separate sessions over a period of four months. The speakers include Gary Conner, a Senior Consultant at OMEP (Oregon Manufacturing Extension Partnership), and Shawn Busse, CEO of the marketing firm, Kinesis. Both speakers are accredited and celebrated in their fields. Conner specializes in lean manufacturing training and has written several award-winning books on topics concerning lean techniques. Busse’s marketing firm, Kinesis has won the Lighthouse Award (1 of Portland’s fastest-growing companies, 5 years in a row) and was recently named one of the Best Entrepreneurial Companies in America by Entrepreneur Magazine.

Topics in the series include vision and strategy, cost and delivery, quality and Smart Talent, and recruiting and retaining talent. To stay competitive in an ever-growing market, manufacturers need to ensure that the strategies they are using are successful on a global scale. The techniques that will be presented during the series will help companies maintain a competitive edge by improving efficiency, costs, and helping companies retain talent. The sessions take place at Cascade Steel’s Training Facility (McMinnville, OR) March 7, April 4, May 2, and June 6, 2017. Each session will last from 10:00am - 2:30pm and will provide attendees with applicable tools to implement within their own facilities.

The NEXT Series was developed for individuals passionate about creating positive change within their organizations. C Level Teams, HR Directors, and Operations Managers will find the most value from the series as it will help to inspire new growth initiatives within a company.

Though created with McMinnville area manufacturers in mind, the NEXT Series is open to all manufacturers in the region. The cost of the series is as follows: Before February 6, 2017: $375 for first registrant and $275 for each additional registrant from the same company. After February 6, 2016: $475 for first registrant and $375 for each additional registrant from the same company. Seating is limited and organizations are encouraged to sign-up early to ensure their place.

Opportunities to sponsor the NEXT Series are also available. To learn more about the series, become a sponsor, or to sign up today, visit: mcminnvillebusiness.com/next-strategic-solutions-series or contact Special Projects Manager, Heather Hadley Blank at heather@mcminnvillebusiness.com / 971.241.8777.