Download this document in .pdf format
BRIEFLY:
Illinois unemployment stays above nation
Despite a .3 percent drop, Illinois' unemployment rate continues to be greater than the nation's. For September, 5.1 percent of Illinois workers were out of work while 4.7 of the nation's workforce reported joblessness.
Manufacturing shrunk in September by 2,600 while government employment grew as teachers returned to the classroom for the fall semester. Total manufacturing employment now stands at 677,100, the lowest number since before 1990.
Illinois Dollars for Scholars annual Lincoln Land Legends essay contest
Illinois Dollars for Scholars sponsors an annual Lincoln Land Legends essay contest for high school juniors and seniors. This year's essay contest encourages students to write about a person who deserves recognition for involvement in Business and Community Leadership. If a student's essay is chosen, he/she will receive a $3,000 scholarship, and Illinois Dollars for Scholars will contribute $500 in the Legend's name to the scholarship fund of the Illinois high school of their choice. In addition, the top essay will win its author an additional $7,000 scholarship, and the second place essay will win an additional $2,000 in scholarship funds. A gala celebration honoring all the winners and their student nominators will be held on April 5, 2008, and all scholarships will be presented at that time. The adults who are honored as "Lincoln Land Legends" are recognized at a luncheon held at the Governor's mansion on that day. IMA members may be nominated as Lincoln Land Legends. For more information about the essay contest, visit
www.illinoisdollarsforscholars.org/ll-legends.php.
IMA 2007 Annual Meeting - Friday, December 7, 2007
Hotel InterContinental - Chicago
Keynote address by Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley
Sign up today at: www.ima-net.org/annual07.cfm
SBA to extend Export Express one more year — whether to continue program past 2008 to be determined
The U.S. Small Business Administration announced that it will extend its Export Express pilot program through fiscal 2008. The announcement is in a Public Notice published in the September 24 edition of the Federal Register.
The Export Express Pilot Program was established in 1998 to assist small exporters with their financial needs, particularly those needing revolving lines of credit. Export Express terms and conditions closely follow those of the SBA Express loan guaranty, but carry the 75-85 percent guaranty of the standard 7(a) loan.
Exports are playing an increasingly important role in the U.S. economy, with small businesses accounting for $375 billion in exports in fiscal 2006, up from $300 billion in 2002. During the same period, the number of small business exporters grew from 215,000 to 230,000. Export Express loans, however, have not kept pace with this growth rate. The one-year extension to the program is meant to give this loan product additional time to reach maximum potential in serving the special capital needs of U.S. small business exporters.
"SBA is refocusing its efforts on Export Express and developing a strategic marketing plan to the small business community and to the agency's lending partners," said SBA Administrator Steve Preston. "The extension of this pilot program through September 30, 2008, will allow the agency to determine whether Export Express should be retained or whether SBA's other programs can successfully serve the needs of small business exporters."
For more information on the Export Express program or any of the other SBA international trade products and services, call Richard Ginsburg at 202-205-7429, or email
richard.ginsburg@sba.gov, or visit
http://sba.gov/oit.
For more information about all of the SBA's programs for small businesses, call the SBA Answer Desk at 1-800-U-ASK-SBA or TDD 704-344-6640, or visit the SBA's Web site at
http://www.sba.gov.
Peruvian trade agreement is key to unlocking pending treaties
Four pending trade agreements signed by the Bush Administration are bottlenecked in congress. Experts in Washington say that if the Peruvian trade agreement is passed by a significant majority, it will signal the importance of trade and likely result in passage of the remaining three treaties with Colombia, Panama and South Korea.
The National Association of Manufacturers is seeking broad support and member action to encourage federal policy makers to act soon.
Those monitoring events in the nation's capitol say that getting these trade agreements passed will benefit manufacturers across the country. Illinois, for example, currently exports nearly $1.1 billion to these four countries every year. R
enewing the trade agreements could be crucial to a number of states' economic well-being.
The Peru trade agreement is unique - it is the first agreement signed that includes strong and enforceable core labor and environmental standards and removes the current 12 percent tariff on U.S. exports. Illinois exports $198.2 million to Peru annually and that number could increase if the treaty is ratified.
According to government statistics, the U.S. is the world's largest manufacturer with nearly 25 percent of the total global share. Nearly one-third of our nation's gross domestic product growth comes from exports and nearly two-thirds of all exports are manufactured goods.
Manufacturers throughout the U.S. compete and win in the global economy when the playing field is fair and level. Most agree the Peru Trade Promotion Agreement is good for the nation and have called on Congress to act quickly to pass it and the remaining three agreements.
SBRB industry report: Small business confidence indexes drop
Construction/contracting, manufacturing sectors more concerned about business prospects over next 12 months.
The Small Business Research Board (SBRB) reported on October 12 that the outlook for small businesses in two of three key U.S. industry categories declined during the third quarter.
The SBRB Small Business Confidence Index (SBCI) for businesses in construction and contracting as well as that for the manufacturing industry both showed declines during the third quarter from results posted during the prior period said the report, co-sponsored by International Profit Associates (IPA). Of the three major industries in which the SBRB calculates a confidence index, only those in the food and beverage production category showed improved confidence.
Manufacturing companies recorded the largest drop, decreasing nearly two points to an SBCI of 38.33 from the 40.3 the previous quarter. The SBCI for construction and contracting companies dropped a single point to 47 from the 48 recorded the prior quarter. The food industry SBCI jumped to 48.5 from 40.3 during the second quarter and more than ten points from the 38.03 recorded during the first quarter of 2007.
By contrast, the overall SBCI for all small businesses responding to the quarterly survey was 43 or three points lower than the 46 recorded during the second quarter.
The higher SBCI tabulations in all three categories were driven by sharply increased plans for hiring — even though concerns were expressed about the strength of the U.S. economy.
Construction/contracting companies as well as manufacturing businesses both continue to show concerns about potential strength in the economy over the next 12 months. The percentages of business in both sectors that said the economy would improve was flat to lower during the third quarter.
Food and beverage producers, however, are much more optimistic as expressed by the 43 percent who said they expect the economy to improve — a full 10 points more than 33 percent during the second quarter. In addition, the same food and beverage industry respondents predict higher revenues the next 12 months and will support that contention with increased hiring.
Construction and contracting companies are projecting slightly higher revenues the next 12 months, but less hiring during the same period. Conversely, manufacturing companies are projecting lower revenues and a very slight boost in hiring.
"Small businesses are turning more pessimistic about the strength of the economy and a hope for a turnaround during the next 12 months," said Gregg M. Steinberg, President of International Profit Associates. "The lower levels of confidence are a direct reflection of owners and managers who believe business conditions will get tougher and the impact on their operations will be felt even deeper."
More than 800 small business owners participated in the nationwide poll. The SBRB study is a voluntary survey conducted quarterly. The latest information about the Small Business Research Board can be found at
http://www.ipasbrb.com.
International Profit Associates, Inc. (IPA) is a privately-held provider of management consulting services to small and medium-size businesses in North America. More information about IPA can be found at
http://www.ipa-iba.com.
2007 Manufacturing & Wholesale Distribution Summit
Manufacturing & Innovation: Enhancing Business Value in a Global Community
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Par-A-Dice Hotel - 21 Blackjack Blvd. - East Peoria
8 am–1 pm - 800-438-6777 (Par-A-Dice Hotel)
Learn business building ideas - Hear experts on topics that impact your business - Network with your peers - Merger & Acquisition update
Keynote speakers include:
- Tom Murphy, Executive Vice President, National Manufacturing & Wholesale Distribution, RSM McGladrey
- Bill Canis, Acting President of the Manufacturing Institute
- Greg Baise, President of the Illinois Manufacturers' Association
M&A Panel guests include:
- Jim O'Donnell (Moderator), President of O'Donnell Capital
- Bill Shiry, Managing Director RSM Equico
- Pat Martin, Rock Island Capital
- Julie Nimmons, Chairman of the Board for Schutt Holdings, Inc.
Presented by RSM McGladrey. Sponsors include the Illinois Manufacturers' Assn., Peoria Area Chamber, National Association of Manufacturers and Illinois Manufacturing Extension Center.
Who Should Attend: CEOs, CFOs, COOs and Other Senior Industry Executives - Register at:
https://www.ima-net.org/innovate_seminar.cfm
U.S. DOE's energy efficiency and renewable energy Industrial Technologies Program: Save Energy Now
Save Energy Now, DOE's Industrial Technologies Program (ITP), helps industrial plants operate more efficiently and profitably by identifying ways to reduce energy use in key industrial process systems. DOE offers Save Energy Now assessments to industry. The energy savings application process is now open.
- Learn about energy assessments.
- See how the savings add up.
- Get software tools on the Save Energy Now CD!
- Attend a software tools Webcast and start saving.
- Be recognized for saving energy and cutting costs.
As a key element of Save Energy Now, DOE conducts plant energy assessments to help manufacturing facilities across the nation identify immediate opportunities to save energy and money, primarily by focusing on energy-intensive systems, including process heating, steam, pumps, fans, and compressed air.
Many companies have already benefited from assessments provided by Energy Experts using DOE software tools and information.
Save Energy Now energy assessments help plants quantify potential areas for savings. An assessment can also be part of an overall energy management strategy that will continue to yield major bottom-line benefits throughout your company. ITP will send information to industrial plants detailing ways to reduce natural gas and electricity use. Take part in the Save Energy Now initiative and join the growing ranks of U.S. industrial manufacturers who are committed to saving energy and money and increasing their productivity.
Learn how Save Energy Now can help put you on a path to energy savings by participating in an energy assessment. Visit
www1.eere.energy.gov/industry/bestpractices/plant_assessments.html for more information.
ILLINOIS ENERGY UPDATE:
Illinois lawmakers and regulators place their trust in competitive electric markets
The recent announcement by the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) that it was declaring ComEd's 100kW–400kW business customer class competitive confirms the fact that lawmakers and regulators believe a competitive electric marketplace is the best structure to serve the needs of Illinois' business customers. Pursuant to the ICC Order, all of ComEd's approximately 18,000 medium-sized non-residential customers will be declared competitive as of November 11, 2007. These customers may continue to take ComEd's fixed price service through May 2010. Examples of customers in this group include small machine shops, fast food restaurants and small grocery stores. More than 50 percent of these medium-sized customers already have chosen alternative energy supply from one of 19 different suppliers. By law, all customers with peak demand from 100 to 400 kilowatts (kW) may be declared competitive once a minimum of 33 percent of this customer group is taking service from at least three competitive suppliers.
All of ComEd's large commercial customers with a peak demand of 400kW or greater were declared competitive in August with the passage of a settlement between Illinois utilities and lawmakers. More than 85 percent of ComEd's customers in this group already are choosing alternative suppliers. Examples of customers in this group include manufacturers, big box stores, large grocery stores, hospitals, and colleges. Ameren's large commercial customers with peak demand of 1MW or greater have also been declared competitive. ComEd customers over 400kW and Ameren customers over 1MW still on a fixed utility electric supply rate can stay on a fixed price service until May 2008, at which time they will need to switch to an alternative RES or receive an hourly-priced default rate from ComEd or Ameren. Ameren customers with peak demand from 400kW to 1MW still on a fixed utility supply can stay on Ameren's fixed supply rate through May 2010.
Join the IMA Energy Program . . .
IMA members looking to compare their electric supply options can go to http://www.newenergy.com/control
and receive a free, no obligation rate quote.
SME: Seeking industry-changing technologies
The Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) has developed a new initiative to identify technologies that are making an impact across the industry. Technologies that Could Change the Way You Manufacture is a member-driven program to discover and showcase new and emerging technologies that are making a difference in manufacturing.
Nominations are being sought from manufacturing leaders representing a broad spectrum of industries, applications and technologies. Technologies will be assessed based on their readiness level, stage in market adaptation, breadth of application, and their ability to have a positive impact. The nomination deadline is November 12, 2007.
"With the wide range of new technologies available each year, manufacturers are looking for guidance to determine which might be applicable to their organization", said Mark Tomlinson, executive director and general manager, Society of Manufacturing Engineers. "We are harnessing the expertise of our members to evaluate these new initiatives and to help manufacturers discover and adopt those technologies that will make them more efficient and more competitive."
All nominations will be reviewed by SME's Technical Community Network (TCN) (www.sme.org/communities) who will select the top nominations in their area. The network is comprised of eight key manufacturing disciplines:
- Automated Manufacturing & Assembly
- Forming & Fabricating
- Industrial Laser
- Machining & Material Removal
- Manufacturing Education & Research
- Plastics, Composites & Coatings
- Product & Process Design & Management
- Rapid Technologies & Additive Manufacturing
The top nominations will then be sent to an overview committee to make the final selections. Winning companies will be featured in a series of articles in Manufacturing Engineering magazine, conference sessions at IMTS 2008, newsletters, technical papers, Technical Community Forums and news releases.
For more information about the Technologies that Could Change the Way You Manufacture along with the nomination form, go to
http://www.sme.org/technologies_change.
The Society of Manufacturing Engineers (http://www.sme.org) is a leading professional society supporting manufacturing education.
The OfficeMax Portal — Transforming the corporate culture: November 8 IHRIM Webinar to feature unique transformation strategy
SAP Portal and Microsoft Sharepoint played key roles in transforming the corporate culture at OfficeMax. Attendees at IHRIM's November 8 webinar will take the journey that OfficeMax has traveled this year in support of the company's culture transformation, including how OfficeMax's 40,000 associates utilize the portal.
Jacqueline Kuhn, senior director, Corporate and Administrative Services for OfficeMax will present "The OfficeMax Portal — Transforming the Corporate Culture" on November 8, 2007 at 11:00 am Central time. Visit
http://www.ihrim.org/events/Webinars/webinarNov07.asp
for registration. This webinar takes you on the journey that OfficeMax has traveled this year in support of the company's culture transformation.
OfficeMax, a leader in business-to-business and retail office products, serves mid-size and small businesses globally through direct sales, catalogs, the Internet and at nearly 1,000 superstores. OfficeMax has more than 40,000 employees (associates) and this webinar will describe how their associates use the portal, and more importantly, want to use the portal. Equally important, you will be shown the enhancements made to support the company culture transformation and how the SAP Portal and Microsoft Sharepoint play roles in this transformation.
This webinar covers varied topics and will be of special benefit to HRIS Generalists and Specialists, HRIS/HRMS Managers and Administrators, Corporate Communications Professionals, Web Masters, Designers and Administrators. The program has been approved for 1.50 recertification credit hours toward PHR and SPHR recertification through the Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI).
Jacqueline Kuhn is responsible for the IT Finance, HR IT, and SAP Portal at OfficeMax, and has more than 20 years of experience in the fields of Consulting, Healthcare, Consumer Packaged Goods, Retail, and other Corporate Environments in HR systems.
The International Association for Human Resource Information Management is a resource for industry news, knowledge, and networking. For more information about IHRIM and its services, visit
www.ihrim.org.
OfficeMax Advantage can save you 30% or more on your office supplies . . .
IMA members and OfficeMax — a first-class partnership
Go to: http://www.ima-net.org/membership/programs.cfm
to download your OfficeMax Retail Connect Card and start saving today!̃
Annual Holiday Survey Report . . . now ONLINE!
http://www.ima-net.org/08IMAHolidayRpt.pdf
The IMA's Annual Holiday Report highlights employers' plans on select holidays throughout the year. This year's survey was conducted from August 10-31, 2007 for the 2008 calendar year. Four questions were asked ranging from total number of paid days off to a breakdown of full or half day paid holidays, and on which days the member company is actually closed throughout the year. Nearly 450 IMA members responded.
For the results, visit http://www.ima-net.org/08IMAHolidayRpt.pdf.
The IMA's new strategic partnership with Heritage-Crystal Clean (HCC) caters to your company's environmental needs. Big savings are available to IMA members. To learn more, contact HCC's Jim Skelton at jim.skelton@crystal-clean.com, call 847-783-5110 or visit: www.crystal-clean.com.
IMA's Recycling Expansion & Modernization (REM) grant ...
The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunities wants to help Illinois companies deal with the issue of reducing waste through the Recycling Expansion and Modernization (REM) Grant Program. Through this grant, the Illinois Manufacturers' Association can offer your company a solid-waste assessment at 25 percent of the actual cost; the grant pays the remaining 75 percent. Join the growing number of companies that are on the path to becoming green. Find out how easy it is to participate in the IMA's REM grant program. It's an investment in your future — one that will reap perpetual rewards for your business and your community.
For more information, contact Judy Parker, IMA Director of Training, 217-522-1240, ext. 3036, or email
jparker@ima-net.org.
IMA HR Networking Forums hit the road in 2008 . . .
Host an HR Networking Forum at your company
IMA HR Networking Forums will be held around the state in 2008.
Consider hosting one at your company.
IMA HR Forums originated in 2006 as a free networking opportunity for HR professionals. The Forums offer the opportunity to build relationships, discuss new ideas and current HR practices, and get specific advice related to your current HR
challenges. Ideas which emerged from the last IMA HR Forum were scheduling them more often and combining them with a tour of the hosting facility.
Be the first to volunteer to host an IMA HR Forum in 2008!
In addition to hosting IMA member HR guests, the sponsoring company would provide refreshments, and possibly giveaways or door prizes for attendees. The IMA will coordinate marketing, registration and reminders. If you are interested, contact IMA HR consultant Donna Rogers at
drogers@ima-net.org or telephone 800-875-4462 x3007.
AND Don't miss the final HR Networking Opportunity for 2007 in Oakbrook on November 13. Visit the IMA calendar of events at
http://www.ima-net.org/calendar.cfm
for more information and to register.
Order the IMA's 2007-2008 Benefits Report at https://www.ima-net.org/ben_report_order.cfm
Order the IMA's 2006 Annual Compensation Report at http://www.ima-net.org/reportorder/login.cfm
For more information, go to one of the links above, or contact Janie Stanley at 800-875-4462, ext. 3020, or email:
jstanley@ima-net.org
DATES OF NOTE:
More information/events may be found at http://www.ima-net.org/calendar.cfm and
http://www.ima-net.org/MIT/open.cfm
November 1, 2007
Lean Manufacturing: Quick Start
952 E. Eldorado, Suite 102, Decatur
November 2, 2007
Lean Manufacturing: Quick Start
DePaul University,
150 W. Warrenville Rd., Naperville
Designed to help participants quickly initiate team oriented on-going lean activities, this workshop includes instruction on Lean terms and definitions, waste identification and analysis, team organization and choosing lean tools for waste free processes.
November 7, 2007
IMA Annual Sales Tax Seminar
NIU –Naperville
Joe Bigane, a tax expert will update on current sales and use tax laws specific to manufacturing. For more information or to register, visit
https://www.ima-net.org/tax_seminar.cfm
November 9, 2007
Leadership Skills for Leaders of Latino Employees
DePaul University's O'Hare Campus, 3166 River Road, Des Plaines
Find out what motivates Latino employees and how to help them work as a team. Develop Latino supervisors. Discover differences among Latinos based on country and city of origin, and considerations for female managers of Latinos. Improve recruiting, hiring and retention among Latinos. For information, visit
https://www.ima-net.org/MIT/lsl.cfm
November 13, 2007
HR Networking Forum (9:30-11:30 am)
Oak Brook Executive Plaza
1225 W. 22nd St., Suite 140
Back by popular demand, this free HR Networking Forum is designed for building relationships with other HR professionals in the manufacturing field. FREE. Sign up today at:
https://www.ima-net.org/1107_seminar.cfm.
November 13, 2007
Workplace Trends: Current Issues Affecting Managing Your Employees (1:00-4:30 pm) Oak Brook Executive Plaza, 1225 W. 22nd St., Suite 140
Employment law experts from the law firm of Vedder Price Kaufman & Kammholz, P.C., will discuss trends, cases and new legislation including: "New Business Immigration Regulations and the Extra Burdens for Employers,"and "Recent Labor Board and EEO Developments Affecting Employers." Bring your personnel/human resources questions. COST: $125 for IMA members; $100 for each additional attendee from the same company and $200 for non-members. Sign up today at:
https://www.ima-net.org/1107_seminar.cfm.
5S and Visual Controls
November 29, 2007
952 E. Eldorado, Suite 102, Decatur
and
November 30, 2007
DePaul University,
150 W. Warrenville Road, Naperville
This workshop will focus on effective methods of applying 5S and Visual Controls techniques and tools in the manufacturing and office environments. Learn to maximize the benefits of red tag techniques, orderly work environment and visual workplace methodology. Sign up today at:
http://www.ima-net.org/MIT/5svc.cfm
November 29, 2007
Manufacturing & Innovation—Enhancing Business Value in a Global Community
Par-a-Dice Hotel, East Peoria, Illinois, 8:00 am–1:00 pm
IMA member company RSM McGladrey presents this half-day Manufacturing and Wholesale Distribution Summit. Learn business building ideas; hear experts on topics that impact your business. Keynote speakers include Tom Murphy, Executive Vice President, National Manufacturing & Wholesale Distribution, RSM McGladrey; Bill Canis, Acting President of the Manufacturing Institute and Greg Baise, President & CEO of the Illinois Manufacturers' Association. Register at:
https://www.ima-net.org/innovate_seminar.cfm
Download this document in .pdf format
Other Executive Memos available online.
Remember, you must have the Adobe Acrobat
Reader software in order to view .pdf documents. Acrobat Reader
can be downloaded
for free from the Adobe Web site.
