The Way Up
The Weekly Report – July 12, 2021
Manufacturers’ savviest advisors in this post-pandemic economy are other manufacturers.
Unlike the Great Recession of 2008-2009, the unique fallout from the COVID pandemic has handed down an array of challenges for manufacturers that can’t be easily addressed through industry-wide solutions. It’s true that workforce shortages and supply chain disruptions affect just about everybody in some way, but it always seems from slightly different angles and with evolving consequences.
With that in mind, we at Enterprise Minnesota can’t envision a more favorable time for manufacturers to exploit this environment by talking to each other… though our Peer Councils. Enterprise Minnesota’s Executive Peer Councils convene small groups of manufacturing leaders to provide a strategic resource for leading excellent companies.
Each council convenes one day each month for a combination of topical presentations and open-ended conversation. In this way, members function as an advisory board for the others.
Involvement is by group invitation only, which fosters a high level of trust, confidence and respect among participants. It also ensures that council participants have a similar level of “business sophistication.” Each meeting is organized and led by the Enterprise Minnesota business growth consultants.
Between the monthly meetings participants receive one-on-one coaching from our consultants toward their specific growth and operational goals, with ROI measured every six months. The meetings are also supplemented by multi-council events, leadership development webcasts, company tours, and guest speakers.
Enterprise Minnesota will host an event August 10th in which business consultant Abbey Hellickson will lead a discussion with four manufacturing executives on trends, insights and the value they gain from participating in a Peer Council. This session will benefit any Minnesota manufacturing executive who wants to learn about the value of joining a Peer Council group and how others have benefited from participating.
“Our focus is not telling manufacturers anything but letting them share their own knowledge and experiences, said Bob Kill, our president & CEO. “That’s the power of peer councils. The focus is on the manufacturers.”
Discussions will include:
- Understanding the value of open dialogue with other manufacturing executives
- Current Peer Council groups and how they operate
- How manufacturing executives leverage the knowledge and insights to help overcome challenges and grow their companies
The panel will represent manufacturing executives who will offer diverse points of view. Featured executives include:
- Scott Christman – General Manager, Seitz Stainless (Avon)
- Shawn Pfieffer – General Manager, Modern Metal Products (Owatonna)
- Craig Porter – President, PlastiCert, Inc. (Lewiston)
- Doug Von Arb – President, Blow Molded Specialties (Foley)
There is no fee to attend this event, but attendance is limited to manufacturers only. Click here to learn more and register.
If you have questions about this event, please email us at [email protected]
Events Calendar
July 29 – Driving Continuous Improvement in Uncertain Times
Expert David Ahlquist will show you how managers can use CI to better communicate with shop floor employees and accomplish improvements each day. Online via Zoom Learn more and register
August 10 – The Value of Peer Councils
Join us for a discussion with manufacturing executives on how Peer Councils can be leveraged to provide business insights, ideas and ways to keep improving and growing. Online via Zoom Learn more and register
August 17 – Developing Your Leaders From Within
When employees are satisfied, engaged, and feel a sense of community in the workplace, they will not only be more productive, but will be more resistant to turnover. Online via Zoom Learn more and register
Industry News
Eull’s Manufacturing of St. Michael sold to private-equity firm
Eull’s is the largest maker of concrete manhole cover rings in the Midwest and has been sold to Solheim Partners, a Minneapolis-based private equity firm. July 2, Star Tribune Read more
Bemidji Steel Company breaks ground on new 35,000 sq. ft. facility
The $3 million expansion in Helga Township is expected to create six new jobs. Earlier this year, Bemidji Steel was awarded $100,000 by MN DEED to help facilitate the expansion. July 2, Bemidji Pioneer Read more
Rail projects in Grand Rapids and Duluth receive state funding
The infrastructure investments will help regional manufacturers remain competitive and will help attract new businesses to idled factories in Northeastern Minnesota. July 1, Duluth News Tribune Read more
Nu-Tek BioSciences building $40 million peptone factory in Austin
The Hopkins-based pharmaceutical ingredient manufacturer is expected to create 35-40 new jobs at it’s new factory in Austin, MN, where they will be the first US company to focus on proteins free of animal tissue. June 22, Star Tribune Read more
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