July 2010
Kansas City Manufacturing Network Presents Robbie Fantastic Flexibles Presentation and Tour: Planning for Success. The discussion and tour will focus on how Robbie's strategic planning and budgeting process have driven their business. Through innovation and high-tech solutions, Robbie has become a leader in printed shrink films bags and pouches for demanding applications. The winner of numerous printing and innovation awards, Robbie serves business segments including supermarkets, food processors and consumer product good companies. Join KCMN on Tuesday September 14, 2010 from 7:45am to 9:30am at Robbie Fantastic Flexibles, 10850 Mid America Ave., Lenexa, KS.

To Register

June 2010
Kansas City Manufacturing Network Presents 5S: 15% Technique, 85% People, a panel discussion on Tuesday June 15, 2010 from 7:30 AM to 9:00 AM. 5S is the basic Lean tool that most companies find themselves reaching for on a regular basis. Even if you've utilized 5S in your organization, sustaining those principals and continuing to hone your approach can be challenging. Join our experienced panelist to discuss 5S best practices for success.

To Register

May 2010
Kansas City Manufacturing Network Presents Lessons Learned: Discussions for a Changing Landscape on Tuesday May 11, 2010 from 7:30 AM to 10:30 AM. Manufacturers continue to face the challenges that come with operating in a changing business climate. Recessionary pressures, employment challenges and legislative issues complicate the process of improving operations. Share your strategies for dealing with the current environment, and learn what is working for other manufacturers in the same boat.

To Register

April 2010
Kansas City Manufacturing Network presents Hallmark Plant Tour: Getting Everyone on the Same Page on Tuesday April 13, 2010 from 8:00 - 10:30AM. For 100 years, Hallmark Cards Inc. has been helping people make meaningful connections that enhance relationships and enrich lives. Come see how their Lean Manufacturing, Planning and Execution Division has applied Lean to creative, transactional and manufacturing operations.

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March 2010
Kansas City Manufacturing Network presents presents Lean Beyond the Plant Floor, a panel discussion. The principles that have driven increased efficiency and productivity on the shop floor have resulted in a stronger organization, but 'are we there yet'? To maximize the benefits of Lean in your organization requires the whole organization.so what's the problem? Join KCMN panelists at our March, Tuesday March 9, 2010 from 7:30 to 9:00 AM as they discuss the challenges, benefits and successes of an enterprise-wide lean implementation.

To Register

February 2010
Kansas City Manufacturing Network presents Quality Challenges – Where Do We Go From Here: Heatron Plant Tour. The tour will focus on the Quality “Management” Systems Heatron utilizes to serve over 30 different markets including medical, semiconductor, and lighting. Heatron has been ISO registered since 1997, but its customers are moving from quality systems requirements to business systems requirements with less reliance on ISO standards. Learn how they are meeting those demands and taking Quality to a new level. Join KCMN on Tuesday February 9, 2010 from 8:30am to 10:00am at Heatron, 3000 Wilson Avenue, Leavenworth, KS.

To Register

January 2010
Kansas City Manufacturing Network presents Legislative Update: Critical Issues for Manufacturers. With the rapid pace of new legislation comes new issues and opportunities for manufacturing companies. What you don’t know CAN hurt you. Begin the new year with three speakers who will update us on new and pending legislation, court decisions and regulations that can impact your business. Join KCMN on Tuesday January 12, 2010 from 7:30am to 9:00am at the Hilton Garden Inn in Kansas City, KS for this informative breakfast meeting.

To Register

July
Kansas City Manufacturing Network Presents: Lean in the Real World - KCMN will kick off a three part series on September 8th focusing on local manufacturers insights, experiences and tips for incorporating Lean into their businesses. The series begins with a plant tour of Milbank Manufacturing Company in September where participants can sign-up for discussion groups that will meet in October to discuss pertinent topics surrounding Lean. In November, the discussion groups will report on their topics and share real world experiences from Kansas City manufacturers. Don't miss this special opportunity.

Register September
Register October
Register November

Sign-up for all 3 by July 31 for a special discounted price.

June
Kansas City Manufacturing Network Presents: Cellular Manufacturing: Brunson Instrument Company - Brunson specializes in portable, high-precision, large-scale, 3-dimensional measurement and alignment products. Join KCMN on June 9th at 9:00am for this informative plant tour to learn about Brunson and how they implemented cellular manufacturing.

To Register

May
Kansas City Manufacturing Network Presents: Surviving a Downturn Stories from the Trenches - KCMN has put together a panel featuring four of the region's companies who will share their strategies for survival despite an uncertain economic landscape. The discussion will be moderated by Shane Parr of TGP Investments, LLC. Join KCMN on May 12th from 7:30am - 9:00am at the Hilton Garden Inn, 520 Minnesota Avenue, Kansas City, KS for this informative meeting.

To Register

April
Kansas City Manufacturing Network Presents: Lean Journey: Holland 1916 Plant Tour - 1916 manufactures industrial nameplates, panels, enclosures, labels, overlays, membrane switches, touchscreens and metal RFID tags. Join KCMN on April 14th at 9:00am for this informative plant tour to learn about Holland and how they implemented Lean Manufacturing.

To Register

March
Kansas City Manufacturing Network Presents: Show Me the Money: Resources for Manufacturers - With many manufacturers looking for a way to grow revenue, cut costs, and improve their bottom lines with fewer dollars, KCMN has identified some ways to do more with less. KCMN's March breakfast meeting, Show Me the Money: Resources for Manufacturers, is March 10, 2009 from 7:30 AM to 9:30AM at the Hilton Garden Inn, 520 Minnesota Avenue, Kansas City, KS. Come learn how to find your way through the maze of options and get to know your fellow manufacturers.

To Register

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February
Kansas City Manufacturing Network Presents: Pain Management: Keeping Healthcare Costs Under Control - KCMN will present a panel discussion and breakfast on February 10, 2009 at 7:30AM at the Hilton Garden Inn, 520 Minnesota Avenue, Kansas City, Kansas. As area manufacturers cut costs to remain competitive, healthcare issues and costs remain a challenge. Come join KCMN for this informative panel discussion on strategies for manufacturing employers to manage escalating healthcare costs.

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January
Kansas City Manufacturing Network Presents: Resources to Help You Keep Your People - KCMN will present a panel discussion and breakfast on January 13, 2009 at 7:30AM at the Hilton Garden Inn, 520 Minnesota Avenue, Kansas City, Kansas. The panel discussion will feature organizations whose focus is on workforce retention and satisfaction as well as helping struggling companies avoid layoffs. KCMN will also formally introduce its partnership with Uplink, a Youthfriends division that matches companies with opportunities to make a difference in the development of future employees at the region's schools...

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November
Kansas City Manufacturing Network Presents: KCMN presents the KCMN Green Industrial Crawl on November 6, 2008. Join us for a tour of 3 local businesses and see how they changed their business practices to become more environmentally responsible. Don't miss this opportunity to take an inside peek in to Kansas City's industrial community.

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October
Kansas City Manufacturing Network Presents: The Kansas City Manufacturing Network Presents: Dynamic Transportation & Logistics Strategies for Manufacturers. Kansas City Manufacturing Network, in partnership with TranSystems, will host a transportation-themed event Tuesday October 14th at 3PM at the Airline History Museum, 201 NW Lou Holland Drive, KCMO to discuss trends and strategies for improving supply and distribution network operations.

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September
Kansas City Manufacturing Network Presents: Green Strategies That Can Save You Some Green - The Kansas City Manufacturing Network will present a panel discussion and breakfast Tuesday, September 9, 2008 at 7:30AM at the Hilton Garden Inn, 520 Minnesota Avenue, Kansas City, Kansas. The panel discussion will feature three regional companies who will share their experiences with implementing green strategies.

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June
Kansas City Manufacturing Network Presents: Top Line Growth Through Bottom Line Efficiency: Dimensional Innovations Plant Tour - The Kansas City Manufacturing Network and Dimensional Innovations will host a plant tour and discussion of Dimensional Innovation's growth strategies.

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May
Kansas City Manufacturing Network Presents: Strategies to Manage Growth and Change - The Kansas City Manufacturing Network will present a panel discussion and breakfast hosted by Dr. Chris Kuehl of Armada Corporate Intelligence, featuring three regional companies who will share strategies for managing growth and change in an uncertain economic landscape.

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April
Kansas City Manufacturing Network Presents: Lean Journey: Milbank Manufacturing Plan Tour

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March
Kansas City Manufacturers Network will be hosting a panel discussion and breakfast on Hiring and Retention Strategies that Work on Tuesday, March 11 at 7:30AM at The Hilton Garden Inn at 520 Minnesota Avenue, Kansas City, Kansas. Our founding sponsors, Mid America Manufacturing and Technology Center and Missouri Enterprise, will be our sponsors for this event.

Danielle Rodenbaugh, owner of Trouble at Work will be the panel discussion moderator. Danielle is a human resources expert who helps companies improve their compliance, resources and policies and solve their most troubling HR issues. The format will be a panel discussion with 3 area companies whose hiring and retention strategies have been instrumental in their company's success.

The panelists who will be sharing their expertise with us are:

• Jason Grove Vice President of Operations with Dimensional Innovations
• Bert Benton Vice President of Manufacturing with SOR, Inc.
• Lisa Kist Director of Human Resources with Robbie Manufacturing

The event is open to area manufacturers and their suppliers. We invite you to join with us to make KCMN the premier resource for manufacturers. To register for the March 11 event, please respond to donna@kcmn.org. Registration is $15 for KCMN members, or $25 for guests. You may register as a guest for up to 2 events before membership is required. For questions or comments, please contact Donna Gordon at 816-304-7958.