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MMEC is excited to resume our monthly newsletters. During the height of the public health emergency, we made a decision to focus on providing critical updates related specifically to COVID-19 news and resources. We thank all of the manufacturers and partners who assisted with and participated in these outreach efforts.
As companies gradually resume their regular operations, we want to keep you up-to-date with information, training, and events about COVID-19 recovery, as well as other manufacturing topics.
Please let us know how the MMEC newsletter can evolve to meet your needs!
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Meet Our New Business Advisors!
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 MMEC is pleased to welcome Lynn Weddle as a Senior Business Advisor, with an office location in Missoula. She has over 30 years of experience in managing manufacturing operations, with expertise in the areas of productivity improvement, material flow and scheduling, constraint theory, lean manufacturing, business development, strategic planning, and quality problem solving. Most recently, she served as the Executive Director for Clinical Support for Providence Montana in Missoula, with prior positions as the Director of Lean Healthcare South Carolina, Technical Manufacturing Specialist for the South Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership, and senior level management positions at multinational companies such as Plastic Omnium, ITT Automotive, Federal Mogul and General Motors.
Lynn Weddle holds a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in Industrial Engineering and Operations Research from Virginia Tech. She also earned a Master’s degree in Manufacturing Management from the General Motors Institute (known as Kettering University). With a passion for refining the approach to continuous improvement, she has become a skilled trainer with certifications as a NIST Professional Business Advisor, a Lean Healthcare West reView© program instructor, and a Lean Manufacturing trainer. Read more about Lynn.
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 On June 15th, Brian Sullivan will join MMEC as a Business Advisor, as we open the first-ever MMEC office in the Butte area. Brian has more than 30 years of experience in manufacturing, engineering, construction and management, with much of it focused within the silicon, power and nuclear industries. He comes to us from REC Silicon, where he served in numerous key positions, including Plant Engineering Department Manager for the last 14 years. He offers broad expertise in project management, plant construction and start up, Process Safety Management (PSM),Document Control, and lean manufacturing.
A Butte native, Brian earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Engineering Science from Montana Tech. He was also in the first class to complete a Master’s in Project Engineering and Management jointly from Montana Tech and Montana State University. Active in numerous local health, education, and economic development organizations, Brian is committed to helping reinvigorate Butte as a major industrial powerhouse. Read more about Brian.
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Success Story: Cream of the West
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 Everything old is new again –100 year old cereal company prepares to reach a new generation of consumers
Founded in 1914, Cream of the West has been roasting Montana grains and producing natural cereal products for more than a hundred years. With growing consumer interest in healthy, whole-grain foods, the company was looking to expand the availability of its products out-of-state and online. In preparation for potential manufacturing growth, it wished to strengthen its procedures and staff training related to food safety.
Read more about how Cream of the West partnered with MMEC to increase the number of employees qualified in Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) principles and prepare for its first third party Good Manufacturing Practices audit.
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Montana Coronavirus Relief Grants. Grants are still available for small businesses and non-profits that have been impacted by the COVID-19 emergency. These grants are funded by the Federal CARES Act to stabilize businesses, facilitate adaptation to safe re-opening, and accelerate innovation as our economy recovers. Find more information and apply here.
Montana Meat Processing Infrastructure Grant. Governor Steve Bullock announced that small and medium-sized meat processors in Montana have an opportunity to receive up to $150,000 in funding to support and expand processing infrastructure and capacity through the Montana Meat Processing Infrastructure Grant. Apply by July 2, 2020.
USDA Loan Guarantee Program. On May 22, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue issued a news release, announcing that the Department is making available up to $1 billion in loan guarantees to help rural businesses meet their working capital needs during the coronavirus pandemic. Additionally, agricultural producers that are not eligible for USDA Farm Service Agency loans may receive funding under USDA Business & Industry (B&I) CARES Act Program provisions.
Montana Employment Information. The Montana Department of Labor and Industry has released the downloadable April issue of Montana Economy at a Glance, with statewide information on employment and unemployment.
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MATTR: A Timely Resource for Manufacturers. NIST article about how small and medium-sized manufacturers can use the MEP-Assisted Technology and Technical Resource to identify new technologies to incorporate in their business or develop new applications for their existing products.
When Business is Slow. NIST Cybersecurity expert suggests productive ways to use downtime, including three simple things to do that will have long-term cybersecurity benefits.
Evaluating Food Processing Plant Water Use Leads to Increased ROI. NIST article about the JTM Food Group, which partnered with the Ohio MEP and the Center for Innovative Food Technology on a feasibility study and evaluations to improve reclamation of water from the food grade process and implement an ultra-filtration concentration operation.
Purchasing's Hidden Potential: Strategy Over Short-Term Gains. Industry Week article on purchasing strategies that reduce supply-chain risks and achieve a long-term competitive advantage.
Preventing Eavesdropping and Protecting Privacy on Virtual Meetings. Cybersecurity guidance from NIST with simple options for holding a secure virtual meeting.
Robotic Automation Video. The New York MEP created a new video called Industry 4.0: The Robotic Revival of Manufacturing, which highlights the benefits of robotics for smaller manufacturers.
Lean Innovation. NIST article highlights what manufacturers can learn from the tech sector about how to apply Lean innovation.
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COVID-19 Resources
(For more COVID-19 News and Updates, see the MMEC Coronavirus Response webpage)
Montana Coronavirus Relief Grants. Grants funded by the Federal CARES Act are still available for small businesses and non-profits that have been impacted by the COVID-19 emergency. Find more information and apply here.
PPP Loan Forgiveness Applications. The Small Business Administration, in consultation with the Department of the Treasury, released the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loan Forgiveness Application and detailed instructions for the application. The form and instructions inform borrowers how to apply for forgiveness of their PPP loans, consistent with the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act).
Federal COVID-19 Information and Resources. State, local, and federal agencies are working together to maintain the safety, security, and health of the American people. Check out coronavirus.gov for updates from the White House's Coronavirus (COVID-19) Task Force. Go to cdc.gov for detailed information about COVID-19 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Economic Recovery in Montana. In May, the Montana Chamber and BBER presented a webinar on “Montana Economic Recovery and COVID-19,” now available online.
COVID-19 Webinars by Montana High Tech Alliance. Montana High Tech Business Alliance is offering a series of recorded webinars on various topics related to COVID-19, including remote work security, thriving in challenging times, crisis communications, and giving back opportunities.Supply Chain Webinar. Catalyst Connection, an MEP partner in Pennsylvania, is sharing its webinar on Powering the Potential of your Supply Chain post-COVID 19.
How to Avoid Shaking Hands. Tips from the Harvard Business Review on how to greet colleagues without shaking hands.Podcast for Food Manufacturers. The Association of Food and Drug Officials hosted a webinar on resources for small and medium food manufacturers available from the MEP Network.
General Manufacturing Resources
Community Lending Guidance. The National Women's Business Council (NWBC) recently hosted a webinar titled ‘Community Lending Key to Main Street Recovery: Resources and Lessons Learned for Female Founders,’ now available to watch online. The speakers discuss the key role small banks and community lenders play in providing capital to women business owners.
Cybersecurity Planning Guide. NIST offers a new downloadable quick planning guide to minimize the impact of data loss. It includes recommendations to managed service providers to conduct, maintain, and test back-up files.
Bioscience Grants Now Available. MonTEC and the University of Montana are accepting grant applications from bioscience companies. Assistance is available for small equipment purchases, conference travel, and other uses.
Small Business Environmental Assistance Program (SBEAP). Learn about SBEAP programs and services that will help you learn how to comply with environmental regulations, prevent pollution and improve environmental quality.
USDA Rural Energy Grants. The USDA Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) offers grants for renewable energy installations such as solar, wind, and high efficiency HVAC systems. For information on eligible projects, visit the REAP program webpage.
Growth Through Agriculture Program (GTA). Download the Montana Department of Agriculture presentation from a webinar on “How to Apply for a GTA Grant/Loan.”
Export Insurance. The Export-Import Bank of the U.S. has released a downloadable Guide to Export Credit Insurance.
Banking Resources. Rocky Mountain Bank is offering specialized services for manufacturers in Montana. See the new Banking Solutions for Montana Manufacturers webpage for more information.
Other Resources:
Apprenticeship Incentive Grant Application
Big Sky Economic Development Trust Fund (BSTF)
Incumbent Worker Training Program
Invest in Opportunity Zone Tax Benefits
Montana Pollution Prevention Program
Primary Sector Workforce Training Grant
Rocky Mountain Trade Adjustment Assistance Center
State Trade Expansion Program grant
Other resources
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Technical Sales Engineer
Senior Mechanical Engineer
Polymer Materials Engineer
Engineering Manager
CAD Drafter
3D Tekla Structures Specialist
CNC Machine Operator
Production Manager – Heavy Structural Steel
Structural Welders
Overhead Crane Operators
Production Associate
Fulfillment Associate/Fulfillment Manager
Industrial Engineer or I.E. Grad Student
See our website for more positions and application details, or to submit a job posting |
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Temporary Jobs with the SBA
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The Small Business Administration is hiring temporary employees to assist with disaster relief efforts. The positions include: Call Center Customer Service Representative, Document Preparation/Legal Review/Loan Closings, Loan Processing/Credit Analysis/Mortgage Underwriting, and Program Support. More details on the SBA Application page.
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Upcoming Events for Manufacturers
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SBIR/STTR Workshop on Intellectual Property. Montana Innovation Partnership and Montana TechLink are hosting a virtual workshop on Intellectual Property for SBIR/STTR candidates and awardees on June 11. Learn and ask questions around IP protection, how to handle it when talking with potential partners or non-employee members of your SBIR team, in your proposals, and the differences between patents and data rights offered by SBIR/STTR.
Power Up Course. The Prospera Business Network and Montana Women’s Business Center is hosting “Power Up,” a 3 session course (June 16, 23 & 30) specifically designed for individuals who are brand new to business, wanting to start a business, and new business owners or individuals looking to start a second business.
Webinar on Supply Chain Resilience. Industry Week is hosting a free webinar on Achieving Resilience in the Manufacturing Supply Chain on June 22, 2020.
Cybersummer Intensive Training Event. LMG Security based in Missoula is offering two cybersecurity courses online starting June 23. Data Breaches: Investigations & Response will be held on June 23-24, and Physical Access Control Systems: Elements of Design, Offense, and Defense on June 25-26. Learn more and register here.
Implementing the Families First Coronavirus Response Act. The Prospera Business Network and Montana Women’s Business Center will host a free online training on June 30, with guidance on how to use and implement the new FFCRA law.
2020 Economic Update Series. The Montana Chamber of Commerce will host its annual Economic Update seminars at seven locations around the state from July 28 – July 30. This year’s theme will be “What’s Now, What’s Next,” and will provide mid-year economic projections for local, state, and national economies.
Montana Beverage Show. Registration is now open for the Montana Beverage Show, which will be held November 9, 2020 in Helena.
Associated Employers. Download Associated Employers' Summer 2020 Training Catalog, which includes a variety of HR, leadership and customer service courses.
Partner Event Calendars and Recordings:
Ongoing Events SafetyFest MT
Webinar Recordings Advancing Your Machine Shop
Recorded Webinar Small Business Webinar Series
Register for the next webinar Cybersecurity for Small Manufacturers (Cytellix)
Upcoming events Associated Employers
Upcoming events Montana Chamber of Commerce
News and events Montana Associated Technology Roundtables
Upcoming Trade Missions, webinars, and events U.S. International Trade Administration
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A Special Thank You to our Partners
and event sponsors
 
  
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Manufacturers
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