You will find the answers to these and many other questions at the second annual Hudson Valley Solutions Fair hosted by the Hudson Valley Technology Development Center, Inc. (HVTDC).

The Hudson Valley Solutions Fair is a half day forum matching manufacturers and technology companies with a broad range of business and technology experts from across New York State who can help solve problems, fix processes and find solutions to help businesses innovate, compete and grow!

As part of the registration process, we ask you to complete a brief questionnaire that will identify to us one or more specific issues or areas of interest you have.  These responses will trigger us to invite the BEST organizations from across the state to meet YOUR needs!  Interests can be very specific, a general inquiry, or even a fishing expedition.  The more you tell us, the better we can tailor resources that fit you.  

For more information and to register, please visit:  http://hvtdc.org/news/story/?id=121

Have questions?  Contact Everton Henriques at 845-532-0442 or via email at everton.henriques@hvtdc.org

Founded in 1988, the Hudson Valley Technology Development Center, Inc. (HVTDC) is a non-profit organization and one of ten regional technology development centers funded cooperatively through the Empire State Development’s Division of Science, Technology and Innovation, which works to facilitate the integration of innovation and technology throughout New York’s economic development efforts and the National Institute of Standards & Technology (NIST). HVTDC partners with their clients by delivering cost effective business solutions that help achieve sustained growth, optimize profits, identify competitive advantages and realize a high level of corporate social responsibility.

To learn more about how the Hudson Valley Technology Development Center can help a business or organization improve productivity, please contact Phyllis Levine at 845-391-8214 x 3001, via email at phyllis.levine@hvtdc.org, or visit www.hvtdc.org.

 Click here to register 

 or for more info:

Contact Everton Henriques at 845-532-0442 or via email everton.henriques@hvtdc.org

The Manufacturing and Technology Resource Center (MTRC) portal – www.nymtrc.com is a recent additional initiative (funded under a NIST MEP grant) that is developed to assist companies by providing a way for them to request help directly to the NYMEP system on a 24/7 basis. It is the infrastructure and platform to assist NYMEP centers in effectively connecting vetted Resources and Partners to NY manufacturing companies in a highly qualified way based on individual company needs.

The MTRC portal houses a Resource and Partnership database which is a proprietary knowledgebase that is used as an internal tool for Regional Innovation Specialists (RISs), support staff, and NYMEP staff and centers to source and match appropriate expertise, services and resources for companies. MTRC Resources and Partners are vetted and approved; and they must commit to and comply with the Terms of Agreement in order to participate at Solutions Fairs events and in the MTRC referral network.

The MTRC portal also serves as a “virtual solutions fair” management platform for receiving, referring, matching and coordinating NY company requestors to resources. It features a public website and company “requestor” user interface to streamline requests to NYMEP centers that are directly submitted via the website interface, or as a function of registration for a Solutions Fair event.

The MTRC portal will also serve as a marketing, brand and communications tool for the NYMEP system. This new portal and system enable stewardship of resource connection and company assistance as well as collaboration and referral because it uniquely integrates a model of expert NYMEP staff interaction and intervention with one-on-one assistance, tracking and monitoring every step of the way in connecting companies to the best available solutions to meet their growth needs.

The portal also supports a feedback system and process to enable better tracking of outcomes and broader collaboration and referral across statewide and regional resources such as the RTDCs, Centers of Excellence, Centers for Advanced Research and other significant programs and business development resources available across the state.

Over time, the MTRC is envisioned as a virtual “one-stop shop” for relevant industry, event and service information; and as an additional gateway facilitating connections to regional NYMEP centers. A beta release is anticipated in the coming months.

The NYS MTRC portal and NY Solutions Fairs events will support the RTDC/NY-MEP (ten) 10 regional centers in their mission of serving NY manufacturing companies and helping them to grow. The MTRC portal and Solutions Fairs promotion, launch, operations and activities are currently supported by support staff, and five new Regional Innovation Specialists that have been recently brought on under a separate NYS NYSTAR funding award.

Related staff and activities

The Regional Innovation Specialist Program is administered through ESD’s Division of Science, Technology & Innovation (NYSTAR) and was created and filled under a NYS ESD/NYSTAR Request-For- Proposal (NYSTAR 12-1 RISP). This new program is the next generation of the Small Business Innovation Research Specialist (SBIR) program – and establishes five Regional Innovation Specialists (RIS), each covering two or three economic regions. Regional Innovation Specialist staff will be housed within the NYMEP - Regional Technology Development Centers and will provide direct technology acceleration; tech transfer, resource matching and commercialization support to entrepreneurs and companies as well as enhanced awareness and connection to NYS technology and business resources.

The RISs will foster an improved innovation and technology commercialization environment in their respective regions; and will develop an understanding of the available assets across NYS. These specialists will establish and enhance networks and events that support entrepreneurs and companies with technology acceleration; tech transfer, resource matching and commercialization; and strengthen partnerships with relevant organizations and economic and technology development entities.

The RISs will also directly support the implementation of new NY-MEP service initiatives and events, such as the NY Solutions Fairs, the MTRC portal, and Active Solutions Matching services, designed to assist small and medium manufacturing companies with innovation and business growth challenges. Finally, Specialists will be available to work with New York States Regional Economic Development Councils to achieve innovation and high technology goals.

Regional Innovation Specialists - 2013

The NY Solutions Fairs are statewide annual events held in every region to provide hands-on, one-on-one consultation and expertise to NY manufacturing companies. Companies come to meet with experts and resources that are there to address each company’s specific growth challenges in individual meetings. Research university experts, government agencies and program representatives, and other resources from economic development and private sector organizations meet with each company to provide assistance with everything from production, engineering and product innovation to funding and supplier development needs. Companies connect with at least 5 or more resources and experts selected specifically to address the individual company needs in one-on-one consultations.

To date, over 81 NY companies were provided with targeted assistance at Solutions Fairs held around the state to-date - and as many as 7 Solutions Fairs events are scheduled to take place over the next 5 months.

2013 NY Solutions Fairs Calendar

Consistent with Governor Cuomo’s initiative mentioned in his State of The State Address, the Regional Innovation Specialist (RIS) position was created and funded through a NYS ESD/NYSTAR grant to provide a resource to connect Academia, Industry, the Regional Technology Centers, the Regional Economic Councils and Economic Development agencies across the state.  

The state is divided into four regions each supported by one of four RIS’.  In this position Everton receives guidance from ESD/NYSTAR and is the RIS assigned to the Mohawk Valley, the Capital and the Mid-Hudson Valley regions.  He reports directly to the president of the HVTDC and  works out of the HVTDC office in Newburgh; he also maintains a satellite office in Schoharie County.

Everton will be responsible for the following:

1. Working with the Regional Councils to achieve innovation and high technology goals

2. Increasing business’ applications for and awareness of Federal SBIR and STTR programs

3. Providing technical assistance, hosting events and seminars, etc. that will foster an innovative environment

4. Enhancing awareness and understanding of NYS technology assets

5. Highlighting innovation to attract seed, angel and venture investments in NYS

6. Assisting with technology acceleration, matching and other activities to improve innovation

7. Providing support structures and networks for start-ups and small and medium sized businesses

8. Driving and promoting innovation through regional programs such as business plan, innovation and entrepreneurial competitions

9. Evaluate and establish relationships and communication protocols with university communities to enable commercialization of innovative products, process and business model ideas

10. Support the Solutions Fair program regionally and statewide and participate as an active member of the NYS Solutions Web Portal Team

Everton brings a wealth of experience to the position.  He is President and founder of E.H. Hall, Inc., a consulting and supplier firm in the process development, environmental, safety and health arena.  He was a Vice President and a co-founder of Panasonic Plasma Display Laboratory of America, Inc. (formerly Plasmaco, Inc.) where he directed and managed their process development, engineering and prototype manufacturing activities.  Plasmaco developed and made the first full color 60-inch HD plasma display television in the world in 1999.  Everton was an engineering manager at IBM’s Kingston plasma display manufacturing facility, and was responsible for setting up Plasmaco’s facility in Highland.  At IBM He was responsible for developing new environmentally friendly processes, photolithography, thin film deposition of Cr-Cu-Cr, MgO, etc., plus clean room design and layout, environmental impact assessment, chemical waste minimization and managed the overall environmental, safety and health compliance for the Plasma Display Program.

Prior to his employment with IBM, Everton worked as a chemist for Texaco, Inc. in Beacon, NY and Reichhold Chemicals.   

He received a BS degree in Chemistry and an MA degree, with emphasis in Physical Chemistry and Materials Science, from SUNY New Paltz.  He also received a Business Decision Making Course (MBA Fundamentals) Certificate from the Colgate Darden Graduate School of Business Administration at the University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA.

 During his tenure at IBM he received the IBM Inventors of the Year Award three times, the IBM Invention Achievement Award and the IBM Outstanding Technical Achievement Award.  He holds one US Patent and has several disclosures and publications.

Everton was Chair of the Board of Directors for the SUNY New Paltz Foundation (2007 – 2009) and currently serves as a Director.  In addition, he is a co-founder, former President and director of the Hudson Valley Rail Trail Association, member of the 2004 – 2006 Ulster County Charter Commission, and member of the former SUNY New Paltz Engineering Advisory Board.  He is a member and a past President of the Highland Rotary Club, former member of the board of directors for the Southern Ulster County Chamber of Commerce, as well as a past President of the George Washington Carver Foundation.  He served on the Town of Lloyd Economic Development Committee and the Town of Lloyd’s Sewer and Water Committee. 

Everton was honored in 2000 as a Conservation Hero by the National Parks Service.  In 2008, at the Mid Hudson Valley’s Philanthropy Awards Ceremony, the Association of Fundraising Professionals recognized Everton with the Outstanding Fundraising Volunteer Award.

Everton was inducted into the School of Business’ Hall of Fame at SUNY New Paltz in 2010.

Everton looks forward to working with the Regional Technology Development Centers, the Economic Development Council, the manufacturing community, general industry, start-ups, the local colleges and universities and business leaders to advance innovation and technology in our region.

He can be reached at the HVTDC office at 1450 Route 300, Building 1, Suite 1, Newburgh, NY 12550 or at everton.henriques@hvtdc.org. Telephone: 845-532-0442.

New York Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand proposed Senate Bill 63 the Made in America Manufacturing Act as her first piece of introduced legislation in 113th Congress. The proposed law is intended to allocate federal dollars to support regional public-private partnerships trying to expand manufacturing by using low-interest loans, job training, and market research.

Up to $20 million would be available to our region, presumably the State of New York. These strategic investments designed to grow manufacturing will be focused on clusters like nanotechnology, Photonics, biotechnology, aerospace.

Key provisions:

• Establishing and managing revolving loan funds to provide low-interest loans construction of new facilities, or for retooling, retrofitting, or expanding existing plants; including equipment, infrastructure, energy efficiency upgrades among other capital needs of the facilities for manufacturers.
• Create job training programs to help address the skills gap faced by our manufacturers. By working with community colleges, vocational education programs and job training providers to tailor education and training programs to the skill needs of manufacturers, this program will focus on strategies that train workers for the jobs of the future, creating more good-paying manufacturing  jobs right here in the U.S.  
• Provide capital and technical assistance for market research to boost export opportunities for manufacturers in the international sphere.
• Offering capital and technical assistance with product development, mapping, and developing local supply chains providing new opportunities for small and medium manufacturers with entrée as suppliers to larger companies.

This legislation is designed to address New York's loss of 123,000 manufacturing jobs in the half decade of 2005 through 2010 including 11,530 jobs lost in the Hudson Valley's manufacturing sector over the same period.

The Senator, accompanied by Congressman Sean Patrick Maloney, and a host of elected and government officials from the State, County, and local levels joined business, industrial, and labor leaders at an announcement made February 1, 2013 at Hudson Valley Technology Development Center in Newburgh, New York.

New Federal Funding Competition Would Provide Winning Regional Public-Private Partnerships and Manufacturers with Low-Interest Loans to Build New Facilities, Upgrade Equipment, and Targets Funding to Train Students and Workers for Jobs of the Future

Gillibrand: “New York Can Lead the Way in Rebuilding American Manufacturing” 

Newburgh, NY – Standing at the Hudson Valley Technology Development Center, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and Congressman Sean Patrick Maloney announced that the first piece of legislation Senator Gillibrand introduced in the 113th Congress is a federal funding competition that encourages states and regional public-private partnerships to design and implement comprehensive strategies that spur growth for local manufacturing industries, particularly in the thriving fields of clean-tech and high-tech manufacturing, and that train workers with the skills that businesses need. 

New York State has been crippled by manufacturing employment loss, with over 123,000 manufacturing jobs lost since 2005. In the Hudson Valley, an estimated 11,530 manufacturing jobs were lost between 2005 and 2010, including more than 700 jobs lost in Orange County.  

To bolster more growth in New York manufacturing, Gillibrand’s bill, called the Made in America Manufacturing Act, would create a competitive program that awards states and regions with funding to support local manufacturers through low-interest loans to build new facilities and upgrade equipment, and access to capital and technical assistance to develop exporting opportunities and to connect innovative small suppliers with larger companies. Funding would also go towards job training and vocational education programs that partner businesses with colleges, local workforce centers and other skill providers to prepare workers for cutting-edge manufacturing jobs.

“It’s time to see ‘Made In America’ again starting right here in New York,” said Senator Gillibrand.  “I believe New York’s great manufacturing communities are well positioned to compete for funding that would help carry out their innovative ideas to spark more growth in manufacturing sectors, jumpstart new businesses, and create good-paying jobs right here where we need them the most.”

Senator Gillibrand’s first piece of legislation introduced in the new Congress would award up to $20 million in competitive funding for each statewide or regional manufacturing hub.  

The Made in America Manufacturing Act would allow localities to use funding to:  

Set up a revolving loan fund to help manufacturing businesses expand or establish new manufacturing operations. According to a Commerce Department report, the lack of available capital to manufacturers has especially restricted the ability of many small manufacturers to grow and compete.  Without equipment upgrades and expansions, New York’s manufacturing sector will continue to lose its competitive edge in the global economy. 

In an effort to retool New York manufacturers to be more competitive and create new jobs, the revolving loan fund would provide manufacturers with direct access to low-interest loans that are below market rate to construct new facilities or to retool, retrofit or expand existing plants, including equipment, infrastructure or energy efficiency upgrades. The federal investment could also help leverage matching funds from the private sector and other non-federal sources.  

Create job training programs to help address the skills gap faced by our manufacturers. By working with community colleges, vocational education programs and job training providers to tailor education and training programs to the skill needs of manufacturers, this program will focus on strategies that train workers for the jobs of the future, creating more good-paying manufacturing jobs right here in the U.S.   

According to a 2011 survey by the Manufacturing Institute, more than 600,000 manufacturing jobs went unfilled due to a shortage of skilled workers. A 2012 survey noted that one-third of small businesses struggled to recruit employees with the needed education and training. Gillibrand’s Made in America program would ensure federal funds are invested in job training partnerships to help directly meet the needs of local manufacturers.  

Provide capital and technical assistance to boost exporting opportunities for manufacturers through supporting research and analysis of markets and countries with the greatest potential for expanding business as well as connecting innovative small manufacturers with larger companies as a supplier or to take advantage of government or private sector contracts. 

The Hudson Valley Technology Development Center (HVTDC) provides hands on support and growth services to small and mid-sized manufacturers, improving the competitiveness of existing small businesses and advancing the development of new business opportunities through the application of innovative, cost-effective techniques and tools.

“Teamwork is the golden ring. We’ve lost thousands of manufacturing jobs overseas and we want them back,” said Thomas G. Phillips, Sr., Executive Director of the Hudson Valley Technology Development Center, a federal and NY State funded Manufacturing Extension Partnership Center. “U.S. manufacturers and technology companies have the knowledge, capability and building materials to make it happen, but it isn’t going to happen 1,000 jobs at a time. It is going to happen 10-20 jobs at a time. If the number keeps increasing, as we have faith it will, we’ll soon see a much stronger collaboration grow between our local manufacturing sector and true growth that will be quantifiable. More than anything, we all want to get machinery humming and people back to work. This legislation when enacted, will provide the skilled workforce, access to capital and technical and business assistance required to restore manufacturing to its rightful place as a cornerstone of our economy and well-being.”

 “The Made in America Manufacturing Act is exactly what is needed to revitalize our nation’s manufacturing community and thus, enhance our global competitiveness,” said Dr. John A. D’Ambrosio, President of the Orange County Chamber of Commerce. “The fact that it will utilize partnerships between and among business, industry, government and education is particularly impressive.”

 “The Council of Industry commends Senator Gillibrand’s continued recognition of the important role manufacturing plays in our economy and we are pleased to support the Made in America Manufacturing Act,” said Harold King, Executive Vice President of the Council of Industry. “This Act, in conjunction with other initiatives such as renewing the R&D tax credit, will help our manufacturers compete in today’s global economy.”

 “The Hudson Valley Economic Development Corp. wholeheartedly supports the Made In America Manufacturing Act of 2013,” said Mike Oates, President and CEO of the Hudson Valley Economic Development Corp. “This country needs skilled labor and this bill establishes grant programs that provide much-needed support to American manufacturers, rewarding companies that have long-term strategies to increase their ranks of American workers through training programs, especially in regions suffering from high unemployment. This would be another valuable tool to help the Hudson Valley continue to grow and provide skilled workers to its local companies.  We applaud Senator Gillibrand’s leadership and efforts to help New York companies grow.”

“Senator Gillibrand’s Made in America Manufacturing Act is an example of the type of innovative leadership on jobs that New Yorkers, and all Americans, are looking for,” said Mario Cilento, President of the New York State AFL-CIO.  “Expanding opportunities in manufacturing is an essential component of growing the middle class and in turn the economy.  It’s time to move beyond Washington’s fixation on the debt, and start investing in good American jobs.”

New York organizations including the Hudson Valley Economic Development Corporation (HVEDC) and the Council of Industry support Gillibrand’s legislation. National groups such as AFL-CIO, United Steelworkers, and the American Small Manufacturers’ Coalition also support the bill.  

Under Gillibrand’s bill, successful applicants would be required to form a partnership board of key stakeholders including county and local governments, small and large manufacturers, labor organizations, higher education institutions, workforce training centers, and local chambers of commerce to pool state or regional resources and develop a strategy to expand opportunities for local manufacturing, spur job creation, and close the skills gap that has slowed the growth of many manufacturers.

The Commerce and Labor Departments will evaluate applicants’ plans, also known as Manufacturing Enhancement Strategies, based on how the strategy will improve U.S. competitiveness and the expected economic return on investment, including job creation, cost savings by manufacturers, private investment that federal funding would help leverage, and how the proposal would address high unemployment and mass layoffs. Priority would be given to proposals that commit private sector and state or local matching funds and contributions on a one-to-one basis. The Departments would then work with winning localities to implement their plans.

The Division of Business at Mount Saint Mary College is offering a new course this spring semester titled Special Topics: Manufacturing Processes.

This course will be the first in a series of courses leading to a certificate of completion in high tech manufacturing, signifying that the individual has developed essential skills applicable to the advanced manufacturing sector.

Course Description:

BUS 4120. SectionOI: Special Topic: Manufacturing Processes
This is a comprehensive introduction to manufacturing processes and related business decisions addressing the professional skills required in support engineering and process engineering careers in the manufacturing industry in general, with particular attention to the renewable energy sector. No pre-requisite required.

This course will be taught in an open forum format by local industry executives, who have extensive professional and managerial experience leading small- to mid-sized manufacturers in the Hudson Valley. It is designed to provide students with the business skills and marketing perspectives they need to support successful manufacturing enter¬prises competing in a global marketplace.

Cost:
The course can be audited for $925.50, plus a $70 registration fee, with credit given to¬ward the manufacturing certificate. You can also register independently for this course's three credit hours at a cost of $1,851, plus the $70 registration fee.

Schedule:
Classes start January 22, 2013 and run through May 6, 2013; Mondays 3:25-5:55 pm.

More information/Registration:
Contact Andrew Weiss, chair of the Division of Business and professor of business at Mount Saint Mary College, at andrew.weiss@msmc.edu or call 845-569-3121.

 The reenergized JDA is the long term solution to helping many New York State businesses in their desire to access much needed capital. The JDA direct loan program  provides loans for the growth of manufacturing and other eligible businesses through financing for the acquisition or renovation of existing buildings, new construction or machinery and equipment.  JDA eligible businesses are engaged in manufacturing, distribution, warehousing and certain service industries. Real estate loans may be up to 20 years, M&E loans may be up to 10 years or the useful life of the collateral, whichever is less. The term of a JDA loan is generally the same as the term of the bank loan.   Funds to make Loans are derived from the sale of State-guaranteed bonds. In most cases, JDA Loans can be for up to 40% of the total project cost of Real Estate projects or M&E projects.Loans may be up to 60% for projects located in Empire Zones or an economically distressed area.

The combination of a bank loan and a JDA Loan allows up to 90% financing of a project.

Typical financing structure:

JDA Real Estate Loan is normally a second mortgage loan, subordinate to a first-mortgage loan provided by a bank; M&E Loans are secured by a first lien, co-equal with the bank’s lien, on the M&E being financed. 

Real Estate project costs include the cost of an existing building and renovations, purchase of land and construction of a new building and soft costs normally associated with a real estate transaction. M&E project costs include the cost of the machinery and its delivery, installation costs solely attributable to the machinery being purchased and soft costs related to the M&E acquisition. 

 Eligibility:

Facilities to be used for manufacturing, distribution, warehousing and certain service businesses are eligible for JDA Loans. 

Loans for retail facilities, which customers must personally visit in order to obtain the goods or services being sold, are not eligible for JDA Loans, nor are loans for hotel or residential facilities. 

JDA does not make loans for motor vehicles, nor does JDA make Working Capital Loans.  

Requirements:

The Borrower must secure a letter of commitment from the bank providing the 50% financing portion of the project cost.

The Borrower must provide at least 10% of the project cost as an equity contribution to the project. 

Personal guarantees are required from any person owning 20% or more of the Operating Company for whose benefit the JDA Loan is being made.

New York State Supports Small Business and we’ll lend you the money to prove it.

For more information contact John Macenroe, john.macenroe@hvtdc.org and (845)361-8214 x3004.

Sometimes, innovation is hampered by the lack of the ability to prototype one or two ideas for comparison. If only I could afford a 3-D printer, I might be able to realistically compare two designs inexpensively. If I had access to a CNC machine, I might be able to land that big contract.

The Center for Global Advanced Manufacturing (CGAM), a consortium started by The Solar Energy Consortium(TSEC), the Hudson Valley Technology Development Center, and the Council of Industry along with now several new partners, is a group that you will be hearing a lot of groundbreaking news from in the coming months.

In the first quarter of 2013, CGAM expects to open its first major project, the Equipment Characterization Lab. This groundbreaking idea, an equipment library, will help to ensure the growth and success of small and medium-sized Hudson Valley manufacturers. These companies will have ready access to specialized characterization equipment on an as needed basis for product testing and evaluation.

The lab, which is fully funded by a grant of $1 million from New York State Empire State Development Corporation, is being located in space leased from Gateway Industries on Route 32 on the north side of New Paltz. Several pieces of equipment are currently on order and the space is being renovated to accommodate it.

There is still time for you to help influence the selection of specialized equipment in this facility. To learn more about the lab, and help identify the right equipment for the library or learn about availability contact Bill Cox at TSEC.
E: bill.tsec@gmail.com
P: (845)336-0100
C: (845)629-9248

If you're Joe Guarneri, President of Unico Special Products, you branch out into a retail operation. In August of 2012, Joe and his company launched the wholly-owned subsidiary: The Granite Factory. While Joe is a great businessman, a well-trained entrepreneurial engineer, and an innovative thinker, he recognized his lack of expertise in marketing.

In addition to hiring an outside marketing organization, The Granite Factory and Unico Special Products reached out to the Hudson Valley Technology Development Center because of its unique understanding of manufacturing, and marketing needs of manufacturers. As Joe put it, "As a wholesale manufacturer, marketing and retail are not our strengths." He turned to us, because as he put it, "We had successfully used the HVTDC in the past for an engineering project. We were happy and surprised to learn that they now offer manufacturers marketing support for growth."

Recognizing Unico, and The Granite Factory's needs HVTDC sent marketing professionals, experts in the field, to do a full analysis. They helped set up and refine The Granite Factory's marketing plan, but most important; provided key insights as to which marketing channels are effective for Unico's products and what key metrics to look for. HVTDC also envisioned a completely unique Internet campaign that UNICO has high expectations of utilizing.

HVTDC provided a complete proposal from which the essential marketing approach for the company was created.

Our keynote speaker will be Dr. Nadarajah Narendran, the Director of Research at the Renssalaer Polytechnic Institute Lighting Research Center. The title of his presentation is "SSL Transformation: Rethinking Edison's Legacy to Create a New Lighting Future."

The conference will be held in Newburgh, NY, historically the second city to become electrified, and therefore, a perfect location to discuss the future of lighting industry and of SSL innovations. Continental breakfast and lunch will be provided.

WHEN: Friday, March 8, 2013 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM Check-in starts at 8:00 AM
WHERE: Newburgh Armory Unity Center, Newburgh, NY
CONTACT: Caitlin.tsec@gmail.com
REGISTER HERE: http://nysslconference.eventbrite.com
WHAT'S NEXT: Detailed conference agenda and information to follow

PRESENTED BY: The Center for Global Advanced Manufacturing (CGAM)

November, 2012

Access to emergency water for passengers was a major concern for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority officials.  Delays due to track conditions and weather events can bring trains to a grinding halt and cause panic among passengers if prolonged.  The lack of emergency drinking water for riders was an issue the MTA committed to overcome.

The MTA put out a Request for Quote (RFQ) to develop a special container to carry potable water containers on all trains.  Vincent Cozzolino, CEO of FALA Technologies, reached out to Tom Phillips, Executive Director of HVTDC, for advice on how to best approach this railroad opportunity.  HVTDC is the federal MEP provider and Next Generation Rail initiative program manager for the Hudson Valley area.  FALA set out to develop a unique container that would meet MTA’s strict specifications and be delivered on a very aggressive time line.

FALA Technologies successfully won the MTA awarded contract of approximately $500,000 and partnered with local manufacturers to execute their aggressive time line.  “It truly required collaboration and trust on the part of several manufacturers that would partner together to provide some of the sub-assemblies”, said Cozzolino.  This contract presented an opportunity for companies to work together, and FALA set out to find local, NYS based, partners.

FALA outsourced several of the components to NY companies.  FALA chose a local contract manufacturer as well as USHECO, Viking Industries and Arnoff Moving & Storage to support this project.

“We turned to Viking Industries in Ulster County to construct the corrugated boxes to ship the plastic containers,” continued Cozzolino.  “Yes – we could have gone to China, but we chose to go to New Paltz.  We found companies in Utica and Mohawk, NY to fabricate unique components and Arnoff Moving and Storage delivered the, over 1000 potable water containers, to the MTA.”

Just as exciting as winning the contract, Cozzolino was thrilled to see manufacturers working together as a team.  

Now that the federal government is encouraging small to mid-size manufacturers to compete for federal contracts, Tom Phillips says there is room for growth where none previously existed.

“The feds reached out to the Manufacturing Extension Partnerships across the country - HVTDC is one of them - and gave us the mission of connecting the manufacturing and technology ‘dots.’  It also charged us with encouraging inter-company cooperation to get these businesses into the federal supply chain.” 

“The goal is to bring jobs back to our shores,” said Phillips.  “In this case, with the spirit of collaboration Vince Cozzolino and FALA brought to their counterparts, this contract was is a success story for all concerned --- and hopefully, bring more our way as a result of teamwork.”

And teamwork is the golden ring, reiterated Phillips.  “We’ve lost thousands of manufacturing jobs overseas and we want them back. U.S. manufacturers and technology companies have the knowledge, capability and building materials to make it happen...but it isn’t going to happen 1,000 jobs at a time.  It is going to happen 10-20 jobs at a time....if the number keeps increasing, as we have faith it will, we’ll soon see a much stronger collaboration grow between our local manufacturing sector and true growth that will be quantifiable.  More than anything, we all want to get machinery humming and people back to work.”

Phillips says Next Generation Rail, the federal initiative geared to bring small and mid-sized manufacturers together to bid on contracts and work in tandem, will truly be a success if the business community comes together. 

“With the federal government working to help our small manufacturers, we will work to get back on track-no pun intended-not just with the MTA or other regional transportation carriers, but also get on board other federally funded manufacturing contracts as well.”

For Cozzolino, the partnership between the manufacturers helped bring them other work as a result.  “That was as rewarding as winning the contract, which we did without any help.  We did this on our own and won it fair and square,” said Cozzolino.  “If a company like FALA can get its foot in the door, we see tremendous potential for our region; if we can learn to collaborate, we will see cooperation blossom and overtake competition.  The goal is to create jobs.  We can’t lose sight of that.”

Phillips is working with others in manufacturing and technology to create an umbrella organization that will consolidate efforts and reduce overlap.

“We are working with The Solar Consortium, the Council of Industry and have SUNY IT in Utica,” said Phillips.  “Because of the financial stress suffered by manufacturers here at home, it’s essential we regain trust in each other....and that can be a challenge. Many companies have been through hell and you can’t blame them for being cynics.  Yet, despite the cynicism, I truly believe all of us involved in New York manufacturing want to see people back to work...by working together, we’re going to see it happen....but the key is working together.  It’s a must if we are to accomplish the goal of regaining a strong foothold.”

The Obama administration today announced that 10 public-private partnerships across America will receive $20 million in total awards to help revitalize American manufacturing and encourage companies to invest in the United States. 

The 10 partnerships were selected through the Advanced Manufacturing Jobs and Innovation Accelerator Challenge, which is a competitive multi-agency grant process announced in May 2012 to support initiatives that strengthen advanced manufacturing at the local level. These public-private partnerships consist of small and large businesses, colleges, nonprofits and other local stakeholders that “cluster” in a particular area. The funds will help the winning clusters support local efforts to spur job creation through a variety of projects, including initiatives that connect innovative small suppliers with large companies, link research with the start-ups that can commercialize new ideas, and train workers with skills that firms need to capitalize on business opportunities.  

The Advanced Manufacturing Jobs and Innovation Accelerator Challenge is a partnership between the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration and the National Institute of Standards and Technology, the U.S. Department of Energy, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration, the U.S. Small Business Administration, and the National Science Foundation.

In order to create an economy built to last, America needs to make more things the rest of the world wants to buy. After losing millions of good manufacturing jobs in the years before and during the deep recession, the economy has added nearly 500,000 manufacturing jobs since February 2010—the strongest period of sustained job growth since the 1990s. While there’s more work to be done, steps like today’s announcement build on this momentum.

“A strong manufacturing base in America is critical to the health of the U.S. economy, and these awards further demonstrate the Obama administration’s commitment to keeping this country on the cutting edge of innovation in manufacturing,” said Acting U.S. Commerce Secretary Rebecca Blank. “This investment will help accelerate and unleash the most promising ideas in advanced manufacturing, and bring those ideas to market. This will lead to good jobs for American workers, increase the nation’s competitiveness, and strengthen an economy that’s built to last.”

“By partnering across the federal government, these grants will help us leverage resources and ensure that training programs for advanced manufacturing careers provide the skills, certifications and credentials that employers want to see from day one,” Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis said.

The awards will help regional clusters grow by strengthening their connections to regional economic development opportunities and advanced manufacturing assets, helping develop a skilled and diverse advanced manufacturing workforce, increasing exports, encouraging the development of small businesses, and accelerating innovation in technology. The 10 winning initiatives – based in Arizona, California, Michigan, New York, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Washington–will each receive approximately $2 million to fund projects that are expected to train a total of 1,000 workers and help nearly 650 companies leverage a cluster’s resources in their regions and create jobs across the country.

“As part of President Obama’s blueprint for an economy built to last, the Energy Department is investing in innovative, public-private initiatives like the Advanced Manufacturing Jobs and Innovation Accelerator Challenge that support the pillars of American energy, American manufacturing and skills for American workers,” said U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu. “These investments are helping America strengthen our competitive edge and leadership in the global manufacturing sector.”

“The SBA pioneered the federal government’s first regional cluster strategy two years ago and we’ve already seen the tangible benefits of these investments including job creation, innovation and increased competitiveness,” said SBA Administrator Karen Mills. “These ten new Advanced Manufacturing Jobs and Innovation Accelerators are proof that we can continue to build on – and complement – the success that we’ve already achieved and support strong ecosystems of small businesses in targeted regions throughout the country and across key industries. Additionally, by supporting our small innovative manufacturing companies, we are fostering the growth of the American supply chain and creating an economy built to last.”

As part of President Obama\'s commitment to creating an economy built to last, the administration has invested more than $200 million promoting regional innovation clusters. The administration created an interagency task force, known as the Taskforce for the Advancement of Regional Innovation Clusters, to develop and administer interagency grant competitions. This is the third round of the Jobs and Innovation Accelerator Challenge and, in addition to the six partnering agencies, this initiative also leverages technical assistance from up to eight other federal agencies.  

The 10 winners announced today are: 

• Arizona: Growing the Southern Arizona Aerospace and Defense Region, a project of the Arizona Commerce Authority. ($1,817,000)
• California: Advanced Manufacturing Medical/Biosciences Pipeline for Economic Development (AM2PED), a project of Contra Costa County, Manex, the University of California-Berkeley, Laney College, and the Northern California Small Business Development Center at Humboldt State University. ($2,190,779)
• Michigan: Innovation Realization: Building and Supporting an Advanced Contract Manufacturing Cluster in Southeast Michigan, a project of the Southeast Michigan Community Alliance, the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center, the National Center for Manufacturing Sciences, and Detroit Regional Chamber Foundation. ($2,191,962)
• New York: A Proposal to Accelerate Innovations in Advanced Manufacturing of Thermal and Environmental Control Systems, a project of Syracuse University, NYSTAR, the State University of New York’s College of Environmental Science and Forestry, and Onondaga Community College. ($1,889,890)•
• New York: Rochester Regional Optics, Photonics, and Imaging Accelerator, a project of the University of Rochester, NYSTAR, and High Tech Rochester Inc. ($1,889,936)
• Oklahoma: Manufacturing Improvement Program for the Oil and Gas Industry Supply Chain and Marketing Cluster, a project of the Oklahoma Manufacturing Alliance, the New Product Development Center at Oklahoma State University, the Oklahoma Department of Commerce, the Center for International Trade and Development at Oklahoma State University, and the Oklahoma Application Engineer Program. ($1,941,999)
• Pennsylvania: Agile Electro-Mechanical Product Accelerator, a project of Innovation Works, the Catalyst Connection, the National Center for Defense Manufacturing and Machining, and the Westmoreland/Fayette Workforce Investment Board. ($1,862,150)
• Pennsylvania: Greater Philadelphia Advanced Manufacturing Innovation and Skills Accelerator, a project of the Delaware Valley Industrial Resource Center. ($1,892,000)
• Tennessee: AMP! — the Advanced Manufacturing and Prototyping Center of East Tennessee, a project of Technology 2020, the Tennessee Manufacturing Extension Partnership, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Pellissippi State Community College, and the University of Tennessee. ($2,391,778)
• Washington and Oregon: Innovations in Advanced Materials and Metals, a project of the Columbia River Economic Development Council, Impact Washington, Southwest Washington Workforce Development Council, and the Oregon Microenterprise Network. ($2,192,000) 

SOURCE: COMMERCE.GOV

Thursday is open for guest arrival at the Westchester Marriott, Tarrytown, NY.  Relax, take a drive and enjoy the lower Hudson Valley region in Autumn. 

October 26, 2012

On Friday morning, it’s off to Lighting Services Inc for a tour of the Stony Point manufacturing facility.  During the tour, you will have a first-hand view of plant operations in progress, watch raw materials transform into finished products before your eyes, and converse with LSI's expert craftsmen.  After the tour, head south to the Westchester Marriott (Tarrytown, NY) for lunch and a comprehensive, hands-on, interactive seminar involving all the latest Lighting Services Inc new  LED  product introductions.  Following the new product review and discussions, tour the Mini-Trade Show of all the latest LSI products, then join your colleagues and LSI personnel for dinner at Ruth Chris Steakhouse.

October 27, 2012

On Saturday, head north via charter bus to the United States Military Academy, West Point, NY for an opportunity to network with colleagues from across the country.   Tour the West Point Visitors Center and Museum (lighting by LSI).  Enjoy a pre-game tailgate party with a briefing on life at the military academy from the First Cadet Captain and the leadership corp. Then...feel the excitement roar through Michie Stadium, as the Army Golden Knights parachute from above delivering the game ball for the kickoff of the Army vs. Ball State football game.

October 28, 2012

Depart from the Westchester Marriott brimming with LSI knowledge, good cheer, good food and good memories.

For many small and mid-sized businesses, The Great Recession has put the ability to make needed improvements on indefinite hold-- there’s just not enough time or brain power to dedicate to the task and keep the business going.  

Brewster’s VistaLab Technologies and its team of 20 employees found a solution to that challenge: Hudson Valley Technology Development Center, based in Newburgh and serving Dutchess, Ulster, Orange, Westchester, Putnam, Rockland and Sullivan counties.

VistaLab manufactures pipettes for laboratory use and related scientific fields. When HVTDC senior engineer Phil vanOss first approached the company in 2008 with a product idea that might be a good fit for them, roots took hold and have remained firmly planted between Vista and HVTDC.

In mid- 2011, vanOss and four Vista executives attended Albany’s Innovation Engineering Leadership Institute. Vista was intrigued with IELI’s proposed methodology -- one that increased speed and reduced risk in the development and deployment of new products to market.

As a result of that visit, Vista and HVTDC executed a lean innovation program agreement. By using IELI’s structured approach -- “fail fast, fail cheap,” –Vista is focusing its resources on viable ideas and not wasting time or money on those unlikely to succeed.  

The result?  The pipette manufacturer has targeted four products it determined warrant further action. One is nearing completion and preparing to debut the first quarter of 2013.  VistaLab is projecting more than $1 million in revenue and $100,000 in net profit the first year its new product is on the market. 

“Innovation Engineering concepts showed us a methodology to continuously create new product ideas,” said Richard Scordato,  VistaLab’s president and CEO. “Most importantly, we are quickly evaluating these ideas to discard the weaker ones and commercialize the strong ones...Phil van Oss’ has been the key to us to continuing to successfully implement the program.”

HVTDC’s expert executive team has worked with companies of all shapes, sizes and function to help cut costs, boost productivity and become more profitable. 

Says vanOss, “It doesn’t matter if your company is a service provider or manufacturer—we scrutinize the company’s goals and objectives, then map out a plan to meet them effectively and efficiently and get to work.” 

Founded in 1988, the Hudson Valley Technology Development Center, Inc. (HVTDC) is a non-profit organization and one of ten regional technology development centers funded cooperatively through the Empire State Development’s Division of Science, Technology and Innovation, which works to facilitate the integration of innovation and technology throughout New York’s economic development efforts and the National Institute of Standards & Technology (NIST). HVTDC partners with their clients by delivering cost effective business solutions that help achieve sustained growth, optimize profits, identify competitive advantages and realize a high level of corporate social responsibility.

From operational assessment, lean principle implementation, facility layout solutions, inventory management, sales management and training –just a few of the many skill sets in HVTDC’s toolkit --  the opportunity for a company to become  more effective, more efficient and grow profitability lies within reach. 

To learn more about what HVTDC’s diverse team of experts can bring to your company’s table, it will hold a  Hudson Valley Solutions Fair at Mt. St. Mary College in Newburgh  on Friday, October 26 from 8:00am-12:30pm. Register here.  Registration is ongoing through Tuesday, October 16th.  For more information, contact Phyllis Levine at 845-391-8214 Ext. 3001.

• Cornell Center for Materials Research (CCMR)
• Cornell Center For Technology Enterprise and Commercialization (CCTEC)
• Cornell Nanoscale Science & Technology Facility (CNF)
• Cornell Institute for Biotechnology and Life Science Technologies
• Cornell Kevin M. McGovern Family Center for Venture Development In The Life Sciences
• Cornell Johnson School Consulting (BRC), Legal Counsel (BRL), and Capital (BRV)
• Binghamton Small Scale Systems Integration and Packaging (S³IP)
• Binghamton Strategic Partnership for Industrial Resurgence and Industrial Outreach (SPIR)
• Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Center for Automation Technologies and Systems (CATS)
• Syracuse Center Of Excellence in Environmental and Energy Systems (CoE)
• Syracuse Clean Tech Center (CTC)
• Alliance for Manufacturing & Technology (AMT)
• Center for Economic Growth (CEG)
• Hudson Valley Technology Development Center (HVTDC)
• High Tech Rochester (HTR)

Available Solutions:

• Analytical Services
• Product and Process Improvements
• Complex Modeling Capabilities
• Technical Expertise
• Innovation Engineering
• Strategic Planning
• Business Analysis
• Workforce Training
• Access to Student Interns

Get connected and take advantage of these available resources and solutions to help solve your problems and grow your business!

On behalf of all the Center for Global Advanced Manufacturing (CGAM) partners I would like to thank you for participating in the Manufacturing Conference September 21st at Mount St Mary College.  Manufacturing is vital to the economic prosperity of our region and for the sector to thrive it will need the support of educators, elected officials, and economic development professionals.  This conference was one small step toward building that essential support.

Here is a summary of the break out session discussions.

Conference participants were divided into 10 groups largely based on the sector they represented, either education or manufacturing. Each group responded to one two questions.

Question One:  What are the 3 most pressing strategic decisions your business faces in the next 5 years?

Many issues were discussed and reported.  These generally fell into 4 main themes:

•      Human Capital.
  •       Recruiting talented and skilled workers, managers and engineers – major challenges here include the lack of a ready pool of talented workers, a disconnect between the skill sets manufacturers need and what the schools are graduating, and the relative high cost of living in the Hudson Valley compared to other parts of the nation that make it difficult to recruit very highly skilled engineers.
  •       Leadership development – developing a pool of talent that can help an organization grow.  Given the small size of many of the manufactures in the region “Building a bench” of leaders is time consuming and expensive.

•      Strategic Business Development
  
  •       Small and mid-sized manufactures in the region are very good and making product.  In many cases, however, they are not as strong growing their businesses, building market share and maximizing their return on investment. 
  •       Implementing organizational strategic planning, global business strategies, marketing plans, sustainable supply chains and lean principles are difficult but necessary given the global competitive nature of manufacturing.

•      Process Improvement, Innovation and Product Development.  
  
  •       Small and mid-sized manufacturers in the region recognize that, to be competitive globally, they need to continually improve their processes and their products.  Creating business cultures that enable innovation is essential for success in the future.  Innovation means not only new products, but also new uses and markets for existing products, new manufacturing processes and creative application of technology. Innovation also requires a workforce that is creative as well as skilled.

•      Business Climate
  
  •       The relatively high cost of owning and operating a manufacturing firm in New York State’s Hudson Valley poses many dilemmas for manufacturers in the region.  While many business owners have roots in the valley, those roots are finding it tempting to be transplanted to greener pastures in more welcoming states and regions. Our Income taxes, property taxes, insurance premiums, health care costs and burdensome regulations are among the least competitive in the world.  This coupled with the perceived lack of quality services from municipal and state governments make it difficult to justify further investment in the region when other options remain available.
  •       Statewide economic development programs were also criticized for: focusing too much on recruiting new businesses to the state and less on helping existing ones grow, focusing on job creation to the point where worthwhile projects with large capital investments are ignored, and being unnecessarily complicated.

Question Two: What can high schools and colleges do to better prepare students for careers in manufacturing?

Here too many issues were discussed and reported.  Nearly all fell into 2 categories:

•      Connecting Schools with Industry.
  
  •        Some ideas to do this included internships and coops for teachers, breaking down silos through communication and tours, career fairs and career days at schools, creating a resource guide of careers and skills for school counselors. 
  •       It was emphasized that in many cases these programs exist in the Valley already and that we need to do a better job of utilizing them.

•      The Manufacturing Image Problem.
  
  •       Educators in particular pointed out that manufacturing has an image problem.  It is both perceived as being a dirty, low paying sector and as being a sector in decline.
  •       Teachers, counselors, students and parents need a more complete understanding of the career opportunities the sector presents in terms of entry level positions and career paths.  They should also know that these opportunities exist both locally and nationally.  Ideas to do this included using social networks and other media.

On October 26th from 8am until 12:30pm, come and take advantage of statewide resources and meet one-on-one with technology and business experts who can help your company innovate, fix processes, solve problems, and accelerate growth. HVTDC will host its Hudson Valley Solutions Fair at Mt. St. Mary’s College, one of a series of state-wide workshops that match manufacturers with a broad range of technical, educational, and business resources – experts who can help identify and solve an existing problem in your company.

The success of these events is built on a simple idea – eliminate the boring presentations and cut to the chase. In other words, as part of the event registration process, attendees complete a brief questionnaire to identify one or more specific problems needing solutions. The event organizers use the responses to assign short, one-on-one meetings with representatives from a multitude of organizations offering expert “advise and counsel” in the areas of analytical services, product and process improvements, complex modeling capabilities, technical expertise, innovation engineer, and more!

The uniqueness of this event is that the discussions will focus on the pre-identified areas of concern that YOU specified in the pre-questionnaire getting YOU to the right resource(s) for solutions!

Again, this is specifically designed for Hudson Valley Manufacturers so please register by October 16th. There is no cost for this event and continental breakfast will be provided.

To register, visit http://www.informz.net/ceg/event.asp?eid=4595 or contact Peter Prichard for more information at peterp@ceg.org.

A brief summary of the participating resources can be found by clicking here.

Get connected and take advantage of these available resources to help solve your problem(s) and grow your business!

Founded in 1988, the Hudson Valley Technology Development Center, Inc. (HVTDC) is a non-profit organization and one of ten regional technology development centers funded cooperatively through the Empire State Development’s Division of Science, Technology and Innovation, which works to facilitate the integration of innovation and technology throughout New York’s economic development efforts and the National Institute of Standards & Technology (NIST). HVTDC partners with their clients by delivering cost effective business solutions that help achieve sustained growth, optimize profits, identify competitive advantages and realize a high level of corporate social responsibility.

To learn more about how the Hudson Valley Technology Development Center can help a business or organization improve productivity, please contact Phyllis Levine at 845-391-8214 x 3001, via email at phyllis.levine@hvtdc.org, or visit www.hvtdc.org.

Apple is amazing, right?  Yes, but this was Nokia, seven years before Apple launched the iPhone.

"Oh my God," [Nokia Chief Designer] Mr. Frank Nuovo says as he clicks through his old slides. "We had it completely nailed."

I may have given Apple considerable grief over the last few weeks with regard to their supposed manufacturing and supply chain prowess, but I will give the company kudos here.  The company has incredible focus and they execute.

And Nokia? 

Consumers never saw either device. The gadgets were casualties of a corporate culture that lavished funds on research but squandered opportunities to bring the innovations it produced to market.  Nokia is losing ground despite spending $40 billion on research and development over the past decade—nearly four times what Apple spent in the same period. And Nokia clearly saw where the industry it dominated was heading. But its research effort was fragmented by internal rivalries and disconnected from the operations that actually brought phones to market.

Whereas RIM lacked the right product, Nokia actually developed the sorts of devices that consumers are gobbling up today. It just didn't bring them to market.

Well ideas alone do have a little inherent value.

Instead of producing hit devices or software, the binge of spending has left the company with at least two abandoned operating systems and a pile of patents that analysts now say are worth around $6 billion, the bulk of the value of the entire company.

So Nokia has about $6 billion, and Apple is sitting on $100 billion actually in the bank plus an incoming tide of high margin sales.

Right there, my friends, is the value of focus and execution. 

Nokia had great ideas, great design, and even solid lean manufacturing initiatives. But they also had -- and perhaps still have -- a culture that focused efforts and funding on the front end of the product realization process and often changed direction on the back end.

Apple had Steve Jobs, who for all his tyrannical faults set a direction, made quick decisions, stretched his teams (sometimes in a questionable manner), and drove incredible focus on the target: a superior product actually in the market.

Ideas are just ideas.  To be successful those ideas have to be turned into products -- faster and better than anyone else.

NEWBURGH, NY – AUGUST 22, 2012 – A leader in education reform and an IBM manufacturing executive will share keynote duties at a September 21 conference that will be held at Mt. St. Mary College in Newburgh and streamed live to an audience at SUNYIT in Utica.

Willard R. Daggett, Ed.D., founder and chairman of the International Center for Leadership in Education will discuss his work to move preK-12 education systems towards more rigorous and relevant skills and knowledge for all students. Dr. Daggett has assisted a number of states and hundreds of school districts with their school improvement initiatives. He has collaborated with education ministries in several nations and with the Council of Chief State School Officers, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the National Governors Association, and many other national organizations.

“We’re honored that Dr. Daggett will help us grapple with the need to create more relevant curriculum in our secondary schools,” said Carl E. Meyer, President/CEO, The Solar Energy Consortium. “New York State schools are facing the same issues as schools nationwide—they must rapidly address the needs of 21st century employers, who will not be able to employ their graduates unless curriculum catches up with the needs of the marketplace.”

Joanne Wright, vice president of manufacturing at IBM, will discuss the modern manufacturing supply chain and Edward Reinfurt, director of Empire State Development Division of Science, Technology and Innovation will give an overview of the New York State manufacturing sector.

Harold King, President, Council of Industry and Tom Phillips, Executive Director, Hudson Valley Technology Development Center, will lead interactive group discussions with attendees, who will include large and small manufacturers across the state and educators from secondary and post secondary schools.

Vincent Cozzolino, founder of The Solar Energy Consortium, will introduce the Center for Global Advanced Manufacturing (CGAM). CGAM is a public/private partnership that recently was formed by The Solar Energy Consortium, the Council of Industry, the Hudson Valley Technology Development Center, Mount Saint Mary College and SUNY Institute of Technology. The Manufacturers Association of NYS and the Mohawk Valley Advanced Technology Center recently have joined the organization, thus broadening its scope beyond the Hudson Valley. The partners view CGAM as a natural progression in their respective missions, as it will offer assistance to a full range of New York State companies that are seeking to transition from traditional to advanced manufacturing.

“Having worked with the growing number of companies moving into renewable energy, TSEC now is taking lessons learned to a larger universe of companies that are ready and willing to bring their manufacturing back to the U.S. ,” said TSEC Founder Vincent Cozzolino.

“As the perceived advantages of outsourcing begin to diminish, with labor costs ticking upward in China and elsewhere, we have a pressing need to prepare our workforce so that manufacturers can take advantage of these market trends,” said HVTDC’s Tom Phillips.

“The skills gap of American workers has been well documented,“ said King. “This conference is intended to put New York State manufacturing CEOs together with the state's best thinkers in secondary education, to learn from one another and chart a course toward rebuilding the state's manufacturing sector.”

To be held at Aquinas Hall, Mt. St. Mary College, the half-day conference is free and targeted toward educators and manufacturing executives. Further information may be obtained from Caitlin Shuster, Caitlin.tsec@gmail.com and 845-336-0100.

“Less is more” as the cleaner, re-designed format makes for easy navigation and access.  The design is more engaging, and the information within provides a more comprehensive picture of the various services available to manufacturing companies throughout the Hudson Valley.

The new website lends itself to clearly-defined strategy to help companies by focusing on the concept of innovation and growth for their clients that directly reflects their business.  Key clients are now showcased bringing about awareness of companies who have utilized HVTDC's services.

Check it out at www.hvtdc.org and join our online community on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter.

Founded in 1988, the Hudson Valley Technology Development Center, Inc. (HVTDC) is a non-profit organization and one of ten regional technology development centers funded cooperatively through the Empire State Development’s Division of Science, Technology and Innovation, which works to facilitate the integration of innovation and technology throughout New York’s economic development efforts and the National Institute of Standards & Technology (NIST). HVTDC partners with their clients by delivering cost effective business solutions that help achieve sustained growth, optimize profits, identify competitive advantages and realize a high level of corporate social responsibility.

Softview-1xiQ

For professional photographers, designers and printers, evaluating color quality and uniformity in a controlled lighting environment is a critical step in their workflow.Accurate Soft Proofing requires precise visual comparisons between computer monitor and proof or print. An iQ enabled viewing system from GTI takes the guess work out of luminance match and replaces it with repeatable accuracy based on a specially designed light sensor, the iQ. HVTDC’s engineers, starting with a detailed product specification provided by GTI, designed the circuitry, produced prototype circuit boards, programmed the self-contained processor, and tested this exciting new product for GTI on an aggressive schedule and within budget to allow this product to be introduced at DRUPA. With customizable menus, the iQ integrated Light Sensor is capable of controlling up to seven different light sources. The Softview-1xiQ enables superb light uniformity with a small desktop footprint and removable sidewalls for oversized proofs or press sheets and meets ISO 3664D50 light quality for superior color rendition and provides Intelligent Automatic Monitor, Luminance Matching, Automatic Calibration, Instant ISO 3664 Part 2 Setting, Ambient Light Auditing Interface with your computer. “The new iQ light sensor is an outstanding example of an innovative product designed and built in the Hudson Valley,” said Senator Bill Larkin (R-C, Cornwall-on-Hudson). “I congratulate Graphic Technology, Inc. and the Hudson Valley Technology Development Center on their successful collaboration.”

About GTI

GTI Graphic Technology Inc. is a leading manufacturer of high quality color viewing systems under the name Graphiclite™. Established in Newburgh, New York in 1975 by engineering professionals with years of technical experience in the field of color.

GTI employs over 50 people and is owned by the key management members of the company. GTI products are marketed worldwide through more than 300 graphic arts and photographic dealers and distributors. The company’s research and testing facility operates a radiometric lab that monitors and assures the integrity of all Graphiclite™ viewers. Their innovative line of products designed specifically for desktop and digital imaging colorline proudly carries GTI’s tradition for excellence well into the next century. GTI also manufactures a variety of color matching booths for the ink, plastic, paint, textile, and colorant industries. For more information on GTI visit www.gtilite.com or email sales@gtilite.com

About HVTDC

The Hudson Valley Technology Development Center, Inc. (HVTDC) works with area businesses to help them innovate with new products and services, compete by improving operations, and grow their revenue and profits. To learn more about how HVTDC can help a business or organization improve productivity, please contact Phyllis Levine at 845-391-8214 x 3001, via email at phyllis.levine@hvtdc.org, or visit www.hvtdc.org.

“This would not have happened without a workforce dedicated to the highest level of performance.” States Mr. Brian DiGirolamo, COO and Chief Engineer at Inertia.

Inertia Switch, Inc., (www.inertiaswitch.com) located in Rockland County’s town of Orangeburg, is a full- service design, engineering, and manufacturing firm founded in 1950. With its current staff of 18, Inertia specializes in acceleration switches of all kinds in addition to limit switches, prostheses, incandescent digital displays, and many other standardized and unique products.

The Hudson Valley Technology Development Center, Inc. (HVTDC) has been working with teams at Inertia Switch using various Lean techniques and tools to improve operational performance metrics. HVTDC Engineer Phil van Oss states, “Through a great team effort and progressive management, Inertia has realized strong improvements in deliveries, quality, inventory levels, throughput and workplace organization.”

Founded in 1988, the Hudson Valley Technology Development Center, Inc. (HVTDC) is a non-profit organization and one of ten regional technology development centers funded cooperatively through the Empire State Development’s Division of Science, Technology and Innovation, which works to facilitate the integration of innovation and technology throughout New York’s economic development efforts and the National Institute of Standards & Technology (NIST). HVTDC partners with their clients by delivering cost effective business solutions that help achieve sustained growth, optimize profits, identify competitive advantages and realize a high level of corporate social responsibility.

To learn more about how the Hudson Valley Technology Development Center can help a business or organization improve productivity, please contact Phyllis Levine at 845-391-8214 x 3001, via email at phyllis.levine@hvtdc.org, or visit www.hvtdc.org.