Written by Andrea Belk Olsen, MSC and CEO of Pragmadik
https://www.linkedin.com/in/olsonandrea1/

It's not about you. Truly, no matter what business you are in, it's not about you.

Too many organizations unintentionally support internal cultures that focus on the company, not the customer.

For example, have you ever heard your team being negative about customers, saying that they "don't get it"? Or about a competitor, stating they are "less than" your organization? What both of these things have in common is that they aren't focused on understanding and serving the customer. If your customer "doesn't get it", that's on you. If your competition is "less than", is that your perspective or your customers?

Are you a business leader looking to build a strong foundation for long-term growth? Would you like to reduce lead time in your day-to-day operations?

Becoming certified in Quick Response Manufacturing (QRM) will significantly help your company in reducing costs and increasing market share.

IMEC is excited to announce the generous grant received from U.S. Senator Dick Durbin at Bradley University in Peoria, IL.

The Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce has announced the official launch of the Quad Cities Manufacturing Innovation Hub. The Quad Cities Manufacturing Innovation Hub will advance the area economy by helping regional manufacturers grow, diversify, and stay competitive.

"There’s a revolution underway in the manufacturing industry, and the Quad Cities Manufacturing Innovation Hub is here to help small and medium firms sort through the new technologies available, determine the impact to their business, and decide how to implement the changes,” says Curt Burnett, Executive Director, Quad Cities Manufacturing Innovation Hub. "We are at a unique point in time with so many new product forms, materials, manufacturing processes, and the internet of things coming together on the shop floor. Over the next few years, the ability to deal with this change will produce winners and losers all over the globe. The Hub is working proactively to make this region a winner.”

Gretchen Clifton - Located in central Illinois, Gretchen has over 35 years of experience in manufacturing. She challenges her clients to enhance their knowledge and skills to continually improve their operations themselves. Gretchen provides management skills in auditing, quality, continual improvement, problem solving, coaching/training and manufacturing trouble shooting and she is experienced in implementing, auditing and certifying quality systems as well as mentoring project teams while finding problem resolutions.

IMEC is proud to announce Andy Cave as the newest Regional Manager to the team.  Andy will have primary responsibility serving the north and northwestern Chicagoland region.

Jesus Dominguez, Technical Specialist - Based in Chicago, he brings bilingual skills (English and Spanish) and United State Marine Corps discipline to work in a high performance team helping companies implement actions to improve productivity and competitiveness.

Our partners at Southern Illinois University's Office of Economic and Regional Development recently compiled a report for the U.S. Department of Commerce's Economic Development Administration.

"RESHORING An Opportunity for Innovation and Economic Growth in Southern Illinois" report is linked for your review.

Taking on the International Market

Presented by Laurel Delaney, Founder & President of GlobeTrade.com

On May 28th, join IMEC, the SIUE International Trade Center and Small Business Development Center for a special presentation on "Go Global in the Digital Age". Register online by visiting commerce.cashnet.com/siuebus for only $15.

In order to remain competitive, businesses must be ready to adapt to the changing nature of the international trade environment. Global Small Business Blog creator Laurel Delaney will provide expert insight on export readiness and how to expand your business in a global market.

Dura-Lite™ Composite Lifting & Spreader Beams

The Caldwell Group has introduced a brand new Dura-Lite™ product technology in their new Composite Lifting and Spreader Beams in which durable composite materials are bonded together to form ultra-strong lifters. The lightweight products are engineered to withstand the demands of rugged environments while being easy to handle and transport.