Impact Dakota Blog is a blog dedicated to supporting North Dakota’s manufacturing community improve People, Purpose, Processes and Performance. Entries provide information on opportunities, new ideas, quick tips, celebrations of success, and well, frankly, anything to help you become a better manufacturer.
Servant leadership is more than an idea or concept. When blended into the culture of an organization, it is a way of life throughout the organization. It transcends into the way you do business and it creates a rich blend of collaboration and partnership well beyond the basic client/customer relationship.
It was during my first week in America, when I asked someone where the nearest garage (gas station) was; I went to Subway and asked for biscuits instead of cookies; I asked my barber to trim my sideboards (sideburns); I placed my first trunk call (long distance call), and I purchased my first Polo jumper (sweater).
Deputy Secretary of Commerce Bruce Andrews addressed the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) Conference about the success of this national public-private partnership in catalyzing U.S. manufacturing and evolving to better support manufacturers. The Deputy Secretary referenced his own experience at Ford to speak about the recovery in American manufacturing since the financial crisis, and particularly the recent successes of the auto industry.
South Dakota Manufacturing and Technology Solutions and Impact Dakota recently partnered on a Job Instruction Project with Raven Industries in Sioux Falls, SD.
The word “manufacturing” prompts thoughts of assembly lines, conveyor belts, and machines churning out products by the thousands. The idea of making products by hand seems almost archaic in an age when modern technology allows for mass production; but Merriam-Webster shouldn’t be so quick to change their definition. The "maker movement” is taking manufacturing back to its roots with community makerspaces and a DIY attitude.
Big news for North Dakota Manufacturers: The SBA’s “Small Business Week” awards include an exporter of the year award this year!
The 4th Annual Northern Valley Career Expo is being held at the Alerus Center in Grand Forks on November 4th from 9:30am to 2:30pm. It will be highlighting the manufacturing industry more this year as part of the Manufacturing Day events in North Dakota.
On Friday, Governor Jack Dalrymple signed an official proclamation declaring October 2nd Manufacturing Day in North Dakota.
Wahpeton Economic Development is hosting their second Manufacturing Day event. This year, local high school students will tour 4 manufacturers and the North Dakota State College of Science Robotics, Automation and Mechatronics Technology Department. On October 14th from 8:45am 2:35pm the students will visit ComDel Innovation, Masonite, Bobcat, and Minn-Dak Farmers Coop.
The goal of the Southwest Area Manufacturers Expo is to educate students on the manufacturing industries in the Southwest region and how they can provide greater career opportunities. The target audience for the October 7th event is educators, students, parents and job seekers. They are hosting an Educator’s Luncheon and then a public Expo from 2pm to 5:30pm at 398 State St. in Dickinson.