Northeast Region Shingo Prize Unveils Continuous Improvement Conference Agenda
Online, June 21, 2011 (Newswire.com) - This year's theme "Made Lean in America" emphasizes how continuous improvement and lean manufacturing techniques are the means for manufacturers and other organizations to remain competitive and profitable in our global economy. The much-awaited conference program was posted on the event's website (www.neshingoprize.org) recently.
This year, the agenda for the conference has expanded its focus to include not only lean for manufacturing but lean applications in healthcare and government as well. For all of these organizations, Lean means creating employment opportunities at home: good jobs, a strong tax base and a brighter future.
GBMP Inc, a non-profit corporation which helps companies to realize millions in cost savings and increased sales through lean and continuous improvement education and implementation, coordinates the annual conference. GBMP is the official educational partner of The Shingo Prize for Operational Excellence from Maryland to Maine.
Bruce Hamilton, President of GBMP, three-time Shingo Prize recipient and author of the blog "OldLeanDude", had this to say about the upcoming event:
"Decision-makers, both in industry and government, have been quick to export manufacturing plants and jobs overseas. Lower taxes and lower wages provide short term relief to manufacturers seeking immediate cost savings, but the long-term effects are devastating to our future quality of life. And the relentless exodus of good jobs from our shores is no longer limited to manufacturing. A radiologist confided in me recently that he hopes he'll be able to hang on to his job... his profession is now being outsourced to lower wage, overseas locales. And with the relentless increase in healthcare costs, patients are opting to travel the globe for affordable patient care. Hospitals too need to find a way to continue to provide world class healthcare at competitive prices.
"So in 2011 we resolved to rally our Northeast constituents to highlight organizations that have emerged as market leaders through consistent use of Lean philosophy and techniques from manufacturing, government and healthcare organizations. We believe that the tide is turning towards "re-shoring" the jobs and capabilities that America has lost in the last two decades. Long-term thinking is emerging: America can compete through the use of lean thinking and can regain a leadership position for productivity and quality in a global marketplace".
Some of the extraordinary guests confirmed to speak at the event include:
•John Shook, Chairman & CEO, The Lean Enterprise Institute & award-winning co-author of "Learning to See" & "Managing to Learn"
•Craig Long, Vice President, Milliken Performance Solutions. Milliken & Co. is a 145-year-old chemical and textile manufacturer that has been internationally recognized for its achievements in operational excellence.
•Jamie Flinchbaugh, Author of "The Hitchhiker's Guide to Lean: Lessons from the Road" & monthly columnist for Assembly Magazine
•Dana Nelson-Peterson, Director of the Hospital Kaizen Promotion Office at Virginia Mason Medical Center
•Carlos Venegas, author of "Flow in the Office"
•Harry Moser, founder of The Reshoring Initiative
•Mike Rother, award-winning co-author "Toyota Kata", "Creating Continuous Flow" & "Learning to See"
•Dr. Walter Lowell, Director, State of Maine "Bend the Curve" Program, which is transforming how work is done in a government setting
What truly makes The Northeast Shingo Prize Conference unique is the Community of Lean Lounge - a place where peers on the lean journey share with one another what they have learned along the way - how to overcome obstacles, keep employees engaged, sustain improvements and more.
Here are just a few comments from some attendees of last year's conference: "As close to perfection as a conference gets"; "Fantastic conference. This is my 3rd year and I am already looking forward to next year" ;"The opportunities to meet and interact with lots of people who share similar experiences in manufacturing are unsurpassed"; "The balance of presentations - experts, authors, practitioners, tours, games, panels - is great.";"I've been to many conferences & many breakout sessions that don't meet my expectations. This was NOT the case at NE Shingo. All of the sessions met or exceeded my expectations!"
To learn even more about the event, the speakers and the agenda, visit www.neshingoprize.org, click on Conference, and download the schedule.