As U.S. manufacturers and their customers struggle to compete in an increasingly challenging world economy, what examples are there of U.S. firms that have chosen to NOT take their manufacturing offshore (or to reverse the tide of moving their manufacturing operations offshore)?  What are the real drivers of the "value equation" regarding companies’ sourcing location decisions?  What should the U.S. Government policy be to encourage the best outcome for U.S. firms and the U.S. economy?

In the past twelve months, the global marketplace has seen much change! The Financial, Service, as well as the Manufacturing sectors have seen business contract severely and new pressures and tactics needed to be found to survive this upheaval.

A Review of 2009 "Survey of Supply Chain Progress" featuring findings from a joint survey conducted by CSC, Supply Chain Management Review, Michigan State University, and CSCMP. The survey revealed successful counter-cyclical efforts focused on excellence in three disciplines:
* Sourcing as a hallmark trait of leaders
* Inventory Management as a proficiency tool
* Logistics improvements that might be overlooked

So you finally have that first date – an interview! Your adrenalin is high – you can’t wait to go! Do you just mark the time until that day? NO! The key to succeeding at job interviews is to properly plan, prepare and execute!

In today’s economic climate, it is more important than ever to differentiate oneself from the competition. The key to making a great impression is to take each step one by one and Plan, Prepare and Execute! From writing your resume and tailoring it to each specific position; scheduling the first interview and preparing properly; following up on the interview and getting that new position. Each step needs to be carefully examined in order to achieve the greatest success potential possible.

Like many others in recent years, we are struggling to find ways to help companies think of "flow" instead of discrete processes, and to implement lean systems instead of isolated process improvements. Value Stream Mapping is used by practioners to depict current and future, or "ideal" state in the process of developing implementation plans to install lean systems. Our ability to "see" the value stream enables us to leverage lean solutions to "increase the velocity of flow through the value stream."

Green sourcing can yield big savings, but often you will have to spend to save.  For example, retro-fitting light fixtures, using alternative energy fleet vehicles or switching to a shred and recycle document destruction program often requires additional expense to implement.  These expenses can be difficult to get approved, and even more so given the current economic climate.  Jim Kelly will discuss methods that will help you gain approval for funding from senior management even in a down economy.

The New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) is the largest public housing authority in the United States. It is New York City’s largest property owner. NYCHA public housing represents 8.3% of the city’s rental units and is home to 5% of the city’s residents. NYCHA’s Supply Chain Operations (SCO) is responsible for sourcing, purchasing, warehousing and delivering material used to maintain and repair the Authority’s 340 developments.

Is the way you think like the color of your eyes – something you are born with and cannot alter? Or is thinking a skill, like swimming or golf, which can be improved with practice? The answer is that thinking is a skill. Anyone can build their thinking skills through awareness, attention and practice. Thinking is the ultimate human resource. The quality of our thinking determines the quality of our problem solving, decision making, leadership, relationships and communication.