Minneapolis Marriott Northwest

Arbor Lakes Room

Wednesday Feb. 1, 2017 

3:30 pm - 4:00 pm: Registration/Networking
4:00 pm - 5:00 pm: Program, Audience Q & A
5:00 pm - 6:30 pm: Networking Reception - Hot appetizers and cash bar 

Manufacturers continue to weather tight labor supply and competitive markets, while seeking new productivity gains to maintain margins.  They are right now making their plans in as uncertain an environment as can be imagined.  2017 is a watershed year, with a new U.S. President, a Europe that knows it has to change, and a China learning that it must too. 

Should we pay more attention to the price at the gas station, or to Twitter?

King Banaian, dean of the School of Public Affairs at St. Cloud State University and a longtime economic forecaster, will sort out the local, national and international influences that matter to your plans.  Risks are significant, but with the right changes rewards will be there for those who are prepared. 

Could a recession come this year?  Dr. Banaian will give you that forecast. He contends that manufacturing isn’t weak at all, when you look at the right metrics.  The scope of his forecasts go from national down to a few counties, so his work will be relevant to manufacturers that sell locally as well as globally.

Please note our new eligibility requirements: To qualify for attendance at Gears & Gadgets, one must be a manufacturing business owner or currently employed manufacturing leader. This focused approach will enable Gears & Gadgets attendees to engage in conversations that directly pertain to industry issues within their respective manufacturing companies. 

What does this mean for members in career transition? You aren't eligible to attend Gears but we are excited to announce "MAX IT" special programming to help you conduct an effective job search. Contact Marni for more details.

Enjoy half price Early Bird registration until January 16th! 

Register Now!

Thank you to our sponsors for making this Gears & Gadgets possible!

Platinum Sponsors:

Every business has obstacles, and the journey never goes exactly as planned. But one thing is certain: What separates the successful CEOs from the unsuccessful CEOs is whether or not they adopt a comprehensive process of execution. That’s where we come in. Resultants for Business (RFB) works with owners and their leadership teams to turn vision into executable strategy and complex problems into simple solutions.  The result is accelerated growth and value.
Please contact Steve Wilcox, President; steve@theresultants.com  |   www.theresultants.com  |  715-386-2800 

Fidelity is an independent, privately-owned business bank.  What makes us different from the rest is the Intellectual Capital that enables us to meet customer needs more quickly, provide more creative financial solutions, and anticipate issues before they arise. 
Please contact Jeff Campbell, Vice President,  jeff@fidelitybank.com
www.fidelitybankmn.com, 952-830-7221, 7600 Parklawn Avenue, Edina, MN 55435

Confections, conservation tillage equipment, kitchen appliances, mouth guards, ammunition, engineered films/plastic, industrial pumps, food additives, and pacemakers—these are just a handful of the products upon which Lindquist & Vennum’s manufacturing clients have built their businesses. Our 160 attorneys work closely with manufacturers across all practice areas to understand not only their products and their processes, but also how their corporate goals fit within larger industry trends. With deep manufacturing experience in both transactional work and in litigation, our attorneys help manufacturing clients build businesses that are as high quality as their products—and do so without bursting client budgets. For more information, visit Lindquist.co

 

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More than 5,600 professionals at Lockton provide more than 48,000 clients around the world risk management, insurance and employee benefit consulting services. For over 40 years we’ve been able to tailor our services to meet the specific needs of clients within the manufacturing industry. Although Lockton is the world’s largest privately held insurance brokerage firm, clients most frequently describe us as team members who make their business better. For more information, visit www.lockton.com.

DS+B provides a connected, proactive and accessible team to streamline your outsourced accounting, tax and business advisory needs – so you can spend more time focused on growing your business. With 60+ years actively involved in the Minneapolis / St. Paul business community, DS+B CPAs and specialists work with small to midsized manufacturing firms, their management teams and shareholders across Minnesota. For more information, go to www.dsb-cpa.com/manufacturing  or contact: Clint Seehusen, Principal, at CSeehusen@dsb-cpa.com or 612.630.5084

SUCCESS Computer Consulting is a managed services provider based out of Golden Valley that provides managed network support, advanced network engineering, outsourced helpdesk and database and reporting services; all designed to help you achieve business success

Published by Tiger Oak Media and based in Minneapolis, Minnesota Business magazine covers small and midsize companies throughout the state, revealing the successes, challenges and lessons to be drawn from their experiences. This fall, on October 27, Minnesota Business will be hosting its Manufacturing Awards, recognizing the hard work and success of the Minnesota manufacturing industry. Our magazine maintains a steady focus on industries that make up the state's economy, providing a fascinating mix of companies and personalities in every issue. Readers turn to our magazine for not only useful information, but also inspiration as they pursue success

 

 

 

 

 

Hockenberg Search provides Outplacement and Career Transition coaching services to guide Executives in career transition through the arduous job search process so they can land the rignt job faster. With over 3 decades of Executive Search experience, Marni Hockenberg is in a unique position provide expert advice on the job market from her first hand experience in brokering deals between candidates and hiring managers. Named as one of the 2016 REAL POWER 50 WINNERS by the Minnesota Business Magazine, Marni is extremely well-networked. Clients tap into her network to find the 'hidden job market'. Full Service Package, Modular A La Carte Package and hourly 'just in time' consulting calls are available. 
Please contact Marni Hockenberg, President, marni@hockenbergsearch.com
www.hockenbergsearch.com, 952-500-9542, 10653 Wayzata Boulevard, Minnetonka, MN 55305

 Marketing Collaboration Partner:

 

Over 400 local manufacturing companies have joined the Manufacturers Alliance to stay on top of trends, make improvements in their companies, and learn from peers what worked, what didn't, and why. If you want your company to learn industry best practices join the Manufacturers Alliance today. Please contact Kirby Sneen, Vice President, kirbys@mfrall.com,www.mfrall.com, 763-557-8007 8421 Wayzata Blvd, Suite 150, Golden Valley, MN 

About Minnesota Manufacturing Executive & Gears & Gadgets 

Founded in 2012, Gears & Gadgets is an exclusive quarterly event for Minnesota Manufacturing Executives to discuss industry trends and develop synergystic connections. A typical event showcases a manufacturing industry speaker folllowed by a networking reception with hot appetizers and cash bar. Manufacturing business owners and executives are eligible to attend. This program is 'by invitation only'. To receive invitations,contact the founder, Marni Hockenberg at marni@hockenbergsearch.com or 952-500-9542.