NJ Chapter AWI offers seminar on lean management

The New Jersey Chapter of the AWI is hosting a seminar and dinner on the Principles of Lean Management on Thursday, December 3rd, 2009 at Rolf's Restaurant in Warren, New Jersey, from 2:30 pm until 8:00 pm. After the dinner, the chapter will hold their election of officers.

The speaker, Michael Rothmeier, founder of Simple Solutions Consulting, is presenting the seminar on this topic which he introduced at the AWI National Convention in Washington last month. These principles are increasingly important in these economic times; NEAWI itself hosted a seminar on this at the 2008 National AWI convention in Providence, RI.

When: December 3, 2009

Time: 2:30 – 6:00 PM Seminar, 6:00 PM Dinner

7:00 – 8:00 PM Election of Officers

Where: Rolf’s Restaurant

65 Stirling Rd.

Warren, NJ 07059

908-754-5500

Topic: Principals of Lean Management

Cost: $ 40. ($ 30 for Dinner only)

Speaker: Mr. Michael Rothmeier of Simple Solutions Consulting Co. will join us to introduce the principals of “Lean Management”. Michael introduced these techniques & the benefits of “Lean Management” at the 2009 AWI National convention last month. He has agreed to meet with our group, to discuss one of the hottest topics of the year.

INDICATORS THAT LEAN SYSTEMS MAY BE FOR YOU

• Late bids/quotes

• Mishandled complaints

• Crowded offices

• Lost files

• Out-of-control office budgets

• Missed sales calls

• Lost equipment

• Out-of-date procedures

• Uncontrollable documents

• Disorganized file systems

• Misrouted service technicians

• Forgotten customer changes

• Rising computer system expenses

  
  

This is an excerpt from the Lead Management Workshop at the national convention:

This session will introduce the Lean techniques that have revolutionized industrial processes across the country. Participants will learn the principles of Lean and the primary tools used by skilled practitioners. This session will help participants to understand the role that each technique can play in streamlining operations and improving competitiveness.

This introductory session will discuss these important questions:

How much can be gained by Lean?

Why is Lean so popular?

Where are the opportunities for improvement?

What is the Lean Toolbox?

When should each tool be used?

Who needs to be involved in Lean?

Each of the primary Lean tools will be introduced and discussed in the context of benefits derived in a wide variety of industries. Applications for each tool will be discussed in terms that will give participants confidence in applying appropriate tools for the desired results which can include:

• streamlining your processes and procedures

• reducing waste in your operations

• improving your profitability through productivity

• sharpening your organization’s ability to compete

• engaging employees through positive change

LEAN TOOLS COVERED

• Flow & Layout Point of Use Storage

• Batch Size Reduction Quick Changeover

• Standardized Work Visual Organization

• Measures & Metrics Teams & Teamwork

• Single Piece Flow Quality at the Source

• Equipment Effectiveness Mistake Proofing

• Continuous Improvement Value Stream Mapping

Seminar OUTLINE

1. Welcome and Introductions

2. What is a Lean Enterprise and what is isn’t?

3. The Benefits - Tangible and Intangible

4. Processes & Process Waste

5. Evolution of a Lean Factory

6. implementation Approaches

7. Keys to Success

8. Summary & Wrap-up

If you are interested in attending this seminar, more information and a registration form may be found at the NJ AWI site.

NEAWI Members Presenting at BuildBoston 2009 in November

BuildBoston is celebrating its 25th year with three days of keynote speakers, several all day symposia, 200 workshops, and over 250 exhibitors on the trade show floor, as well as other networking and tour events. Last year, there were over 10,000 attendees, from 43 states and 19 countries. This, the largest regional convention and trade show for the design and construction industry, is being held November 18th to 20th, at the Seaport World Trade Center, Boston, MA.

The New England Chapter of AWI is sponsoring one of the workshops again this year, presented by four NEAWI members. "Understanding and specifying wood veneers and factory finishing" is on Friday, November 20th, from 10:30 am until noon.

Greg Porfido (Mark Richey Woodworking & Design, Newburyport, MA, and NEAWI board member), Joe Galluzzo (The Anthony Galluzzo Corporation, Londonderry, NH, NEAWI 2nd vice president), Mike Sarno (Mass Cabinets, Methuen, MA, and NEAWI president), and Woody Vaughn (Vaughn Woodwork, North Attleboro, MA) are conducting this workshop, whose attendees will receive a complimentary copy of the NEW Architectural Woodwork Standards.

This workshop will help attendees learn how to correctly specify wood veneer and shop finishing for architectural woodwork. The veneer selection process and various lay-up options will be explained, and large format samples will show differences within and between panels.

An explanation of shop finishing of wood will show how choices in veneer lay-up and finish effect the final product. They will explain how fabrication of veneer paneling should be specified for performance, and how proper substrates, detailing of reveals, and installation methods will work together.

There are over 200 other workshops and professional development opportunitites, some of which will offer continuing education credits and AIA LUs. There are daily keynote speakers, seven all day symposia ranging across Women in Design, Building Codes, Sustainable Design, to Design Leadership and Excellence. Also, there will be a variety of receptions, building industry dinners, and other trade show events. The exhibit hall will have over 250 companies, in a multitude of categories. Admission to the exhibit hall is free if you register before October 23rd. Workshop enrollment is also discounted if made before that date. Credits towards workshop enrollment will be given for volunteering at the show. Full registration information is available here.

September Meeting - Sterling Surfaces Plant Tour

Open to New England Chapter AWI Members & Guests

Sterling Surfaces Plant Tour

Wednesday, September 23^rd, 2009, 12:00 pm

Sterling Surfaces
76 Leominster Road, Sterling, MA 01564
(978) 422-3321

Directions to Sterling Surfaces
Please follow the parking instructions once you are on site.

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Plant Tours provide a great opportunity to explore the manufacturing of products in our industry. This sharing of knowledge is vital to the well being and growth of our industry as well as industries in common.

Please join us this fall to tour Sterling Surfaces facility and participate in several demonstrations on the Thermoforming oven, 4 axis CNC, as well as Digital templating. Mr. Grant Garcia of Sterling Surfaces will present on the topic of "Cutting Edge Solid Surface Millwork; How Outsource Fabricators support the Architectural Millworker", followed by Atlantic Plywood's presentation on the "Benefits of LG Hi-Macs".

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Agenda:

• 12:00 pm — 1:00 pm Luncheon
• 1:00 pm — 2:00 pm Shop Talk / Q&A
• 2:15 pm — 3:45 pm Shop Tour / Q&A
  
  

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The AWI New England Chapter extends a complimentary invitation to attending woodworking students, design professionals, and architects.

Pre-registration for this program is required.
Please fax or email the below registration form, and mail payment/confirmation to address on form.

NEAWI Active & Associate Members:		$35 in advance, $40 at the door.
Non-N.E. Chapter Members:		$90 ($50 will be credited towards 2009 dues).

Download registration form here in PDF or MS Word formats.

NEAWI 17th Annual Summer Golfing/Fishing Outing and Reception

Upcoming Outing Announcement

New England Chapter AWI Members & Guests

17^th Annual Summer Golfing/Fishing Outing

Monday, July 27^th, 2009

NEAWI GOLF TOURNAMENT

Golfers of all abilities can play. We encourage you to bring a guest to join in on the fun. Driving range and putting green are available at 11 A.M. Lunch also available for $18.00 per person.
Pre-registration required.
Shotgun starts at 1:30 P.M. The format is scramble. No handicaps are necessary.
Fee of $160.00 per player. Includes greens fees, cart, reception and dinner.

Wentworth by the Sea Country Club
60 Wentworth Road Rye, New Hampshire, 03870
603.433.3050
Directions

FOR ADDITIONAL GOLF INFO CONTACT:
Bruce Chapin — 508.380.2205 — BChapin@AtlanticPlywood.com
Mike Sinrich — 781.599.3994 — mike.sinrich@blum.com

FLAT WATER FISHING
Aboard the 78' "Captain's Lady"

We will be fishing in the river's mouth for Stripe Bass, Pollock, Bluefish, and Mackerel.
The "Captain's Lady" will depart at 8:30 A.M. Sharp, and final dock by 4:00 P.M.

Captain's Fishing Parties will provide all fishing gear and bait.
Lunch and soft drinks are provided by NEAWI, and a cash bar is available in the ship's galley.
Fee of $95.00 per person includes: fishing gear, bait, lunch, reception and dinner.
Seating is limited, so register ASAP.

Captain's Fishing Parties
10 82nd Street, Plum Island Point
Newburyport, Massachusetts, 01950
1.800.427.1333
Directions

A few kayaks and a canoe will also be available for exploring on your own. If you have a canoe or kayak you are welcome to bring it along. Short tour of the Plum Island River and the Parker River Wildlife Refuge via small power boat may also be available.

FOR ADDITIONAL FISHING INFO CONTACT:
Kevin Barlow — 978.973.8055 — Kevin@Keiver-Willard.com

NEAWI Summer Reception & Dinner
After an enjoyable day of golfing and fishing, join NEAWI members and friends at the Wentworth by the Sea Country Club for appetizers, cash bar, and dinner, and the infamous NEAWI raffle.
The reception starts at 5:30 P.M.
Fee of $50.00 per person for Reception and Dinner only.
Some golf and fishing packages include reception and dinner costs.

Wentworth by the Sea Country Club
60 Wentworth Road
Rye, New Hampshire, 03870
603.433.3050
Directions

FOR ADDITIONAL INFO CONTACT:
Tye Waller — 617.444.87745 — tye.waller@neawi.org

NEAWI WOODWORKING SCHOLARSHIP & EDUCATION FUND

In efforts to reach out to the larger woodworking community, the New England Chapter of AWI is accepting donations to support the work of the Outreach Committee and educational scholarship programs. NEAWI is committed to supporting programs such as Adopt-A-Shop, Partners in Progress, Woodlinks, the National AWI Educational Fund, and more. This is only possible through your continued support.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFO CONTACT:
Tye Waller — 617.444.87745 — tye.waller@neawi.org

SUMMER OUTING SPONSORSHIPS

There are several event sponsorship opportunities available for the 2009 NEAWI Summer Outing. Your generosity will help make this year's outing a great success.
Sponsorship opportunities include:

• Hole and Beverage Cart Sponsorships
• Fishing Trip Sponsorships
• Prize Donations and Award Sponsorships

Please review the registration form for additional information about how you can become a 2009 NEAWI Summer Outing Sponsor.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFO CONTACT:
Kevin Barlow — 978.973.8055 — Kevin@Keiver-Willard.com
Bruce Chapin — 508.380.2205 — BChapin@AtlanticPlywood.com
Mike Sinrich — 781.599.3994 — mike.sinrich@blum.com

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Sign Up For The Outing and Sponsorships TODAY!
Download the registration form here, and mail it with your payment to the address on the form.

NEAWI Member's Bulletin Board Red Sox Ticket Contest

Post something new to the NEAWI Member's Bulletin Board between now and June 15th, and you'll automatically be entered into a random drawing for a pair of RedSox tickets this season. Pretty good seats, too...

Let's see if we can generate a little content momentum in this blog. It's a unique opportunity for the New England AWI community to communicate with ourselves. Have any unique insights into the economy? Have too much work and need to find a member shop to sub to (congratulations would be in order)? Have some glowing reviews of May's Chapter meeting in Westborough?

Post away!

Dave Kenyon (via the NEAWI Webmaster, cross-posting from the Member's Bulletin Board)

Of course, you have to be signed up for the Member's Bulletin Board to post, or to read the posts - it's a NEAWI benefit for members only. If you haven't already signed up for the Bulletin Board, send an email to Dave or to the NEAWI Webmaster, and request an invitation to join.

Business Strategies in a Challenging Economic Environment

Business Strategies in a Challenging Economic Environment

& Member Roundtable

Thursday, May 21^st, 2009, 11:30am

Doubletree Hotel Westborough
5400 Computer Drive, Westborough, MA 01581
(508) 366-5511

Directions to Doubletree Hotel

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Shops across New England are grappling with financial woes not seen in decades. The shocking slowdown in our market has decimated workloads and sent a shudder throughout shops that were just recently humming along. Please join us for a mini-symposium on ideas/tips for coping in today's market; followed by member roundtable discussions where we will share ideas & practices that have worked for us, and hear from other members experiences. Don't forget to bring your crying towel.

1. Bottom-line Considerations
   Presented by Edward Johnson, Feeley & Driscoll
   
   Ed's career in public accounting in the construction gives him a solid understanding of woodwodrk manufacturing. Ed will address the challenges of Difficult Decisions and Cutting Costs in the context of super-competitive bidding, and Commitments to Marketing and Business Development.
   
   
2. State Programs to Help Ease the Pain
   Presented by Ken Messina, Massachusetts DET
   
   Ken will provide an overview of the State/Dislocated Worker program, including WorkShare, National Emergency Grants, Rapid Response, and other information related to the provision of services for companies and employees.
   
   
3. Legal Strategies in Lean Times
   Presented by Drew Colby, Colby Law Office
   
   Drew has practiced construction law for 20 years, and is well prepared to discuss Surviving Tough Economic Times by Preserving Capital. "Getting Paid" is especially challenging during today's financial times. Drew will address strategies to yield positive results.

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Agenda:

11:30 am — Networking Reception & Associate Displays
12:00 pm — Luncheon
12:30 pm — Table Top Exhibitors presentation
1:00 pm — Business Strategies in a Challenging Economic Environment

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Open to New England Chapter AWI Members & Guests

Pre-registration for this program is required. Please fax or email the below registration form, and mail payment/confirmation to address on form, or use credit card/PayPal on the NEAWI site.

NEAWI members: $35 in advance, $40 at the door.
Non-NEAWI members: $90 ($50 will be credited towards 2009 dues).

Registration form may be downloaded in PDF format here.

Construction Management Roundtable 2.04.09 Report

(Photo: Members of Windsor Architectural Woodworking with Mike Sarno, president of Mass Cabinets and New England AWI)

The New England Chapter of AWI hosted another fantastic Construction Management roundtable program. On February 4th, approximately 40 NEAWI members along with 8 guests, representing 3 general contractors from the Boston area came together to share ideas, strategies and new technologies within the construction and building industry.

Our program sponsor, B.L. Makepeace, demonstrated a large format printer. Bill Maheris of Archer Corporation did an outstanding job as Master of Ceremonies. He kept the program on track and running smoothly. Greg Porfido, of Mark Richey Woodworking, did a great job recruiting two of the general contractors as well as organizing the afternoon program.

The day started with a buffet style luncheon served by Joe’s American Bar & Grill. The food was delicious! During lunch Christopher Garceau, of B.L. Makepeace, gave a presentation on the Canon large format printer, which they some how managed to haul onto site.

After lunch, the program started with Bill introducing the general contractors. We had Consigli Construction Company of Milford, MA was represented by Peter Capone (Director of Purchasing) and Gary Terrell (Estimator). William A. Berry & Son, Inc. of Danvers, MA, was represented by Steven Jaeger (Sr. Estimator), Steven Pieslak (Procurement Mgr.), Zach Bergeron (Project Estimator), and David A. Slomsky (VP of Pre-construction Services); Gilbane Building Company of Providence, RI, was represented by R. Titus Sitnik (VP District Chief Estimator) and Phillip K. Leffert (VP Chief Purchasing Agent).

Each general contractor engaged the audience with a brief power point presentation on their company’s profile as well as the history of their operation. What type of work they do, what market(s) they cover. They also shared recent and current construction projects.

After the presentations, we divided the participants into several small groups, giving each general contractor the opportunity for Q&A session in a round table format. The attendees poised questions pertaining to bidding protocol, bonding, installation (union and non-union), prequalification procedures, bid feed back, back charges, scope review, and many other types of questions. Each group met with each contractor for approximately 20 minutes.

The general contractors were very open and helpful with their responses. It was a great opportunity for NEAWI members to learn about how some larger construction firms in the Boston area run their operation.

Written by Tony Aubin of Aubin Woodworking, Inc.

If you are a member of NEAWI, you may add your comments to this event report on the Member's Bulletin Board. If you haven't already signed up for this Bulletin Board, email the NEAWI Webmaster (webmaster@neawi.org) in order to receive an invitation.