Virtual Lean Peer Group #23

February 2022 – January 2023

Due to the impact COVID-19 has had on our clients,

we will split the $3,000 cost for this Cohort in two payments:

$1500 upon registration and $1500 will be due on May 16, 2022.

Choose your preference in the registration.

Build a Lean Culture to Ensure Long-Term Success

MWCC has held regional Lean Peer Groups throughout Maryland since 2012. This program is now available to organizations regardless of company location. Lean applies to any type of organization and processing environment. Whether you are a manufacturer, distributor, service organization, or a non-profit, this program should be part of your Continuous Improvement plan. Revamp and re-energize your Lean strategy by networking with and learning from others who are committed to creating a Lean culture.

Facility Tours - Due to COVID-19, in the past year, we have instituted adjustments and enhanced the program. All Lean Peer Group meetings are being held via (Zoom) videoconference. However, as company travel and meeting restrictions are lifted, MWCC will coordinate facility tours for members within travel distance of each other. These gatherings will be in addition to the monthly videoconference meetings.

Schedule

Each Lean Peer Group meets monthly. Group #23 meetings will typically fall on the 3rd Wednesday of each month. (Refer to the registration page for the tentative schedule.) However, if anyone is unable to attend on this date, they may attend one of the other Group meetings which typically fall on the 2nd Thursday and 3rd Tuesday of each month.

Format:

• Lean Training/Discussion - 1 Hour
• Topic Examples - Lean Leadership, Resistance to Change, Influence / Motivation, Support System Alignment, Engagement Methods, Office Lean, Lean Fundamentals, Key Lean Tools
• Company Presentation - 30 minutes
  
• At each meeting, a Member Company will provide a short presentation on Lean activities in their organization, such as a company project, challenge, or Lean plans, for Group learning and/or to obtain member input.
• Company Check-In - 45 minutes
• Member sharing of experiences for others to learn and/or to request Group input on issues and challenges.

Program Features!

Following are some recent enhancements:

• Member Locations - Participation will not be restricted to any particular region within Maryland, nor is participation exclusive to Maryland organizations. The video conference format enables participation of organizations regardless of location.
• Number of Members - Since room capacity limitations are not a concern with videoconferencing, we will increase the maximum number of participating organizations to twelve (vs previous count of nine). Number of participants per company is not restricted (within reason).
• Number of Meetings - There are now 12 meetings, rather than the previous 10 gatherings, and MWCC Quarterly Conferences are no-cost to members.
• "Members Only" - Each Group has their own area on the new MWCC website.  This member area will have a location for materials such as meeting presentation slides, and there is also a discussion feature.

Who Should Attend?

Not just for manufacturers, our Lean Peer Groups have a mix of companies from a broad range of industries and Lean maturity levels, from those who are just getting started to some who would be considered Lean-mature organizations. All of these organizations have been able to learn and grow. The only real requirement is a sincere desire and commitment to moving forward on this never-ending journey of excellence. To assure open communication, no competitors are placed within the same group.  Participation is limited to 12 companies.

What is the cost?

Lean Peer Group participation includes a one-year MWCC membership,  a $1250 value.  In addition, Maryland manufacturing and technology companies qualify for grant reimbursement of 50% of the $3000 fee at the end of the Peer Group round.  (This reimbursement is subject to availability of funding and adequate appropriation.)  The effective cost for MWCC manufacturing members would be $250 for the whole organization for this year-long program. 

Your Lean Peer Group Facilitator

Dave Rizzardo has been the Associate Director of MWCC since 2014. In 2012, he co-developed the Lean Peer Group service and has been facilitating multiple groups since that time. His Lean experience predates the time when Lean became synonymous with business excellence. His recently published book, "Lean - Let's Get It Right! How to Build a Culture of Continuous Improvement", dives into many of the topics discussed and debated during the MWCC Lean Peer Group meetings.

Questions?

If you have questions about this program, contact MWCC Associate Director, Dave Rizzardo (717-855-0765) , or MWCC Managing Director, Joyce La Padula (410-960-3785).