Advanced Manufacturing Training Academy

Article By: Tony Collier, Executive Director of Shelby County Life Long Learning

The Advanced Manufacturing Training Academy will offer young adults the opportunity to learn about a career in manufacturing and develop the skill sets in demand toward a career in manufacturing. The Advanced Manufacturing Training Academy will give up to 75 young adults the ability to obtain valuable skills in concert with a paid three-week internship at a local manufacturing firm. The internship experience will provide students with knowledge about local manufacturing issues and the work environment and prepare them for an entry-level manufacturing position. Academy graduates will receive WorkKeys certification, a state and nationally recognized credential, documenting skill attainment for entry-level manufacturing employment. Additionally, graduates will receive a Customized Certificate of Applied Learning and earn six college credits for the training that can be applied to further education toward a degree or apprenticeship training. This project will address career awareness among the county’s young adult population and increase the skills of the county’sworkforce to meet the challenges of the global manufacturing economy.

The Academy will provide 3 – 6 week training sessions over the next 18 months with the first session starting in June 2007. Each training session will involve 3 weeks of full time classroom training followed by a 3 week paid internship with a local manufacturer. The classroom training will cover the following subjects: Technical Math, Communication Skills, Manufacturing Concepts, Workplace Responsibilities, and Business Concepts. The Academy is free of charge for selected participants.

The Academy is a collaborated effort between Shelby County Life Long Learning, Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs, Blue River Foundation, Vincennes University, Adecco Employment Services and WorkOne.

For additional information, interested participants may contact: Tony Collier, Shelby County Life Long Learning, (317) 398-1332, tcollier@sclll.com or Judy Horner, WorkOne, (317) 392-3279 x 211, judyhorner@interlocal-association.org.

H2O Design
Your Partner in Effective Communications and Innovative Advertising & Marketing

Article By: Rachael Ackley, President of H2O Designs

Since 2000, H2O Design has worked with companies and organizations of all sizes to achieve their advertising, marketing, branding and sales objectives. We believe a fully integrated marketing program, from advertisement to salesperson, is essential for a company to achieve its greatest results. To reach this functionality, we work closely with the client, developing and implementing a comprehensive advertising plan, branding initiative and a strategic direction that integrates with the client’s marketing plan. We are here to make your organization a powerhouse because when you’re successful, we’re successful.

“Properly practiced creativity can make one ad do the work of ten.”

We also provide our services on a small project basis. If you need a logo, brochure, print ad, website, or commercial for instance, you have come to the right place and we have a slew of awards to prove it! However we don’t create work to win awards. After all, if you’re not seeing a return on your investment, you won’t be with us long. So we do it right- we know, because we keep our clients. We challenge you to try to find another agency with that kind of customer satisfaction rating!

“Being a responsible business means giving back the communities in which you live and work. It is important for any business to be integrally involved in community efforts.”

Since our inception, H2O Design has actively partnered with many community agencies - donating design, marketing and promotional services for the betterment of these organizations. Working with SCUFFY since 1990 primarily on marketing and public relations, H2O Design also continues to work with The Shelby County Arts Fest, Blue River Community Foundation, Blue River Career Programs, Indiana Arts Advocacy, The Shelby County Chamber of Commerce, Shelby Community Health Center and The Sanctuary of Shelbyville on many facets of creative marketing, public relations and advertising through mentorship’s, volunteering and chairing specific events.

“Communication ignites ideas, defines markets, entices customers, recruits allies,

builds brands and breaks competition.”

H2O Design is organized to act in concert to plan, create and execute comprehensive communication initiatives, campaigns and projects, yet also designed to act as individual specialists that supply targeted services. Whether looking to extend the lead or close the gap, our attitude is competitive, and our focus is on results.

My favorite quote from David Ogilvy sums up how I run this business- fair, honest and with integrity. “Never write an advertisement which you wouldn’t want your family to read. You wouldn’t tell lies to your own wife, don’t tell them to mine.” –David Ogilvy

Every year, hundreds of new businesses open their doors. Unfortunately, many of these new businesses close down in the first year. Even with the best laid plans, problems can occur and damage the profit margins. Below is a list of common small business mistakes and how to avoid them.

1. Choosing the wrong partner(s). It isn’t always a good idea to go into business with friends and family. Instead, look for experienced entrepreneurs who are honest, committed and have a good track record.

2. Choosing the right location. Low rent is not always a bargain. Before selecting a location, find out where competitive businesses are located and check on their business records.

3. Have competitive pricing. It is usually not enough to have a better product, you need to have it priced right too. Check out your competitors pricing to get an idea of what is working.

4. Poor promotional strategy. Many small businesses fail to distinguish themselves from the competition. They often forget to include a unique selling point in their advertisements.

5. Expanding too fast. When you are just starting your business, it is important to keep it simple. Have your product appeal to a target market at first so you can easily keep track of what is successful and what you have to revamp.

6. You cannot do everything! Small business owners usually spread themselves too thin. It is better to hire management, legal services and financial consultants who can offer you cost-saving tips over the long run.

                    7. Poor financial management. Many small businesses jump head first 
                into starting the business and ignore the financial aspect. Keep tight 
                controls over your finance and improve your collections practices.
                    

 

Partnering for Prosperity,

Julie Metz,    Executive Director