John Baines

EACC Board President

The manufacturing industry is in the process of a significant shift in the U.S. economy, and is even becoming a central theme of the 2012 Presidential election.

There are currently fewer people employed in the manufacturing than there were 60 years ago. For perspective, 9% of today’s labor force is composed of manufacturing jobs, but in 1950, nearly 30% of the U.S. work force was employed in the manufacturing industry. This trend, coupled with the rise of emerging markets in Asia and India, gives many of us the impression that manufacturing will soon become nonexistent in the United States. On the other hand, productivity has increased exponentially, which is shown by the increase in production. Fewer jobs are needed but the value of these positions has increased. There are very few unskilled manufacturing jobs in the U.S. and Europe. That being said, in order to serve the current and future needs of the manufacturing economy, it is essential that our workforce adapts to these changes.

While the education system has begun to focus on the technological aspect of this industry, skilled trades still reside at the core of manufacturing. For example, the equipment that my company, HAHN Automation, designs and builds requires highly trained maintenance technicians to keep it running efficiently.  In my industry, we see a declining pool of qualified candidates, despite the growing need for such employees. Unfortunately, vocational school is no longer held in high esteem in this country and the pressure to make a profit makes it difficult to spend time training new employees once they are hired. This emphasizes the fact that trade skills are essential upon beginning a career in the manufacturing industry.

Apprenticeship programs were created with the hope of solving this issue. Students receive a blend of theoretical classroom training and hands-on, real-world experience while on the job. Such programs require strong cooperation between employers and educators over a long-term period. While apprenticeship programs have disappeared in many industries, it is clear there is a need for them in manufacturing.  Feintool, our Member Spotlight profile for May, is a company that has taken the lead, pioneering an apprenticeship program that has been in place since 1988. The growth of their business is directly related to their ability to develop the skilled talent that is required to design and build their components. Additionally, this system is beneficial because many of those that hold management positions have risen through the ranks after gaining first-hand experience in the program. Since they have an intimate knowledge of the manufacturing process, they are better prepared to make informed company decisions.

Gabriel Venzin, Vice President of Feintool Equipment Corporation, will be speaking about their apprenticeship program at the EACC conference on May 16^th, which will focus on the skilled labor workforce in the United States and in Europe.

We hope you will join us. We encourage any interested members to contact Anne Cappel directly about using the EACC’s resources in this area.

Welcome to Milacron, LLC, AXA Advisors, LLC and International Treasury Consulting, Inc.

Sincerely,

John Baines

EACC Board President

Gabriel Venzin

Vice President

Feintool Equipment Corporation

Founded in Switzerland in 1959, Feintool is the leading fineblanking technology company in the world with a longstanding presence in Cincinnati with close to 400 employees as well as an apprenticeship program. In layman’s terms, fineblanking is the process of creating a finished part with smooth edges in one press stroke and Feintool has the unique distinction of being the sole global supplier of the fineblanking technology from presses to parts. Gabriel Venzin, Vice President, is responsible for the U.S. operation of the equipment division.

“Feintool has one of the few apprenticeship programs in the Greater Cincinnati area, a program that has been instrumental in securing the company’s success in the area,” said Mr. Venzin. “This program guarantees that we have professionally trained staff members with dedication and a willingness to learn,” continued Venzin.

In 1988, after experiencing resource challenges in terms of finding and staffing trained toolmakers, the Feintool office in Cincinnati established an apprenticeship model based on the program at their headquarters in Switzerland. Developed by a retired apprenticeship manager from Switzerland, the program focuses on developing the skills of apprentices through both field experience and a technical education. Similar to the Swiss model, in Cincinnati, each apprentice is required to attend classes at a technical college and work in his chosen field. This opportunity focuses on tool making or auxiliary processes such as specialized machining. Typically, apprentices are offered a full-time position with Feintool after successful graduation from the program.

Mr. Venzin will be a featured speaker at the EACC Skilled Labor Workforce Conference on May 16, 2012. He will provide more information about Feintool’s formal corporate apprenticeship program in Cincinnati, which is the only location in the U.S. where this program is offered.

As a member of the EACC, Feintool Equipment Corporation has had a very positive experience through the valuable networking opportunities that connect Feintool leaders with other European executives. “The EACC does a great job maintaining different programs that focus on Cincinnati’s connection with Europe,” said Mr. Venzin. “I have the chance to meet other executives at the conferences who understand the challenges that accompany being European owned. Feintool is always looking for ways to improve the industry and it is invaluable to collaborate with those who have the same goals.”

Feintool Background

-          Feintool is headquartered in Lyss, Switzerland

-          Opened the first U.S. location in New York in 1971

-          In 1978, the Cincinnati office was formed

-          The apprenticeship program was created in 1988 for the Cincinnati location

-          Today, Feintool has two U.S. locations in Cincinnati and Nashville, Tennessee

Full Time Program, Communication & Administration Manager 

Role:

Professional responsible for planning and developing EACC’s programs and communication that support the needs of its members. Perform administration function of the EACC office.

Qualifications:

- Genuine interest in international business and marketing

- Excellent organizational, communications & interpersonal skills

- Polished, confident, self-motivated, detail oriented, punctual

- Enthusiastic team player who can work independently

- Microsoft Office, Word Press, social media

Responsibilities:

Programs:

- Content development and program implementation for business seminars, networking events, gala dinners

- Promotion of programs through EACC communication platforms and outside media

- Registration, payment, budget for programs and series

Communication:

- Publish electronic monthly newsletter and weekly electronic event announcement

- Update EACC website

- Animate the EACC social media platform

- Communicate with outside Media

Administration:

- Process transactions (billings & payables)

- Liaison with IT supplier for office IT updates

- Manage and order supplies and equipment

Time distribution:

- 40% Program planning & implementation

- 40% Communication: newsletters-announcements-website-social media

- 20% Administration

To Apply:

Please email letter of motivation, resume and salary requirements to anne.cappel@europe-cincinnati.com

Application deadline is May 31st

Interviews scheduled first week in June

Starting date July 2nd, 2012

No phone calls please

The EACC is proud of the achievements of our members and partners!

Bonfiglioli USA 

dunnhumbyUSA

Eurostampa North America

Paycor Inc. 

Process Plus LLC 

To view the article and a complete listing of the finalists, please click here.

Over the past year, the President’s Message has served as a forum to discuss Greater Cincinnati’s ability to remain competitive in relation to larger metropolitan areas, as well as to its peers. We have focused on the need for improving education in our workforce, diversifying investment to enhance global presence and improving quality of life to retain recent graduates and young professionals. Our community possesses copious resources, but has not had the opportunity to employ them in a unified manner. Some of the key reasons that make this area unique and viable also present challenges for growth.

Cincinnati faces a geographic challenge in satisfying the needs of multiple counties across three states. This structure can make it extremely difficult to develop and implement initiatives for economic growth. In addition, with many stakeholders from local agencies, foundations and non-profits, inconclusive decision making can often be an outcome.

The key to overcoming these difficulties is to rely upon those who unselfishly advocate for the benefit of the community. The EACC’s flexibility enables one-on-one support that is customized for each specific member, while also focusing more broadly. For example, the EACC spends months planning seminars or events such as the upcoming Skilled Labor Workforce Conference on May 16, 2012, both of which resonate with numerous area groups. And there are a number of other organizations that share this motivation for local unity. Partners for a Competitive Workforce is one such organization. This collaborative group attempts to meet employers’ demands for workforce skills and development. Janice Urbanik, Industry Partnership Director, has taken an active role in the EACC and will be presenting at the annual conference about Skilled Labor Workforce. Not only does she understand the challenges of collaboration, but also the power that stems from unity.

While similar issues exist outside of our community, this disconnect cannot be rectified by one person or group. We must enable our community to operate as a united front to allow individuals to strive for success. With our diverse resources and strong regional groups – like Partners for a Competitive Workforce – we will easily progress towards integration.

We hope you will join us. We encourage any interested members to contact Anne Cappel directly about using the EACC’s resources in this area.

Welcome to new members: Meridian Bioscience, Inc., Aon Risk Services Northeast, Inc., U.S. Bank, TKM United States, Inc. and Ventilix USA, Inc.

Sincerely,

John Baines

EACC Board President

Janice Urbanik

Director of Industry Partnerships

Partners for a Competitive Workforce is a partnership that encompasses Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana and focuses on helping employers hire the talent they need to compete as well as helping individuals obtain the skills necessary to get good jobs. As Director of Industry Partnerships, Janice Urbanik understands the importance of meeting employer needs to drive collaboration and growth in our region. Her primary challenge is working with employers to understand their needs in order to collaborate with educational partners that provide work readiness training to meet the employer needs.

Manufacturers have repeatedly emphasized the need for employees who are reliable, timely and work well within a team. In addition, employers seek specialized skills like welding and knowledge of advanced machining techniques. Partners for a Competitive Workforce is currently helping employers develop apprenticeship programs, which allows employees to build skills both in a classroom and on-the-job. For some employers, apprenticeship programs also foster the development of future leaders and enhance their management potential.

Ms. Urbanik will be a featured speaker at the EACC Skilled Labor Workforce Conference on May 16, 2012. She will provide expertise on topics including certification and accreditation, policy issues and funding support. “Manufacturers should attend the conference to learn about the work that is being done locally and nationally to develop the manufacturing workforce,” said Ms. Urbanik. “The conference will help employers gather tools they can use to address their workforce needs as well as learn about opportunities to become involved to drive continuous improvement in the workforce development system,” Ms. Urbanik continued.

Ms. Urbanik’s first exposure to the EACC was through a sponsored event geared towards manufacturers at Feintool, which included a presentation about their apprenticeship program. The event’s success inspired Ms. Urbanik to partner with the EACC on the planning stages of its annual conference which has grown substantially with her continual help. The EACC appreciates the time Ms. Urbanik spent collaborating to embrace the vision and formulate an approach for the conference. She connected the EACC with industry resources to ensure a beneficial regional outcome that will provide opportunities for all parties involved.

Partners for a Competitive Workforce Background

- Started in 2008 under the name Greater Cincinnati Workforce Network (GCWN)

- Launched by The Greater Cincinnati Foundation and currently led by United Way of Greater Cincinnati, the partnership was created when Cincinnati was selected to be a part of the National Fund for Workforce Solutions.

- The GCWN rebranded in December 2011 which resulted in the creation of Partners for a Competitive Workforce

EARLY BIRD PRICING EXPIRES MAY 31ST 2012

Building on the success of the EACC’s monthly Stammtisch and by request of German companies and German executives, the Austrian-Swiss-German committee of the EACC in partnership with the Hofbrauhaus Newport presents a Corporate VIP Tent at the 2012 Oktoberfest Zinzinnati!

Celebrate the world’s 2nd largest Oktoberfest with Greater Cincinnati executives and business professionals under one large exclusive tent on September 22nd and 23rd 2012! This high quality event will deliver an authentic Stammtisch experience with signature services in food, beer, music and décor just as it is experienced by companies at the Munich Oktoberfest to entertain clients, business associates as well as employees.

For more information and to make your reservation for this innovative international VIP Corporate event, please click here.

If you have any questions, please contact Anne Cappel at: anne.cappel@europe-cincinnati.com or at 513-977-8670.

Check a video from the 2011 Oktoberfest!

Later this month, the EACC will have the opportunity to meet the Mayor Claudio D’Alessio of the city of Pompeii during his visit to Cincinnati to discuss economic development opportunities between Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky and the city and region of Pompeii, to support the establishment of Italian companies in our region and understand the resources available to Ohio and Kentucky companies seeking business expansion in Europe and particularly Italy.

When the EACC was founded, its chief goal was to become a premier resource for European companies seeking to establish a presence in the Greater Cincinnati region. With our concentrated energy flowing outward, we have made great strides in highlighting our area’s benefits for foreign investment. But in recent years, our approach to strengthening business ties between Cincinnati and Europe has shifted slightly, focusing on a more balanced approach to meeting our members’ needs. In other words, we are now aiming equally to assist both incoming European companies as well as American companies eager to expand across the Atlantic. Last year the organization made great progress capitalizing on an exciting development in our EACC network: as our membership increases the “boots on the ground” in Europe, the result is an ever-increasing and focused expertise on the practical knowledge and vital nuances of doing business in Europe.

The multiple tiers involved in expanding a business into the European market require a great deal of planning and strategy both before establishing a presence abroad, and throughout a company’s growth and development. In our Country Briefing and Operating in Europe Series, members often express difficulty with deciding the best management approach. For example, is it best for a company to send one of its own abroad to implement the organization’s vision? Or, would it be best to select a local to manage the operation abroad – someone who has a deep understanding of European culture and business, but may or may not grasp the goals of the organization? Will the European or American taking charge of a company’s local presence completely understand and advocate for the nuances of the company’s vision? On the other hand, would a foreign manager have the insight necessary to create the appropriate strategy for the local market? Companies often struggle with the “trust gap” between an internal versus foreign hire, however, certain circumstances may allow that gap to diminish. Hahn Automation’s German management sought me out only after gaining first-hand experience with me as a customer. Not every company will have this luxury, but it provides an example of the importance of networking and building relationships – even in unlikely or alternative spaces.

For many organizations, third party consultants can be helpful in making those difficult assessments during the research and planning phases. European Market Link, however, goes above and beyond the research phase with a truly comprehensive model that sets itself apart from the competition. European Market Link not only provides clients with market research, planning, and preparation, but lends its expertise in the implementation of and ongoing support for companies well after they have opened their doors. The European Market Link approach is inspiring to our own vision of becoming the comprehensive and balanced network of people and resources for our members, committed to long-term, sustainable solutions that see a company through its development.

Welcome new members: Michelman, Inc. , Datalliance , and Ampac.

Sincerely,

John Baines

EACC President

Kimberly Van Landingham 

As the founder and president of European Market Link, Inc., Kimberly Van Landingham knows the importance of bringing together people who are interested in expanding their businesses with the right knowledge, tools, and individuals. European Market Link, Inc. is a U.S. corporation, with its president based in Switzerland and most of its team throughout Europe. A consulting firm that not only articulates country situations and strategies tailored for U.S. companies’ specific needs, European Market Link also provides the “boots on the ground” for implementation. “We offer a bridge to Europe, while thinking and acting American and European in all that we do,” Kimberly says. One of the EACC’s newest members, Kimberly and European Market Link share the goals of strengthening business ties between our region and Europe, creating sustainable solutions that reflect a long-term vision.

Kimberly spent fifteen years in the U.S. and ten years in Europe working across various functions and products for DuPont de Nemours. After years in business management, she took on a formative role in “corporate” market development, where she had the charter to grow 26 business units across 18 European countries. Kimberly designed the role of “country expert” then hired, trained and managed a team of country experts. Kimberly then founded European Market Link, Inc. and now employs the very same model – with several of the same key members. “There are 47 countries in Europe, so you can’t paint Europe with the same brush,” Kimberly says, which is particularly key to keep in mind in regards to the Euro crisis. “The economy in Norway and Switzerland are simply not comparable to those in Greece and Spain, with many countries in between. The goal is to understand the situation, the changes that have occurred, and then turn that knowledge into competitive advantage,” she says.

On April 26, 2012, Kimberly will introduce some of European Market Link’s key strategies for turning knowledge into competitive advantage as part of the EACC’s Operating in Europe series. She will discuss her firm’s best practice tactics in customer targeting and regional development. Likening the method of customer targeting to military planning, European Market Link has key insights into strategically placing an organization’s “troops” in the right places to achieve its goals.

In addition to providing clientele with strategies and solutions, networking is crucial to European Market Link, Inc.’s services. Kimberly, a networker extraordinaire, takes the lead in identifying companies who could benefit from European Market Link’s services. The EACC provides Kimberly with an opportunity to connect with potential new business, but more importantly, “The EACC helps us point current clients toward experts that fall outside her own firm’s scope, including attorneys, accountants or freight forwarders,” she points out, adding, “In fact, I can envision working with, or recommending, almost every person I’ve met at the EACC.”

European Market Link. Inc. Background

- Founded by Kimberly Van Landingham in 2011.

- A team of 16 Country Experts, cover all 27 EU countries and most other European countries.

- Real-time collaboration technology enables Country Experts to provide clients with local information and language support.

They asked the Transatlantic Economic Council to establish a High-Level Working Group on Jobs and Growth, led by U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk and EU Trade Commissioner Karel De Gucht.

The Working Group will work closely with all private and public stakeholder groups as it considers options for strengthening transatlantic trade and investment to support mutually beneficial job creation, economic growth, and international competitiveness.

Until April 23, interested stakeholders are invited to contribute their ideas and comments on how to enhance transatlantic job creation and economic growth. For further information on the working group and to submit your contribution, please see click here: http://trade.ec.europa.eu/consultations/?consul_id=160

CEOs across the nation are vying to recruit talented young individuals to join their companies and grow within their ranks. Recruiting talent is a challenge that is most often viewed from the “skills fit” perspective, rather than key factors such as corporate cultural fit and long-term fit. We at the EACC often talk about the professional opportunities and industry strengths in our region. But from a prospective employee’s side, particularly someone who may be relocating, there is a desire to learn more about the quality of life in the Cincinnati area. Just ask our Young Professionals Committee: there are undeniable advantages the Greater Cincinnati region has to offer.

Admittedly, Cincinnati cannot rival some of the biggest metropolitan areas in the U.S. Our strengths are different from larger cities, so rather than attempting to outdo the competition we ought to play to those strengths that distinguish us instead. For example, our region offers unique opportunities for urban or rural lifestyles without the heavy commutes of similarly sized areas. The cost of living in Cincinnati versus cities like Chicago, New York or Los Angeles is much more palatable. The multiculturalism that runs deep within the roots of the city is still present today. And while it is important to focus on maintaining what makes our area unique, it’s equally important to strive to improve on areas where we may be weak. Part of the beauty of our organization is that, with such a diversity of experience and perspectives, we constantly create the ideal platform for identifying solutions for strengthening the Cincinnati area – professionally and culturally.

There is no doubt that we must continue to bolster the quality of life in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky, and communicate that narrative to those who are not as familiar. This is part of the core mission of the EACC. We continue to focus our efforts on maximizing one of the greatest advantages of living and working in a “smaller” pond – the unprecedented access to the professional and personal opportunities for growth. For example, in addition to monthly Happy Hours, our Young Professional Committee is broadening its scope to include a four-part series of seminars called the Young Professionals Global Executive Round Table. The first Round Table discussion took place last Thursday with EACC Board Member and President and CEO of CFM International, Jean Paul Ebanga. Mr. Ebanga discussed his career path in a very engaging and interactive boardroom setting and offered valuable advice on how to build successful and rewarding career. This remarkable opportunity to encounter accomplished professionals face-to-face, will undoubtedly serve to inspire budding professionals to make bold and successful next steps forward in their own careers.

Welcome EACC new members: Deufol, European Market Link, Inc., Americoncept Consulting LLC and Feintool Equipment Corporation.

Sincerely,

John Baines

EACC President

Jessica McDowell

Account Executive

EACC Young Professionals Committee Member

Young professionals and college graduates frequently flock to major metropolises in pursuit of opportunities to grow both professionally and personally. For Jessica McDowell, Account Executive at Sogeti USA LLC, Cincinnati offers remarkably accessible opportunities to experience international culture and professional advancement. “Cincinnati is a great place to start your career in your twenties. Some of the world’s largest corporations are headquartered here. As a result, I have friends from all over the globe. Learning about other cultures and other ways of doing business can help to make you a well-versed, balanced individual.”

Jessica moved to Cincinnati from Indianapolis in the summer of 2007 when her husband, Colin, took a job with one of the Fortune 500 companies here in Cincinnati. The pair immediately recognized the benefits the city has to offer people their age. With much less traffic, and most of the city’s arts, culture and sports scene within thirty minutes, Jessica knew it would be easy to find entertainment. “Whether it’s a night out at Japp’s, a delicious dinner at Enoteca Emilia, or an afternoon at the Contemporary Arts Center, this city has so much to offer.”

Additionally, she says, “I feel like everyone I meet is in the same place in their lives, which makes connecting with others incredibly easy.” With an active peer group and many professional and philanthropic organizations in Cincinnati, Jessica was eager to get involved. Because Sogeti, an international information technology consultancy firm, is headquartered in Paris, France, starting with the EACC was a no-brainer. After attending a few events, she was hooked. “Every time I went to an EACC event, I was struck by how friendly and interesting the people involved were.”

As an Account Executive at Sogeti, Jessica is responsible for solving client business and IT challenges and overall client management. In September of 2011, Jessica started attending YP committee meetings, and in 2012 officially took on responsibilities. Jessica will assist in planning all the Happy Hours throughout the year, during which internationally-minded young professionals, both EACC members and non-members, will have the opportunity to connect with one another and strengthen the corps of balanced, global business professionals in the Cincinnati area. It is Jessica’s hope as a member of the Young Professionals committee to continue the EACC’s role in continuing to provide incredible opportunities for networking, with the unparalleled access that has become the EACC’s signature. “The stronger your network, the more you understand how to take advantage of or fully utilize the resources around you. Once your network in Cincinnati is built, you realize how easy it is to enjoy all it has to offer.”

Sogeti Background

• Sogeti USA is a premier provider of information technology services to businesses and public-sector organizations.
• Operating in 23 U.S. locations, Sogeti’s business model is built on providing customers with local accountability and vast delivery expertise.
• With over 40 years of experience, Sogeti offers a comprehensive portfolio of services including Enterprise Application Development & Management, Advisory Consulting Services, Business Information Management, High Tech Engineering, Infrastructure Management, and Testing & Quality Assurance.
• Sogeti received three Partner of the Year Awards and one Recognition and Appreciation Award during the 2011 Microsoft Worldwide Partner Conference. In 2010 was named winner of the award for “Outstanding Software Delivery in Product and Service Innovation with Rational” in the annual IBM Beacon Awards competition.
• Most recently received the Social Business AGENDA award, recognizing Sogeti for adopting and leveraging the latest IBM Collaborative Solutions.