Reminder: The North Dakota Department of Commerce application program is now open for primary sector businesses wishing to utilize the Automation Tax Credit for automation equipment purchases made during the 2023 calendar year. Applicants are required to submit applications by Jan. 31 but are encouraged to begin preparing applications early.

To be eligible, applicants must have taken ownership of the automation equipment during the 2023 calendar year. Additionally, businesses applying must have held primary sector certification both at the time of purchase and throughout the application process.

LEAN ENTERPRISE HIGH PERFORMANCE MANUFACTURING TRAINING

The Impact Dakota LEHPM training helps businesses achieve higher profitability by building internal capability and capacity to improve QUALITY, COST, and DELIVERY. This training is based on the Lean Enterprise Certification (LECP) body of knowledge and uses standards developed and judged by the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) in partnership with Association for Manufacturing Excellence (AME) and the Shingo Institute. 

Next Course Starts: March 5, 2024 in Bismarck. Click below for details and registration.

Additional 2024 sessions have been added; visit www.impactdakota.com/events.

LEAN 101 WORKSHOPS

During this one-day Lean overview, you will learn about the Top 10 Lean Tools, C4/A3 Idea Generation, Problem Solving, and participate in a Lego simulation. 

Click below to register for February Workshops: February 21 (Fargo), February 28 (Valley City)

Check our website calendar for additional dates and locations.

ISO9001:2015 and AS9100D

In these training sessions, participants will gain the knowledge and skills needed to audit your company’s quality system to the ISO9001 and/or AS9100 standards, the requirements, auditing principles, how to establish an audit program, gather

objective evidence, and prepare audit conclusions. In addition to the lecture, participants will get to do experiential activities and gain hands-on auditing practice. There will be ample time throughout the training for questions and answers. For information and registration, please click on the buttons below. 

February 6-7 • Fargo, ND (ISO9001:1015 is 1-1/2 Days | AS9100D is 2 Days)
Click below for more information and to register.

Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) training is required by USDA-FSIS for its inspected facilities and many food manufacturers and wholesalers require their suppliers and vendors to have a working and audited HACCP plan.

February 14-15 • Bismarck, ND
Click below for details and registration.

ExporTech™ is a structured process designed to accelerate export growth for small- to medium-sized manufacturers and service providers. 

The program is specifically targeted at the executive leadership of forward-looking companies that want to develop and execute a strategic growth plan to expand international sales. 

Most participants already export, and are either inexperienced, reactive exporters looking to become more proactive, or are experienced and want to get to the next level by developing a strategy for growth.

Are you curious about why you should partner with Impact Dakota?  The above numbers tell the story! They are a snapshot of benefits and impacts realized by the manufacturers we have partnered with recently. The results are determined by an independent third-party survey. 

Still not sure? Impact Dakota is the official representative of the MEP National Network in North Dakota. Our team of experts is here to partner with North Dakota manufacturers to help them improve their processes and productivity levels, develop leadership and a skilled workforce, enhance/implement smart manufacturing. We work with everyone from the shop floor to the top floor! Impact Dakota's success is based on the success of the manufacturers we help; meaning we're not happy unless you're happy. 

The Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) is part of the Commerce Department’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). The MEP National Network, whose mission is to strengthen and empower U.S. manufacturers, comprises the NIST MEP, the 51 MEP Centers located in all 50 states and Puerto Rico, the MEP Advisory Board, MEP Center boards, and the Foundation for Manufacturing Excellence, as well as over 1,450 trusted advisors and experts at approximately 430 MEP service locations, providing any U.S. manufacturer with access to resources they need to succeed. 

Click Here to see impacts and testimonials from our clients! We're grateful for the opportunity to provide the support and services that have produced these impacts reported by the manufacturers we have served!

Over the past four years, the economy has struggled as supply chains have been disrupted, prices have increased, and interest rates have climbed. Economic uncertainty has challenged business leaders across industries, forcing many to rethink their strategies. Maintaining and expanding operations has been challenging as well with the historically tight labor market making it difficult to recruit and retain workers. While these challenges have impacted all sectors, they have been particularly acute within manufacturing.

Click here to read this article written by Impact Dakota Board of Directors member Julie Whitney.

The North Dakota Safety Council is holding its 51st Annual Safety + Health Conference in Bismarck, February 20-23rd. This year’s Conference includes 59 speakers, 112 sessions and 3 keynotes. More than 100 Exhibitors will also be on hand. Impact Dakota’s Jodie Mjoen will be leading class B09, “Solving YOUR biggest Workforce Challenges by Being the Most Innovative Company, You Know.” Also featured is OSHA’s Travis Clark on Thursday. Course C22 will be a dive into “Warehouse Safety and OSHA’s Emphasis Program.”

Interesting Courses in 2024:

Pre-Conference: PC06, PC07, PC19, PC21
Leadership: A05, A20, B01, B06, B12, B30, C05, C18
Ergonomics: A10, A17
Manufacturing: A07, C17, C22

Impact Dakota is partnering with NIST Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NIST MEP) and our nationwide network of 50 other MEP Centers across the U.S. and Puerto Rico to help solve supply chain gaps encountered by manufacturers, government entities, and critical service providers. 

DO YOU HAVE A GAP? ARE YOU ABLE TO FILL A GAP?

— Open Opportunities —