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TMAC & SAMA – AN IDEAL PARTNERSHIP!

PROVIDING RELEVANT AND AFFORDABLE EDUCATION PROGRAMS TO SAMA MEMBERS

The Texas Manufacturing Assistance Center (TMAC) is a major contributor to fulfilling SAMA’s mis-

sion to provide educational opportunities that help make its members more competitive locally,

nationally, and globally. Since 2004, TMAC and SAMA’s Programs Committee have teamed to provide

custom training in response to the needs of regional area manufacturers. Both the successful SAMA

Lean Manufacturing Certification Program and the newer SAMA Manufacturing Supervisor Certifica-

tion Program are the results of that collaboration, yielding hundreds of trained individuals. Net pro-

ceeds from the courses go to SAMA to help further its mission.

“The more we’ve invested in SAMA, the greater has been our return,” comments Bill Rafferty, Re-

gional Director of TMAC, the local affiliate of the Department of Commerce’s Manufacturing Exten-

sion Partnership (MEP). “TMAC shares SAMA’s mission to help manufacturers grow and prosper

through advanced education. As the largest and most active manufacturing association in the state,

our contributions in time, funds, and effort have resulted in a great return — primarily through op-

portunities to connect with local manufacturers and other service providers.

-continued on page 3, Partnership

MFG DAY - OPENING DOORS, OPENING MINDS

San Antonio is ranked as the 4th largest manufacturing market in Texas with diversity and represen-

tation from every major sector of manufacturing, according to the San Antonio Economic Develop-

ment Foundation. On Friday, October 7th, San Antonio Manufacturers Association celebrates Manu-

facturing Day in hopes of inspiring the next generation by showcasing a few manufacturers here in

the Alamo City.

Manufacturing of today includes highly trained, well-paid employers who work on state-of-the-art

equipment, many of which include emerging technology such as robotics and high performance com-

puting. The industry is no longer represented by antiquated factories targeting low-skilled workers.

Manufacturing Day addresses this misperception by giving all manufacturers an opportunity to open

their door and show, in a coordinated effort, exactly what manufacturing is – and what it isn’t.

Changing perception is the first step in addressing one of the main challenges by manufacturers to-

day – a gap in skilled labor. By opening the manufacturers’ door and sharing what they do with our

communities, Manufacturing Day provides manufacturers with an opportunity to connect directly

with job seekers and students to begin to address the skilled labor shortage they face. This year,

companies such as Munters and Aspen Beverage Group in coordination with SAMA support, are in-

viting communities and schools to experience modern day manufacturing on Friday, October 7th.

Manufacturing Day amplifies the voice of individual manufactures and delivers a coordinated mes-

sage about common concerns and challenges. This empowers manufacturers to come together to

address their collective challenges so they can help their communities and future generations thrive.

For more information or if you are interested in doing a plant tour, please contact the SAMA office at

(210) 979-7530.

9607 Broadway

San Antonio, Texas 78217

SAMA 2016 3rd Quarter Edition

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

TMAC & SAMA—AN IDEAL

PARTNERSHIP ................................. 1

MANUFACTURING DAY .................. 1

CHAIRMAN’S REPORT ..................... 2

HELPING MANUFACTURERS

PROSPER ......................................... 2

AN IDEAL PARTNERSHIP ................. 3

MIGRATION SYSTEM ...................... 4

ALAMO ACADEMIES

GRADUATION ................................. 4

UPCOMING EVENTS

Monthly Luncheons:

Sept 1, Oct 4, Nov 1, Dec 6

Sept 19: Golf Tournament

Sept 22: Membership Mixer

Sept 29: Achieving Excellence Seminar

Lean Manufacturing Certification

Program (every Monday in October)

Oct 7: Mfg Day

Oct 20: Environmental Seminar

Nov 17: Manufacturing Plant Bus Tour

NEWSLETTER SPONSORS

Become a Sponsor

(210) 979-7530

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San Antonio sits deep in the heart of Texas more than geographically; it is also at the heart of our

state’s culture, economy and spirit. The reasons for its importance go beyond the clarion call of the

Alamo, and our incredibly rich and integrated culture. The reason includes our vibrant economy; a

dynamically growing economy that has moved beyond its military and tourism roots and has blos-

somed into the healthcare, technology, aerospace and advanced manufacturing sectors. With a

cohort of more than 1500 companies, manufacturing is at the forefront of our economy’s im-

portance.

Recently San Antonio’s manufacturing community highlighted its significant presence at the South

Central Texas Manufacturing Trade Show & Conference. The show was hosted in San Antonio, but

was a regional draw bringing in business from all around Texas. Building on the success of prior

years, SAMA and its partners committed to more exhibition space which allowed the show to attract

30% more exhibitors and visitors than in years past. Participation highlighted the depth and breadth

of vendors and manufacturers in our community. This not only provided SAMA’s membership an

opportunity for business networking, it also advertised to new and prospective manufacturers what

San Antonio has to offer.

But the trade show was more than a simple display of San Antonio’s manufacturing might, it was a

story about its people as well. Visitors at the trade show had the opportunity to listen to the success

stories of several of our community’s manufacturing leaders. Citizens who not only represent the

culture and spirit of our city, but ones that go further to lead and influence it. Michael Kiolbassa,

Tim Musgrave, Chad McNair and Peter John Holt all shared stories that revealed more than just a

peek at their companies’ successes, but also a look at the personal successes, failures, principles and beliefs that contributed to their life’s

trajectory. These entrepreneurs and leaders offered this gift of their story so that we all may learn and be more successful and fulfilled in our

work.

I am blessed to live in our great community and to work within the vibrant membership of San Antonio Manufacturing Association. SAMA

offers ample opportunity to all its members to join in and share in the bounty that community service provides. Please join in and help SAMA

in the many activities it hosts. Help SAMA ensure a brighter future for manufacturing in San Antonio, and thus help keep the heart of Texas

beating loud and strong!

HELPING MANUFACTURERS PROSPER!

In a joint venture, SAMA and the San Antonio Economic Development Foundation (SAEDF) will sponsor three

town hall meetings. The meetings are free and are only for area manufacturers. They will be held at Cox

Manufacturing on August 31st, 5:30 to 7:30 pm; Alamo Iron Works, September 8th, 7:00 to 9:00 am; and

Aspen Beverage Group, September 23rd, 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. According to Jeff Garvens, SAMA Chair, “the

purpose of the meetings is to provide a forum for learning (best practices), networking and advocating.”

Rey Chavez, President/CEO, SAMA, and Michele Boggs, VP, Business Retention & Expansion, SAEDF, con-

veyed, “we want to hear from CEOs/Presidents and Owners what their concerns are that affect their busi-

ness growth.” Topics to discuss will be: Learning Day-to-Day Business Issues; Networking Opportunities &

Relationships; and Advocacy for Environmental, Utility, Workforce, Safety, Taxes & Transportation.

Manufacturers are highly encouraged to attend and register for the best date that fits their schedule. Agen-

da topics will be sent to manufacturers by survey from SAMA, asking them to prioritize the topics in advance of the meetings. SAMA partners

will also be invited and will include: The Economic Development Departments of San Antonio and Bexar County, SAWS, CPS Energy, Work-

force Solutions Alamo, Alamo Colleges, Free Trade Alliance and the SAEDF.

According to Rey, the town hall meetings are not designed to be a “gripe” session, but an open and constructive opportunity to hear from

manufacturers. Our joint goal is to help manufacturers prosper! Details for registration and the survey will be sent to all manufacturers.

They can also call the SAMA office at (210) 979-7530.

CHAIRMAN’S REPORT

JEFF GARVIN

“Keep the heart of Texas beating loud and strong” - Jeff Garvin, Partner,

Shook Mobile Technologies

SAMA & SAEDF TOWN HALL MEETINGS

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(continued from page 1, Partnerships)

This has led to many successful projects and engage-

ments with SAMA manufacturers. These interactions

help us meet MEP’s performance expectations of

improving the competitiveness of firms accelerating

the usage of appropriate manufacturing technology

by smaller U.S. based manufacturing firms.”

Funding for MEP is a public-private partnership, de-

signed from inception as a cost-share program. Fed-

eral appropriations pay one-half, with the balance for

each center funded by state and/or local govern-

ments and/or private entities, plus client fees. This

cost-share model contributes to its success by en-

couraging centers to leverage resources, partner

with other organizations, and emphasize services

that are valued by manufacturers.

A Government Accounting Office study found that,

because client fees give manufacturers a higher stake

in the outcome of services, the positive impact on

their businesses is greater. Meanwhile, public fund-

ing allows smaller manufacturers to afford these

services.

Today, MEP provides training and consulting services

in the areas of process improvement, quality man-

agement systems, sustainability, workforce, supply

chain, and advanced automation solutions. Since

1988, MEP has worked with 86,620 manufacturers,

leading to $96.4 billion in sales and $15.7 billion in

cost savings, and has helped create and retain

797,994 jobs.

Bob Buckley, Vice President of Manufacturing, San Antonio Lighthouse for the Blind, shared “TMAC has proven itself time and time

again a most valued partner and sincere mission supporter of our organization. Whether it be their results driven on-site support, or

our Supervisor development through their Lean Manufacturing Certification programs, TMAC has been a key contributor in defining

our Manufacturing Processes and Leadership.”

According to Trip Worden, President, Universal Bookbindery, Inc., “TMAC has been very helpful and instrumental in helping us with

our lean manufacturing transition. They can be as hands on or off as you need and provide real solutions in a dynamic environ-

ment. It was very easy after the work they did for us to see tangible results that are still with us today!”

“Southwest Research Institute has been extremely supportive of the TMAC program in its 22 years of hosting the South Central Re-

gion,” concludes Rafferty. “SwRI is an internationally respected research and development organization working with customers

around the globe. Overseeing TMAC South Central is a great way for it to stay involved and give back to the community in a way that

has great purpose. Jointly, SwRI and TMAC have been able to establish an ideal partnership with SAMA!”

“The more we invest in SAMA, the greater our return.” – Bill Rafferty,

Regional Director, Texas Manufacturing Assistance Center

Bill Rafferty, Regional Director, Texas Manufacturing Assistance Center

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SAMA MIGRATES TO A NEW ASSOCIATION MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

Last year the SAMA staff and the Marketing Communications Committee discussed switching our current Association Management Sys-

tem (AMS) software database, Membership Partner, with a new one. With approval from the Executive Committee and Board of Direc-

tors, the SAMA staff researched many AMS databases and selected Member365 by PixelEra.

Upgrading our AMS with a faster and more user friendly software improves membership connections by enabling members to navigate,

use and register for events on the database with greater efficiency. SAMA staff members can then rely on members and database re-

sources to better manage membership information.

Additionally, members will have easier log-on capability to update company and employee information. Once logged into the portal,

members can pay dues online, pull receipts and invoices, change reservations and manage membership renewal. The shift to Member365

also includes a new SAMA website. SAMA seeks to provide premium services to members, and an updated website and software data-

base are the latest steps in that direction.

We are excited about our new AMS database and website. They were selected because we want our members to reap the benefits of

having an easier and accessible database that is technologically advanced, user friendly and secure. With these changes, we have also

upgraded our internet speed and expanded our storage capacity. Soon, we will have complete transition to our new systems and we look

forward to providing our members with a one of a kind SAMA experience.

ALAMO ACADEMIES GRADUATION SPOTLIGHTS FUTURE LEADERS IN MANUFACTURING AND OTHER FIELDS

When Sarah Escobar stepped down from the stage at the recent

Alamo Academies graduation program, the executive director of the

Academies knew he had a very tough act to follow. Escobar had

painted a compelling picture of her journey as a rising star at Toyota

Motor Manufacturing and had inspired the audience of almost 800

people.

“How do you follow that?” was all that Gene Bowman could say.

Until he pointed his finger at the many employers in the crowd and

added, “You need to get you one of those. Or two, three or four of

those!”

And that was the whole point of the night. Escobar is certainly an

outstanding alumnus of the Aerospace Academy. But the night was exciting because the graduates – well over 100 this year – are all em-

barking on their own journeys, thanks to the education and guidance the academies provided to them.

The capacity crowd and the long line of graduates also validated that the academies are working. The graduates represented more than

30 high schools from across the region. Some are continuing to work with companies like Holt Cat and CPS Energy and others are moving

on to new educational endeavors at universities such as Columbia.

SAMA President and CEO Rey Chavez needed only 14 words to explain what the academies are about in a WOAI-TV interview. “The

bottom line,” he said, “is the workforce of the future needs to be developed now.” That’s exactly why SAMA, the Alamo Colleges and

others joined forces years ago. They knew a creative, bold approach to growing the future manufacturing workforce was needed. Their

efforts led to a series of award-winning initiatives that become more impactful with each passing year. And local manufacturers of all sizes

have more opportunities than ever to support the students and to nurture San Antonio’s future advanced manufacturing, aerospace and

heavy equipment workforce.

This year’s graduation and wall-to-wall crowd proved the concept is rapidly picking up steam. In fact, with no sign of the Academies slow-

ing down, a bigger venue might be needed in the near future.

“Changing perception is the first step in addressing one of the main

challenges by manufacturers today …” - Mfgday.com