The March 6, 2013 networking events for the BWA provided an engaging venue to both Manufacturing and Associate members. An engaging blue-sky exercise, Mark Muller on Design and Branding, and the Wood Manufacturing Council’s web-based resources!
The March 6, 2013 events for the BWA began with an update from Manager, Mike Baker on the various projects and activities in which the BWA is currently engaged. Outgoing Co-Manager Sepp Gmeiner also contributed to the IT Baseline and Yield Optimization projects.
Then began a first for the BWA: a facilitated group break-out discussion where Manufacturing and Associate members were mixed into groups and asked the questions: “What keeps you awake at night and is challenging your business…..”What would you like to see the BWA deliver to members going forward…”What role would you like to see Associate members play to provide value to Manufacturing members?
Small groups brainstormed for 15 minutes and reported back to the larger group their ideas. Equally valuable in this exercise was the opportunity to talk and interact in a focussed intimate manner with both manufacturers and suppliers. These ideas are being compiled and will be used for future BWA activities and Focus Group Events. Congratulations to all participants and thank-you for your work in this exercise! See pictures of the process in action below!
BWA members in their breakout groups.
Both BWA Manufacturing and Associate members working together!
Following the break-out sessions, the members enjoyed a presentation by well known wood products designer Mark Muller. Mark’s presentation focussed on how design and branding are intricately linked in all successful businesses including wood products manufacturing. Never stop designing new product and pushing the edge of what your customer currently wants and could want from your brand. Your brand and customer base will continue to grow and evolve, and many success stories and case studies were shared and examined. A facilitated Q&A ensued as well with members asking questions in group discussion.
If you are interested in ore information on Mark’s presentation, please contact Mike Baker at manager@bluewaterwoodalliance.com
Mark Muller presents his design/branding philosophy to the BWA members.
Mark Muller engages BWA members in Q&A.
Finally, Steven Kennedy from the Wood Manufacturing Council provided an overview and presentation on the web tools available to wood manufacturers.
There are many resources available and many of them are free! Highlights included the Workbench and HR resources or companies without internal HR resources. Others included export development training among others.
Go to the WMC website for information: http://www.wmc-cfb.ca and contact Steven Kennedy at: stephen@wmc-cfb.ca for more information.
If you are not a member of the BWA and would like to be, please contact BWA Cluster Manager Mike Baker: manager@bluewaterwoodalliance.com
Stay tuned for more reports on BWA’s activities!
Mike Baker, Manager, BWA
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