In today's competitive marketplace, where consumer response time is as important as cost of goods sold, you must take into account all of the factors that can impact supply chain decisions.
There was a time many decades ago, when employees joined companies with the expectation of a long career. Companies were loyal to employees, and the employees reciprocated. Today, the employment picture is much different. Higher unemployment rates, coupled with the constant pressure to reduce head-count have served to create a job market where neither side of the equation seems to feel a strong loyalty to one another. In fact, the most recent recession has incentivized many unhappy workers to stay put until better opportunities become available. According to the "What's Working" research study by Mercer, a global consulting firm “In the U.S., the percentage of workers who said they wanted to leave and get a new job rose nine percentage points, from 23% in 2005 to about one in three, or 32%, in 2010.” If the employment rates continue to improve, many of these workers will move onto other opportunities.
During the holiday season we should take time to reflect on all of the great things that have happened throughout the year. The Rodon Group is very grateful to have had yet another momentus year full of recognition, awards and great customers.
On November 19th, we celebrated the first annual American Made Matters Day with business colleagues and friends at a special event hosted by The Greater Reading Chamber of Commerce. Hearing the stories told by successful American manufacturing entrepreneurs was truly inspiring. It makes one feel that we can do this; we can get our economy out of this slump by purchasing things made in the USA.
Mark your calendars
On November 19th, 2013, we're encouraging consumers to buy at least one American-made product. In Pennsylvania, this day is now known as American Made Matters Day. It is the brainchild of the American Made Matters organization and their over 200 manufacturers and craftspeople. They want consumers to see how easy it is to buy American-made products and begin checking tags and looking for the American Made Matters logo when shopping this holiday season and throughout the year.
American manufacturing is getting a great deal of attention these days. Consumers are seeking out American-made products. Producers are re-shoring their manufacturing back to the states. Educators, students, and adults are looking seriously at STEM manufacturing careers to provide a stable and secure future.
Take a look at our "tappable" behind the scenes review of the making of our new website.
While our government may have come to a standstill last week on Friday, October 4th, Manufacturing Day at The Rodon Group continued with a few last minute changes. Absent were our local congressman and delegates from the Commerce Department. However, we still had a great turnout including educators, workforce development professionals and local business leaders. Our speakers included our President and CEO Michael Araten, the CEO of Bollman Hats and Founder of American Made Matters, Don Rongione as well as John Grant, Manager of Government Affairs for SPI, The Plastics Industry Trade Association.