National strategist to lead CEO seminars

ASHLAND, NEB. (June 9, 2006)— Melissa S. Kelly-McCabe, Clear Intent Strategy, Inc., Naples, N.Y., will lead two CEO International Seminars on Wednesday, June 28.

An executive coach and strategist, Melissa S. Kelly-McCabe has worked in industry and with corporate executives for more than 20 years. She has assisted hundreds of leaders and managers in manufacturing, service, non-profit and economic development corporations in North America to create clear strategies, communicate vision, and cause positive and lasting change in their organizations. With hands-on experience in manufacturing, engineering and private and public service organizations, Ms. Kelly-McCabe has coached leaders and their organizations in applying concrete methodologies and techniques aimed at creating and implementing real strategy.

An international speaker and consultant, Ms. Kelly-McCabe also has held positions with General Motors Corporation, Price Waterhouse LLP and the WNY Technology Development Center, Inc., and has been a guest lecturer at George Washington University and the University at Buffalo

Ms. Kelly-McCabe was an assistant to Dr. W. Edwards Deming for five years, researching thinking processes, and teaching groups about Deming management principles. (Dr. Deming is credited with transforming Japanese management principles on causing the quality revolution). She holds a Masters of Science degree in Organization Systems, focusing on Change Processes, from the University of Southern California, and a Bachelor’s degree in Statistics, minor in Industrial Engineering, from the University at Buffalo.

The morning session, “Growing Your International Business: Successful Export Strategies for Manufacturing CEOs,” will help CEOs and executives of small- and mid-sized manufacturing firms accelerate and grow their export businesses to a new level.

The program is based on compelling new research on the strategic choices of successful exporters. While there are excellent resources already available on export operational issues, this seminar is uniquely focused on CEO-level strategic issues and management challenges such as commitment and mindset to achieve rapid growth; best practices employed by successful exporters; and strategic advantages to drive success.

Joining Ms. Kelly-McCabe will be Mike Kelley, vice president and general manager of Transcrypt International, Lincoln, Neb., and Melissa Ross, manager of International Operations at Oxbow Pet Products, Murdock, Neb. They will share information about their respective companies, the success of their companies in the international marketplace, and the steps and strategies that led to their success.

You’ll gain valuable knowledge from the research and expert speakers, as well as see actual case examples of companies that are successfully growing globally.

The afternoon session, “Successful Strategies for Competing in a Low-Cost Manufacturing World,” will identify successful strategies that owners and operators of small U.S. manufacturing companies can use to compete effectively with low-cost producer nations, such as China.

The seminar is jointly produced by the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP), Nebraska Department of Economic Development, US Commercial Service, Nebraska MEP, Midwest International Trade Association, and Nebraska Business Development Center.

In this global market where low-cost countries are gaining market share in manufacturing, some U.S. companies are not just surviving, but actually thriving. What’s their formula?

A mix of internationally recognized speakers and a panel of successful manufacturers will share key insights from the latest round of global research. Learn why some companies are highly successful when competing with low-cost regions.

You’ll not only get the big picture on low-cost manufacturing around the world, you’ll also learn strategies for competing smarter in your world. Specifically, you will:

• Discover nine proven strategies successful companies use to compete effectively with low-cost manufacturers, and explore the combination of strategies that might work best for you

• Understand why China and other low-cost regions are emerging as threats

• Learn how adaptive companies have the best chance for long term success

Joining Ms. Kelly-McCabe for the afternoon session will be Dennis Carstens, president of Technik Manufacturing in Columbus, and Joel Adamson, senior vice president, Business Development and Marketing Services for Sergeant’s Pet Care Products, Omaha, Neb. They will provide information about their respective companies, their success in the international marketplace, and what makes them competitive abroad.

Session I: “Growing Your International Business: Successful Export Strategies for

Manufacturing CEOs”

Wednesday, June 28, 2006, 8:00 a.m. - noon

Session II: “Successful Strategies for Competing in a Low-Cost Manufacturing World”

Wednesday, June 28, 2006, 12:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Location: Mahoney State Park

28500 West Park, Ashland, NE

I-80, Exit 426

Fee: $55 each or $80 for both events

($3 park entry fee included in registration)

($10 luncheon coupons available)

For additional information on these seminars, our speaker and registration information go to: http://international.neded.org. The CEO International Seminar Series is highlighted above the main menu.

FOR INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Susan Rouch 402-471-4668 [phone]
Nebraska Dept. of Economic Development 402-471-3365 [fax]
301 Centennial Mall S., Lincoln, NE 68509
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