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Learn more about Chamber Circles for Women and Entrepreneurs
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Assisting small and medium-sized manufacturers is critical for several reasons, including economic growth, innovation, job creation, and regional development.
By investing in their success, governments, industry leaders, and policymakers can help create a more inclusive, dynamic, and sustainable manufacturing sector that benefits not only individual businesses but also the broader economy and society at large.
According to the City of Cambridge’s website, the manufacturing sector accounts for approximately 22% of the city’s labour force and includes more than 500 businesses and employs more than 15,000 people. In Waterloo Region, more than 17.5% of residents in total are employed in the sector making it the fourth largest manufacturing centre in Canada.
The Cambridge Chamber of Commerce has long since recognized the vital role these SMEs play in our community and as an organization that champions momentum to spark economic growth has developed a new program in partnership with Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada (TMMC) to assist them.
Entitled Manufacturing SkillUp for SMEs, this six-part learning opportunity led by a team of industry experts focuses on a variety of topics important to small and medium-sized manufacturers.
These include AI integration, supply chain dynamics, mastering customer service, bridging cultures in the workplace, precision advancement, and developing a Kaizen strategy.
Productivity lagging in Canada
The program is available to both Cambridge Chamber members and non-members throughout Waterloo Region.
Cambridge Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Greg Durocher said the launch of the program comes at the right moment considering Canada’s productivity continues to lag.
According to a recent Financial Post article referencing Statistics Canada data, labour productivity at Canadian businesses has declined for two consecutive quarters, after a 0.3 per cent drop in the first quarter of 2024, with 11 of the 16 main industries recording declines. At an annual rate, productivity in Canada – which has been lagging for decades - fell by 0.7 per cent and since 2019 has declined 0.5 per cent.
“We thought it would be a good idea for us to develop a program for small and medium-sized manufacturers and advanced manufacturing firms so they are able to learn leading edge technologies and leading-edge performances that can make them a better and stronger player in the international market,” says Greg, noting the Chamber provides a variety of programming to find the path towards successful solutions. “Through the pandemic we found a lot of SMEs were turning to the Chamber for advice, direction and guidance.”
Manufacturing SkillUp for SMEs begins in October with a session at the TMMC facility on Fountain Street North entitled ‘Crafting a Kaizen Strategy’ and features a tour of the plant. The remaining five sessions will run monthly into March of 2025.
Click here to learn more.
Series Topics
October - Crafting a Kaizen Strategy: Embracing Continuous Improvement for Lasting Success (Includes a Toyota Tour)
November - Integrating AI into Daily Operations: Transforming the Future of Work
December - Mastering Customer Service Excellence: Elevating Standards for Business Success
January, 2025 - Bridging Cultures: Mastering Intercultural Communication in the Manufacturing Workplace
February, 2025 - Mastering Supply Chain Dynamics: Insights from TPS and TMMC Practices
March, 2025 - Advancing Precision: Upskilling Employees in Cutting-Edge CNC Machining Techniques. |
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Brian Rodnick 214 October 7, 2024 |
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Greg Durocher 41 July 28, 2023 |
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Canadian Chamber of Commerce 24 January 29, 2021 |
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Cambridge Chamber 2 March 27, 2020 |
750 Hespeler Road Cambridge, ON N3H 5L8
Phone: 519-622-2221
Fax: 519-622-0177
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