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Get What You Want Out of Vendor Negotiations

Have you been getting the most of your negotiations with vendors, or do you feel like they’ve always got the upper hand? Here are some tips to help you get what you need and still make some money.

Be prepared

Shop around. See if you can find out what deals they’ve given others in your industry. …

Things to Remember When Hiring Youth Workers on Your Farm

Summer is here, and kids are out of school and looking for jobs. Your own children are exempt from most laws regarding hazardous work, but here are some quick tips that can guide you in hiring other youth. Safety is always the first priority, so take into account each child’s size, physical strength, and …

Write the Proposal that Gets You the Contract

How do you feel about writing proposals? Maybe you’ve got your process down, and it’s no big deal. But for the rest of us, proposal writing is a dreaded task.

When you are starting to lay out your thoughts and you’re not sure how to organize them, begin with an executive summary. This should come …

Which Contractor is the Right Fit?

If you’re searching for a new contractor in your supply chain, you know reliability and performance are mandatory. Some businesses will hire an auditor to determine whether a contractor fits the bill. In addition to providing clients the data necessary to make an informed decision, these audits can be a great way for contractors …

Labor Force: Dispelling Common Myths

We have heard a lot about the shortage of skilled labor. We know that job readiness and training are among the biggest concerns. Greater emphasis on STEM classes and technical training is needed for jobs across many industries. But we have to also recognize that there are some misconceptions about the industry as a …

Customization: The Future of Manufacturing

Nowadays, consumers want their products designed specifically for them. They can buy a new car as if they’re ordering a sandwich: red exterior, with a side of leather seats, hold the sunroof. This isn’t just a segment of the population or a trend that will diminish. It has become an expectation.

A lot of manufacturers …

Running Out of Room? Consider a Mezzanine

If you are a tenant of an older warehouse or manufacturing facility, chances are you could have unused space that isn’t found in newer buildings. A mezzanine can be a great way to increase square footage without having to relocate or build out. They are fairly flexible in the shape they are arranged in …

Transformation to a Highly Effective Manufacturing Culture

Changing and improving your manufacturing culture has to come from the top to be lasting and effective. Here are some new ways to connect workers. New ways of communication can go a long way.

Staff need to feel valued to be engaged. Have new employees meet with executive management upon their hire. Start a recognition …

What Do Your Warehouse Workers Value Most?

When it comes to worker retention, employers need to know what is most important to their employees. Surveys of hourly warehouse workers have concluded that the number one employment issue is pay. Aside from layoffs, the top reason workers left their jobs was because they found higher paying jobs elsewhere.

According to the survey, job …

April is National Welding Month

Welders create the world around us. National Welding Month is the perfect opportunity to spotlight this growing profession.

Welders are in short supply in today’s economy, but it hasn’t always been that way. The decline began in the 1980s, when there became a reduced need for welders. However, with the increase in domestic manufacturing, there …