If your business has successfully brought manufacturing operations back to the U.S. from overseas, we want to hear from you. Harry Moser, Founder of the Reshoring Initiative, is collecting reshoring case studies to promote its benefits.

This is a great opportunity to get some publicity for your business, as these real-world examples of reshoring (sometimes also known as insourcing) will be featured on IMTSTV. OEMs, contract manufacturers, distributors, and exhibitors are all encouraged to submit their case studies.

Also, you can catch presentations from Harry on three days during IMTS on The Manufacturing Stage (located on the Grand Concourse) – September 11, 13, and 14, all beginning at 9:30 am. He will also be available at the Reshoring Initiative table in the Gardner Business Media Booth (W-160) throughout IMTS. Full details are available at www.reshorenow.org/IMTS.

The IMTS Rally Fighter - aka the first-ever "IMTS car" -- has taken to the streets as part of the GUMBALL 3000! Beginning in New York City, this fierce-looking car will be on tour and making stops en route to the rally's end point in Los Angeles.

You can use the Rally Fighter route tracker to track the team's progress. Be sure to get live updates from their blog, and check out some cool photos from along the way!

Want to see the car yourself? It's making stops or checkpoints in the following cities:

Niagara Falls (Canada) - May 25
Toronto - May 25
Detroit - May 26
Indianapolis - May 26-27
St. Louis - May 28
Kansas City - May 28
Santa Fe - May 29
Grand Canyon - May 30
Las Vegas - May 30
Los Angeles - May 31

If you'd like to meet up with the Rally Fighter team, contact Buddy Crisp at (909) 935-5096.

If you’ll be in Chicago on May 9, you can get a first-hand update on IMTS from Peter Eelman, VP-Exhibitions & Communications at AMT. Peter will be speaking at the Brinks Innovation Competition Luncheon, the theme of which is “Where Are They Now?” – an update on last year’s competition winners.

Other discussion topics at the luncheon include a panel on trends in clean technology investment.

This luncheon is affiliated with Midwest Clean Tech 2012, which will be held at McCormick Place in conjunction with IMTS. You can learn more about that event at www.midwestcleantech2012.com.

Admission to the luncheon is free. It takes place May 9 from 11:30 am-1 pm at the offices of Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione, 455 North Cityfront Plaza Drive, NBC Tower Suite 3600, Chicago. RSVP by May 1 to Tracy Rudd at trudd@usebrinks.com.

The Manufacturing Industry currently fights against some antiquated stereotypes.  One example is that “Manufacturing is a cold business that cares only about the bottom line.”  That isn’t the case, as exemplified by Hydrotech, Inc.  When I heard their story I was inspired to share it.

Since November 2008 they have supported the efforts of Tamara Andersson, President/Founder of Got-Autism, LLC.  Tamara, whose son was diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome, was hard pressed to find instructional tools and therapeutic resources to assist her family.  In an effort to help herself and other families, Got-Autism was created.

 In her words:

“Our mission is simple:  to help those with autism achieve satisfying and productive lives. Ultimately, we want to encourage and give hope to families raising children with autism.  In this endeavor, Got-Autism donates 5% of every purchase back to the autism community. Each year we financially support seven local and national autism non-profit organizations.  From sponsoring awareness events, funding therapy services, to helping with the costs of training autism service dogs, we believe in paying it forward.  

We not only want our customers to be inspired, but also empowered.  This is the inspiration for our work. “

So not only does Hydrotech, Inc. support this tremendous effort, but the site itself gives back 5% of each purchase to benefit local and national autism organizations.  UPDATE:  If you enter "Hydrotech" in the coupon box, you will receive a 10% discount!

It is an admirable endeavor and I wish you the best of luck!

If you are a manufacturer and you also have a “cause” – please email me at:  lorange@amtonline.org – I would love to share your story too!