2024 IEC education sessions added: HR mistakes, Industry 4.0, owner transition strategies
The Non-Ferrous Founders' Society has announced three additional education sessions that will take place as part of the 2024 NFFS Industry Executive Conference (IEC) on February 25-27, 2024, at the Hawks Cay Resort in Duck Key, Florida.
The following sessions have been added to the schedule of educational sessions at the IEC:
Top 10 Middle Market Company HR Mistakes
Mark Mitford, HR Catalyst Consulting
The human resource/people side of your business is highly complex. Most middle market sized companies are lacking several key components within the HR function. Mark Mitford has held the top HR position in Fortune 500 and middle market companies for 20+ years and has had his own HR consulting business, HR Catalyst, for the last 10 years. His presentation will focus on the Top 10 HR mistakes made by middle market size companies and how to fix these issues to run a better company and minimize legal risk. These mistakes may be made unknowingly, but they can be very costly to the growth and success of your business. Mark’s presentation will be engaging and informative while sharing highly useful information that you can act on immediately to protect, grow and manage your business.
Industry 4.0 Self-Assessment Tool and Automation Roadmap
Todd Hutcheson, University of Northern Iowa Center for Business Growth & Innovation
The University of Northern Iowa’s (UNI) Center for Business Innovation and Growth (CBGI) is collaborating with DLA, NCDMM, and YSU to implement Industry 4.0 principles in the Foundry & Casting Industry. The goal is to enhance the industry's long-term resiliency and success. As part of the project, CBGI has developed an Industry 4.0 assessment matrix, and are in the process of simplifying its use, automating its connection to business value and KPI improvement, and generating reports with action plans for companies to start implementing Industry 4.0 quickly. The presentation will discuss the tool's development, future plans for streamlining and automation (including the use of online data collection tools and AI generated improvement plans), and continuous improvement efforts for assessment and alignment with business value.
Employee Stock Ownership Plans and Owner Transition Strategies
Stacey Mullinex and Deborah Giarusso, University of Northern Iowa - Advance Iowa
This presentation reviews ownership transition alternatives. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the various available options, advance planning, and defining transition objectives. The workshop will provide information on how an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) can be a viable option to facilitate a successful ownership transition. It discusses how an ESOP can serve as a strategic tool for succession planning, ensure a smooth leadership transition while maintaining organizational stability and optimize financial/tax considerations. Information on worker cooperative options will also be discussed. Participants develop an understanding of the various options for ownership transition and how to leverage programs, such as ESOPs, as a strategic tool for a successful succession plan, ensuring stable business continuity and legacy.