MEP Advisory Board

2017 ANNUAL REPORT

2017 Advisory Board Annual Report | 1

MEP Advisory Board Report for 2017

Last year was one of tremendous strengthening of the MEP National NetworkTM, NIST MEP, and the MEP 

Advisory Board. Changes based on new legislation and the objectives of the MEP National Network Strategic 

Plan for 2017-2022 led to important innovations in programming. 

The year started with the signing into law of S.3084, the American Innovation and Competitiveness Act (P.L. 

114-329). This key piece of legislation changed the MEP Program’s non-federal to federal cost share ratio

from 2:1 to 1:1. This allows MEP Centers to work with additional smaller and rural manufacturers instead

of having to focus so heavily on finding match dollars. The updated legislation also allowed us to add

members to the MEP Advisory Board. With a historic number of 15 members this year, we now represent the

geographic breadth of manufacturing across America!

The MEP Advisory Board met in March, April and September of 2017 and our members spent time advising 

NIST MEP leadership and working within subcommittees to explore and develop recommendations on 

essential programmatic goals, ultimately hearing final report-outs to conclude those subcommittees. The 

Board convened a joint workshop with Center Board leadership to increase knowledge sharing and exchange 

governance best practices. In addition, we advised on the development and subsequently approved the 

current MEP National Network Strategic Plan. 

The Strategic Plan’s principle goals of ‘Empower Manufacturers,’ ‘Champion Manufacturing,’ ‘Leverage 

Partnerships,’ and “Transform the Network’ have already taken shape in the new MEP National Network 

Brand. Through this initiative, the capabilities of the MEP Center experts will expand into a National Network 

of trusted advisors just in time to support the needs of our country’s defense industrial base and help U.S. 

manufacturers navigate the technology revolution underway in manufacturing. The Board is actively engaged 

in moving the principle goals forward in 2018 with the development of new working groups, specifically the 

Supply Chain Development Working Group (with focus on defense supplier gaps) and the Performance/

Research Development Working Group. 

The Advisory Board remains committed to sharing our experience and expertise on the MEP Program’s 

activities into the new year with the sustained focus on ensuring the competitiveness and success of U.S. 

manufacturers. We look forward to a productive and exciting year of continued growth. 

Pursuant to 15 U.S. Code § 278(k)(m)(5) of the American Innovation and Competitiveness Act, Public Law 

114-329, we respectfully submit this 2017 Annual Report to the Secretary of Commerce and Congress.

Bernadine Hawes, Vice Chair

Research Analyst

Community Marketing Concepts

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Jeffrey Wilcox, Chair

Vice President for Engineering

Lockheed Martin

Bethesda, Maryland
2 | 2017 Advisory Board Annual Report

Thomas M. Lee, President & CEO

Vulcan, Inc.

Foley, Alabama

Jose Anaya, Dean Community Advancement

El Camino Community College

Hawthorne, California

Gary Groleau, Corporate Manager of Labor 

Relations & Organizational Development 

New Hampshire Ball Bearings, Inc. 

Laconia, New Hampshire

Mary Isbister, President

GenMet Corporation

Mequon, Wisconsin

E. LaDon Byars, President & CEO

Colonial Diversified

Polymer Products, LLC

Dyersburg, Tennessee

Joe Eddy, President & CEO

Eagle Manufacturing

Wellsburg, West Virginia

Eileen Guarino, President & CEO

Greno Industries

Scotia, New York

Dr. Carolyn L. Cason, Professor Emerita

University of Texas – Arlington

Arlington, Texas

Mitch Magee, Director Engineering, 

Architectural Coatings

PPG’s Architectural Coatings

Dover, Delaware

Matthew Newman, Director Business Management 

Covanta

Bixby, Oklahoma
2017 Advisory Board Annual Report | 3

Kathay Rennels, Associate Vice President for 

Engagement

Colorado State University

Fort Collins, CO

Vickie Wessel, President 

Spirit Electronics, Inc.

Phoenix, Arizona

Ed Wolbert, President

Transco Products, Inc.

Chicago, Illinois

George Spottswood, CEO

Quality Filters

Robertsdale, Alabama

Chris Weiser, Owner & President

J.V. Manufacturing, Inc.

Springdale, Arkansas

Jim Wright, Vice-President of Operations

Proof Research

Columbia Falls, Montana

Leslie Taito, Senior Vice President for 

Corporate Operations

Hope Global

Cumberland, Rhode Island
Table of Contents

About the Manufacturing Extension Partnership

American Innovation and Competitiveness Act (AICA) Brings 

Important Changes to the Program and the MEP Advisory Board in 2017

About the Manufacturing Extension Partnership Advisory Board

Advisory Board Members in 2017

Advisory Board Activities in 2017

MEP National Network Strategic Plan 2017-2022

NIST MEP Competitive and Natural Disaster - Manufacturer

Assessment Awards

The Upjohn Institute Report Shows MEP’s Substantial Return on 

Investment

NIST MEP Budget

Looking Towards the Future with a New Mission and Vision

05

06

07

08

18

20

22

24

24

25
2017 Advisory Board Annual Report | 5

About the Manufacturing Extension Partnership

The Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act of 1988 created the National Institute of Standards and Technology 

(NIST) Manufacturing Extension Partnership program (MEP) to improve the competitiveness of U.S.-based 

manufacturing by making manufacturing technologies, processes, and services more accessible to small and 

medium-sized manufacturers. Over the last 30 years, NIST MEP and the MEP National Network have been 

focused on bridging the manufacturing productivity gap, identifying opportunities for growth, and encouraging 

technology deployment.

Growing from a pilot project of just three Centers to a network of organizations in every state and Puerto Rico, 

the MEP National Network (the Network) provides its manufacturing customers with a wide array of fundamental 

services in business and process improvements. Today, the Network consists of 51 MEP Centers in every 

state and Puerto Rico with over 1,300 experts, approximately 425 field locations, and more than 2,000 service 

providers. According to a third-party survey, in 2017 the Network interacted with over 26,000 manufacturers. 

MEP Center clients from across the country reported that the assistance they received helped to create and 

retain more than 100,000 manufacturing jobs in 2017, up from nearly 87,000 in 2016. Clients also retained more 

than $12 billion in sales, up from $9.3 billion the previous year and realized more than $1.7 billion in cost savings, 

an increase of $.3 billion from 2016. For every one dollar of federal investment, the Network generates $27.20 in 

new sales growth for manufacturers and $27.30 in new client investment. This translates into $3.5 billion in new 

sales annually. And, for every $1,291 of federal investment, MEP creates or retains one manufacturing job.

The MEP Centers and their partners, including state governments, universities, community colleges, non-profit 

entities, associations, and private consultants provide manufacturers with the services needed to reduce bottomline expenses and grow top-line profits, both of which are necessary to thrive in the global marketplace.
6 | 2017 Advisory Board Annual Report

American Innovation and Competitiveness 

Act (AICA) Brings Important Changes to the 

Program and the MEP Advisory Board in 2017

After years of work by the Advisory Board and many other supporters of the program, S.3084, the American 

Innovation and Competitiveness Act (AICA), was passed by Congress in December of 2016 and was signed into 

law (P.L. 114-329) on January 6, 2017. This achievement is central to the Board as it officially codifies the MEP 

Advisory Board.

This was a significant achievement for the MEP Program as the passage of this bill represented some of the 

most important legislative changes in the Program’s history, third only to the Program’s creation in 1988 and 

sunset clause removal in 1998. The AICA permanently adjusted the cost share structure to 1:1, formalized a 

recompetition for Centers after 10 consecutive years of funding, modified the evaluation process/ Panel Review, 

and strengthened Center Board governance. In addition, the statute changed the MEP Advisory Board structure, 

specifically requiring a minimum number of 10 Board members, allowing for a positive influx of geographically 

disbursed new members with valued expertise from across the country.

The Board was pleased to see this important legislation signed into law and is proud to have worked tirelessly 

over the last few years on this successful effort.
2017 Advisory Board Annual Report | 7

About the Manufacturing Extension Partnership 

Advisory Board

Per the ACIA, the purpose of the Board is to provide advice and recommendations to the NIST Director on: 

z The activities, plans and policies of NIST MEP 

z The soundness of NIST MEP’s plans and strategies 

z Current performance in relation to MEP Program plans

z Functions solely in an advisory capacity

The MEP Advisory Board has always consisted of members broadly representing the interests and needs of the 

manufacturing sector appointed by the Director of NIST. Now under the new AICA, at least two members shall 

be employed by or sit on an Advisory Board for an MEP Center, and at least five other members shall be from 

U.S. small businesses representing the manufacturing sector. An additional requirement includes that at least one 

Board member represent a community college. The Board terms consist of a limit of two consecutive full threeyear terms; Board members are ineligible for re-appointment during the one-year period following the expiration 

of the second term.

In addition, the law requires the Board to meet at least biannually. In 2017, the Board met three times to perform 

its chartered functions.
8 | 2017 Advisory Board Annual Report

Advisory Board Members in 2017

This was an unprecedented year of growth for the MEP Advisory Board. Based on the new 

statute requirements and four long-time Board members’ terms ending, it was essential to 

add new members. In 2017, 10 new Board members were added to the roster, increasing 

the Board from 10 to 15 members. Designating a new Chair and Vice Chair were also a part 

of this transitional effort, as the Board’s previous Chair, Vicki Wessel, ended her second 

term in May of 2017. The four Board members leaving service offered leadership and advice 

over their years of service and we thank them for their time and commitment to the MEP 

Program’s Advisory Board.

Jeffrey Wilcox, former Board Vice Chair, stepped into the Chair role and Bernadine Hawes 

accepted the nomination for Vice Chair. Gary Groleau announced his retirement 

at the end of 2017. The current group represents the diversity of the U.S. manufacturing 

industry, from CEOs and executives at various sized manufacturing companies to education 

leaders at both state and community college institutions of higher education. The important 

perspectives of these volunteers will positively impact the MEP Program into the future.

JEFFREY WILCOX, Chair

Second Term expires: May 2019

Jeffrey J. Wilcox is the Vice President for Engineering at the Lockheed Martin Corporation, 

responsible for leading the development and execution of engineering strategy for 

the Lockheed Martin Engineering Enterprise and its 60,000 engineers, scientists, and 

technologists. Throughout his career, Mr. Wilcox has led several critical initiatives for the 

Lockheed Martin Corporation, including Engineering for Affordability, the Systems and Software 

Initiative, the Advanced Manufacturing Initiative, and the Energy Solutions Center launch. 

Prior to joining Lockheed Martin, Mr. Wilcox served as Senior Vice President at Science 

Applications International Corporation (SAIC) in McLean, Virginia. Mr. Wilcox graduated 

from Drexel University with a master’s degree in Electrical Engineering and Case Western 

Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio with a degree in Biomedical Engineering. He serves 

on the Drexel University Leadership Council, the Stevens Institute of Technology School of 

Systems and Enterprises Advisory Board, the Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) Technical 

Operations Council, the MIT Open CourseWare Next Decade Alliance Advisory Council, and 

the US Manufacturing Competitiveness Initiative (USMCI) Steering Committee. Mr. Wilcox is 

an American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) Associate Fellow and a Senior 

Member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).
2017 Advisory Board Annual Report | 9

BERNADINE HAWES, Vice-Chair

Second Term expires: May 2020

Bernadine Hawes is an executive level nonprofit professional and economic development 

specialist working in the areas of project management, strategy development, compliance, and 

evaluation. Her most recent achievement has been the authorship of a best practices manual 

for small business and economic development which was funded in part through 

a grant from the U.S. Small Business Administration to American Cities Foundation. Ms. 

Hawes began her career at the University City Science Center (Philadelphia) starting as 

a senior-level project administrator and later Vice President. Currently she is a senior research 

analyst for Community Marketing Concepts. Ms. Hawes is Chairwoman of the Delaware 

Valley Industrial Resource Center. She also serves on the Board of the PEC Community 

Development Corporation which focuses on community development initiatives in Philadelphia, 

is Chair of the PEC Foundation, and serves on the Advisory Board of the Philadelphia Urban 

League Entrepreneurship Center. Born and raised in Washington, DC, Ms. Hawes has an MS 

Degree from the University of Pennsylvania. She is summa cum laude graduate of Lincoln 

University (PA). She has been the national Co-Chair of Penn’s Black Alumni Society and 

former member of Penn’s Brister Society for Diversity Inclusion.

JOSE ANAYA 

First Term expires: July 2019

Jose Anaya, Dean, oversees the El Camino Community College District's Community 

Advancement Division and Business Training Center. Prior to joining the staff at El Camino 

College, he directed economic development programs at Cerritos College. Under Anaya's 

guidance, Cerritos College received numerous honors and recognition related to workforce 

development. These included a Best Practices award for its partnership with Lockheed Martin, 

and selection by the Corporation for a Skilled Workforce and its partners as one of five national 

exemplary models for expanding postsecondary education and training opportunities for 

Hispanic workers. Mr. Anaya's earlier experiences include work in the private sector with 

corporations such as Honeywell, ITT Industries and DataCard. He has broad experience and 

expertise in the areas of product design, manufacturing and management, as well as 

economic and workforce development. Mr. Anaya has a B.S. degree in mechanical 

engineering from California Polytechnics University, Pomona, and an MBA with an emphasis in 

entrepreneurship from the University of Southern California.
10 | 2017 Advisory Board Annual Report

E. LADON BYARS 

First Term expires: February 2020

LaDon is the President and CEO of Colonial Diversified Polymer Products, LLC of Dyersburg, 

Tennessee. Colonial Diversified produces high-quality rubber products for a wide variety of 

industries including automotive, defense, commercial building, construction, farm equipment, 

aerospace, computers, medical, telecommunications, recreation, health, entertainment, 

plumbing, refrigeration and many more. She started out as a financial analyst and rose to 

become the president of the company. LaDon is very active in the manufacturing community, 

has received many awards, and is on the Advisory Board of the University of Tennessee 

Center for Industrial Services, the MEP Center in Tennessee. 

CAROLYN CASON

Second Term expires: May 2020

Carolyn L. Cason, Professor Emerita at The University of Texas at Arlington, has had a 

distinguished career as a scientist, teacher, academic leader and innovator. She began her 

professional career as a critical care nurse and has held university teaching appointments 

for over 35 years. She joined the University of Texas at Arlington in 1997 as Professor and 

Associate Dean for Research in the College of Nursing and served as the university’s Vice 

President for Research from 2010 to June 2015. She envisioned and built the nation’s 

first comprehensive healthcare simulation research and development center, the Smart 

Hospital, creating the prototype for the nation. She led the efforts that created Smart Care 

(a living laboratory dedicated to developing non-invasive, pervasive technology to monitor 

health changes and support independent living) and the Shimadzu Institute for Research 

Technologies (a $25m core facility supporting chemistry, biology, nanotechnology, and 

material science research). In 2014 she was named a Charter Fellow, National Academy of 

Inventors and in October 2015, she was inducted as Fellow, American Academy of Nursing. 

She serves on a number of boards including that for Tech Fort Worth, a seed incubator/

accelerator supporting entrepreneurs commercializing innovative technologies.
2017 Advisory Board Annual Report | 11

JOE EDDY

First Term expires: March 2020

Joe Eddy is the President and CEO of Eagle Manufacturing, which produces more than 

750 industrial safety and materials-handling products, many of them from high-density 

polyethylene. He is an advocate for regional ethane crackers that would create polyethylene. 

Mr. Eddy is past Chairman of the West Virginia Manufacturers Association and is Chairman 

of the WVMA Educational Fund Board, Vice President of the Foundation Board at West 

Virginia Northern Community College, on the Advisory Board at the McDonough Center 

for Leadership and Business at Marietta College, Treasurer of the Regional Economic 

Development Partnership Board, on the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond’s Charleston 

Industry Roundtable, on the Board of the National Association of Manufacturers, on the 

West Virginia Economic Development Authority Board and founded the Joseph and Debra 

Eddy Foundation, as well as the Joseph Eddy Technology Fund at West Virginia Northern 

Community College.

GARY GROLEAU 

First Term: Resigned from the Board December 2017 

Gary Groleau is the Corporate Manager of Labor Relations & Organizational Development for 

New Hampshire Ball Bearings (NHBB), a subsidiary of global manufacturer MinebeaMitsumi 

Inc. headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. NHBB has 1500+ employees and three US manufacturing 

plants, each producing a diverse range of ultra-precision aerospace and instrumentation 

products. Mr. Groleau inspires progressive approaches to Collective Bargaining, Workforce 

Development, Employee Training, Performance Management, Leadership Development and 

is a tireless advocate in promoting career opportunities in Advanced Manufacturing and High 

Technology. Mr. Groleau is also a member of the New Hampshire MEP Advisory Council. 
12 | 2017 Advisory Board Annual Report

EILEEN GUARINO

Second Term expired: May 2017

Eileen Guarino is currently President and COO of Greno Industries located in Scotia, New 

York. Ms. Guarino attended the University of South Carolina. Early in her career, Ms. Guarino 

was a buyer for a clothing company which represented apparel in various resort locations 

throughout SC, Florida and Georgia. There she developed a women's clothing line that 

retailed in nine locations. Her responsibilities ranged from coordination of the annual buys to 

importing fabrics to be manufactured in the U.S. In 1988, Ms. Guarino relocated to upstate 

New York, where she lent her talents to her new career in the manufacturing parts business 

as what she calls "part of the Greno team." Greno Industries is a family-owned business, and 

is a recognized minority women owned business in New York State. Ms. Guarino has worked 

to expand the company’s clients to now include successful relationships in new markets 

throughout Europe and Asia, as well as leading the company's strategic planning growth 

efforts of its 60,000 sq. ft. manufacturing facility. As a result of her "Greno team" approach, 

she works to enhance the personal and professional growth of employees to be trained in Six 

Sigma and Lean Principles. One of her successes in her business career, of which she is 

most proud, was creating and implementing an in house high school manufacturing internship 

training program with local high school students. Ms. Guarino was the past President of the 

Tech Valley Global Business Network, and current Vice President of the Center of Executives 

Network of Manufacturing. She is also an active civic member in her chambers of commerce 

and the Women's Business Enterprise Network Council.

MARY ISBISTER

First Term expires: March 2020

Mary Isbister is President of GenMet Corporation, a custom metal fabricating company 

located in Mequon, Wisconsin. After graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in 

chemistry, she worked at Pfizer, in Groton, CT for 11 years. During her tenure at Pfizer 

she held positions in medicinal chemistry, clinical research, and senior organizational 

development. In 1997 she moved to Wisconsin and founded Synergy Solutions an 

organizational development and strategic planning consulting business which she ran 

until 2001. In 1999 Ms. Isbister and her husband purchased GenMet Corp., a custom 

manufacturer specializing in high value-added metal fabrications and enclosures. From 

2010 – 2014 Ms. Isbister also served on the U.S. Manufacturing Council reporting to the 

U.S. Secretary of Commerce.
2017 Advisory Board Annual Report | 13

THOMAS M. LEE

First Term expired: May 2017

Thomas M. (Tommy) Lee has been employed by Vulcan, Inc., an aluminum manufacturing 

company in Foley, Alabama, since 1985. He is currently President and CEO, and also 

Secretary/Treasurer of Vulcan Scholarships, Inc. Prior to joining Vulcan, Mr. Lee was 

employed by Alabama Power Company for eight years as a Commercial Sales Engineer. 

Mr. Lee moved with his family from Birmingham to Foley in 1968 and has called South 

Alabama home for 45 years. He graduated from Foley High School in 1974 and received 

his B.S. degree in Industrial Engineering from Auburn University in 1978. He and his wife, 

Sandra, live in Gulf Shores and together they have 3 children: David 30, Anna 27 and 

Marcus 22. Mr. Lee has been active in the community since graduating from college. He 

is a former Chairman of the South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce and a past winner of the 

Walton M. Vines Free Enterprise Person of the Year. He was a member of Class XVIII of 

Leadership Alabama and has been president of several civic, local school and professional 

organizations. Currently he serves as the 2nd Vice Chair of the Business Council of 

Alabama.

MITCH MAGEE 

First Term expires: March 2020

Mitch Magee is Director of Engineering for PPG’s Architectural Coatings business unit, the 

consumer paints business of PPG, with over 35 manufacturing plants and distribution centers 

in North America. He has over 30 years of manufacturing experience, having served in a 

number of capacities from front line plant operations to global quality and EHS roles in PPG’s 

automotive, industrial and food and beverage package coatings business units. Mitch is also 

actively engaged in workforce development as the past Chair of the Delaware Manufacturing 

Association and the development of Delaware’s first Pathways to Prosperity high school 

manufacturing technology program. This program was developed in conjunction with Gov. 

Markell’s administration, Delaware Technical and Community College and local high schools. 

Mitch is also a member of the Delaware Workforce Development Board and has served on 

the boards of Western Pennsylvania Air and Waste Management Association, Delaware 

Technical Community College-Terry Campus, Central Delaware Chamber of Commerce and 

as a Pickaway County (Ohio) Trustee. He is a graduate of Allegheny College (BS Liberal Arts), 

University of Pittsburgh (MS Chemical Engineering) and a licensed Professional Engineer.
14 | 2017 Advisory Board Annual Report

MATTHEW NEWMAN 

First Term expires: March 2020

Matthew Newman is the Director of Business Management for Covanta. He joined Covanta 

in 2008 and has over 25 years of experience in the energy industry, which includes renewable 

energy, natural gas, exploration and production, electricity generation, asset optimization, risk 

management and public relations. In his current position, Mr. Newman is responsible for all 

business matters pertaining to the financial management and public affairs initiatives of the 

Covanta Tulsa Renewable energy facility located in Tulsa, OK. In addition, Mr. Newman plays 

an integral role in advancing Covanta’s corporate programs for the company’s extensive fleet 

of Energy from Waste facilities across the United States.

KATHAY RENNELS 

First Term expires: March 2019

Kathay Rennels is the Associate Vice President for Engagement at Colorado State 

University and works to advance collaborative networks across the state and create 

economic development opportunities. She has significant experience fostering public and 

private partnerships in regional and rural workforce development, with particular attention 

to Larimer and Weld Counties. Ms. Rennels previously served three terms as a Larimer 

County Commissioner and is now leading the Food and Agriculture Key Industry Network 

for the State of Colorado. Ms. Rennels helped initiate the "Value Chain of Colorado 

Agriculture" study, released in February 2013, and co-authored the November 2014 followup study, "The Emergence of an Innovation Cluster in the Agricultural Value Chain along 

Colorado's Front Range." She also initiated the "Advancing the Agricultural Economy 

through Innovation" summit, held at CSU in March 2015. Ms. Rennels was the President 

of Colorado Counties Inc. and named Commissioner of the year. She currently serves on 

the Community Foundation of Northern Colorado, El Pomar Foundation and Manufacturer’s 

Edge (the Colorado MEP Center) as a board member.
2017 Advisory Board Annual Report | 15

GEORGE SPOTTSWOOD

First Term expires: May 2020

George Spottswood is owner and CEO of Quality Filters, Inc. (QFI) in Robertsdale, 

Alabama. Quality Filters, Inc. (QFI) was incorporated in 1981 in Gulf Shores, Alabama. Mr. 

Spottswood and his father, Horace Spottswood, purchased the business in 1983. At the time 

of purchase, QFI employed eight associates and operated out of a 10,00-square foot rented 

facility, manufacturing a single HVAC air filter product. Today QFI employs 150 associates 

and operates out of a 70,000-square foot corporately owned facility. He has served two 

terms as Associate Council President of the National Air Filtration Association (NAFA) as well 

as served on several NAFA Committees in varying roles. Mr. Spottswood has been involved 

with the Alabama Technology Network (ATN, Alabama’s MEP Center) since 2005. He was 

named 2005 ATN Business Innovator of the Year for the State of Alabama. Other corporate 

Awards include the 2011 Innovator of the Year Award for Alabama by the Southern Growth 

Policy Board.

LESLIE TAITO

First Term Expires: July 2020

Ms. Leslie Taito is currently the Senior Vice President for Corporate Operations for Hope 

Global, a manufacturer of products and engineering of textile solutions. She is responsible 

for operations improvement, M&A, product and service development and marketing strategy 

deployment. Ms. Taito has 25 years of management and manufacturing experience having 

served as the first Director of Regulatory Reform for the State of Rhode Island in the Office 

of Management and Budget and held the Chief Executive Officer position for Rhode Island 

Manufacturing Extension Services, Inc. (formerly Rhode Island MEP.) 
16 | 2017 Advisory Board Annual Report

CHRIS WEISER 

First Term expires: March 2020

Chris Weiser is the owner and President of J.V. Manufacturing, Inc. Since 1978 J.V. 

Manufacturing has provided the best equipment solutions for America’s waste and recycling 

needs. J.V. Manufacturing provides safe, quality products made in the USA. Known for their 

excellent customer service which has made Cram-A-Lot one of the most respected brands 

in the industry, J.V. Manufacturing has over 200 employees, 2 manufacturing locations, and 

3 remote service locations. Upon graduating from the University of Arkansas, Chris moved 

to Louisiana and worked for Freeport-McMoRan, a minerals and oil and gas producing 

company. In 1985 he moved back to Arkansas to help his family run J.V. Manufacturing, Inc. 

Since 1996 Chris has been President, CEO and owner of the company. Chris is passionate 

about the waste and recycling industry and about service to his community.

VICKIE WESSEL, Immediate Past Chair

Second Term expired: May 2017

Vickie Wessel is the founder and President of Spirit Electronics, LLC. She has more than 

37 years of business leadership in sales, marketing, procurement, operations, contracts, 

finance, and quality systems management. Since its founding in 1979, Spirit has grown 

to support broad line electronic component distribution, supply chain solutions, and 

component value-added services. Vickie’s innovative and business focused leadership 

and her continuous pursuit of quality and customer satisfaction has resulted in Spirit 

achieving many supplier excellence awards from Spirit’s customers, Distributor of the 

Year by Arizona’s Minority Business Development Agency, Distributor of the Year by the 

Grand Canyon Minority Supplier Development Council, and Region IX Subcontractor of 

the Year by the United States Small Business Administration. She was a recipient of AIA’s 

“Amelia Earhart Award,” recognizing women who achieve excellence in the aerospace and 

defense industry. Vickie’s passion for improving the contracting environment for the benefit 

of small businesses throughout the nation is evidenced by her active affiliation with the 

National Minority Supplier Development Council, the Pacific Southwest Minority Supplier 

Development Council, and the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council. She 

currently serves as Vice President of the Foundation Board of the Electronic Components 

Industry Association, the Advisory Board of RevAz (the Arizona MEP Center), and the 

Advisory Board of Enterprise Bank. 
2017 Advisory Board Annual Report | 17

ED WOLBERT 

Second Term expired: May 2017

Ed Wolbert is the President of Transco Products Inc., a leading U.S. medium-sized 

manufacturer and contractor dedicated to nuclear power. Mr. Wolbert has been in the 

nuclear power industry for over 35 years, has been with Transco for the last 32 years, and 

has served as its president for the last 20 years. Mr. Wolbert oversees the daily strategic 

direction and tactical operations of the company, including direct guidance of its foreign 

activities. Mr. Wolbert is a member of the American Nuclear Society, and is also a member of 

ASTM (serving on the C16 committee). Mr. Wolbert continues to serve on the Department of 

Commerce’s Civil Nuclear Trade Advisory Committee (CINTAC), after previously being both 

the committee’s vice-chairman and chairman, and has been a vocal advocate and champion 

for small/medium size enterprises in the nuclear power market.

JIM WRIGHT 

First Term expires: March 2020

Jim Wright is the Vice-President of Operations for Proof Research located in Columbia Falls, 

Montana. Proof Research is an industry leader that designs and manufactures state-ofthe-art carbon fiber composite firearms for both military and commercial applications. Jim 

has 25+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering and production management 

across the aerospace, automotive, semi-conductor and firearms industries. Through 

his professional career, Jim has spent a significant amount of time abroad working with 

European and Asian companies and brings a passion to apply best-in-class concepts and 

Lean Manufacturing principles to help improve manufacturing within the United States. He 

holds a B.S. and M.B.A. from Southern Illinois University and was a member of the Montana 

MMEC advisory board for 6 years, serving in both the Vice-President and President roles. 

He is active in the local community and serves on the Board of Directors for the Kalispell City 

Chamber of Commerce.
18 | 2017 Advisory Board Annual Report

Advisory Board Activities in 2017

The Advisory Board conducted three meetings in 2017:

z March 7, 2017

z April 30, 2017

z September 27, 2017 

The first meeting in March was held in Washington, DC at the Department of Commerce’s Herbert C. Hoover 

Building. At this meeting the Board had the opportunity to contribute direct feedback for the ‘Presidential 

Memorandum Streamlining Permitting and Reducing Regulatory Burdens for Domestic Manufacturing.1’ A second 

meeting was held in April as part of the kickoff of the MEP National Summit, in Denver Colorado. The Summit, 

hosted by NIST MEP for the Network, had 500 attendees from across the country for education and professional 

development. The Board portion of the meeting included an invitation for MEP Center Board chairs to an interactive 

session exploring governance best practices as well as discussion of overarching themes for strengthening the 

Network. The third meeting was held in September on the NIST campus in Gaithersburg, Maryland. This meeting 

allowed Board Members to tour several NIST Labs. The Board had the chance to meet program leads from the 

funding initiative that allows MEP Center staff to be embedded into the Manufacturing USA® Institutes and also 

those involved with the Competitive Awards Program which funds MEP Center projects above and beyond their 

normal delivery of services. Many MEP Center Directors attended each of these Board meetings to learn more 

about the priorities and strategies of the MEP Advisory Board.

1 ‘Streamlining Permitting and Reducing Regulatory Burdens for DomesticManufacturing’, U.S. Department of Commerce, October 

6, 2017.
2017 Advisory Board Annual Report | 19

The year proved to be one of substantial change as the Program made great strides to move from a loose 

federation of independent Centers to a formalized integrated organization known as the MEP National Network, 

a common entity comprised of all 51 Centers in all 50 states and Puerto Rico, NIST MEP, and strategic partners. 

The Board gave feedback as NIST MEP led the Network through the launch of a Branding Initiative, which resulted 

in the new MEP National Network identity and strategy to improve our collective ability to deliver on mission and 

serve more U.S. manufacturers. The brand launch was held at the successful National Summit, the first gathering 

of the full Network (Center Directors, MEP Center Board Members, and NIST MEP staff) in five years. Many MEP 

Advisory Board members attended this educational event which offered more than 70 sessions over two and 

a half days. Also in 2017 the Board presented final reports from two Board subcommittees: the MEP Learning 

Organization subcommittee and the Connecting User Facilities and Labs with SMMs (small and medium-sized 

manufacturers) subcommittee, which are now NIST MEP active projects.

In addition to the above activities, the Board heard reports and provided feedback on additional important projects 

throughout the year, including, as outlined below, the development and approval of the MEP National Network 

Strategic Plan for 2017-2022, NIST MEP Competitive, Embedding, and Natural Disaster-Manufacturer Assessment 

awards, and the results of an important, independent report on the MEP Program’s economic impacts from the W. 

E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research.
20 | 2017 Advisory Board Annual Report

MEP National Network Strategic Plan 

2017-2022

The Advisory Board reviewed, discussed, and approved the final draft of the detailed Strategic Plan proposed to 

guide the Network forward from 2017-2022. Developed in conjunction with the Board, Center representatives, 

and NIST MEP staff, the plan creates a sharp focus for the Network with four expansive goals supporting a new 

mission and vision for the Program. The Board voted unanimously to adopt and ratify the plan at its September 

meeting. The plan is available for download on the NIST MEP website. 

Assist U.S. manufacturers in embracing productivityenhancing innovative manufacturing technologies, 

navigate advanced technology solutions and recruit and 

retain a skilled and diverse workforce.

z Identify, inform and deploy services relating 

to current and emerging manufacturing 

technologies relative to productivity growth.

z Act as a trusted advisor to small and mediumsized manufacturers to help them navigate 

emerging, and be aware of, future technology 

trends.

z Introduce and connect small and mediumsized manufacturers to successful strategies 

that helps attract and retain skilled employees, 

and creates an inclusive pipeline of future 

employees.

1. EMPOWER

MANUFACTURERS

Actively promote the importance of a strong 

manufacturing base as key to a robust U.S. economy and 

protection of national security interests; create awareness 

of innovations in manufacturing; create workforce 

development partnerships to build a stronger and diverse 

workforce pipeline; and maximize market awareness of 

the MEP National Network.

z Provide insight, at the local and national level, 

on the current “State of Manufacturing” by 

telling the stories about the people, companies 

and products made in the U.S. that support the 

economy and help protect our national security 

interests.

z Advance the MEP National Network as experts 

in manufacturing technology by utilizing key 

communication outlets to translate groundbreaking innovations in manufacturing.

z Enable state and regional workforce partnerships 

to connect, communicate and coordinate across 

local workforce development systems.

z Deploy the MEP National Network Brand and tie 

it to specific measures of success.

2. CHAMPION

MANUFACTURING

The four main goals with 

their associated strategic 

objectives are as follows: 
2017 Advisory Board Annual Report | 21

Maximize National Network knowledge and 

experience to operate as an integrated National 

Network; increase efficiency and effectiveness 

by employing a Learning Organization platform; 

and create a resilient and adaptive MEP National 

Network to support a resilient and adaptive U.S. 

manufacturing base.expanded service delivery 

model to support manufacturing technology 

advances.

z Deploy the Future is Now Framework, 

adopting the guiding principles into the 

MEP National Network which will help to 

migrate the MEP Program from a Program 

Office and System of Centers to a National 

Network with value-added Program Office 

support, allowing a broader range of 

complementary services and information 

tailored to evolving manufacturing business 

owner’s needs. 

z Create and empower a Learning 

Organization function that will support 

increased NIST MEP and Center efficiency 

and effectiveness and help refine Center 

performance metrics based on information 

to inform performance-based diagnosis and 

feedback to Centers, enabling applications 

to Center self-assessment and Center-toCenter sharing.

z Strive for Center and NIST MEP 

Program Office operational excellence by 

establishing risk management protocols that 

put in place mitigating strategies for internal 

and external threats.

4. TRANSFORM

THE NETWORK

Leverage national, regional, state and local partnerships 

to gain substantial increase in market penetration; identify 

mission-complementary advocates to help the MEP 

National Network become a recognized manufacturing 

resource brand; build an expanded service delivery 

model to support manufacturing technology advances.

z Leverage the major partnership with the Defense 

Department to attract other public (federal 

agencies) partnerships that bring vertical program 

synergies to increase market penetration, build 

on MEP National Network supply chain projects 

and entice state and other partner program 

investment funding.

z Create and provide on an annual basis, a 

value-added, state-by-state MEP National 

Network metric package on economic impacts, 

demographics served and “Public-Good” gained 

to encourage in-state advocacy of the MEP 

Center.

z Build on key technology and growth partnerships 

with the Manufacturing USA Institutes, NIST, 

other Federal Laboratories and Universities 

to develop a unique collaborative technology 

information transfer and service delivery model; 

grow relationships with state and city economic 

development principals, local Chambers, Tech 

Shops, Incubators, and Export Assistance 

Centers.

3. LEVERAGE 

PARTNERSHIPS

3.
22 | 2017 Advisory Board Annual Report

The five new Embedding Project Awardees were awarded to MEP Centers in the following states:

z Delaware: Delaware Technical Community College, Newark

z Massachusetts: Massachusetts Manufacturing Extension Partnership, Worcester

z New York: New York State Department of Economic Development, Albany

z Oregon: Oregon Manufacturing Extension Partnership, Inc., Portland 

z Pennsylvania: Pennsylvania IRC Network Foundation, Williamsport

NIST MEP Competitive and Natural Disaster - 

Manufacturer Assessment Awards 

NIST MEP Competitive Awards

Twelve awards were made in 2017 via NIST and NIST MEP’s authority for a Competitive Awards Program. 

The innovative projects included five new awards which allow for embedding MEP Center staff at each of the 

remaining 14 Institutes within the Manufacturing USA network. Another seven MEP Centers received funds 

to add other capabilities to the MEP Program including the development of projects to solve new or emerging 

manufacturing problems that are not already addressed under a Center’s base NIST MEP award.
2017 Advisory Board Annual Report | 23

The seven new Competitive Awards were made to MEP Centers in the following states:

z Georgia: Georgia Tech Research Corporation, Atlanta (2 projects)

z New Jersey: New Jersey Manufacturing Extension Partnership, Cedar Knolls

z Virginia: L. Philpott Manufacturing Extension Partnership, Martinsville

z Nevada: Board of Regents, NSHE, University of Nevada Reno, Reno

z North Carolina: North Carolina State University, Raleigh

z Michigan: Industrial Technology Institute dba MMTC, Plymouth

Natural Disaster-Manufacturer Assessment Awards:

NIST MEP moved quickly to award noncompetitive funds to MEP Centers in Louisiana, Texas, 

Florida, Georgia and Puerto Rico which were impacted by devastating hurricanes during the 

second half of 2017. Through collaboration with internal NIST grants staff, Network leadership and 

the staff at NIST MEP, a streamlined proposal with special award conditions allowed for use of 

NIST grant authority for funding to begin to be awarded less than three weeks after landfall of the 

first storms. Funding awarded is intended for assessment of the manufacturing base within each 

of the states and Puerto Rico as well as opportunities to assist in disaster mitigation. 

Credit : J. Blotty/FEMA
24 | 2017 Advisory Board Annual Report

JOBS

575,870

142,381

GDP

$63.04*

$15.40*

OUTPUT

$130.15*

$29.89*

PERSONAL

INCOME

$34.64*

$8.44*

RETURN TO

TREASURY

$4.66*

$1.13*

NIST MEP Budget

The FY2017 appropriation received was $128M, $2M less than the program’s FY2016 funding. The 

President’s FY2018 budget request for MEP released on May 23, 2017 eliminated federal funding for the 

program but included $6M in funding to wind down operations. As of the writing of this report, a FY2018 

budget has not been passed by Congress.

Approximately $110M of MEP’s funding goes directly to the MEP Centers. Additional funds are provided in 

direct support of the MEP Network’s work with manufacturing firms, such as federal funding opportunities 

for Centers or contracts to train MEP Center staff.

The Upjohn Institute Report Shows MEP’s 

Substantial Return on Investment

March 2017, the W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research published a study using the national REMI®

model, along with the results from the FY 2016 NIST MEP client impact survey conducted by Fors Marsh found 

the MEP Program generates a substantial economic return of nearly 9:1 for the $130.0 million annually invested 

by the federal government. The model, assuming competition or displacement between firms, adds 142,381 jobs 

to the U.S. economy, which would not have been created or retained without the services and activities of the 

MEP Centers. Under this conservative approach, the report quotes that MEP activities add $1.13 billion to the 

U.S. Treasury through an increase in personal income taxes. The increase in tax revenue to the U.S. Treasury 

would be higher if the model included corporate income taxes. With the model counting only income taxes, the 

tax revenues far exceed the $130 million cost of the Program.

* Dollars in Billions
2017 Advisory Board Annual Report | 25

Looking Towards the Future with a New 

Mission and Vision

Moving forward, the MEP Advisory Board is confident the changes implemented in 2017 will result in increased 

effectiveness of the MEP National Network and bring even more impact to the Network’s mission and future 

vision, as stated in the MEP National Network Strategic Plan.

ROLE:

DRIVING FORCE: 

VISION:

MISSION: 

The MEP National Network focuses its expertise and knowledge as well as that of its partners (industry, educational institutions, state governments, NIST and other federal research laboratories and agencies) on providing U.S. manufacturers with information and tools they need to improve productivity, assure consistent quality, 

accelerate the transfer of manufacturing technology and infuse innovation into production processes and new 

products.

We are driven to attain and uphold U.S. manufacturing preeminence which is essential to our nation’s long-term 

economic strength and to protect our national security interests.

We are the go-to resource for America’s manufacturers ensuring U.S. manufacturing is resilient and leads the 

world in manufacturing innovation.

Strengthen and empower U.S. manufacturers.


100 BUREAU DRIVE M/S 4800

GAITHERSBURG, MD 20899

PHONE: (800) 975-5020

EMAIL: MFG@NIST.GOV

WEB: WWW.NIST.GOV/MEP

Making an Impact on U.S. Manufacturing