MEP ADVISORY BOARD

2018 ANNUAL REPORT

2018 Advisory Board Annual Report | 1

MEP Advisory Board Report for 2018

“The MEP Advisory Board remains committed to working as part of the MEP National NetworkTM to advise and 

identify the many opportunities to strengthen and empower U.S. manufacturers.” 

In 2018 the MEP Program hit an important milestone, reaching thirty years of focusing on supplying U.S. 

manufacturers value-added access to comprehensive, proven solutions for success. Recognition of the 

Program’s contributions to U.S. manufacturing, as well as its promise as a National Network in support of 

advancing manufacturing for the future was a key theme of the year’s activities. 

The MEP Advisory Board met in March, June, and September of 2018 and our members spent time 

advising NIST MEP leadership and working within collaborative working groups to explore and develop 

recommendations on essential programmatic goals. The three working groups, supported by NIST 

MEP staff, made significant progress within each area of focus—Executive Committee Working Group, 

Supply Chain Development Working Group, and Performance/Research Development Working Group. 

The Board also expanded its reach to the full MEP National Network (Network) with participation in a 

joint roundtable session with leadership from the local MEP Center boards, sharing experiences and best 

practices for strengthening the Network. In addition, we received updates and continued to advise NIST 

leadership on the progress and direction of the MEP National Network 2017-2022 Strategic Plan.

The Strategic Plan’s principal goals of “Empower Manufacturers,” “Champion Manufacturing,” “Leverage 

Partnerships,” and “Transform the Network” are being measured and show significant continuing 

progress. Through this initiative, the capabilities of the MEP Center experts facilitated the Network’s 

nationwide team of trusted advisors to interact with 27,707 manufacturers in Fiscal Year (FY) 2018 and 

helped to increase sales by over 26% compared to 2017. As advanced manufacturing becomes the norm 

for industry, the MEP National Network services become crucial to support the needs of our country’s 

defense industrial base and help U.S. manufacturers navigate the technology revolution underway. 

The MEP Advisory Board will remain actively engaged in moving the principal strategic goals forward 

through 2019. 

The MEP Advisory Board remains committed to working as part of the MEP National Network to advise 

and identify the many opportunities to strengthen and empower U.S. manufacturers, and we are grateful 

to continuing to provide guidance to the MEP Program as it enters the next thirty years.

Bernadine Hawes, Vice Chair

Senior Research Analyst

Community Marketing Concepts

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Jeffrey Wilcox, Chair

Vice President for Digital Transformation

Lockheed Martin

Bethesda, Maryland
2 | 2018 Advisory Board Annual Report

Jose Anaya, Dean Community Advancement

El Camino Community College

Hawthorne, California

Mary Isbister, President

GenMet Corporation

Mequon, Wisconsin

E. LaDon Byars, President & CEO

Colonial Diversified Polymer Products, LLC

Dyersburg, Tennessee

Joe Eddy, President & CEO

Executive Vice President at Justrite Safety Group and 

President/CEO of Eagle Manufacturing

Wellsburg, West Virginia

Patricia Moulton, President

Vermont Technical College (Vermont Tech) 

Randolph Center, Vermont

Dr. Carolyn L. Cason, Professor Emerita

University of Texas – Arlington

Arlington, Texas

Mitch Magee, Director of Global 

Advanced Manufacturing Team 

PPG Aerospace Business Unit 

Sylmar, California

Matthew Newman, Director Business Management 

Covanta

Bixby, Oklahoma

Kathay Rennels, Associate Vice President for Engagement

Colorado State University

Fort Collins, Colorado

George Spottswood, CEO

Quality Filters

Robertsdale, Alabama
2018 Advisory Board Annual Report | 3

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

About the Manufacturing Extension Partnership Advisory Board

Advisory Board Members in 2018

Advisory Board Activities in 2018

MEP National Network 2017-2022 Strategic Plan

NIST MEP Competitive Awards

Research Report on Credentialing in the Manufacturing Industry

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

14

26

28

30

31

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32
2018 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 (SMMs). For over thirty 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 provides its manufacturing customers with a wide array of fundamental 

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

Centers in every state and Puerto Rico with over 1,300 experts, and approximately 400 MEP service locations. 

According to a third-party survey, in FY 2018, the Network interacted with more than 27,700 manufacturers.* 

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

retain more than 122,000 manufacturing jobs in FY 2018, up significantly from nearly 101,000 in FY 2017. 

Clients also retained $16.0 billion in sales, up from $12.6 billion the previous year, and realized more than 

$1.7 billion in cost savings. For every one dollar of federal investment in FY 2018, the MEP generated $29.50 

in new sales growth and $31.00 in new client investment. This translates into $3.8 billion in new sales. During 

this same time, for every $1,065 of federal investment, MEP created or retained 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 bottom-line expenses and grow top-line profits, both of which 

are necessary to thrive in the global marketplace.

MEP NATIONAL NETWORKTM DELIVERS VALUE FOR MANUFACTURERS IN FY 2018

$4.0

BILLION

in Total Investment in 

U.S. Manufacturing

in Savings

$1.7 

BILLION

122,000Jobs Created or Retained

in New and

Retained Sales

BILLION

$16.0 

More than
6 | 2018 Advisory Board Annual Report

About the Manufacturing Extension 

Partnership Advisory Board

The statutory purpose of the Board is to provide advice and recommendations to the NIST Director on the 

following items:

z The activities, plans and policies of MEP 

z The soundness of MEP’s plans and strategies

z Current performance in relation to MEP Program plans

The MEP Advisory Board consists of members broadly representing the interests and needs of the 

manufacturing sector appointed by the Director of NIST. Statute requires at least two members shall 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. Additionally, the statute states at least one Board member represent 

a community college. The Board terms consist of a limit of two consecutive full three-year 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 FY 2018, the Board met three 

times to perform its chartered functions.

The Advisory Board gained a new community college representative when Patricia Moulton, President of 

Vermont Technical College, joined the Board in June, 2018. She brought important perspectives that the 

Board continues to take advantage of from her personal background and extensive experience as a leader in 

both technical and community education as well as in economic and workforce development. 

The current Board members represent the diversity of the U.S. manufacturing industry, from CEOs and 

executives at various sized manufacturing companies to academic 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.
2018 Advisory Board Annual Report | 7

Advisory Board Members in 2018

JEFFREY WILCOX, Chair

Second Term Expires: May 2019

Jeffrey (Jeff) Wilcox is Vice President for Digital Transformation at Lockheed Martin. He oversees the Digital 

Transformation Office (DTO) and is responsible for the design, development, and implementation of Lockheed 

Martin’s operations strategy. This office is charged with leveraging emerging digital technologies to transform 

systems design, production and sustainment, as well as ensuring the workforce and systems are in place to 

enable successful transformation.

Previously, Mr. Wilcox served as Vice President for Engineering and Program Operations for Lockheed Martin. In 

this capacity, he was responsible for the effectiveness and efficiency of the engineering, program management, 

production operations and sustainment functions across the enterprise. Prior to that role, Mr. Wilcox served as 

Vice President for Corporate Engineering where he was responsible for the engineering enterprise, ensuring that 

the right people, processes, tools, and technologies were in place to successfully deliver innovative engineering 

solutions to customers’ most complex challenges. Prior to joining Lockheed Martin, Mr. Wilcox served for 17 years 

with Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC). 

Mr. Wilcox earned his Bachelor of Science degree in biomedical engineering from Case Western Reserve 

University and his Master of Science degree in electrical engineering from Drexel University. He holds an 

honorary Doctorate of Engineering from Stevens Institute of Technology. In addition to being chairman of 

the Manufacturing Extension Partnership National Advisory Board, he serves on the Advanced Robotics for 

Manufacturing (ARM) Institute Board as well as on multiple industry and university advisory boards. Mr. Wilcox 

is an adjunct professor at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, an Associate Fellow of the American Institute of 

Aeronautics and Astronautics, and a senior member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers.

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, which is part of Pennsylvania MEP. 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 

a summa cum laud graduate of Lincoln University (PA). She has been the national Co-Chair of Penn’s Black 

Alumni Society and former member of the University of Pennsylvania’s Brister Society for Diversity Inclusion.
8 | 2018 Advisory Board Annual Report

JOSE ANAYA 

First Term Expires: July 2019

Jose Anaya oversees the El Camino Community College District’s Community Advancement Division and 

Business Training Center as the Dean. Prior to joining the staff at El Camino College, he directed economic 

development programs at Cerritos College. Under Mr. 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.

E. LADON BYARS 

First Term Expires: February 2020

LaDon Byars 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. Ms. 

Byars 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, which houses Tennessee MEP, the MEP 

Center in Tennessee.
2018 Advisory Board Annual Report | 9

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 the board of Tech Fort Worth, a seed incubator/

accelerator supporting entrepreneurs commercializing innovative technologies.

JOE EDDY

First Term Expires: March 2020

Joe Eddy is Executive Vice President at Justrite Safety Group and President/CEO of Eagle Manufacturing, 

both companies are leaders in the safe storage, transfer, use and disposal of flammable and hazardous 

liquids for over 100 years. As Executive Vice President of Justrite’s North American Chemical Safety Business 

Unit, Mr. Eddy is responsible for both Eagle and Justrite’s legacy operations groups. He is past Chairman of 

the West Virginia Manufacturers Association (WVMA), is President 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, Vice President 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.
10 | 2018 Advisory Board Annual Report

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.

MITCH MAGEE 

First Term Expires: March 2020

Mitch Magee is the Director, Global Advanced Manufacturing Team for PPG’s Aerospace business unit. 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. Mr. Magee is also actively engaged in workforce development as the past 

Chair of the Delaware Manufacturing Association and led the development of Delaware’s first Pathways to 

Prosperity high school manufacturing technology program. This program was developed in conjunction 

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

Mr. Magee has also served on the Delaware Workforce Development Board, 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.
2018 Advisory Board Annual Report | 11

PATRICIA MOULTON 

First Term Expires: June 2021 

Patricia Moulton was appointed President of Vermont Technical College by the Vermont State Colleges 

Board of Trustees in March 2017. Pat served as Interim President from September 2016 to March 2017. 

Vermont Technical College is part of the Vermont State College System and the only technical college 

in Vermont. Prior to joining the College, Ms. Moulton served as Secretary of the Vermont Agency of 

Commerce and Community Development (ACCD). 

Ms. Moulton has served in a variety of appointed positions in Vermont state government, having been 

appointed by four different governors. She has served as Commissioner of Labor in addition to several 

economic development related appointments. She has also served as appointed Chair of an environmental 

regulatory board for the State of Vermont. Ms. Moulton spent 35 years in the practice of economic 

development on the local, regional, and state levels. She has worked as Executive Director of four different 

regional economic development corporations in Vermont. She also ran her own economic development 

consulting company for several years. Ms. Moulton is a graduate of the University of Vermont, with a 

degree in Political Science.

MATTHEW NEWMAN 

First Term Expires: March 2020

Matthew (Matt) 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.
12 | 2018 Advisory Board Annual Report

KATHAY RENNELS 

First Term Expires: March 2019

Kathay Rennels is the Associate Vice President for Engagement at Colorado State University (CSU) 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 follow-up 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.

GEORGE SPOTTSWOOD

First Term Expires: May 2020

George Spottswood is owner and CEO of Quality Filters, Inc. (QFI) in Robertsdale, Alabama. 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 10,000-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.
2018 Advisory Board Annual Report | 13

LESLIE TAITO

First Term Expires: July 2020

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).

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, two manufacturing locations, and three remote service locations. Upon graduating from 

the University of Arkansas, Mr. Weiser 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, he has been President, CEO and owner of the company. Mr. Weiser is 

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

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-of-the-art carbon fiber 

composite firearms for both military and commercial applications. Mr. Wright has 25+ years of experience 

in manufacturing engineering and production management across the aerospace, automotive, semiconductor, and firearms industries. Through his professional career, he 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 Manufacturing 

Extension Center (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.
14 | 2018 Advisory Board Annual Report

Advisory Board Activities in 2018

The Advisory Board conducted three meetings in 2018:

z March 7, 2018

z June 13, 2018

z September 12, 2018 

The first meeting in March was held in Washington, DC. This Advisory Board meeting featured a designated 

period for the leaders of local MEP Center Boards as well as Center Directors to meet with the Advisory Board 

members in a roundtable format. The roundtable meeting encouraged discussion of the Center Board leaders’ 

experiences, challenges, and thoughts on the goals of the MEP National Network’s Strategic Plan as well as 

on the topic of MEP Centers coming together as a unified National Network. Also, the Advisory Board was 

able to participate in a discussion with Eric Chewning, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense, Manufacturing 

and Industrial Base Policy (MIBP), U.S. Department of Defense (DoD). Mr. Chewning’s presentation focused on 

Executive Order 13806, which calls for a better understanding of the risks to the nation’s Defense Industrial Base 

and supply chain resiliency. The group talked in depth about the potential role the MEP National Network can 

take to address the manufacturing production challenges facing the nation.

The MEP Advisory Board subsequently met face-to-face in Arlington, Texas in June, and Kansas City, Missouri 

in September. These meetings included representatives from NIST, NIST MEP and MEP Centers, and provided 

key opportunities both inside and outside of the formal meetings for the MEP Advisory Board to increase their 

knowledge of the latest trends in manufacturing, advise and support the MEP Program, and actively engage with 

the MEP National Network.
2018 Advisory Board Annual Report | 15

Leveraging Partnerships:

In June, prior to the Board meeting, Advisory Board 

members toured both the Lockheed Martin Aeronautics 

facility in Ft. Worth, Texas and the University of Texas at 

Arlington’s technical education facilities. The June meeting 

featured an interactive presentation from an expert on 

expanding the Board’s engagement through advocacy 

as well as the latest updates from the Manufacturing USA 

program. 

September’s meeting was held in Kansas City, Missouri. 

Board members were able to attend the MEP National 

Network’s Update Meeting and the Foundation for 

Manufacturing Excellence’s (FORME) Best Practice 

Conference which preceded the Advisory Board meeting. 

These meetings included roundtable discussions, plenary speakers, and specialized working group meetings.

At both meetings, the Board received detailed updates from the Director of MEP on the state of the MEP 

Program and the progress being made on the Strategic Plan. The Board members also engaged in high level 

discussion of various topics integral to the program and provided specific report-outs from the Board’s own 

working groups.

“Leveraging Partnerships” is one of 

the principal strategic goals of the 

MEP National Network’s 2017-2022 

Strategic Plan. 

The Board’s commitment to go 

“above and beyond” through their 

participation in these extra activities 

throughout the year is of true value 

to the Network.
16 | 2018 Advisory Board Annual Report

In addition to the aforementioned activities, the Board heard reports and provided input on additional 

important projects throughout the year, including: 

Finally, great strides were made in the time-period between each face-to-face meeting by the three new 

working groups created by the Board. When gathered together for full meetings, reports from each group were 

given, and productive discussions were held to continue to move each group forward.

The Government Accountability Office’s (GAO) report on the National Network’s change to the 

cost share through the 2017 American Innovation and Competitiveness Act legislation was 

written in consultation with input provided by the Advisory Board.

Updates on progress to the MEP National Network Strategic Plan for 2017-2022, NIST MEP 

competitive awards, embedding MEP Center staff at Manufacturing USA Institutes projects, and 

disaster assistance assessments for manufacturers via efforts such as the Manufacturing Disaster 

Assessment Program (MDAP) awards, as well as the results of an important, independent 

study on the MEP Program’s economic impacts from the W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment 

Research.
2018 Advisory Board Annual Report | 17

Working Group Updates - 2018

Performance/Research Development Working Group Purpose:

This working group offered guidance on the MEP Program: developing and establishing a research agenda to 

support and enrich MEP Center evaluation (Performance & Evaluation Management System), System Learning 

and Network Information Services for Centers, and economic development state partnerships. The Performance/

Research Development Working Group included the following MEP Advisory Board members: Leslie Taito, lead, 

Kathay Rennels, Jose Anaya, Carolyn Cason, Joe Eddy, Jim Wright, Jeff Wilcox and Bernadine Hawes, as well as 

NIST MEP staff support.

The NIST MEP Advisory Board convened a Performance and Research Development Working 

Group in January 2018. The working group was charged with focusing on the issue of 

performance measurement and management, evaluation, and research to support the MEP 

National Network. The working group met several times over the year and presented a draft 

report to the entire Board at the September meeting. 

The working group identified research topics and ideas for the MEP Advisory Board to consider 

going forward. The working group focused on topics in three areas. The first focused on 

supporting NIST MEP and the National Network to improve performance. This research may help 

guide the transformation of the National Network and leverage partnerships. The second group 

of topics focused on the broader manufacturing landscape to enhance the MEP National Network 

as a champion and thought leader for manufacturing as a means to empower U.S. manufacturers. 

The final topic focused on ensuring that NIST MEP supports and builds out the infrastructure 

for research and evaluation efforts. The working group recognizes that, while each of these 

topics represents a significant undertaking, these are all key drivers in establishing a longer-term 

research strategy for the program. 

The working group’s draft report is now prepared and expected to be brought before the MEP 

Advisory Board for approval at the first meeting of FY 2019.
18 | 2018 Advisory Board Annual Report

Supply Chain Development Working Group Purpose:

This working group offers guidance and perspectives on MEP Program support and development of 

manufacturing supply chains with an emphasis on defense suppliers in regard to Defense Industrial Base 

gaps and expertise on who should be brought into the discussion to provide insight on defense supplier 

gaps. The Supply Chain Development Working Group includes the following MEP Advisory Board members: 

Matt Newman, lead, LaDon Byars, Chris Weiser, Mary Isbister, Jeff Wilcox, Bernadine Hawes, as well as NIST 

MEP staff support.

The MEP National Network supports DoD supply chains in many areas, including cybersecurity 

assistance, defense industry adjustment efforts of the DoD Office of Economic Adjustment (OEA), 

and DoD-sponsored Manufacturing USA Institutes. These efforts to increase awareness and 

expand assistance to manufacturers across the country are catalyzed by the requirements of the 

Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS).

MEP National Network cybersecurity assistance capabilities and capacities continue to develop, 

with the goal of achieving nationwide coverage in FY 2019. As of September 2018, 41 MEP 

Centers in the National Network are participating in the NIST MEP Cybersecurity Working Group, 

and 39 of the 51 MEP Centers are operating a cybersecurity practice. Regional, go-to Centers 

are beginning operation, as well, to help establish national cybersecurity coverage for the MEP 

National Network. NIST MEP continues to work closely with several DoD programs to leverage 

MEP Centers, helping to ensure that defense contractors implement appropriate cybersecurity 

protections to safeguard information in defense manufacturing supply chains. The Competitive 

Awards Program (CAP) Cybersecurity Project is in the process of developing “Cyber in a Box” as a 

tool for the National Network to provide uniform delivery of assistance to clients. 

Also, 2018 saw the continuation of pilot projects to embed MEP staff at all 14 Manufacturing USA 

institutes. These projects continued to provide needed advanced manufacturing technology 

assistance to U.S. SMMs in partnership with the Manufacturing USA Institutes operating around 

the U.S. The participating MEP Centers are transferring technology, developing and testing 

business models to serve SMMs in Institute technology and market/supply chain areas, and 

developing expert national resources across both Programs as well as cultivating an enhanced 

nationwide network of partnerships.

NIST MEP and MEP Centers nationwide, with the essential support of the MEP Advisory Board, 

look to continue these important efforts and continue to increase the National Network’s impacts 

for U.S. manufacturers through the coming year.
2018 Advisory Board Annual Report | 19

Advisory Board Executive Committee Working Group Purpose:

This working group offered guidance on future 

MEP Advisory Board leadership and membership 

recruitment, provided insight into cultivating strong 

Board governance, and explored ways to expand the 

MEP Advisory Board’s role regarding the local MEP 

Center Boards. The Executive Committee Working 

Group includes the following MEP Advisory Board 

members: Jeff Wilcox, lead, Bernadine Hawes, Carolyn 

Cason, Mitch Magee, George Spottswood, as well as 

NIST MEP staff support.

Resources to Empower the Board – The group 

discussed the importance of equipping all MEP 

Advisory Board members with basic orientating 

information on the MEP Program as well as individual 

Board member roles and responsibilities to help new 

members actively engage in activities as soon as possible. While an orientation program delivered by NIST 

MEP staff was previously in practice, additional resources were added to the tool box during this year. A 

mentoring program was initiated, allowing longer-term Board members to join the orientation call and be 

available for follow-up questions. Also, two new documents were created and shared with the Board this 

year, including a paper outlining Advisory Board member roles and responsibilities as well as a detailed 

glossary and acronym workbook with a plethora of terminology used throughout the MEP National Network. 

While specifically aimed at new members coming into service, these deliverables have proven to be helpful to 

even the more seasoned members. 

MEP Advisory Board Charter Renewed Through 2022:

The MEP Advisory Board’s guiding statute, along with all Federal Advisory Committees, are required to have 

a charter on file to allow for continuation of all Board activities. During each renewal period, extensive 

paperwork is channeled through NIST legal and leadership teams with final approval required by leadership 

at the Department of Commerce. Included in the renewal package is the updated Charter along with a 

“Justification for Renewal” and a “Membership Balance Plan.” Prior to 2017, this renewal process was required 

on a bi-annual basis but switched to an annual requirement during that year. Through efforts of the current 

Advisory Board with NIST MEP staff, the 2018 Charter package was approved in October with the renewal 

period extended to four years. 

Planning for Succession in 2019 – The 

working group is focused on next steps 

for successful MEP Advisory Board 

leadership succession in the second half 

of 2019. 

The current Board Chair’s term of service 

expires in late May 2019. After approval, 

a new Chair and Vice Chair will be 

announced at the first meeting of FY 2019 

and will begin their new leadership roles 

in June.
20 | 2018 Advisory Board Annual Report

MEP National Network Update

The MEP Program continued to make great strides in moving from 

the former model of a loose federation of independent Centers to 

a formalized integrated organization known as the MEP National 

Network, a common entity comprised of all 51 MEP Centers in all 50 

states and Puerto Rico, the MEP Advisory Board, and strategic partners 

working side-by-side with NIST MEP.

One of the primary outcomes of this year’s diligence was the growth of the National Network’s Center 

Leadership Team (CLT). Growing from a handful of Center leaders (formerly known as the “Future is Now” 

group or FIN), this group currently has more than half of the 51 MEP Centers now participating. These 

representatives, along with NIST MEP staff and FORME leadership, have developed a framework outlining 

how Centers will work together into the future to continue to build an integrated network that can meet 

the evolving demands of U.S. manufacturers. At each meeting in FY 2018 the CLT updated the Board and in 

March presented a framework including the Vision of the National Network and Successful National Network 

Collaboration with proposed Success Requirements. 

Vision of the National Network 

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

and leads the world in manufacturing innovation.”
2018 Advisory Board Annual Report | 21

Successful National Network Collaboration and Success 

Requirements:

The National Network will monitor progress via key success measures on Mission 

Performance and the Value of the National Network.

Develop a charter for the Center Leadership Team to effectively 

lead the National Network

Finalize the Network Communications Plan and begin to secure 

Network participation

Populate the Knowledge Sharing Team to collaborate with NIST 

MEP staff on Network strategies and objectives 

Formalize, encourage, and document multi-state engagements 

(e.g. Cybersecurity)

Short Term Objectives Included the Following:
22 | 2018 Advisory Board Annual Report

Government Accountability Office (GAO) Cost Share Report

The NIST MEP Program worked to change the cost share model from 2-to-1 to 1-to-1 for MEP Centers for over 

a decade to enable the Centers to work with a more diverse group of companies and offer a broader array of 

programs. In 2013 the MEP Advisory Board analyzed the cost share requirement and identified the problems 

it was causing, including difficulties in accounting, driving the system towards looking out for match rather 

than for service, and limiting the ability of the MEP Centers to partner with other organizations in regional 

activities.

A change in cost share finally came in early 2017 with the signing of P.L. 114-329, the American Innovation 

and Competitiveness Act (AICA). This was the third largest legislative change in the authorizing legislation of 

the Program as compared to the second, the America Competes Act of 2007 which formally established the 

MEP Advisory Board and was initiated by the Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act of 1988 which created 

the MEP Program. 

The AICA required a report to Congress within two years of enactment, or by January 6, 2019 to include input 

from this Board on the impacts of the change in cost share. The legislation called for the General Accounting 

Office (GAO) under the lead of the Comptroller General and “in consultation with the MEP Advisory Board” 

to help the GAO analyze three outcomes from this provision of the AICA, including: the effectiveness of the 

changes in the cost share to Centers; the engagement in services and the characteristics of services provided 

by Centers, including volume and type of service; and whether the cost-sharing ratio change has had any 

effect on the services provided by either type of Center.
2018 Advisory Board Annual Report | 23

GAO first contacted NIST to begin conducting this study in May of 2018. GAO followed with interviews of 

MEP Center staff while NIST MEP continued to provide documentation throughout the summer. The full 

MEP Advisory Board engaged with the GAO during the September 2018 meeting in Kansas City, Missouri 

providing input into the report. In the conversation with the GAO, the Advisory Board expressed agreement 

that the MEP Centers consistently struggled with the older cost share model, particularly the smaller Centers 

with less funding.

The Board indicated that the 2-to-1 cost share forced MEP Centers to work with larger manufacturers to allow 

generation of sufficient revenue to ensure the Center could achieve the required match. The Board noted 

to GAO that part of the goal of the MEP Centers is to work with SMMs to become competitive, improve their 

performance, and achieve growth from small to larger manufacturing operations. Since smaller firms have a 

limited means to pay the cost, the Board told GAO the old cost share model limited Centers’ ability to assist 

these small firms despite being the companies that most desperately needed the services. 

The Board stated the intent of the Program has always been to work with small manufacturers and expressed 

their collective belief the AICA would show positive results for the Program. The Board looks forward to the 

final GAO report’s findings.
24 | 2018 Advisory Board Annual Report

1988-2018: The MEP Program Turns 30

On August 23, 1988, President Ronald Reagan signed the Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act (P.L. 100-

418) to create the foundation of what would become the NIST MEP program.

Over the years, MEP’s network of Centers and selection of service offerings has evolved to address the 

challenges of SMMs, who make up 99% of U.S. manufacturers. Since 1988, MEP has worked with 94,033 

manufacturers, leading to $111.3 billion in sales and $18.8 billion in cost savings and helping its clients create 

and retain 985,317 jobs, based on data collected since 1998. 

Recognition and educational events were held around the NIST campus in November and December of 2018. 

In late November, NIST MEP held an MEP National Network 30th Anniversary Recognition Commemoration at 

the National Academy of Sciences Building in Washington, DC. The event memorialized thirty years of MEP 

achievements and featured remarks and discussion among leaders from NIST, MEP Centers and their clients 

SMMs, as well as industry and important stakeholders focusing on the critical role the MEP Program has 

played in advancing U.S. manufacturing over three decades. 

The event also included three videos featuring MEP Center manufacturing clients, who told their story as part 

of the Heroes of American Manufacturing video series. 

More than 200 people, representing MEP’s past, present and future, attended these various events hosted 

by NIST MEP. 
2018 Advisory Board Annual Report | 25

Anniversary 

Recognition

MEP National Network 30th Anniversary 

Recognition Commemoration speakers, 

including (counter-clockwise from top 

left): Dr. Phillip Singerman, Associate 

Director, Innovation & Industry Services, 

NIST; Carroll Thomas, Director, MEP, NIST; 

Ben Vickery, Group Manager, Marketing & 

Communications, MEP, NIST.

Framed copy of the MEP governing statute 

“American Innovation and Competitiveness Act”
26 | 2018 Advisory Board Annual Report

MEP National Network 2017-2022 Strategic Plan

The Advisory Board continued to review and discuss the progress made on the MEP National Strategic 

Plan as it guides 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 the important mission and vision of the Program. The full plan can be downloaded from the NIST 

MEP website. At each meeting, the Board was provided with updates, including detailed Network priorities 

along with measurable results outlining continuing progress. This information is available in the Board 

meeting minutes posted on the NIST MEP website. 

The strategic plan’s four principal goals include:
2018 Advisory Board Annual Report | 27

MEP NATIONAL NETWORK MEASURES OF SUCCESS

18-MONTH MEASURES OF SUCCESS:

• Piloted integrated MEP National Network approach to delivery system engaging 50% of Centers in 

multi-center delivery projects. 

• Increased small/rural engagements through 3rd party partnerships by 10% and increased longer-term 

impactful projects with these smaller firms by 5%.

• Attained Operational Excellence in 25% of Centers’ operations and in 50% of NIST MEP administrative 

support.

• Increased awareness of the MEP National Network brand by 10% over base brand recognition 

measurement a year after the Network launches the brand. 

FIVE-YEAR VIVID DESCRIPTION:

As the go-to resource for U.S. manufacturers... 

• Recognized by small and medium-sized manufacturers as a valuable and essential resource for 

delivering advanced technology solutions and cited by key manufacturing stakeholders (local, state, 

federal) as integral to growing U.S. manufacturing ecosystems.

• We have increased our market penetration as an integrated national network by 20%.

• We deliver integrated digitalization and cybersecurity assistance to dispersed supply chains and we 

have embraced Industry 4.0 in our own operational excellence.

SIGNIFICANT LONG-TERM GOAL:

The MEP National Network is known and recognized by U.S. manufacturers and stakeholders as an 

indispensable resource whose trusted experts help them grow and embrace manufacturing technology 

advances. A doubling of federal and state funding in the Network along with a strategic expansion of the 

current members of the MEP National Network: 

• Known and recognized by U.S. manufacturers as the go-to resource for manufacturing.

• We’ve tripled the number of manufacturers served annually. 

• We’ve increased the MEP National Network impact numbers four-fold.
28 | 2018 Advisory Board Annual Report

NIST MEP Competitive Awards

NIST MEP Competitive Awards Program

As part of NIST MEP’s ongoing efforts to make the Program more effective and efficient, in 2017 NIST 

MEP launched the performance-based Competitive Awards Program (CAP). The format of using an open 

solicitation award throughout the fiscal year is based on an existing NIST Measurement Science and 

Engineering solicitation used by the Laboratory Organizational Units (OUs) in their grants programs. The MEP 

CAP awards are performance-based and open to MEP Centers that meet an acceptable level in seven out of 

ten Improving Manufacturing Productivity and Competitiveness Tracker (IMPACT) metrics.

In 2018 eight CAP awards were made via NIST and NIST MEP’s authority totaling approximately $7.04 million. 

These awards are intended to add capabilities to the MEP Program, including the development of projects to 

solve new or emerging manufacturing problems that are not already provided for under a Center’s base MEP 

award.
2018 Advisory Board Annual Report | 29

The opportunity to compete for each of these eight awards was issued as part of the NIST MEP Notice of 

Funding Opportunities (NOFOs). They were awarded to the following MEP Centers in seven states, plus 

Puerto Rico: 

z Georgia: Georgia Manufacturing Extension Partnership (GaMEP), Atlanta

z Hawaii: Innovate Hawaii, Honolulu

z Missouri: Missouri Enterprise, Rolla 

z Montana: Montana Manufacturing Extension Center (MMEC), Bozeman

z Nevada: Nevada Industry Excellence (NVIE), Reno

z New York: New York Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NY MEP), Albany

z Puerto Rico: Puerto Rico Manufacturing Extension (PRiMEX), Hato Rey

z South Dakota: South Dakota Manufacturing and Technology Solutions, Sioux Falls

Manufacturing Disaster Assessment Program Awards:

Throughout 2018, MEP Centers in hurricane impacted areas continued providing assessment support by way 

of five Manufacturing Disaster Assessment Program (MDAP) awards. Awarded between September 2017 and 

January 2018, these awards delivered $6.2 million in funding to MEP Centers in Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, 

Puerto Rico and Texas. By the end of 2018, more than 800 total assessments had been conducted in Puerto 

Rico alone. Lessons learned about the support needed for manufacturers following these hurricanes will be 

brought to bear on disaster assistance efforts going forward.

Credit : Eliud Echevarria / FEMA
30 | 2018 Advisory Board Annual Report

Research Report on Credentialing in the 

Manufacturing Industry

In July, a research report entitled “Examining the Quality, Market Value, and Effectiveness of Manufacturing 

Credentials in the United States” was released. NIST MEP, in coordination with NIST Standards Coordination 

Office (SCO), funded Workcred, an American National Standards Institute (ANSI) affiliate, to study how 

U.S. manufacturers use and value manufacturing credentials. The purpose of the report is to help 

strengthen the quality, value, and effectiveness of manufacturing credentials in the U.S. The report features 

recommendations for multiple stakeholders including manufacturers, credentialing organizations, educators, 

accreditors, and policymakers. 

The report provides recommendations for credentialing and workforce stakeholders in the following areas:

z Improving understanding about the content, use, and value of credentials

z Expanding the use of quality standards for credentials

z Strengthening relationships between employers, education and training providers, and credentialing 

organizations

z Adding an employability skills component to existing and new credentials

z Creating credentials that focus on performance and address new roles

z Increasing the number of apprentices and expanding apprenticeships to more occupations

Additional information as well as the full report can be viewed on the NIST MEP website.
2018 Advisory Board Annual Report | 31

JOBS

219,148

GDP

$22.01

Billion 

RETURN ON 

INVESTMENT

14.5:1

NIST MEP Budget

The FY 2018 appropriation for the MEP program was $140 million, $12 million more than the MEP Program’s FY 

2017 appropriation. The president’s FY 2019 budget request for MEP released on February 12, 2018 eliminated 

federal funding for the Program and provided no funding to wind down operations. 

Approximately $121 million of MEP’s funding goes directly to the MEP Centers. Additional funds are provided 

in direct support of the MEP National 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

In April of 2018 the W.E. Upjohn Institute released an updated study which found the MEP Program generated 

a substantial economic and financial return of nearly 14.5:1 for the $128 million invested in FY 2017 by the 

federal government. 

The study also found that total employment in the U.S. was over 219,000 higher because of MEP Center 

projects than without the program. The Upjohn study also examined additional areas of economic impact not 

previously reported by the MEP Program:

z Personal income is $13.76 billion higher

z GDP is $22.01 billion larger, translating into an increase of $1.86 billion in personal income tax 

revenue to the federal government than without the program. 
32 | 2018 Advisory Board Annual Report

Looking Towards the Future with a New Mission 

and Vision

The MEP Advisory Board is confident the changes continuing to be implemented through the MEP National 

Network will result in increased effectiveness of the MEP Program 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.
2018 Advisory Board Annual Report | 33
100 BUREAU DRIVE M/S 4800

GAITHERSBURG, MD 20899

PHONE: (301) 975-5020

EMAIL: MFG@NIST.GOV

WEB: WWW.NIST.GOV/MEP

Enhancing the productivity and 

technological performance of 

U.S. manufacturing.