As a major university, research and technology assessment is an integral part of the MRC's culture. Faculty, graduate research assistants, laboratories, connections to the National Science Foundation and close relations to several National Laboratories facilitate MRC's ability to provide excellent performance in this area. However, those that do participate get substantial benefits from projects that they specify, approve and monitor. The recent work on shaft alignment is a good example, providing sponsoring companies with savings that totaled many times the amount spent to sponsor the project. Access to information.
Members receive important information through both formal and informal communication channels.
MRC's semi-annual member meetings have evolved into forums for information transfer, involving presentations on new technologies, best practices and leading edge management approaches. Meetings often include case studies presented by member companies. The Center also acts as an informal clearinghouse, passing along pertinent information to its members, putting members in contact with other appropriate sources of pertinent information, facilitating member contacts, etc. MRC's member companies find that they belong to a very unique group whose members share a common vision. Relationships developed at MRC functions frequently lead to further positive contacts outside of formal MRC activities.