The Leaders Alliance is an affiliate of the Manufacturers Alliance, a local member association that benefits manufacturing companies through peer-to-peer education and information sharing.

Specifically, the Leaders Alliance is a group of peers from member companies who meet one morning a month to discuss critical issues of mutual concern.  Monthly programs typically involve a presentation, tour and critique, most frequently hosted by a member company.  Members use the group in a variety of ways, such as:  a board of advisors, a peer-consulting forum, a coaching/mentoring session, and/or as networking contacts.

The Mission:

To provide manufacturing leaders the tools they need to bring success and excellence to themselves and their businesses.

The Benefits:

• Sharing of best practices and proven resources
• Benchmarking tours of other manufacturing companies
• Candid and constructive peer critiques
• Discussions of sensitive issues in a confidential forum
• Access to Alliance network of contacts
• ...and more!

Testimonials:

"The Leaders Alliance program provides a catalyst for change for its members. I always return to work after a Leaders Alliance session with a desire to make positive change.

Gyrus Medical is embarking on a Lean Manufacturing initiative and the Leaders Alliance - Operations Group has been invaluable as a support mechanism for me. I can count on knowledgeable feedback on questions and have been offered help in solving a variety of problems by Operation Group members."

Craig Swandal, Director of Operations, Gyrus Medical

"I am very enthusiastic about this organization and would be glad to do anything I could to let non-members know what they are missing. An honest business person knows that we all need help. This is the most cost effective method of getting that help that I have found."

Jim Dow, President, Diversified Plastics

Member Qualifications

Industry Type: Members must work in a manufacturing firm.

Group Responsibility:

• Executive Group
  CEOs, presidents, owners and general managers
• Operations Group
  Responsible for multi-department functions in manufacturing
• Medical Operations Group
  Responsible for multi-department functions in medical device manufacturing
• Production Management Group
  Production-related supervisors and managers usually with single-department responsibility
• Product Development Group
  Technical, managerial and marketing people involved in Product Development
• Lean Enterprise Group
  People who focus on implementing Lean such as: Continuous Improvement and Lean Enterprise Coordinators
• Human Resources Group
  Decision-makers in human resources
• Sales and Marketing Group
  Sales and marketing managers.
• Lean Office Group
  Accounting, Supply Chain Management, Admin Professionals and HR
• Supply Chain Management
  Decision-makers in the Value Stream of: Supply Chain Management, Materials & Inventory Control, Purchasing, Logistics, Distribution, Warehousing, or Outsourcing
• Finance
  CFOs, controllers, accounting and financial managers

Confidentiality: Members will hold in the strictest confidence any sensitive information they learn, hear, or discuss with or about other members, guests, and tour hosts and their businesses, employees, customers, suppliers, and any other persons or issues associated in any way. Therefore, they must sign a confidentiality agreement as further evidence of this intent.

Competition and Conflicts of Interest: Members will disclose any real or potential competitive position they may have relative to any member or host, and then discuss the appropriate action with the Leaders Alliance director. The intent is to maintain a comfort level among members to discuss sensitive issues.

Manufacturing Company Tours: Because members benefit from each other's expertise and experience, they will actively participate in meetings and contribute to conversations, engage in activities, and provide appropriate input. In addition, they will agree to host up to one regular meeting or tour per year at their manufacturing facility.

Trial Attendance: Prospective members may attend a typical meeting on a trial basis without obligation.

Job Transition: Unemployed prospects are not allowed to join with the intent of networking to find a job. However, members who lose their employment and intent to stay in manufacturing and the group will be allowed to continue active membership without further charges during a reasonable transition period.