Conference On Business Innovation Set
For May 12 At Randolph Community College

ASHEBORO, N.C.--North Carolina's industrial future is taking shape now, but not only in terms of plant closings and fleeing jobs. "Jobs are being created," says Robert L. Edwards, recently retired from N.C. State University, where he directed the manufacturing extension program. "New jobs are being created as medical device, auto parts, biomanufacturing, specialty chemical, engineering-intensive, and transportation-related industries quietly develop and expand."

Edwards will be one of the speakers at a one-day Business Innovation Conference at Randolph Community College on May 12 to showcase new ideas, business models, and products. The conference is being sponsored by Randolph Community College, Randolph County Economic Development Corporation, Sprint, Piedmont Associated Industries, the Piedmont Triad Partnership, the North Carolina Department of Commerce, the North Carolina Citizens for Business & Industry, the Asheboro/Randolph Chamber of Commerce, and the Small Business and Technology Development Center.

Steven Little, senior consultant with Inc. Business Resources and consultant to Sprint, will be the keynote speaker on "Growing Your Business in the 21st Century." Little is a leading authority on growing businesses. Over the last 15 years, Little has been president of three fast-growth companies, including Erb Industries and FAME Inc. As president of The Queensboro Shirt Company, he helped build one of the country's most successful e-commerce sites.

Also speaking at the Innovation Conference will be Dr. James Jeck, who specializes in helping companies to bring new ideas to market. Jeck earned his undergraduate degree from Rutgers University, completed an executive MBA from Duke University, and the Ph.D. program at Duke's Fuqua School of Business. He taught for 10 years at N.C. State University's School of Management. He is currently a private consultant, working with industry on a variety of innovative projects.

During the conference, successful innovation and entrepreneurship will be described by a panel of industrial leaders active in central North Carolina, representing RF Micro Devices, Thorlo, Acme-McCrary, and The Timken Company.

Jim Throneburg, president of Thorlo, has represented innovation in business like few others. The key to Thorlo's continuing profitability is as simple as (and as challenging as) creating products that are the best value-added, from the consumers' point of view.

With the continual decrease in consumption of ladies sheer hosiery, Acme-McCrary responded to the market shift by utilizing its experience and business partnerships to enter a new business category. Presenters from Acme-McCrary will be Diana Donahue, president of Carolina Apparel, LLC, and vice president of the seamless division of Acme-McCrary, and John O.H. Toledano Jr., vice president of Acme-McCrary.

Jerry D. Neal, cofounder and executive vice president of marketing and strategic development for RF Micro Devices, will focus on how changing business environments and the rapidly evolving communications industry have impacted RFMD's business plan.

The Timken Company will be represented by Michael E. Karaman, general manager of the Asheboro plant, who will discuss how the 100-year-old company has remained a key player in the anti-friction bearing market by renewing itself in the areas of products, manufacturing processes, and people.

In addition, Bob Edwards will speak on "Surviving and Prospering in the New Manufacturing Reality." Edwards holds B.S. and M.S. degrees from N.C. State University. He is currently on a temporary assignment with the North Carolina Department of Commerce.

The Innovation Conference, which will be held from 9 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. in Randolph Community College's Learning Resources Center on the Asheboro Campus, is designed for owners and executives of manufacturing companies to learn how North Carolina companies in various industries have profited by devising new business methods, finding new markets, or marketing new products.

This information-filled session is made possible for just $35 thanks to the support of our sponsors. The fee includes lunch. Registration must be received by Wednesday, May 5. For more information or to register, visit RCC's web site at www.randolph.edu/2004innovation.html or call Sharon Warren at (336) 633-0275.