Converter Executive Summit - A view to success in challenging times

Converter Executive Summit A view to success in challenging times

"The economy, changing end user expectations, ups and downs in demand, rapidly changing market opportunities…these and other variables add up to challenging and uncertain times for us and our converters, " says Mike Wiener, U.S. Converter Markets Business Market Manager. "To identify and better define the challenges, we and leading converters joined together for the 3M 2009 Converter Executive Summit in St. Paul. Over three days, we evaluated and refined strategies for managing change and converting uncertainty into mutual advantage. We considered tactics ranging from product diversification to equipment upgrades and employee motivation."

The Summit convened from Wednesday 8/19 through Friday 8/21 at the Innovation Center with the theme "A View to Success." 116 converters attended from across the country, and one from as far away as the United Kingdom.

Jim Fall, U.S. Sales and Marketing Director, adds, "Objectives for the Summit were to better clarify where we and converters are with our strengths, look ahead to where we need to go as a team, and determine specifically what we need to get there. We wanted the Summit to be a unique vantage point with new perspectives and views on success in three areas: the Business, Technology, and Operations."

The Business View included such topics as the foundations of planning, assessing strengths and building on them, short cuts to diversification, leveraging 'Big 3M', and growth market opportunities such as renewable energy and the military.

"Many people contributed time and expertise to add value to each topic," continues Fall. "3M financial management, for example, shared observations on economic trends that could affect the converter's business. A Google representative revealed the latest techniques in e-commerce and placing higher in search engines."

Wiener explains that the Technology View included new product introductions such as 3M™ High Performance Quick Stick Acrylic Adhesive 360. "This new adhesive family can help converters expand business in applications with hard-to-bond surfaces.

For example, we see an increase in the use of LSE plastics that is inexpensive for the manufacturer but hard to assemble with other adhesives. We also introduced a new sealing tape for specialty vehicles, construction, and other markets…and a bubble-free structured adhesive for smooth application of large hand-applied labels."

As a Technology View highlight, the Innovation Tour provided hands-on introductions to new products from throughout the 3M world. Wiener says, "This was a trade show format, complete with expertly staffed booths from multiple divisions. Nowhere else could a converter so conveniently browse so many 3M technologies and resources in one place."

As part of the Operations View, converters could meet experts in die-cutting and laser cutting equipment and learn what's new and what's coming for enhancing capabilities. Additionally, motivational guest speaker Jermaine Davis, author of "Leading with Greatness," identified a ready source of power for energizing equipment operators and every converter employee.

"What we gained from the Summit," concludes Fall, "is a better understanding of what 3M can do to help the converter succeed. These three days enhanced our relationships and renewed enthusiasm for collaboration on the goal of shared growth."

And what do converters say? Here are some typical responses:
"It was a great experience. The changes at 3M are exciting."
"Excellent job…surpassed all of my expectations."
"Very informative and good use of my time."
"It was a great meeting. Look forward to a good year in 2010."
"Fabulous program...a valuable event."

For additional information contact Bill Mezzano at 651-733-9779 or Kim Jansen at 651-733-9268.

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