U.S. manufacturing has shifted from a nearly 11% share of the economy a decade ago to just 8% this year. But these numbers are not granular enough to provide much meaning. Many manufacturing industries continue to expand or are, indeed, just getting started, while some others still are experiencing major declines.
U.S. manufacturers shelled out more than $700 million and racked up 6 million staff hours to comply with government rules to disclose conflict minerals in their supply chains, according to Tulane University research. Still, many companies have no idea whether materials vital to their manufacturing process originate from Congo and other war-torn countries. And in the end, it may not matter.
As manufacturing firms expand domestically, they also are venturing overseas to look for growth opportunities. This is especially true as the dollar powers up, considering the WSJ Dollar Index has hit its highest mark since September 2003. In fact, half the U.S. manufacturers surveyed in this year’s Bank of America Merrill Lynch CFO Outlook are most likely to grow internationally by setting up an in-market subsidiary.
The Panama Canal Expansion Project is the first major renovation the canal has undergone since its opening in 1914, and when it opens in April, it means the canal will be able to accommodate a new line of vessels that were too large to pass through before—ships that can carry about double the tonnage of the ones the Panama Canal could accommodate previously.
Chief Executive Group exists to improve the performance of U.S. CEOs, senior executives and public-company directors, helping you grow your companies, build your communities and strengthen society. Learn more at chiefexecutivegroup.com.
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1:00 - 5:00 pm
Over 70% of Executives Surveyed Agree: Many Strategic Planning Efforts Lack Systematic Approach Tips for Enhancing Your Strategic Planning Process
Executives expressed frustration with their current strategic planning process. Issues include:
Steve Rutan and Denise Harrison have put together an afternoon workshop that will provide the tools you need to address these concerns. They have worked with hundreds of executives to develop a systematic approach that will enable your team to make better decisions during strategic planning. Steve and Denise will walk you through exercises for prioritizing your lists and steps that will reset and reinvigorate your process. This will be a hands-on workshop that will enable you to think about your business as you use the tools that are being presented. If you are ready for a Strategic Planning tune-up, select this workshop in your registration form. The additional fee of $695 will be added to your total.
2:00 - 5:00 pm
Female leaders face the same issues all leaders do, but they often face additional challenges too. In this peer session, we will facilitate a discussion of best practices and how to overcome common barriers to help women leaders be more effective within and outside their organizations.
Limited space available.
10:30 - 5:00 pm
General’s Retreat at Hermitage Golf Course
Sponsored by UBS
General’s Retreat, built in 1986 with architect Gary Roger Baird, has been voted the “Best Golf Course in Nashville” and is a “must play” when visiting the Nashville, Tennessee area. With the beautiful setting along the Cumberland River, golfers of all capabilities will thoroughly enjoy the golf, scenery and hospitality.
The golf outing fee includes transportation to and from the hotel, greens/cart fees, use of practice facilities, and boxed lunch. The bus will leave the hotel at 10:30 am for a noon shotgun start and return to the hotel after the cocktail reception following the completion of the round.
