As in 2014, it was the first choice for 100% of responders, compared to 83% of responders in 2013.
A concern about government regulations as a risk factor was cited by all companies surveyed, putting it in a tie position as the No. 1 factor.
The category with the highest increase in concern was “legal proceedings and litigation,” ranked 8th. Given the increasing enmity between the manufacturing community and federal regulators, it isn’t surprising that this risk factor was cited by 95% of companies this year, compared with just 79% in 2014 and 57% in 2013.
The category that jumped the second most was “environmental regulations, laws and liability,” tied for 5th, and cited by 96% of respondents this year vs. 87% in 2014.
The top 5 concerns were:
It’s easy to see, based on these responses, that “the government isn’t making good regulations and rules that are pro-business or pro-worker,” argued Rick Schreiber, partner in manufacturing and distribution for BDO USA, the U.S. arm of the UK-based management-consulting firm.
The most practical way for manufacturers to make a difference in these and other risks, Schreiber said, is to join a trade group that tries to influence policy-making in Washington, D.C., and in state capitals. “If we really want to lobby and make an impact on environmental or other regulatory issues going forward, and reform any of them, we absolutely have to build a manufacturing army.”
He feels manufacturing CEOs could help boost public appreciation of the economic contributions of manufacturing by getting involved in annual “manufacturing days” in communities. “Among other things, that elevates the industry’s reputation among potential future workers,” Schreiber said. “And we’re going to need that talent.”
For the 2015 BDO ranking of manufacturing risks, click here.
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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.
