2025 is Here – Ready or Not

By Bob Zaruta, President/CEO, NWIRC

The start of a new year is always a time of reflection and planning. A time to reassess goals, strategies, and operations. But we can’t stop there. We know 2025 will bring a fresh slate of opportunities and challenges. With a new president and administration taking the helm, we will see shifts in policies, economic conditions, and market dynamics. And with times changing and an evolving business environment, the level of uncertainty and things that are out of our control will likely be greater. Perhaps this year, more than ever, the need for strategic agility and robust decision-making is paramount. As we prepare to seize new opportunities, confront challenges, and navigate the unexpected, the organizations that equip their people with the right tools and skills and that strengthen their team dynamics will gain a decisive competitive advantage.

With all this in mind, NWIRC is excited to announce a brand-new conference experience for our region – and we hope it will also attract from well beyond. Driving Impact for Manufacturers (DIFM) 2025 is scheduled for March 25 at the Erie Bayfront Convention Center. With a theme, “A Perfect Trifecta: Tools, Talent, and Teamwork”, it’s designed to equip manufacturers with the essential tools to attract, develop, and retain their talent, and foster teamwork to drive impactful growth.

One of the standout features of the conference is the “Ready or Not”, manufacturing business simulation game. This immersive, hands-on experience is designed to sharpen strategic thinking and foster teamwork among participants. By stepping into leadership roles within
a fictional manufacturing company, attendees will navigate real-world business challenges, making critical decisions that mirror the complexities of today’s market. This simulation not only enhances strategic and analytical skills but also provides a unique opportunity for team building and networking, making it an essential component of our conference agenda.

‘Ready or Not’ was developed by the Oregon Manufacturing Extension Partnership (OMEP), a sister-center to NWIRC with in the Manufacturing Extension Partnership National Network. They designed the game to help manufacturers of all sizes enhance their strategic and analytical capabilities in a dynamic, hands-on environment. I’ve had the opportunity to participate in the business simulation opportunity two different times at national MEP conferences —– and can vouch for the powerful outcomes from the
experience. Participants grow their strategic awareness and appreciation for internal and external forces, the roles and talents of others on the team, and the rewards and consequences of decisions. I witnessed the “strategic grooming” that takes place as participants gain new perspectives and are equipped and inspired to think and act like business owners and managers. It’s exciting and fun and offers camaraderie but will also get you to think about scenarios at your own company. Topics during discussion include strategic planning, lean manufacturing, expanding production, supply chain optimization, employee development, growing distribution channels, enterprise resource planning, IT and cybersecurity, brand development, and sales & marketing.

Consider bringing a group from your organization to the conference and experience ‘Ready or Not’. Your company’s greatest competitive
advantage is adapting to change faster than your competition. ‘Ready or Not’ strengthens your team’s adaptability in three ways:

1. Raises business IQ. Participants gain new perspectives by
   collaborating across business functions to deliver business results. It becomes a premium employee development experience.
2. Builds a strategic mindset. Employees who understand the internal and external factors critical to your company’s success are more willing to embrace new strategies and implement changes critical increasing
   profitability. building.
3. Strengthens teamwork & connections. Ready or Not’s “collaborate to compete” design promotes knowledge sharing, open communication and relationship building.

We’ll be sharing many more details about DIFM25 in the coming days and weeks, including an introduction of our exciting keynote speaker, Chris Czarnik, author of Winning the War for Talent. As we embark on this new year, let’s embrace the unknowns with confidence and preparedness. Join us at the conference and take part in this unique and transformative experience. (nwirc.org/drivingimpact2025)