Putting Excellence into Operational Excellence
The Georgia Association of Manufacturers (GAM) hosted its first-ever Operational Excellence Conference June 13 – 15. Nearly 170 manufacturers, associates and stakeholders attended. The event was held at the Cloudland Resort near LaFayette and included a tour of the world-class GE/Roper manufacturing facility, extensive discussion on many critical manufacturing topics, plenty of socializing and a rain-soaked golf tournament for good measure.
We were also blessed with a “strawberry moon” on the first night which cast a glow across the Cloudland valley. Sometimes nature cooperates.
The development of this conference was borne from a question: “How can we deliver more value for our members?”
Our GAM team felt the answer was “to go wider and deeper” on the topics that matter most. We took the first step toward greater value delivery by creating the Operational Excellence (OE) Council in 2024. This was the first new GAM Council in many years.
Council members voted to define OE by five “pillars” or major functional categories. These are Operations; Health, Security, Safety and Environment; Legal; Workforce; and HR Management. This framework provides the width and enables the depth necessary for more robust conversations on these mission critical topics.
The next step to greater value delivery would then be to build a conference around these pillars. Throughout months of planning and preparation, the members of the Council formulated an agenda, invited speakers and signed up to lead panel discussions at the Conference.
Based on member responses to our OE Conference survey, the event was a hit. The numbers tell much of the story:
- 83% said they were very satisfied with the Conference
- 60% said the Conference exceeded their expectations
- And 85% said the Conference content was relevant and applicable to their roles
But along with the numbers, survey comments from members prove we are on the right track with our approach to OE. Here’s a sample:
“Exceptional Job! Well Planned! Friendly, easy-going environment, great facilities, much better than big city convention hall!!!!!!!”
“I was nervous going into this conference but will admit that I am very happy with the final product. Great keynote speakers, informative breakout sessions, and a nice plant tour.”
“It is always fantastic networking with such an inspiring group of manufacturing professionals and developing business relationships in a field that contributes significantly to our economy.”
We also received some constructive feedback. The length of this and other GAM conferences can be a challenge, cost is a perennial barrier to participation and folks like meeting locations with as many things to see and do as possible.
We will take all the feedback to heart, and in the spirit of Operational Excellence, commit to focusing on continuous improvement and bringing even more value to our members.
GAM members: click here to see presentations from our Operational Excellence Conference presenters.
