CONNSTEP Newsletter | April 2025

Commitment to World-Class Service Leads to Successful Recertification for Medical Products Manufacturer

“As a medical device manufacturer, it is imperative that we have qualified professionals conducting our internal audits to this stringent ISO 13485 standard, as this audit has a direct impact on the success of our recertification. Our consultant is very knowledgeable with a wealth of experience who we see as an important partner in our success. CONNSTEP has been a valuable resource to Beekley over the years and has provided great service and support to ensure we continue to achieve our goals.”

– Kate Chase, Director of Quality and Regulatory, Beekley Corporation

Read more: https://www.connstep.org/case-study/commitment-to-world-class-service-leads-to-successful-recertification-for-medical-products-manufacturer/

Lean Thinking: CONNSTEP Webinar Series

On April 17, CONNSTEP’s Continuous Improvement Consultant, Matin Karbassioon, presented on Lean Thinking, and what it means for your business. Discover the five Lean principles and how to properly implement them. An educational (and unexpectedly fun) webinar you don’t want to miss!

Watch the webinar recording on YouTube: https://connstep.info/LeanThinkingWebinar

Recent Blogs

Connecticut Manufacturers Connect with NASA and Aerospace Prime Contractors at University of Hartford Event

On Thursday, April 3, over 100 Connecticut manufacturers and processors had the unique opportunity at the University of Hartford to engage directly with NASA and its prime contractors about propelling their pathway into the aerospace supply chain. “We are thrilled to welcome NASA back to Connecticut,” said Melissa Grosso, Director of U.S. Commercial Service, Connecticut Office. 

Read more: https://www.connstep.org/news-media/media/connecticut-manufacturers-connect-with-nasa-and-aerospace-prime-contractors-at-university-of-hartford-event/

CONNSTEP Joins Connecticut in Honoring UConn Women’s 2025 NCAA Basketball Title

It’s a sight University of Connecticut basketball fans have come to expect: an April championship parade and rally in downtown Hartford. For the third straight year, fans of all ages cheered on another Husky national title, further cementing UConn’s nickname: The Basketball Capital of the World. 

Read more: https://www.connstep.org/news-media/media/connstep-joins-connecticut-in-honoring-uconn-womens-2025-ncaa-basketball-title/

Upcoming Training & Events

Educational Seminar
Tariffs & Trade Seminar
Date: Thursday, May 1
Time: 3-5 pm
Location: Hartford

impaCT Workshop
CMMC Informational Breakfast with Anna Mumford
Date: Wednesday, May 7
Time: 8 am-10:30 am
Location: Farmington or Online – Hybrid

Webinar Series
CMMC Compliance: What You Need to Know
Date: Thursday, May 8
Time: 11 am-12 noon
Location: Online

Training | Workshops
Supervisor Bootcamp – Late Spring
Date: Fridays, May 9-June 27
Time: 8 am-12 noon
Location: New London

Training | Workshops
Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Bootcamp
Date: Tuesdays & Wednesdays, May 13-May 27
Time: 8:30 am-12:00 pm
Location: Virtual

Manufacturing Meetup | Networking
Manufacturing Meetup: Blooms & Brews
Date: Tuesday, May 13
Time: 4:30-6:30 pm
Location: Danbury

impaCT Workshop
The Lean Progression presented by Bill Greider
Date: Wednesday, May 14
Time: 8 am-12 noon
Location: Waterbury

Webinar Series
CT SMARTE
Date: Thursday, June 12
Time: 11 am-12 noon
Location: Online

impaCT Workshop
The Lean Turnaround presented by Art Byrne
Date: Wednesday, June 18
Time: 8 am-11:30 am
Location: Glastonbury

More Upcoming Events

• Small Business Happy Hour 2025 | May 7 | 4-6 pm
• National Small Business Week SBA Awards & Resource Expo | May 8 | 2-5:45 pm
• Connecticut Business Day 2025 | May 13 | 9 am-12 pm
• Powering Production: Financial Resources for Manufacturers | May 20 | 9-11 am
• 2025 Safety & Health Conference | May 21 | 8:30 am-3:00 pm
• Manufacturing ConneCTion Fair & College Career/Internship Fair | May 15 | 8 am-2:30 pm
• CT Manufacturing Careers Roadshow | May-October

Manufacturing News

• What Small and Medium-Sized Manufacturers Need to Know About Implementing CMMC 
• How Manufacturers Can Build a Sustainable, Local Workforce Pipeline
• SBA Announces Made in America Manufacturing Initiative 
• NIST “Rething Your Supply Chain Strategy for Better Outcomes” Blog
• NIST Awards $15 Million to ASTM International to Establish Standardization Center of Excellence
• Marketing Strategies for Manufacturers: How Building Community Helps Build Your Business
• Required Historical PFAS Reporting Poses Risks Going Forward
  
• Understanding Federal and State Child Labor Laws
• Mastering Inventory Management: Techniques and Strategies for Manufacturers

ManufactureCT Scholarship Program 2025:

Deadline for application is April 30, 2025. ManufactureCT believes in the power of manufacturing to transform lives and pave the way towards a brighter future in manufacturing. Get in touch with them and apply for one of their scholarship opportunities.

If you know a graduating high school senior who’s passionate about manufacturing – whether they’re planning to continue their education or enter the workforce – this is a fantastic opportunity.

Learn more:  https://manufacturect.org/scholarships/

Manufacturing Resources

CT SMARTE

Connecticut Smart Manufacturing Assessment & Access to Reduce Technology Emissions (CT SMARTE) is a free pilot program designed to accelerate the adoption of Smart Manufacturing and High-Performance Computing technologies for CT small and mid-sized manufacturers to reduce their energy consumption and advance manufacturing. 

The application is quick and free to complete. Key benefits: energy savings, smart manufacturing access support, HPC-based modeling, workforce training, and access to customized tools.

Capstone Projects

Each year, dozens of manufacturing companies present engineering schools in Connecticut universities with design challenges they encounter in their business. Students research and analyze the problem, and typically end up with a solution—a design, a model, a working prototype.

Ideally, it’s a win-win for the company and the students: the company has their problem solved and students get hands-on experience problem solving.

CONNSTEP will coordinate the connection between the manufacturer and the university, and assist the process as needed.

Master Digital Thread Manufacturing
Unlock your potential at the cutting-edge Digital Thread Manufacturing Lab.

Grants for Manufacturers 
Grant programs designed to help Connecticut manufacturers acquire the skills, tools, and resources needed to keep pace with today’s rapidly evolving manufacturing ecosystem.

CONNSTEP’s Downloads & Materials
Discover key resources and information to help your organization overcome challenges and meet its goals to advance your business growth, enhance your manufacturing capabilities, and sustain your competitiveness in the industry.

Additional Resources

• Career ConneCT
• CBIA
• CCAT
• Connecticut Manufacturing Ambassadors
• CONNEX Connecticut
• Connecticut Office of Manufacturing
• FORGE Connecticut
• Manufacturing Skills for Connecticut

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