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• LPG: Virtual #34

  • Start
    November 13, 2025
  •  
  • End
    October 08, 2026
  • Schedule
    12 sessions
  • Location
    Virtual - Via Zoom
  • Spaces left
    8
  • Registered
    6 registrants

  Virtual Lean Peer Group #34

  Build a Lean Culture to Ensure Long-Term Success

  MWCC has offered Lean Peer Groups since 2012, and participation is open to organizations anywhere — not just those based in Maryland.

  Lean principles apply to all types of organizations, including manufacturers, distributors, service providers, and non-profits. This program is a powerful way to strengthen your Continuous Improvement strategy by connecting with peers who are equally committed to building and sustaining a Lean culture.

  

  Schedule - Each Lean Peer Group meets monthly via Zoom. (Refer to the registration page for the tentative schedule.) However, if anyone is unable to attend on these dates, they may attend one of the other Group meetings.

  Format:

  • Lean Training/Discussion - 1 Hour
  • Topic Examples - Lean Leadership, Resistance to Change, Influence / Motivation, Support System Alignment, Engagement Methods, Office Lean, Lean Fundamentals, Key Lean Tools
  • Company Presentation - 30 minutes
    
  • At each meeting, a Member Company provides a short presentation on Lean activities in their organization, such as a company project, challenge, or Lean plans, for Group learning and/or to obtain member input.
  • Open Discussion - 30 minutes
  • Member sharing of experiences for others to learn and/or to request Group input on issues and challenges.

  Program Features!

  • Member Locations – Participation is open to organizations across Maryland and beyond. The virtual format allows members to join regardless of geographic location.
  • Group Size – Each cohort can include up to 12 organizations. There is no strict limit on how many individuals from each company may attend (within reason).
  • Meeting Schedule & Benefits – The group meets 12 times per year. Members also receive free access to MWCC’s Quarterly Conferences and other member discounts.

  Who Should Attend?

  • Organizations – Not just for manufacturers, our Lean Peer Groups have a mix of companies from a broad range of industries and Lean maturity levels, from those who are just getting started to some who would be considered Lean-mature organizations. The only real requirement is a sincere desire and commitment to moving forward on this never-ending journey of excellence.
  • Meeting Attendees – There are no restrictions as to company position, but typical attendees include Lean facilitators and company leaders. Specifically, front-line leaders would gain greatly from ongoing participation. Though anyone in the organization who wants to learn more about Lean is welcome to participate.

  What about the cost?

  Lean Peer Group participation includes a one-year MWCC membership, a $1250 value.

  
  

  NOTE:  Your company might qualify for grant reimbursement of 50% of the $3000 fee at the end of the Peer Group round. (This reimbursement is subject to availability of funding and adequate appropriation.) Considering these factors, the effective cost for Maryland company participants would be $250 for the whole organization for this year-long program. (Non-Maryland organizations should check grant availability in their states.)

  
  

  Your Lean Peer Group Facilitator
  

  Dan Protzman has been a consulting partner to MWCC since 2019, bringing deep expertise in Lean and leadership development. As Vice President at Business Improvement Group, he helps organizations align strategy, execution, and culture. Dan is one of the few certified Lean Master Practitioners in the U.S., with additional credentials in TWI Job Instruction, the Harada Method, and Lean Leadership. He has trained in Japan with Toyota and the Shingo Institute.

  Questions?

  If you have questions about this program, contact MWCC Managing Director, Joyce La Padula, 410-960-3785.

  Show details
• LPG: Virtual #35

  • Start
    February 18, 2026
  •  
  • End
    January 20, 2027
  • Schedule
    12 sessions
  • Location
    Virtual - Via Zoom
  • Spaces left
    5
  • Registered
    9 registrants

  LEAN PEER GROUP COHORT #35

  February 18, 2026 thru January 20, 2027

  Build a Lean Culture to Ensure Long-Term Success

   

  Lean applies to any type of organization and processing environment. Whether you are a manufacturer, distributor, service organization, or a non-profit, this program should be part of your Continuous Improvement plan. Revamp and re-energize your Lean strategy by networking with and learning from others who are committed to creating a Lean culture.

  Schedule - Each Lean Peer Group meets monthly. (Refer to the registration page for the tentative schedule.) However, if anyone is unable to attend on these dates, they may attend one of the other Group meetings.

  Format:

  • Lean Training/Discussion - 1 Hour
  • Topic Examples - Lean Leadership, Resistance to Change, Influence / Motivation, Support System Alignment, Engagement Methods, Office Lean, Lean Fundamentals, Key Lean Tools
  • Company Presentation - 30 minutes
    
  • At each meeting, a Member Company provides a short presentation on Lean activities in their organization, such as a company project, challenge, or Lean plans, for Group learning and/or to obtain member input.
  • Open Discussion - 30 minutes
  • Member sharing of experiences for others to learn and/or to request Group input on issues and challenges.

  Program Features!

  • Member Locations - Participation is open to organizations and individuals from any region, not limited to Maryland. The video conference format allows participants to join from anywhere, making it accessible regardless of location.
  • Number of Members - No limit since room capacity limitations are not a concern with videoconferencing. Number of participants per company is not restricted (within reason).
  • Number of Meetings - There are 12 monthly meetings, and MWCC Quarterly Conferences and Lean Learnings are no-cost to members.

  Who Should Attend?

  Organizations – Not just for manufacturers, our Lean Peer Groups have a mix of companies from a broad range of industries and Lean maturity levels, from those who are just getting started to some who would be considered Lean-mature organizations. The only real requirement is a sincere desire and commitment to moving forward on this never-ending journey of excellence.

  Meeting Attendees – There are no restrictions as to company position, but typical attendees include Lean facilitators and company leaders. Specifically, front-line leaders would gain greatly from ongoing participation. Though anyone in the organization who wants to learn more about Lean is welcome to participate.

  What about the cost?

  Lean Peer Group participation includes a one-year MWCC membership, a $1250 value. NOTE:  Your company might qualify for grant reimbursement of 50% of the $3000 fee at the end of the Peer Group round. (This reimbursement is subject to availability of funding and adequate appropriation.) Considering these factors, the effective cost for Maryland company participants would be $250 for the whole organization for this year-long program. (Non-Maryland organizations should check grant availability in their states.)

  
  

  Your Lean Peer Group Facilitator
  

  Dave Rizzardo has been the Associate Director of MWCC since 2014. In 2012, he co-developed the Lean Peer Group service and has been facilitating multiple groups since that time. His Lean experience predates the time when Lean became synonymous with business excellence. His recently published book, "Lean - Let's Get It Right! How to Build a Culture of Continuous Improvement", dives into many of the topics discussed and debated during the MWCC Lean Peer Group meetings.

  Questions?

  If you have questions about this program, contact MWCC Associate Director, Dave Rizzardo (717-855-0765) , or MWCC Managing Director, Joyce La Padula (410-960-3785).

  Show details
• LPG: Virtual #36

  • Start
    July 14, 2026
  • End
    June 15, 2027
  • Schedule
    12 sessions
  • Location
    Virtual - Via Zoom
  • Spaces left
    7
  • Registered
    7 registrants

  Registration is closed

  LEAN PEER GROUP COHORT #36

  July 14, 2026 to June 15, 2027

  Build a Lean Culture to Ensure Long-Term Success

   

  Lean applies to any type of organization and processing environment. Whether you are a manufacturer, distributor, service organization, or a non-profit, this program should be part of your Continuous Improvement plan. Revamp and re-energize your Lean strategy by networking with and learning from others who are committed to creating a Lean culture.

  Schedule - Each Lean Peer Group meets monthly VIA ZOOM. (Refer to the registration page for the tentative schedule.) Anyone unable to attend on these dates may attend one of the other Group meetings.

  Format:

  • Lean Training/Discussion - 1 Hour
  • Topic Examples - Lean Leadership, Resistance to Change, Influence / Motivation, Support System Alignment, Engagement Methods, Office Lean, Lean Fundamentals, Key Lean Tools
  • Company Presentation - 30 minutes
    
  • At each meeting, a Member Company provides a short presentation on Lean activities in their organization, such as a company project, challenge, or Lean plans, for Group learning and/or to obtain member input.
  • Open Discussion - 30 minutes
  • Member sharing of experiences for others to learn and/or to request Group input on issues and challenges.

  Program Features!

  • Member Locations - Participation is open to organizations and individuals from any region, not limited to Maryland. The video conference format allows participants to join from anywhere, making it accessible regardless of location.
  • Number of Members - No limit since room capacity limitations are not a concern with videoconferencing. The number of participants per company is not restricted (within reason).
  • Number of Meetings - There are 12 monthly meetings, and MWCC Quarterly Conferences and Lean Learnings are no-cost to members.

  Who Should Attend?

  Organizations – Not just for manufacturers, our Lean Peer Groups have a mix of companies from a broad range of industries and Lean maturity levels, from those who are just getting started to some who would be considered Lean-mature organizations. The only real requirement is a sincere desire and commitment to moving forward on this never-ending journey of excellence.

  Meeting Attendees – There are no restrictions as to company position, but typical attendees include Lean facilitators and company leaders. Specifically, front-line leaders would gain greatly from ongoing participation. Though anyone in the organization who wants to learn more about Lean is welcome to participate.

  What about the cost?

  Lean Peer Group participation includes a one-year MWCC membership, a $1250 value. NOTE:  Your company might qualify for grant reimbursement of 50% of the $3120 fee at the end of the Peer Group round. (This reimbursement is subject to availability of funding and adequate appropriation.) Considering these factors, the effective cost for Maryland company participants would be $250 for the whole organization for this year-long program. (Non-Maryland organizations should check grant availability in their states.)

  
  

  Your Lean Peer Group Facilitator
  

  Dave Rizzardo has been the Associate Director of MWCC since 2014. In 2012, he co-developed the Lean Peer Group service and has been facilitating multiple groups since that time. His Lean experience predates the time when Lean became synonymous with business excellence. His recently published book, "Lean - Let's Get It Right! How to Build a Culture of Continuous Improvement", dives into many of the topics discussed and debated during the MWCC Lean Peer Group meetings.

  Questions?

  If you have questions about this program, contact MWCC Associate Director, Dave Rizzardo (717-855-0765) , or MWCC Managing Director, Joyce La Padula (410-960-3785).

  Show details