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:
Program Features!
Who Should Attend?
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.
LEAN PEER GROUP COHORT #35
February 18, 2026 thru January 20, 2027
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.
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.
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.)
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.
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).
LEAN SIX SIGMA GREEN BELT CERTIFICATION
(See below re Training Funds)
The Maryland World Class Consortia is pleased to bring you the Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification in partnership with the Dr. Mikel J. Harry Six Sigma Management Institute (SSMI).
The Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Program of Study is intended to develop technical leaders who are capable of propelling their respective organizations toward best-in-class status by reducing costs, improving cycle times, eliminating defects, eliminating variation, and significantly increasing customer satisfaction.
Green Belts are highly trained practitioners who possess the technical knowledge and skills that are necessary to facilitate breakthrough improvements in key processes that support the overall business aims and operational goals of an enterprise.
Commitment
This comprehensive 20-week Green Belt Course will require a five (5) hour weekly commitment. The actual task time will vary. The program's webinar schedule for the Blended Learning model will be assigned by the facilitator and the students based on their availability.
Program Cost
The fee for the Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Program is $1995 per person and includes a free one-year membership to the MWCC (a $1250 value). This tuition covers all academic modules and course training material. Students will receive a training guide in the form of Summary Slides that review each module in the form of PDF files.
Participants who successfully complete the program will be presented with a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certificate.
COMPLETE COURSE DESCRIPTION HERE
TRAINING FUNDS
Maryland manufacturing & technology companies can be eligible for 50% reimbursement of the program training costs. Please contact Joyce La Padula at 410-960-3785 or via email at joyce@leanmaryland.com for reimbursement criteria.
The LSSGB Program is appropriate for workers at all levels in the organization. This structured program provides guidance for change agents the organization may be underutilizing. No prior exposure to Lean Six Sigma is required. Candidates would enjoy solving problems, working with data as well as working in a project-based, team-oriented environment.
Prerequisites
Basic arithmetic skills are essential (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, decimals) and a basic knowledge of statistics . Basic computer skills are also essential. In this context, a rudimentary understanding of Excel is highly recommended.
If you have questions about this program, contact MWCC Managing Director, Joyce La Padula (410-960-3785).
LEAN PEER GROUP COHORT #36
June 16, 2026 thru May 18, 2027
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.
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.)
Companies actively engaged in Lean offer a treasure trove of information when it comes to their respective Lean journeys. Benchmarking these companies brings you new ideas, an affirmation of your current practices, and an opportunity to be spurred on and take next steps in your own organization. To that end, we are continuing to bring you monthly tours so you can take advantage of this knowledge base. Each plant tour offers a unique opportunity to dialog with peers from across industries and functions about best practices, challenges and solutions to moving your organization forward.
LEAN MANUFACTURING PLANT TOUR
Join the Maryland World Class Consortia for an engaging plant tour at Pompeian in Baltimore, Maryland. Founded in 1906 and farmer-owned, Pompeian is dedicated to helping people eat, live, and feel better every day. Guided by our three core values, Lead with Heart, Pursue Excellence, and Dare to Be Bold, the company is committed to raising standards and making a meaningful impact across three key areas:
Pompeian applies Lean manufacturing principles to enhance operational efficiency, reduce waste, and support continuous improvement, with a strong focus on sustainability and quality. As a member of the Maryland World Class Consortia, Pompeian actively embraces Lean practices, using Kaizen to drive ongoing improvements across its facility. During this tour, you’ll gain firsthand insight into how Lean tools have strengthened efficiency, quality, and safety—and how Pompeian is leveraging these principles to develop its workforce for the future.
Agenda (Subject to change):
9:00 - 9:15 Introduction/Refreshments
9:15 - 9:45 Lean journey
9:45 - 11:15 Tour
11:15 - 11:30 Tour Debrief
11:30 - 12:30 Wrap Up/Lunch/Networking – Everyone to join in & discuss with MWCC & wrap up!
If you have any special dietary requirements, please contact us, and we will do our best to arrange alternative selections.
Substitutions for registrants permitted. No refunds.
We invite you to support our organization at many different levels.
Join Now Sponsor the MWCC
Gold Sponsor
Silver Sponsor
Join Our Mailing List Subscribe
© Maryland World Class Consortia, Ltd. All rights reserved.
Website by GNPWDR
