Virtual Lean Peer Group #31
October 10, 2024 thru September 11, 2025
1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Build a Lean Culture to Ensure Long-Term Success
MWCC has held regional Lean Peer Groups throughout Maryland since 2012. This program is now available to organizations regardless of company location.
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:
Program Features!
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).
Virtual Lean Peer Group #32
February 19, 2025 thru January 21, 2026
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 that 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 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 PDF files.
Ø Participants who successfully complete the program will be presented with a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certificate.
COMPLETE COURSE DESCRIPTION HERETRAINING 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).
REGISTRATION OPEN!
Virtual Lean Peer Group #33
June 17, 2025 to May 19, 2026
🚀 Lean Applies Everywhere! 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 join 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 An opportunity for members to share experiences, seek input, and discuss 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! With videoconferencing, there are no room capacity concerns. Plus, 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: Our Lean Peer Groups include a mix of companies across various industries and Lean maturity levels—from those just starting to Lean-mature organizations. The only requirement is a sincere commitment to continuous improvement.
👤 Meeting Attendees: No restrictions on company position—typical attendees include Lean facilitators and company leaders. Front-line leaders would greatly benefit from participation. Anyone interested in learning more about Lean is welcome.
💰 What About the Cost?
Lean Peer Group participation includes a one-year MWCC membership (a $1250 value!).
💡 Grant Opportunity: Your company might qualify for 50% reimbursement of the $3000 fee at the end of the Peer Group round (subject to funding availability). This means Maryland companies could effectively pay $250 for their entire organization for a year-long program.
🌎 Non-Maryland organizations should check grant availability in their states.
Leading the Toyota Way: Join us in Columbus, Indiana!
Presented by the Lean Leadership Academy
Are you struggling to get your leadership engaged in your Lean transformation? Do you wonder what Toyota looks for in an operational leader—or whether Toyota uses Leader Standard Work? If your organization is focused on recruiting, developing, and retaining highly engaged Lean leaders—from the shop floor to the C-suite—then this workshop is for you.
What You’ll Learn & Experience:
Who Should Attend
This program is ideal for:
Workshop Dates:
June 24–26, 2025 (All times Eastern)
June 27, 2025 (Aisin Facility Tour)
Workshop Location: Hampton Inn Columbus/Taylorsville 12161 N US 31, Edinburgh, IN 46124 (25 miles from Indianapolis Intl airport)
Toyota Tour & Workshop Location: Toyota Material Handling 5559 Inwood Drive, Columbus, IN (14 miles from hotel)
Facility Tour Location:
Aisin USA Mfg., Inc. 1700 East Fourth Street, Seymour, IN 47274 (16 miles from hotel - one hour from Aisin to Indianapolis Intl Airport)
Workshop Fee:
MWCC Members: $3,120 per person (includes 4% credit card processing fee)
– Pay $3,000 if paying by check
Non-Members: $3,588 per person (includes 4% credit card processing fee)
– Pay $3,450 if paying by check
Note: Pizza Social evening of Day 1. Lunch is provided on Days 1-3. The fee does not include travel, lodging, or local transportation.
Ready to Lead the Toyota Way? Spots are limited—join us for this transformative experience and bring back the mindset, skills, and structure to lead your Lean journey with confidence.
Meet Your Instructors
Sam McPherson Sam McPherson is the President of the Lean Leadership Academy, where he develops leaders capable of driving successful Lean transformations. He facilitates Toyota Gemba walking tours and conducts workshops on the Toyota Management System. An internationally recognized authority on leadership, leader development, and operational excellence, Sam was trained as a Toyota Scholar at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky from 1993 to 1995. He is a certified trainer through the Toyota Institute and a Shingo Institute Faculty Fellow. Sam continues to support Toyota and its Tier One and Tier Two suppliers as well as alternative suppliers across multiple industries. His career includes leadership roles ranging from plant manager to COO and president. Sam is a retired combat veteran and former U.S. Army Special Forces commander.
Tom Lego Toyota Brand Ambassador, Toyota Material Handling With deep knowledge of Toyota’s history and approach, Tom brings brand and product expertise from the award-winning TMH plant in Columbus, IN.
About the Lean Leadership Academy
Founded in 2004, the Academy specializes in developing Lean organizational leadership based on Toyota’s management system. Programs are designed to help organizations build Lean leadership pipelines, implement Lean management operating systems, and foster cultures of excellence.
About Toyota Material Handling
Toyota Material Handling is the #1 forklift manufacturer in North America and winner of Assembly Magazine’s Plant of the Year Award. Known as a benchmark in Lean manufacturing, the TMH facility in Columbus, IN, showcases world-class mixed model manufacturing and Toyota Production System practices. This experience brings classroom learning to life.
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.
INTRALOX
LEAN MANUFACTURING PLANT TOUR
(LIMIT 2 SPOTS PER COMPANY)
Intralox, a member of the Maryland World Class Consortia (MWCC), invites you to a site tour at their facility. This tour is an opportunity to share their Lean practices and the progress they have made on their journey towards Operational Excellence.
Intralox is the leading conveyance solutions provider helping move the world’s most critical products. Their extensive portfolio of technologies and services enhances food safety, powers e-commerce, and solves challenges for industries ranging from food processing to industrial manufacturing to logistics and material handling. https://www.intralox.com/about
Their Lean journey began with a commitment to maximizing customer value, reducing costs, and fostering an environment where talented and motivated individuals can thrive. During your visit, you will see the impact of their Lean initiatives, including visual management tools like the Andon system, flow lines, lane stock, 5S, and Takt time displays.
As they move into 2025, they are introducing a new initiative aimed at reducing waste, improving flow, and enhancing end-of-line quality through the principle of one-piece flow. Attendees will gain insights into this initiative and others while touring the facility and engaging with key operational leaders on the production floor.
The Intralox Team looks forward to hosting the MWCC and all attendees for a session of learning and sharing insights.
AGENDA (SUBJECT TO CHANGE)
COMPOSITE OR STEEL TOE SHOES REQUIRED. IF YOU HAVE THEM, PLEASE WEAR THEM. SOME SLIP-ONS WILL BE AVAILABLE.
9:00 am Arrive
9:10 am Refreshments
9:15 am Facility Overview Presentation
9:50 am Tour
11:50 am Wrap-up & networking over box lunches
Substitutions for registrants permitted. No refunds.
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