Supplier Transformation Annual Forum Builds New Paradigms for 21st Century Success

Los Angeles, CA, USA(SANEPR.com) October 4, 2007 -- – The California Space Authority (CSA) announced the agenda today for the upcoming U.S. Department of Labor, California Innovation Corridor, “Supplier Transformation Annual Forum” on Wednesday, October 24, 2007, in El Segundo, California.

Dr. Wanda Austin, President and CEO, effective January 2008, The Aerospace Corporation, will present the keynote address on the industry outlook at this one-day forum. The event captures the modern challenges faced by U.S. suppliers and manufacturers in the aerospace industry and how innovation and collaboration are keys to 21st Century success.

“The Supplier Transformation Annual Forum is a nexus for fresh ideas,” noted CSA Manager of Industry & Workforce Manufacturing Development, Christine Purcell. “Today, more than ever, suppliers can have direct contact with primes. The way we think about labor, about production methods, it’s all flat—it’s a world that operates more like a network because communication technology allows us to reach people in real time almost anywhere in the world. This forum addresses those radical changes and what suppliers need to do today to compete globally.”

The forum is hosted by Raytheon Company with input from a Supply Chain Industry Advisory Group, chaired by Dina Hyde, Vice President, Supply Chain Management, Raytheon Space and Airborne Systems, El Segundo, California; and from a Space Manufacturing Group chaired by Kellie Johnson, President, ACE Clearwater Enterprises, Torrance, California, a multi-tier supplier of discrete complex parts and assemblies.

“I think California Suppliers will find this forum packed with insights and information about what it takes to be successful and assure mission success in today's challenging and dynamic aerospace industry,” stated Dina Hyde.

The forum focuses on Suppliers, and offers a chance for all supply tiers to provide a voice, meet new contacts, and learn about available resources The event includes panel discussions on “Industry Requirements for Success,” “Industry Realities of Collaboration,” “Industry Success in Transformations: Prime/Supplier Teams,” and Industry Success via Leveraged Resources: Innovative Opportunities.” There is also an opportunity for matchmaking as well.

Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin, The Boeing Company, Aerojet, and The Aerospace Company are attending (Supply Chain and Technical Product professionals) along with educational and labor groups including several California Community Colleges, Cal-State Los Angeles, USC Viterbi School of Engineering, and the California Labor Federation (AFL-CIO).

“I think attendees will be surprised at how large a role innovation and collaboration play in being successful in today’s marketplace,” added Purcell. “Suppliers and manufacturers are seeing a new world of changes, and this forum will help them recognize those changes and take steps to be successful.”

The event is free to interested professionals. Early registration is strongly encouraged. Seats at this event are limited to the first 100 registrants. Easy registration is available by visiting http://www.innovatecalifornia.net/2_1_forum_071024/ at the Innovate California web site.

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