FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, August 22, 2023
Contact: Robynn Albert, VMEC Marketing & Training Manager
Vermont Manufacturing Extension Center (VMEC)
P.O. Box 12, Randolph Center, VT 05061
(802) 793-2078 / [email protected]
CONNEX™ Vermont Launches Today to Help Spur Statewide and
Domestic Manufacturing Growth
Randolph Center, VT – The Vermont Manufacturing Extension Center (VMEC) today launched its latest program, CONNEX™ Vermont, designed to strengthen the local and domestic manufacturing supply chain. Through CONNEX™ Vermont, Vermont manufacturers will be able to better connect with each other, find local suppliers, discover new business opportunities and manage their supply chains.
The platform is part of the national CONNEX Marketplace™ program which is rolling out across the country to help solve many of the manufacturing supply chain issues and bring more manufacturing opportunities to U.S. suppliers. The CONNEX™ Vermont platform will allow manufacturers to post RFIs and RFQs in the platform’s Business to Business Exchange Center and identify Vermont suppliers who can meet their needs. Small to medium-sized Vermont suppliers can also increase their discoverability by large primes and OEMs based on their capabilities, equipment, processes, materials, certifications and more, which can lead to manufacturing opportunities within new markets.
“Using CONNEX™ Vermont to connect buyers with suppliers is a real benefit for Vermont manufacturers, since it’s time consuming and expensive to search by phone, email and non- validated platforms. It also allows local to local and local to regional/ national commerce by connecting buyers and suppliers visibility to each other,” states Patrick Boyle, VMEC Center Director and CEO. “The VMEC team cares about the diversification and growth of the Vermont manufacturing and supporting economy and we’re committed to providing resources like the CONNEX platform to help with that. This is one more example of our commitment to provide Vermont manufacturers with access to resources that ensure a productive, efficient and resilient manufacturing community.”
CONNEX™ Vermont is open to all Vermont manufacturers within any manufacturing industry. Manufacturers must be approved to join (verified as a manufacturer) but once approved, the program is free for Vermont companies. And thanks to VMEC’s Supply Chain grant, the Green Mountain State’s manufacturers will receive a free year of full national access by registering no later than November 20, 2023 via a promotional code posted on the CONNEX™ Vermont site.
The CONNEX Marketplace™ technology was developed by i5 Services to connect the U.S. manufacturing supply chain. It’s now being used by manufacturers and suppliers across the country to connect with one another and find new business opportunities. Vermont is one of 21 states to roll out the CONNEX Marketplace™ platform, joining Maine, Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, and others that will be joining soon. In each state, the platform is managed by the state’s Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) to provide a coordinated approach to outreach and direction for users; VMEC is Vermont’s MEP.
“We are excited to join forces with VMEC to implement and support the launch of the CONNEX™ Vermont platform,” declared Alan Davis, President and CEO of i5 Services. “From the inception of CONNEX, we recognized the importance of forging strong partnerships within the local manufacturing industry. Our aim has always been to collaborate closely with existing manufacturing partners across the nation, tapping into their deep knowledge of the industry landscape and their well-established relationships with manufacturers and suppliers. VMEC is a critical partner in this endeavor, and we are thrilled to collaborate with them in bringing this exciting new supply chain platform to Vermont manufacturers.”
Interested participants can now register and get more information at CONNEX™ Vermont.
About VMEC: Part of the nationwide MEP National Network and hosted by Vermont State University since 1995, VMEC operates as a not-for-profit with a primary mission, “To Strengthen and Empower Vermont Manufacturers.” A local resource and trusted adviser to manufacturing enterprises of all sizes, the VMEC team brings world-class expertise in consulting, coaching, hands-on implementation support, training and education for leaders and workers. VMEC provides proven systems and solutions focused on strategies, processes, products, technologies and people.
About CONNEX Marketplace by i5 Services: Founded in 2014, CONNEX Marketplace™ is an online manufacturing platform that connects all U.S. manufacturers and suppliers into a single, accurate, searchable supply-chain solution. Manufacturers and suppliers can quickly post and respond to manufacturing needs, illuminate supply chain risk, search for qualified suppliers and discover new business opportunities. The platform is being installed in states throughout the country in partnership with state MEP centers and other partners.
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