In the new economy manufacturers must contend with a multitude of issues including tighter credit conditions, pressure to cut costs, and declining sales. Fast changing business conditions require innovative solutions in all areas of the organization. Rapid access to information and communications technologies means that integrated software solutions are essential, in today’s economy, to help address challenges, such as:

• Rising business costs
• Changing patterns of customer demand
• Competition from China
• New product development
• Managing supplier capabilities

Join us as Jayson Myers, President of Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters, highlights how recent changes in the economy and global environment can impact Canadian manufacturers both in the short and long term.

Additionally, Dave Miller, Country Manager - Microsoft Business Solutions, and Joel Martin, Senior ERP Product Manager for Microsoft Canada Co., will discuss how technology can turn challenges into opportunities by helping manufacturers to:

• Create innovative products
• Establish and manage effective processes and practices across the organization
• Improve operations and reduce costs
• Develop profitable customer relationships

Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME) is Canada’s leading trade and industry association and the voice of manufacturing and global business in Canada.

The association directly represents more than 10,000 leading companies nationwide. More than 85% of CME’s members are small and medium-sized enterprises. As Canada’s leading business network, CME, through various initiatives including icosmo.ca and the establishment of the Canadian Manufacturing Coalition, touches more than 100,000 companies from coast to coast, engaged in manufacturing, global business and service-related industries.

CME’s membership network accounts for an estimated 82% of total manufacturing production and 90% of Canada’s exports.