Sister Circle Workshops Help Organizations to Reduce Employee Turnover and Retain Workers

TALLMADGE, OHIO (October 31, 2011) – Research on anxiety and fear among African American women has led Dr. Angela Neal Barnett to develop Sister Circle workshops for leaders in organizations who seek to reduce turnover and retain workers.

“The economic burden of anxiety, fear and panic disorder on business and other organizations is well documented,” explained Dr. Angela Neal-Barnett, award-winning psychologist and associate professor at Kent State University.  “Based on my research with African American women dealing with anxiety, fear and panic, we have been able to use Sister Circles to develop an intervention that can help to reduce the high cost of turnover for the organization.”

Anxiety, panic disorder, and the feeling of isolation are the most expensive and prevalent health problem in the United States, with annual costs estimated at more than $40 billion*.  Anxiety lasts longer and has a higher perceived intensity among Black professional women due to the multiple roles undertaken by Black women and pressure to live up to those many roles.

Neal-Barnett’s Sister Circles workshop training sessions provide human resource professionals in corporations and organizations the opportunity to learn how to develop their own internal Sister Circle programs to help African American women who are dealing with anxiety, fear and panic issues and to ultimately reduce the high cost of recruitment and turnover. The workshops use the best-selling book written by Dr. Angela Neal-Barnett, Soothe Your Nerves: A Black Woman’s Guide to Overcoming Fear, Panic and Anxiety, published by Fireside/Simon and Schuster, as a resource.

About Dr. Angela Neal-Barnett
Dr. Angela Neal-Barnett is a national award winning psychologist, professor, author, and leading expert on anxiety disorders among African Americans.  Currently a tenured member of the psychology faculty at Kent State University, she directs the Program for Research on Anxiety Disorders among African Americans. Dr. Neal-Barnett’s work focuses on fears and social anxiety in African American children as well as panic disorder and worry in African American adults. She is a sought-after workshop presenter and speaker, and the author of “Soothe Your Nerves: The Black Woman’s Guide to Understanding and Overcoming Anxiety, Panic and Fear.” For more information, visit www.SootheYourNerves.com or call 330-608-1937.

Click here to book a Sister Circles Workshop training session for your company or organization.

* R.L.DuPont, DP Rice, LS Miller, et al. Economic costs of anxiety. Anxiety 1996; 2:167-172.
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/(SICI)1522-7154(1996)2:4%3C167::AID-ANXI2%3E3.0.CO;2-L/abstract

Strong Military Focus Creates Unique Single POC for Government Programs

AKRON, OH (October 20, 2011) – GMP Friction Products, a global leader in the development of specialty sintered metallic friction materials in the clutch and brake markets, streamlines communication with the military by offering a single point of contact for all project communication. The single point of contact (POC) is responsible for ensuring efficient coordination of all facets of the concept-to-customer experience, in particular, the exacting process required of vendors working directly with government agencies or any branch of the military.

“As a small business, we needed to make it easier to manage the Defense department projects and their contractors,” said Jerry Lynch, president and COO of GMP Friction Products. “GMP Friction Products offers a single person to coordinate communication between the prime contractors and their sub-contractors to ensure the programs stay on track and departments are held accountable for their role in the process.”

The role of the POC has proven invaluable with coordinating the efforts between prime and sub- contractors ensuring the governmental project leader only has to communicate with one person for any updates.  It is important to have someone who can speak the same language.

Recently, John Murphy, Program Manager and the POC for GMP Friction Products, attended the Modern Day Marine Expo in Quantico, Virginia and the annual meeting and expo for the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) convention in Washington D.C.  He works directly with military representatives to help them source the high quality, high performance friction materials they need for either wet and dry applications, regardless of the temperature or terrain the vehicles traverse.

GMP Friction Products, a self certified, women-owned business, has developed customized capability statements that address the unique requirements and applications found in U.S. Military vehicles and equipment. For a capabilities statement, contact GMP Friction Products by calling 330-633-1226 or visiting their website. 

About GMP Friction Products
Since 1929, GMP Friction Products has designed and manufactured brake pads and clutch plates for use in a variety of industrial and automotive applications. They provide friction material products to non-automotive industrial manufacturers such as off-road vehicles, construction, industrial equipment, aerospace, heavy truck, wind turbine and other specialty markets. GMP Friction Products is a privately-held woman-owned small business.  As a world leader in sintered metallic friction materials, they specialize in working with clients to engineer and create customized parts in a range of materials for controlling, stopping, or transmitting power. For more information, call 330-633-1226 or visit their website at www.gmpfriction.com.

Authentic Spanish Website Provides Added Benefit for Global Customers

MANTUA, OHIO (September 19, 2011) – Mantaline Corporation, a customer-driven manufacturer supplying the heavy truck, automotive, and other similar industries on a global scale, launched a new version of the company website that is entirely available into Spanish.

“Effective communication with our global customers is critical in today’s competitive business environment,” said Salvador Nunez, General Manager of Mexico Operations for Mantaline Corporation.  “Making our website available in Spanish makes good business sense. Spanish is the native language of many of our customers and suppliers, so we want to be easily available and accessible to meet the needs of our audience.”

Their comprehensive website, www.Mantaline.com, offers an overview of the many services and capabilities Mantaline provides.  Clicking the “Español” button found on the top navigation bar permits the user to instantaneously toggle between English and Spanish.  This permits access to information about products and services for the off-road, construction, recreational, industrial, medical, agricultural and automotive markets in either language at the touch of a button.

Unlike some other websites using generic applications, such as Google Translator, Mantaline’s professional engineering team accurately converted each page of their website to ensure a factual and thorough representation of the information.

Mantaline opened their first international facility in Mexico in 2009 to provide fast, cost effective service to their many customers which have operations in Mexico. The expansion into Mexico helped to strengthen distribution channels, intensify the effort to develop new and existing customer relationships and increase business in key industry segments.

ABOUT MANTALINE CORPORATION

Located in the heart of the polymer industry, Mantaline Corporation is a world-class leader known for its engineering competence, quality and precision in extruded parts for the heavy truck, off-road vehicle, rail, automotive, recreational vehicle, and marine industries. For more information about Mantaline, visit their site at www.mantaline.com, call (800) 321-0948, or email info@mantaline.com.

Entrepreneur Provides Insights and Benefits of Starting a Business with Students in Two KSU Classes

HUDSON, OHIO (September 15, 2011) – Since our current economical struggles began at the end of 2008, it has been the vision and hard work of entrepreneurs and small business owners across the United States that have helped to create new jobs and new opportunities.  On Tuesday, September 6, 2011, students at the Center for Entrepreneurship and Business Innovation (CEBI) at Kent State University heard from a local, award winning business owner and entrepreneur on the value of owning your own business.

“I didn’t plan to start my own business after I graduated from Kent,” said Chris Brown, owner of Marketing Results and Results, Inc. and member of the CEBI Advisory Board. “But after seventeen years of working in large companies in the corporate world, I decided to tap into my entrepreneurial spirit and open my own branding and marketing firm.”

During her presentation, Brown shared the story of transitioning from a successful career in the corporate world to opening a small marketing firm and growing her business to become one of the most respected branding firms in Northeast Ohio.

“Kent State offers a wonderful opportunity for students in any course of study to obtain a minor in Entrepreneurship,” said Brown. “Students today need to be prepared for the fact that obtaining their college degree does not guarantee a job. By learning how to develop, operate and build a business they can be more prepared to create their own. 

The CEBI supports students in their efforts to develop and operate their own company. Several student-run businesses are currently in operation including the café at the Kent Library, a laundry service and a company distributing biodegradable bottles.

Chris Brown presented to two entrepreneurship classes, including the Introduction to Entrepreneurship and the Speakers Series Entrepreneurship Class. After sharing her story she answered questions from the students about the struggles and challenges of owning a business.

For more information about the CEBI, visit http://www.kent.edu/cebi.

About Marketing Resources & Results
Founded in 1998, Marketing Resources & Results, Inc. companies nationwide in developing strategic marketing plans and provides market research, graphic design, website development, press releases and other marketing tactics designed to help companies achieve their sales and marketing goals. For more information call 330-656-9793, or visit www.Resources-Results.com.

HUDSON, OHIO (September 8, 2011) – Jerry Lynch and David Gadd, local Akron businessmen, have purchased LifeCenter Plus at 5133 Darrow Road, Hudson, Ohio for an undisclosed sum, effective on Friday, September 2, 2011.

They plan to continue the LifeCenter Plus goal of providing state-of-the-art equipment in a fun environment with a family friendly focus.

“We are very excited about this opportunity. LifeCenter Plus has so much promise with a great facility, qualified trainers, a strong family orientation, and a loyal membership,” explained Jerry Lynch.  “Over the next few months we will be evaluating the fitness programs and the aesthetics of the club and will be formalizing plans to upgrade both the facility and the programming.”

The owners plan to survey members in the first 90 days to find out their opinions and suggestions for changes. “Following the survey we will evaluate a variety of programs,” he said.  “We’ll consider the members input and ideas for improvement.”

Lynch, a long time member and spinning instructor at LifeCenter Plus, is a fitness enthusiast.

About LifeCenter Plus Health and Fitness Club
A premier health and fitness facility, LifeCenter Plus has served the Hudson, Stow and surrounding communities since 1978. The 103,000-square foot multipurpose facility employs 140 people as a full-service, four-season health and fitness club with degreed, certified fitness staff and personal trainers. The fitness club offers individually designed programs and group classes for members.  Facilities include a fitness center with TechnoGym strength-training and cardio equipment; five swimming pools, Spinning Studio; Pilates, Yoga, and Tai Chi Studios, an indoor track, a rock climbing wall, an outdoor BootCamp program, several Kids Klub fitness programs and more.

In May 2011, the aquatics center at LifeCenter Plus was featured in Oprah’s magazine with their 11-member In Synch team.  In 2008, LifeCenter Plus earned the distinction of being listed in the Guinness Book of World records with the “Largest Aqua Aerobic Display” in the world, with 273 people performing choreographed water aerobics simultaneously in LifeCenter Plus’ two indoor pools.  Three years in a row (2007, 2008, and 2009) LifeCenter Plus was honored by Aquatics International Magazine with the “Best in Aquatics” Award. For more information call 330-655-2377or visit the website at www.LifeCenterPlus.com.

Local Publisher has Written over 950 Marketing Articles in 5 Years

HUDSON, OHIO (September 7, 2011) – Branding & Marketing, an award-winning online publication with the latest information on branding strategies and marketing tactics, recently passed 10,000 subscribers worldwide.  Readers subscribe with email or with an RSS feed to automatically get new articles sent to them from the blog.

“Reaching 10,000 subscribers is a real milestone,” said Chris Brown, publisher of the marketing blog. “When I started the online publication in 2006, it was as the company blog for Marketing Resources & Results, because I knew there were many sales and marketing professionals looking for insights into the ever-changing world of marketing.”

The readership demographics of Branding & Marketing, as measured by Quantcast, is split almost equally between men and women, most with a graduate school education, over the age of 35 and earning a salary of more than $100,000 per year.

This regularly updated online marketing resource contains over 950 articles offering insights on branding, launching new products and marketing services to attract new customers. Branding & Marketing has hundreds of articles dealing with aspects of marketing strategies to effectively reach target customers for business professionals who are responsible for branding and marketing functions in their company.

“As the economy has begun to improve, business professionals are looking for information, tools and techniques to effectively brand and market their businesses,” said Brown. “Like many marketers who use blogging for lead generation, I’ve also found that the blog is one of the leading ways potential clients find our company’s website.” 

Branding & Marketing provides the ideas and tools to create a compelling message for lead generation and techniques to improve call to action conversions. This powerful marketing blog is designed in WordPress for desktop and notebook computers but is also formatted for mobile devices. More than half of the readers are from the USA; however, the blog can also be translated into a variety of languages to accommodate the growing Asian and European audience. Visit http://brandandmarket.com  to review the comprehensive library of branding and marketing information.

Chris Brown is the president of Marketing Resources & Results, a full service marketing firm founded in 1998.  The marketing agency works with client companies in many industries including energy, professional services, consumer products and contract manufacturing. Marketing Resources & Results provides the marketing resources needed to help companies achieve their sales and marketing goals. For more information call 330-656-9793, or visit www.resources-results.com.

Northeast Ohio Business Professionals Learn 12 Tips from Sales and Marketing Experts to Increase Profits at Annual Profit Factor Conference

Chris Brown (left) and Jeanne Bluffstone presented Marketing and Sales: The Winning Combination for Profit, a workshop for business professionals at the Profit Factor annual conference

CLEVELAND, OH (Aug. 25, 2011) – Business professionals, company owners and organizational executive directors will benefit from the one hour Sales and Marketing workshop entitled “Marketing and Sales: The Winning Combination for Profit” as part of the annual Profit Factor Conference on Thursday, August 25, 2011.

Chris Brown, president of Marketing Resources & Results, Inc., and Jeanne Bluffstone of Bluffstone Public Relations will offer the presentation from 10 am to 11:15 am at the Crowne Plaza Hotel Conference Center in Cleveland.

“Marketing and sales go hand-in-hand.  When you apply key tools to your process, you will improve your sales and marketing results which lead to higher profitability,” said Chris Brown. “We will help attendees understand how to create brand awareness, increase qualified leads, and apply sales closing techniques to improve the close rate.”

Participants attending the marketing and sales workshop will learn about the five “must have” strategies to for a strong marketing plan that will improve lead generation and they will receive seven sales tools specifically designed to improve the close rate. The combination of an effective marketing plan and strong sales skills will turn prospects into customers faster and easier.

“Marketing creates awareness, uncovers needs and helps drive traffic to a business location or an online web presence,” said Brown. “The sales function presents choices to the potential customer, overcomes objections and helps them justify the cost of the new product or project.  Attendees will receive the tools necessary to attract and convert target prospects into paying customers.”

The 5th Annual “Profit Factor: Maximizing Your Business Potential” day-long conference, exhibit hall, and workshops prove a forum for business growth while promoting diversity, cooperation and innovation. For more information about the Profit Factor Conference, please call 1-800-900-7735. 

About Marketing Resources & Results

Founded in 1998, Marketing Resources & Results, Inc. companies nationwide in developing strategic marketing plans and provides market research, graphic design, website development, press releases and other marketing tactics designed to help companies achieve their sales and marketing goals. For more information call 330-656-9793, or visit www.Resources-Results.com.

Arisdyne Systems, Inc. to donate the use of pilot scale system to aid in research to enhance ethanol yields

 EDWARDSVILLE, IL and CLEVELAND, OH  (June 23, 2011)  –  The National Corn-to-Ethanol Research Center (NCERC) has agreed to license and support a Controlled Flow Cavitation (CFC) system from Arisdyne Systems, Inc.  Arisdyne’s CFC system will be offered as an adjunct test feature of NCERC’s pilot scale ethanol test facility on the campus of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SUIE).  

 Arisdyne’s patented cavitation methods and devices were originally tested at NCERC in June and July of 2009 and early trials demonstrated ethanol yield improvements of 2-3% under low flow rate, 5 GPM, conditions.  Since 2009, over five full-scale plants have installed and are testing CFC systems at flow rates of 600 -1800 GPM.  These commercial tests have shown potential yield improvements of 3-5% using corn, milo, or a mix of both feedstocks.

 “Arisdyne is extremely pleased that NCERC provided opportunities to advance ethanol’s position as a clean, alternative energy,” said Dr. Peter Reimers, president and CEO of Arisdyne.  “We are most grateful to the many industry participants and to NCERC for the support they have provided in helping to verify the effectiveness of our technology in the laboratory and at full commercial scale.  Further research involving the CFC system is expected to help the ethanol industry secure better margins, reduce energy consumption per gallon of fuel produced, and provide a pathway to hybrid production of ethanol from grain and other related fiber materials.” 

“It’s small, it’s simple, it’s durable,” said John Caupert, managing director of NCERC.  “That is what this industry needs. We are working on solutions that convert current starch-based ethanol plants into ‘Generation 1.5’ ethanol plants that convert not only starch but also cellulosic feedstock.”

Leading technologies like Arisdyne’s significantly reduces energy consumption, minimizes reliance on foreign-sourced oil, results in higher nutrition DDGS, and opens the doors for other related savings.  With recent process enhancements, NCERC’s ethanol plant can get more ethanol from the same bushels of input grain.

About Arisdyne Systems, Inc.

Arisdyne Systems, Inc. is the leading provider of retrofit equipment and value-creating services for biodiesel and fuel ethanol producers.  Arisdyne specializes in designing small footprint devices that utilize controlled hydrodynamic cavitation and applies its cavitation technology to increase yield to improve biodiesel production, enhance ethanol yield from starch, and other fuel production.  For more information, call (216) 458-1991, ext. 482 or visit the Arisdyne’s website at www.arisdyne.com.

 About the National Corn-to-Ethanol Research Center, Edwardsville, IL

NCERC is a not-for-profit research center that conducts research and findings for industrial and institutional clients.  It offers third-party validation and commercial testing of products, technologies, concepts, and ideas. Located on the campus of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, the center facilitates the commercialization of new technologies for producing fuel ethanol and advanced biofuels more effectively. NCERC’s clients receive validation of technologies that enhance the economics and sustainability of renewable fuel production and bioprocessing scale-up.  For more information, call (618) 659‑6737 or visit the center’s website at http://www.ethanolresearch.com/ethanolresearch/about.shtml.

Six Business Strategies Establishes Local Business as a Global Supplier to Automotive and Heavy Truck Industries

 MANTUA, OHIO (June 15, 2011) – Mantaline Corporation, a Mantua-based manufacturer supplying the heavy truck, automotive, and other similar industries, developed a six-part corporate strategy to augment their business and move from being a regional supplier with a narrow range of capabilities to a supplier to global heavy truck as a Tier 1 and the automotive industry as a Tier 2 supplier with an appropriately broad range of capabilities.

 “To position Mantaline as the engineering and manufacturing resource for our current and targeted customers we identified and implemented a “Six Initiative Strategy” in an unbelievably short time horizon,” said Bob Zehner, Manager, Business Development for Mantaline Corporation.

 Each of these strategic initiatives expanded Mantaline’s performance capabilities to place the company comfortably within the “performance expectations” of targeted key customers. Successful completion of these initiatives has enabled Mantaline to attract new business and receive additional business from newly won customers.  For instance, the company has grown its heavy truck portfolio: it now supplies 125 active part numbers across all four global manufacturers operating in North America.

 The first initiative was the development of the process technology associated with extruding EPDM (or Thermoplastic) on to a solid metal core substrate.

 The second initiative required the development of a flocking process. The flocked textured surface protects glass and enables moving components, like a window, to be sealed without damage.

 The third initiative perfects the application of high technology/high performance coatings. Although these coatings are notoriously difficult to apply, expensive and have a short shelf life, the Mantaline engineers have developed the processes for application of high technology coatings that meet a broad range of customer requirements. Sunroof seals are one example of an application requiring a particulated slip coating baked on to the surface of the extrudite to avoid the glass freezing to the seal.

 When Mantaline fortified their secondary operations to deliver the strict RMA Class 1 tolerances demanded by their new and existing customers a fourth initiative was realized. Mantaline offers precise notching, trimming and advanced splicing technology specified by the automotive and heavy truck industries to meet the RMA class 1 tolerancing. Mantaline’s advanced splicing technology with super thin polyethylene or EPDM materials utilizes the techniques originating in Europe. 

 The fifth initiative increased Mantaline’s palette of materials with thermoplastic elastomers which helps customers replace single use rubber with recyclable materials. Thermoplastic, a blend of EPDM and plastic, allows better color matching and the ability to recycle scrap. Customers have found that the thermoplastic elastomers can more attractive when end-of-product-life and green issues become a paramount concern. 

 Not every application can be converted; Mantaline engineers are skilled at knowing the difference and how to steer customers in the right direction. Being recognized as a resource for expert advice and counsel on the proper use and application of materials is, in itself, a major initiative.

 The final initiative Mantaline achieved was the development of a consortium of similar-sized supply companies located throughout the world.  This set of strategic alliances permits companies to “gain reach” in India or Europe with the full confidence that their products will be manufactured as effectively, professionally and efficiently as if they were made in North America.

 By implementing its “Six Initiative Strategy” Mantaline Corporation is now a recognized resource and supplier to global truck as a Tier 1 and the automotive industry as a Tier 2 supplier with an appropriately broad range of capabilities.

 ABOUT MANTALINE CORPORATION

Located in the heart of the polymer industry, Mantaline Corporation is a world-class leader known for its engineering competence, quality and precision in the extruded parts in the heavy truck, off-road vehicles, rail, automotives, recreational vehicles, and marine industries. For more information about Mantaline, visit their site at www.mantaline.com, call (800) 321-0948, or email info@mantaline.com.

GMP Friction Products Modifies Work Flow Process to Meet Strict Quality Requirements for Aerospace Components

AKRON, OH (June 15, 2011) – GMP Friction Products is working with Carolyn Petriella, President and Owner of Compliance Plus Enterprise, an ISO certification consulting firm, to successfully complete the requirements necessary to achieve the AS9100C Aerospace Certification for the friction materials manufacturer by year’s end.

“We are very pleased with the progress that our team is making with the aerospace certification,” said Jerry Lynch, President and COO of GMP Friction Products. “Carolyn works directly with our engineers and floor managers to assess every aspect of the work flow, from order taking to shipping, to determine the control points for potential risks. Then she creates a detailed, documented process to ensure we meet all of the strict requirements for the aerospace industry.”

Carolyn Petriella also assisted GMP Friction Products in obtaining the ISO 9001:2000 and ISO 9001-2008 certifications. Through her company, Compliance Plus Enterprise, she works primarily with manufacturers and distributors to modify their work flow and quality output to meet the stringent requirements of ISO certification.

“I excel in working with manufacturing companies,” said Petriella. “I enjoy getting my hands dirty and working on every aspect of the manufacturing process; from order processing to manufacturing to inspecting and finally shipping the highest quality, on-time delivery product possible.”

To achieve the AS9100 Aerospace Certification, an additional level of certification a manufacturing company strives to achieve after successfully becoming ISO Certified, every step of the friction part manufacturing process has to be assessed for potential risk.

“At each step in the developing and shipping of friction materials, we identify the opportunity for risk and then work to modify the process if needed.  Finally, we document the changes necessary in the process to produce the highest level of quality,” explained Petriella.  “We celebrate each milestone when our reports and results identify that the new processes have been accepted and adopted by the employees as their new habit.”

The stringent AS9100 aerospace certification was developed for the aviation, space and defense industries where absolute quality is of the most critical importance. However, the AS9100 compliance isn’t limited to the aerospace industries.

“Any company dedicated to manufacturing and producing the highest level of quality can apply the AS standard needed for AS9100 Certification,” said Petriella. “Companies that modify their processes to meet these strict compliance requirements offer an extended improvement in their quality. The new standards provide a heightened level of quality for their customers as their products are designed, manufactured and shipped right the first time.”

 “We are excited about the new opportunities the AS9100 aerospace certification will bring to GMP Friction Products,” said Lynch. “By successfully completing the certification process, we will have more opportunities available for designing and manufacturing friction parts for the defense, aviation and space industries.”

Friction component parts with various friction materials, like industrial brakes, are used in a variety of industries from marine, construction and agriculture to off-road, heavy machinery and military vehicles. GMP Friction Products is a well recognized name in the friction industry. They engineer and manufacture to exact product specifications to solve many complex challenges for their customers.

About Compliance Plus Enterprise
Compliance Plus Enterprise opened in 2003 and specializes in helping companies achieve their ISO and AS certifications. For companies who are unable to hire an on-site consultant, Carolyn has developed a detailed ISO Certification Flow Chart template which takes a company through every step of the compliance process. For more information about Carolyn Petriella, Compliance Plus Enterprise, visit http://www.linkedin.com/company/2231095.

About GMP Friction Products
Since 1929, GMP Friction Products has designed and manufactured industrial brake pads and clutch plates for use in a variety of industrial applications. They provide friction material products to non-automotive industrial manufacturers such as off-road vehicles, construction, industrial equipment, aerospace, heavy truck, and other specialty markets. As a world leader in sintered metallic friction materials, they specialize in working with clients to engineer and create customized parts in a range of materials for controlling, stopping, or transmitting power. For more information, call 330-633-1226 or visit their website at www.gmpfriction.com.