This webinar series, “Adapting Supply Chains Webinar Series”, discusses the state of the global supply chain, the economy, the latest business process and technology advancements, and the impacts on the economy, the Inland Southern CA and manufacturers and distributors.
April 7, 2025 – 12:00 pm pacific
Rebuild American Manufacturing and Domestic Supply Chains
Are we heading into a manufacturing resurgence? After losing 5.8 million manufacturing jobs from 2000 – 2010, we have regained over 1 million jobs since 2011, and companies are returning manufacturing to the U.S. from China. Michele will present information from her book, “Rebuild Manufacturing – the key to American Prosperity” on the current state of manufacturing, what has helped reshoring to increase, and what needs to be done to create a secure domestic supply chain.
About the Speaker
Michele is founder and president of ElectroFab Sales, a sales agency specializing in helping manufacturers select the right processes for their products since 1985. She earned a certificate in Total Quality Management and a Yellow Belt in Lean Six Sigma. She is on the board of the San Diego Inventors Forum and the North County Hispanic Chamber, on the Advisory Board of the American R&D Institute, and an advisor to the San Diego chapter of SME.
Michele is the author of Rebuild Manufacturing – the key to American Prosperity which is a sequel to Can American Manufacturing Be Saved? Why We Should and How We Can, available at www.amazon.com. She writes blog articles for www.americanjobsalliance.com.
May 5, 2025 – 12:00 pm pacific
Leveraging AI in Manufacturing & Supply Chains
The world is buzzing about the potential opportunities with artificial intelligence (AI). The question on the mind of manufacturing and distribution leaders is, “How can we practically use AI to deliver results?” During this interactive presentation, Bruce will talk about AI, what it is used for, and how that relates to manufacturing and supply chain. He will talk through examples and use cases of AI in supply chain and answer our questions about the opportunities and challenges with AI.
About the Speaker
As a Fractional CTO and Efficiency Expert, Bruce Hoffman specializes in helping small and medium-sized business (SMB) leaders navigate the complexities of modern technology. With over 20 years of experience, he has consistently optimized AI and technology strategies to streamline operations, enhance efficiency, and boost profitability. His passion lies in transforming businesses by aligning technological solutions with strategic goals, ensuring that every initiative runs smoothly and contributes to the bottom line.
With Optimize Pros, Bruce’s primary focus is leveraging AI to create tailored solutions that make companies more efficient and effective. From process automation to strategic IT leadership, he brings a deep understanding of how to integrate technology seamlessly into business operations. His hands-on and strategic approach ensures that every decision is data-driven and results-oriented, and Bruce believes in the power of collaboration and works closely with executive teams to drive lasting change.
June 13, 2025 – 12:00 pm pacific
Transportation Market Update
Speaker: Jeff Leppert
Supply chains are evolving at a rapid pace in today’s global marketplace. Disruptions have been commonplace, and significant risks have been exposed in the end-to-end supply chain. In response to changing business conditions such as the rise of e-commerce, changes in the economy, impacts of tariffs, heightened security risks, labor negotiations, and key chokepoints (Suez Canal, Panama Canal, the South China Seas), executives are reevaluating and redesigning supply chains, directly impacting the goods movement and transportation sectors. Our expert speaker will present an update on the transportation market and provide trends and forecasts. Participants will walk away with insights and ideas for navigating the current market successfully.
About the Speaker
With over 25 years of supply chain experience, Jeff Leppert leads multimodal strategy and operations as Executive Vice President of Modal Operations at Redwood Logistics. He develops commercial strategies and execution, creating value and driving efficiency for customers.
Past Webinars
Past webinars will be posted here after the webinar dates.
Recorded March 3, 2025
Adapting Supply Chains 2025 Webinar: Reshoring from China to LA – A PPE Case Study
In this Adapting Supply Chains 2025 webinar, Eric Rose, founder of Pinnacle Product Innovation, Inc., shares a real-world case study on reshoring PPE product components from China to Los Angeles before the COVID-19 pandemic.
Learn about the decision-making process, challenges, and key takeaways that helped a U.S. manufacturer successfully bring production back home. Whether you’re a manufacturer, distributor or supply chain professional, this session provides actionable insights to navigate reshoring strategies effectively.
#SupplyChain #Reshoring #Manufacturing #ASCMInlandEmpire #WebinarSeries
About the Speaker
Eric’s company, Pinnacle Product Innovation, Inc., provides distributors and manufacturers with the expertise to move new products from opportunity, through development, and into market reality. Services offered include Market Research, Product Development, Contract Manufacturing Sourcing, R&D Project Management, and Product Innovation Business Process Improvements. Eric has worked in the Consumer, Medical, and Industrial product markets with companies including Baxter Healthcare, Sunrise Medical, and Mattel. Eric’s background includes,
- BS Product Design, MBA, and 35+ years’ experience in new product development and commercialization with manufacturing and distribution companies ranging from startups through Fortune 500 firms.
- Named inventor on 50+ patents granted worldwide.
- Certified New Product Development Professional (NPDP) from the Product Development and Management Association (www.pdma.org).
- Product Innovation educator since 2009. Employed positions with Pepperdine, Loyola Marymount, CSUN, and Rice University. Guest Lecturer, USC Technology Commercialization course.
- Product Design & Manufacturing Expert Witness in Product Liability, Commercial Dispute, and Patent Infringement litigation.