Connecting Manufacturers for Strategic Growth

The University of Northern Iowa continues to expand its assistance to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) around the state. An area where UNI has seen great success across the state is with our Advance Iowa CEO Peer Groups. Many members of these groups represent advanced manufacturing firms.  

These Peer Groups are focused on the power of peer learning: when you have a group of company owners together in a confidential, trusting environment, amazing things can happen.  They share their experiences with one another as a way for the group to learn from the knowledge of each individual.

Advance Iowa’s system differs from other roundtable programs in that it uses a structured environment to ensure a balanced group discussion. In addition, participants must come from diverse, noncompeting industries and from a combination of small and large communities.

Peer Group participants tell us that they have gotten new ideas on everything from strategy and market development to handling difficult personnel issues to dealing with their suppliers.  In addition, the groups spark a strong sense of accountability and lasting bonds among members.

Many of our manufacturing clients face similar issues related to workforce availability. These Peer Groups give them an opportunity to discover new ways to recruit and retain talent.

According to Pat Einersen, owner of Inventory Trading Company in Peosta and a member of an Advance Iowa Peer Group, “We are fighting for business not just across the United States, but across the world. We have to be competitive and sharp all the time. To do this we need to learn ahead of the curve so we do not make costly mistakes. If I can develop my business from the lessons that I learned from our Peer Roundtable group, then I will feel that we're not five years more weathered but five years stronger. Then we will be better positioned to take on those business opportunities everywhere!