Podcasts about mep

Buying a machine shop is never simple — and for Matt Fortner, it was a leap into the unknown. Coming from backgrounds in plumbing, industrial fittings, product development, and even scrap metal buying, Matt felt a pull to get back to "building something real." That pull led him to Progress Machining in Muskegon, Michigan — a shop he became the fifth person to attempt purchasing. Once inside, Matt quickly realized how much transformation the business needed. The shop was filled with aging machines, tribal knowledge, and 60 tons of accumulated scrap and unused tooling. Setups stretched to 12 hours, processes were inconsistent, and workflow relied heavily on memory. But instead of being overwhelmed, Matt leaned on his lean training, curiosity, and sheer persistence. He started running SMED events, reorganizing tools, improving fixtures, standardizing processes, and slowly bringing the shop into a more modern, efficient operation. In this episode, Matt shares the candid story of acquiring and rebuilding a legacy shop — from financing challenges and navigating the previous owner's quirks, to learning machining concepts from scratch, to discovering the stark difference between profit and cashflow. His journey is honest, relatable, and full of practical lessons for anyone considering buying a shop or transforming the one they lead today. You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... (1:04) Paul opens the episode and introduces guest Matt Fortner (2:58) Matt shares how MakingChips impacted him (5:17) Matt's background and career trajectory  (9:59) Why Matt chose to buy a machine shop (13:18) Grow your top and bottom line with CLA (14:00) How Matt found Progress Machining and his first walkthrough (15:43) Financing the purchase — ROBS program, SBA loan, personal collateral (18:00) The previous owner's negotiation stories and getting the deal closed (22:10) Shop size at purchase and the early financial picture (22:58) Hidden operational problems, decades of disorganization, aging machines, and tribal knowledge (24:56) Lean principles, 5S, and uncovering the shop's physical layout (27:27) Why we love Verdant Commercial Capital for financing  (28:20) Lack of process, preventative maintenance, and organizational structure (29:56) Job costing, categorizing expenses, professionalizing accounting (31:20) Starting to eliminate outdated machines and processes (33:01) Deep dive into SMED — mapping a 12-hour setup step-by-step (36:39) Quadrant model of technical knowledge and removing tribal barriers (40:36) Workholding Wisdom: Is setup reduction a buzzword?  (51:14) How Matt learned machining concepts as a non-machinist (52:54) Setup reduction principles and universal best practices (55:30) Buying new equipment to replace maintenance-heavy machines (59:56) Cashflow vs profitability lessons during equipment purchases (1:02:35) Big wins — consolidating operations into fewer setups with automation (1:03:16) Paul reinforces the importance of understanding cashflow in shop ownership  (1:04:36) Check out Hire MFG Leaders for your next hire  (1:05:04) How Matt tackles workforce development and hiring (1:05:50) How an MEP program helped Matt tackle a difficult problem (1:08:46) Matt's biggest piece of advice for shop owners (1:11:43) Defining company values and whether they evolve over time Resources & People Mentioned Grow your top and bottom line with CLA Why we love Verdant Commercial Capital for financing  Workholding Wisdom brought to you by SMW Autoblok Check out Hire MFG Leaders for your next hire  Connect with Matt Fortner Connect on LinkedIn Progress Machining  Connect With Machine Shop Mastery The website LinkedIn YouTube Instagram Subscribe to Machine Shop Mastery on Apple, Spotify

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack A short podcast with MEP for Dublin, Lynn Boylan, on the return (again!) of CETA, the Governments insane push for unconstitutional investor courts, Mercosur's hormone enhanced cows for German cars and how to react to the EPP and Fine Gael joining with the far right in the EU. The Leilani Farha Podcast is out now here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-144371201 The Christy Moore Podcast here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/135485064?collection=1509929 Support Dignity for Palestine here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/call-to-stand-143037542

Efter årsskiftet skal du betale moms af dine spinningtimer, din yogasession eller danseundervisning. EU-domstolen har vurderet, at køretimer og svømmeundervisning ikke er momsfritaget - og det har fået regeringen til at rette ind og indføre moms på undervisnings- og fritidsaktiviteter udbudt af private aktører. Og det kan gå hen at blive dyrt, både for forbrugeren, virksomhederne og folkesundheden. I dagens P1 Debat spørger vi: Hvilke konsekvenser vil det få for de fitnessinstruktører, yoga undervisere og den danske folkesundhed? Kan en momsnedsættelse eller et fradrag forhindre danskerne i at afmelde deres spinningtimer? Og blander EU sig for meget i dansk lovgivning? Du kan blande dig i debatten ved at ringe ind fra 12:15-13:30 på 7021 1919 eller send en sms til 1212. Gæster: Sisse Siegumfeldt, stifter og driver af Blå Himmel Yoga Kristoffer Storm, MEP (DD) Anders Nedergaard, formand, PT Danmark Stine Bosse, MEP, (M) Ane Halsboe-Jørgensen, skatteminister, (S) Per Husted, formand for skatteudvalget (S) Vært: Mathias Pedersen Tilrettelægger & producer: Nina Lorenz Grimstrup

Efter årsskiftet skal du betale moms af dine spinningtimer, din yogasession eller danseundervisning. EU-domstolen har vurderet, at køretimer og svømmeundervisning ikke er momsfritaget - og det har fået regeringen til at rette ind og indføre moms på undervisnings- og fritidsaktiviteter udbudt af private aktører. Og det kan gå hen at blive dyrt, både for forbrugeren, virksomhederne og folkesundheden. I dagens P1 Debat spørger vi: Hvilke konsekvenser vil det få for de fitnessinstruktører, yoga undervisere og den danske folkesundhed? Kan en momsnedsættelse eller et fradrag forhindre danskerne i at afmelde deres spinningtimer? Og blander EU sig for meget i dansk lovgivning? Du kan blande dig i debatten ved at ringe ind fra 12:15-13:30 på 7021 1919 eller send en sms til 1212. Gæster: Sisse Siegumfeldt, stifter og driver af Blå Himmel Yoga Kristoffer Storm, MEP (DD) Anders Nedergaard, formand, PT Danmark Stine Bosse, MEP, (M) Ane Halsboe-Jørgensen, skatteminister, (S) Per Husted, formand for skatteudvalget (S) Vært: Mathias Pedersen Tilrettelægger & producer: Nina Lorenz Grimstrup

Efter årsskiftet skal du betale moms af dine spinningtimer, din yogasession eller danseundervisning. EU-domstolen har vurderet, at køretimer og svømmeundervisning ikke er momsfritaget - og det har fået regeringen til at rette ind og indføre moms på undervisnings- og fritidsaktiviteter udbudt af private aktører. Og det kan gå hen at blive dyrt, både for forbrugeren, virksomhederne og folkesundheden. I dagens P1 Debat spørger vi: Hvilke konsekvenser vil det få for de fitnessinstruktører, yoga undervisere og den danske folkesundhed? Kan en momsnedsættelse eller et fradrag forhindre danskerne i at afmelde deres spinningtimer? Og blander EU sig for meget i dansk lovgivning? Du kan blande dig i debatten ved at ringe ind fra 12:15-13:30 på 7021 1919 eller send en sms til 1212. Gæster: Sisse Siegumfeldt, stifter og driver af Blå Himmel Yoga Kristoffer Storm, MEP (DD) Anders Nedergaard, formand, PT Danmark Stine Bosse, MEP, (M) Ane Halsboe-Jørgensen, skatteminister, (S) Per Husted, formand for skatteudvalget (S) Vært: Mathias Pedersen Tilrettelægger & producer: Nina Lorenz Grimstrup

Jennifer Whitmore, Social Democrats spokesperson for the Climate, Environment and Agriculture and Billy Kelleher, Fianna Fáil MEP for Ireland South

On Europe Today, your daily Euronews podcast, we bring you a packed episode. Our EU editor, Maria Tadeo joins us from Strasbourg with MEP and former military general Riho Terras for analysis on Ukraine's path to peace. We speak to our US politics expert Stefan Grobe about last night's shooting in Washington and we travel to the Vatican to hear from our correspondent Giorgia Orlandi, who explains why the Pope's first visit abroad is key for his papacy. Finally, we discover how military conscription works in different EU countries after France joined the military service bandwagon.Europe Today is Euronews' daily podcast hosted by Maria Tadeo and Méabh Mc Mahon, broadcasting directly from Brussels, at the heart of Europe. Every morning, we deliver the top and exclusive stories shaping the European Union (EU) and beyond.Stay ahead with the key news and insights that matter in Europe today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nathan Gill was an MEP for the Brexit party and Ukip, and later became Reform UK's leader in Wales. Now he has been jailed for 10 years for taking bribes to make pro-Russia statements. Luke Harding reports. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

I know some of you might be angered by this, but if i can get the message across, then I will feel better.  So many of you are being pulled into the great collagen hype and I don't blame you.  Exceptional marketing is the problem here.  But I want to breakdown why a lot of the claims that the companies make are NOT backed by solid researchHave a listen, then you can come at meP.S - Whenever you are ready, get in touch with us and let us fast-track your progress!

How do construction leaders make better decisions in a world overflowing with data? Recorded live at Autodesk University 2025, this conversation with Frank Phillips and Ashley Grassano from the University of Florida explores how curiosity, culture, and clear communication help teams turn raw information into meaningful action. Frank and Ashley share how the AEC industry can shift from reactive to proactive by embracing data literacy, asking better questions, and building trust between the field and the office. From forecasting risks to creating visibility across teams, this episode highlights how decision-making improves when people, process, and technology finally align. In this episode you'll learn: Why curiosity (not dashboards) is the real driver of innovation How data transparency builds trust across construction teams Practical steps for improving decision-making in fast-paced environments MEET OUR GUESTS Frank Phillips is Director of Business Affairs Technical Services at University of Florida, where he has over two decades of career experience. Ashely Grassano is Space & GIS Manager at the University of Florida. She manages a team of BIM Coordinators, Space Planners, and GIS Administrators.    TODD TAKES Make Old Buildings Smarter, Not “Smart” A campus-wide push toward digital twins is turning legacy facilities into data-ready assets. The playbook: uplift Revit to a consistent minimum spec, link key MEP assets for location and maintenance, stream live data into Tandem, and anchor everything with GIS. It's practical, phased modernization—form meets function. Data Is an Asset—Treat It Like One Ownership and flow matter. From ACC adoption to Cost rollout, success comes from redefining processes (not lift-and-shift), onboarding project-by-project, and measuring wins by outcomes (like contractors getting paid). The ethos: the owner funds the work, the owner owns the data—and partners help operationalize it. Scan, Map, Connect—and Then Automate LiDAR for utilities and interiors, geospatially aligned campus models, ACC + Tandem integration, and emerging AI/API upgrades (including easier auth) are building a true “smart campus” foundation. Pair top-down sponsorship with bottom-up field buy-in, and you get faster finds at 2 a.m., fewer “unknowns,” and clearer ROI.   MORE RESOURCES Thanks for listening! Please be sure to leave a rating and/or review and follow up our social accounts. Bridging the Gap Website Bridging the Gap LinkedIn Bridging the Gap Instagram Bridging the Gap YouTube Todd's LinkedIn   Thank you to our sponsors! Graitec North America Graitec North America LinkedIn Autodesk's Website   Other Relevant Links: Frank's LinkedIn Ashley's LinkedIn University of Florida

Bueno, el martes estuvo peor que el lunes, sino que lo diga la Sele, que pareciera merece su propio apartado en el próximo Informe Estado de la Nación. Hagamos pues, mosaicos con piedritas sueltas. Por dicha, siempre aparece algún personaje amable que ayuda a levantar la sazón con alguna salida pintoresca: ya llegaremos. 

This is the ninth episode of Overcoming Polarisation: Paths to Common Ground, a podcast series from Debating Europe, Friends of Europe's citizen engagement unit. Europe is feeling fractured. Whether it's politics, climate, tech, or trust in institutions, more and more people are feeling left out, unheard, and uncertain about the future. But what if we could flip the script? What if instead of fuelling division, we looked for common ground? In this series, we're diving into the real issues behind polarisation. Economic inequality, climate anxiety, digital disruption, and bringing together voices from across the spectrum. From policymakers, activists, business leaders, and most importantly, citizens' voices via our latest study “Voices for Choices”. In today's show, host Sabina Șancu spoke with MEP Lena Schilling about her agenda for COP30 and her fight to protect the Green Deal. Schilling, the youngest MEP in this mandate, also talks about how youth voices can best be represented at the highest levels of decision-making. In the second part of the episode, Paul Watkinson, former climate negotiator, explains how COP negotiations actually happen and unravels the layers of participants around the decision-making core. If you want to comment on this episode you can send us an e-mail: press@friendsofeurope.org

Albert Dolan, Fianna Fáil TD for Galway East and Party Spokesperson on Enterprise and the Circular Economy, Ciarán Ahern, Labour Party TD for Dublin South West and Party Spokesperson on Climate, Environment, Energy and Transport, Lynn Boylan, Sinn Féin MEP for Dublin and Cónal Thomas, Political Correspondent, Irish Independent.

Albert Dolan, Fianna Fáil TD for Galway East and Party Spokesperson on Enterprise and the Circular Economy, Ciarán Ahern, Labour Party TD for Dublin South West and Party Spokesperson on Climate, Environment, Energy and Transport, Lynn Boylan, Sinn Féin MEP for Dublin and Cónal Thomas, Political Correspondent, Irish Independent.

Albert Dolan, Fianna Fáil TD for Galway East and Party Spokesperson on Enterprise and the Circular Economy, Ciarán Ahern, Labour Party TD for Dublin South West and Party Spokesperson on Climate, Environment, Energy and Transport, Lynn Boylan, Sinn Féin MEP for Dublin and Cónal Thomas, Political Correspondent, Irish Independent.

Albert Dolan, Fianna Fáil TD for Galway East and Party Spokesperson on Enterprise and the Circular Economy, Ciarán Ahern, Labour Party TD for Dublin South West and Party Spokesperson on Climate, Environment, Energy and Transport, Lynn Boylan, Sinn Féin MEP for Dublin and Cónal Thomas, Political Correspondent, Irish Independent.

Joining Anton to run through the main stories from the Sunday papers is John Cunningham, Marketing Insights Director for BAM Ireland; Philip Ryan, Head of Content with The Sunday Times Ireland; and Regina Doherty, MEP for Dublin.

"Universities Are 15 Years Behind, We Don't Need More Degrees"In today's episode of Bricks and Bytes, we had Gary Cowan, the head of digital construction at Kane Group and we got to learn about how MEP contractors are becoming technology companies, why the traditional education system is failing construction workers, and the real challenges behind construction automation that nobody talks about.Tune in to find out about:✅ Why breaking down buildings into modular components and prefabricating in factories is changing project delivery across the UK and Ireland✅ The massive shift from siloed Excel files to cloud-based real-time data systems and what it takes to make that transformation work✅ Why universities teaching 15-year-old methods are creating a skills gap and why we need more tradespeople who understand technology✅ The hidden problems with construction robots that sound great in theory but struggle with real-world challenges like consistent finishes and quality controlWatch now to hear Gary break down how traditional contractors are evolving into digital-first service providers.Our Sponsor: Archdesk - “The #1 Construction Management Software for Growing Companies - Manage your projects from Tender to Handover” check archdesk.comBuildVision - streamlining the construction supply chain with a unified platform - www.buildvision.ioAphex is the multiplayer planning platform where construction teams plan together, stay aligned, and deliver projects faster – check out aphex.coChapters 00:00 Intro & Sponsors04:26 Introduction to Digital Construction 07:21 Understanding the Role of Head of Digital Construction 10:12 Challenges in Existing Structures and Digital Verification 13:19 The Importance of Collaboration in Construction 16:13 The Evolution of Technology in Construction 19:25 Prefabrication and Its Integration in Design 22:20 The Digital Tool Tech Stack 25:05 Virtual Reality in Construction 28:19 Augmented Reality and Reality Capture Solutions 33:55 The Rise of XR Technology 34:11 AI: Hype vs. Reality 35:54 Navigating AI Adoption 38:15 The Challenge of Authenticity in Tech 39:44 The Importance of Expertise 43:08 Evaluating Tech Solutions 45:17 Frustrations with Vendor Solutions 47:19 Rolling Out New Technologies 50:07 Aligning Data Across the Business 52:26 Pain Points in Real-Time Data 56:12 Robotics in MEP 1:00:07 Expanding Digital Construction Services 1:02:05 The Future of Digital Construction

Esta semana, Diego comenta el papelón del MEP con su nuevo reglamento de “disciplina”; el nuevo intento de algunos sectores por buscar votos ofreciendo el ROP; así como el escándalo en torno a las denuncias presentadas contra el director del Organismo de Investigación Judicial, Randall Zúñiga.

Prefab architect Rame Hruska, co-founder of Intexture Architects and Aura Dwellings and Hospitality, joins host Curtis Lawson to demystify ADUs and modular homes — what they are, how they're built, and why they're reshaping construction timelines and quality standards. Rame breaks down inspections (state vs. city), MEP coordination, WUI fire-zone and coastal windstorm requirements, and how factory precision cuts waste and boosts consistency. Learn how Intexture integrates design and manufacturing to deliver high-end modular ADUs and custom homes efficiently. A must-listen for builders, designers, and architects exploring off-site innovation.

Sinn Féin MEP for Ireland South which includes Kerry, Kathleen Funchion, talks to Treasa about the new 'Jennie's Law', which the cabinet is currently considering. She hopes the new domestic violence register will include those convicted of coercive control, and not just of physically violent crimes. Her former partner was jailed for coercive control. MEP Funchion also talks to Treasa about a claim made by former EU Commissioner Phil Hogan. She disagrees with him that Irish farmers have “nothing to fear” from the Mercosur deal, claiming his statement is out of touch and misleading.

The minister for justice will seek Cabinet Approval tomorrow for the establishment of a Domestic Violence Register. Under the proposed 'Jennie's Law' named in honour of Jennifer poole. For more on this Anne Clarke, Chief Executive of the Offaly Domestic Violence Support Service & Kathleen Funchion, Sinn Féin MEP.

El episodio habla sobre la propuesta de la Unión Europea llamada Chat Control para el escaneo obligatorio y masivo de todas las comunicaciones digitales privadas, incluidas las fotos y los mensajes cifrados.El texto detalla que esta propuesta, a la que se oponen nueve estados miembros, pero apoyan catorce, amenaza los derechos fundamentales de privacidad y la seguridad digital de 450 millones de ciudadanos de la UE al ser una forma de vigilancia masiva sin sospecha requerida.La crítica se centra en que debilitaría el cifrado, daría lugar a falsos positivos, es ineficaz para la protección infantil y sentaría un peligroso precedente global para la vigilancia autoritaria.Finalmente, la campaña exhorta a los ciudadanos a tomar medidas inmediatas contactando a sus eurodiputados (MEP) para detener esta legislación, destacando que los políticos se han eximido de esta vigilancia bajo reglas de "secreto profesional".Firma contra Chat Control: https://fightchatcontrol.eu/es/Conviértete en un seguidor de este podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/marketing-digital--2659763/support.Newsletter Marketing Radical: https://marketingradical.substack.com/welcomeNewsletter Negocios con IA: https://negociosconia.substack.com/welcomeMis Libros: https://borjagiron.com/librosSysteme Gratis: https://borjagiron.com/systemeSysteme 30% dto: https://borjagiron.com/systeme30Manychat Gratis: https://borjagiron.com/manychatMetricool 30 días Gratis Plan Premium (Usa cupón BORJA30): https://borjagiron.com/metricoolNoticias Redes Sociales: https://redessocialeshoy.comNoticias IA: https://inteligenciaartificialhoy.comClub: https://triunfers.com

Many of the big energy providers have hiked their prices in recent months. With many people already squeezed by the cost of living, some have suggested that a price cap should be implemented to stop what they see as price gouging… but would a price cap be a feasible or effective solution?Joining Jonathan Healy to discuss is Economist and former Political Analyst David Higgins and Sinn Féin MEP, Lynn Boylan.

Niall Collins, Minister of State at the Department of Justice, Home Affairs & Migration; Lynn Boylan, Sinn Féin MEP for Dublin; Ciarán Ahern, Labour TD for Dublin South West

Niall Collins, Minister of State at the Department of Justice, Home Affairs & Migration; Lynn Boylan, Sinn Féin MEP for Dublin; Ciarán Ahern, Labour TD for Dublin South West

Jonathan Dekel-Chen, the father of an Israeli hostage; Niall Collins, Minister of State at the Department of Justice, Home Affairs & Migration; Lynn Boylan, Sinn Féin MEP for Dublin; Ciarán Ahern, Labour TD for Dublin South West

Niall Collins, Minister of State at the Department of Justice, Home Affairs & Migration; Lynn Boylan, Sinn Féin MEP for Dublin; Ciarán Ahern, Labour TD for Dublin South West

What if the most overlooked organ in menopause is your skin?In this episode, Bahar speaks with Dr David Kosenko, Head of Medical and Clinical Training at Dermacosmetica, President of the Cosmetic Physicians College of Australasia, and a practising cosmetic physician with more than 30 years of clinical experience. They unpack the biological impact of oestrogen loss on the skin, why collagen declines rapidly after menopause, and how to support hormonal skin health with evidence-based care. Dr Kosenko explains MEP technology in Emepelle, a non-hormonal innovation that activates oestrogen receptors in the skin without systemic effects. The conversation also explores regenerative aesthetics, skincare routines for perimenopause and postmenopause, and the future of hormonal skin science. This episode is in partnership with Emepelle for Menopause Awareness Month.Topics covered in this episode include Menopause and skin health Oestrogen receptor function in skin Collagen loss in the first five years after menopause Adapting skincare for perimenopause and postmenopause Non-hormonal MEP technology and the innovation behind Emepelle explained Clinical results from the 20-week study How MEP in Emepelle differs from topical HRT creams Recommended skincare essentials (cleansers, antioxidants, SPF, retinoids) Regenerative aesthetics and collagen stimulation Visible improvements on neck and hands Why it is never too late to rejuvenate skin Watch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/v1sAABo2xGESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This show has been flagged as Clean by the host. When Your Dentist Uses ChatControl Logic So there I am, sitting in the waiting room with a mildly annoying toothache. Nothing catastrophic, just one of those dull throbs that tells you something's going on in there that could turn nasty if ignored. The receptionist calls my name, and I walk into Dr. ChatControl's office. Dr. ChatControl greets me with a concerned expression. "I've reviewed your case," he says gravely, "and many others. Toothaches are a serious problem. Did you know that in 2023 alone, at least 101,988 people in Europe experienced dental pain? That's over 60% of all global dental complaints traced to this region." "Okay," I say. "But I just need you to look at this one tooth" "This is an epidemic," he interrupts. "And we can't just treat symptoms anymore. We need a comprehensive, mandatory risk assessment." Dr. ChatControl pulls out a 47-page questionnaire. "First, we assess the risk that your mouth might develop cavities, gum disease, or oral cancer," he explained. "This applies to everyone, regardless of whether they have symptoms." "But I have symptoms," I sigh. "That's why I'm here." "Exactly!" he says triumphantly. Which means you're high-risk. So we move to Phase Two: mitigation measures." He hands me a pamphlet titled Safety-by-Design for Oral Health . "From now on, you'll need to implement parental controls on your diet. Every candy will come with an age verification wrapper and user reporting mechanisms. so your teeth can flag potential problems, and verify your age before consuming any hard foods." "I'm 38," I retort. "Perfect," he replies. "That means you're old enough to consent to monitoring." "Now," Dr. ChatControl continues, "since your mitigation measures haven't been implemented yet because you just got here - I'm authorized to issue a detection order." He holds up an official-looking document with a judge's signature. "This allows me to scan not just the tooth that hurts, but your entire mouth. Also your sinuses. And your lymph nodes. And, just to be thorough, everyone in the waiting room." "Wait, what?" I blurt out. "It's targeted," he assures me. "We're only scanning high-risk areas—which, according to our independent EU Dental Centre, is every tooth, every patient, all the time." "But here's the clever part," Dr. ChatControl says, pulling out what looks like a tiny sander strapped to an airbrush. "Well, your enamel contains layers that currently block our view with regards to early detection of certain viruses. So we need to replace the enamel with an optimized layer that perfectly protects against currently known sugars and acids but allows our government approved detection equipment to inspect the content of your teeth." I' flabberghasted. "You want to weaken my enamel?" "Only slightly!" he said cheerfully. "Just enough so that our scanner can monitor what's happening inside your teeth at all times. Don't worry,the new enamel will still protect you from everything else." "How's that possible if you can penetrate it?", I continue, still cautious. "Well, factory approved candies, for example," he says. "Reputable candy manufacturers have agreed to respect the adapted enamel and not penetrate it. They've signed a treaty to use optimized sugars." "And the artisanal candies?" I asked. "Ah," he said, adjusting his glasses. "Well, those are obviously illegal! Those criminals don't tend to honor treaties. So yes, the adapted enamel will make your teeth more vulnerable to unauthorized cavity formation, bacterial attacks, and anyone who wants to exploit the fact that your natural protection has been replaced with a see-through version." "So you're making my teeth less secure," I repeat. "We're making them more observable," he corrects, with a slightly annoyed tone. "There's a difference. Your teeth will still be protected, just not from us. Or hostile foreign candy shops. Or those criminal artisanal real-sugar-nuts. But you have no business there anyway. But they definitely protect against harms from law-abiding candy!" "But... Over 500 leading dentists signed a letter saying this would create massive vulnerabilities", I point out. "Those dentists aren't thinking about long term dental hygiene." Dr. ChatControl sighs dismissively. "Besides, it's not a backdoor if we're replacing your front door with a tinted glass door given all our citizens are law abiding!" His tone gets sterner if he continues: "Let me say more, If you refuse to upgrade your enamel, we will consider you a risk of dental terrorism. This no longer is about only your teeth, you must know. If you choose to blatantly ignore your teeth, you are a threat to society!" "But... The whole reason I am here, is because I care about my teeth..." The docter holds up his machine and asks: "Do you want me to treat you or report you?" Oh, whatever, it seems everybody is doing this. I don't want to be the outcast crying wolf all the time. So I cave in. The procedure doesn't feel painful, so that's a relief. After completing the baseline scan, Dr. ChatControl frowns at the screen: "This is concerning," he says. "The system has flagged 8,412 potential cavities." "But I only have 32 teeth," I wimper. "The detection algorithm works on a probabilistic model," he explains. "Swiss dental authorities report that about 80% of automated cavity reports are false positives, so we'll need to investigate all of them." "That still means 1,682 of those threats are real", I sigh. "Which is still 1,682 too many!" Dr. ChatControl blurts. "Now, I'll need to drill exploratory holes in every tooth, in your gums, your tongue, and —just to be safe— your neighbor's mouth, because the system flagged them too when they walked past the waiting room." "This seems insane," I say. "The math is solid," he insists. "Even at 99.999% accuracy —which doesn't exist— we'd still generate 100,000 false dental alerts per day across Europe's 450 million people. But we can't let cavities win." While Dr. ChatControl explains his flawless system, I notice how the tooth that actually is hurting —the one I came in to fix— is starting to abscess. "Uh, Doctor," I say, pointing to the swelling. "We'll get to that after we finish scanning everyone," he says dismissively. "The important thing is that no cavity goes undetected, even if that means we spend all our time investigating healthy teeth." "But the actual problem is getting worse," I said. "That's because sophisticated cavities have learned to evade detection," Dr. ChatControl explains. "They change their appearance slightly —maybe grow on the back of the tooth instead of the front, or hide under existing fillings. Our algorithms can't catch those." "What about that letter from those 500 dentists? They also claim this detection method is technically infeasible." I try again. "They're just not thinking big enough", the doctor blocks my argument. "So here's the treatment plan," Dr. ChatControl says, "We're going to install a permanent scanning device in your jaw that monitors every tooth, 24/7, and reports any suspicious activity to a centralized EU Dental Database." "That sounds like a massive security risk," I said. "Not at all!" he replied. "The device is encrypted. Only our scanners can look behind your upgraded enamel. What leaves your tooth, is already encrypted. No other device than ours, can read the data, so your privacy is intact." "So what about those knock-offs you can buy on Ali Express?" I ask. "Oh, but they don't work reliably. And also: Why would hackers want access to your teeth?" he scoffed. "Although, now that I think about it, the device itself would make a high-value target for malicious actors, Als they could abuse them to learn how to make knock-off candy that doesn't get detected by the scanners. Things your natural enamel obviously protects against. But let's not dwell on that." "By the way," Dr. ChatControl adds casually, "EU politicians and government officials are exempt from this scanning requirement under 'professional dental secrecy.'" "So their teeth don't get monitored?" I ask. "Correct," he says. "Their oral health is a matter of public trust. Yours, however, requires constant surveillance." "That seems like a double standard," I say. "It's a two-tier system for a two-tier society," he replies pleasantly. "Now, shall we proceed with installing the jaw monitor?" By this point, my actual toothache is developing into a full-blown infection. The pain is excruciating. "Doctor, I need antibiotics and a root canal," I cry. "We don't do targeted treatments anymore," Dr. ChatControl says. "That's the old model. Now we focus on comprehensive, mandatory monitoring." "But I'm going to lose the tooth," I say. "Perhaps," he acknowledges. "But while we were scanning everyone in the waiting room, we found three people with slightly suspicious molars! They're perfectly healthy now, but they could develop cavities someday. That's three potential problems prevented!" "But my actual problem isn't being prevented," I point out. "It's getting worse." "Well yes," he admits. "But we've invested so much in the scanning infrastructure that we can't really afford to do traditional dentistry anymore. The system needs to justify itself, you understand." "This is insane," I repeat. "This is progress ," he corrects me. As I' left 'm leaving the office —untreated, in pain, and with a jaw full of surveillance equipment— I notice a sign on the door: "Signal Dental, Orthodontics Threema, and Proton Mouthcare have ceased operations in the EU due to incompatibility with mandatory scanning requirements." Apparently, the dentists who actually know how to fix teeth without installing spyware have all moved to Switzerland. Meanwhile, I hear the voice of Dr. ChatControl behind me in the waiting room, announcing to everyone: "We've successfully detected 6,847 potential cavities this week!" When someone asks what he means by potential, he quietly answers: "Only 11 were real, but that's 11 teeth saved!" The infection is still spreading and I'll probably loose my tooth after all because nobody actually is treating it. But at least the healthy ones are under constant surveillance. I made fun of it. But it's not funny. It's about wasting loads of money on a noble goal in all the wrong ways. But next week the vote will be cast in the EU. So it's high time to reach out to your MEP and ask their stance if they are undecided or worse - are in favor. Go to fightchatcontrol.eu if you live in Europe. Oh, and if you don't live in Europe... This will also impact you. Because weakened encryption in mainstream products will most certainly spread. Time to act Fight current Chat Control legislation: fightchatcontrol.eu References and Sources used Estonian Public Broadcasting. (2025, September 15). Experts: European Union's 'chat control' plan a blow to free speech. Privacy Guides explaining why it must be stopped Michel Portier, Lecturer at Hogeschool Arnhem and Nijmegen, MSc Cybersecurity and Patrick Breyer, former MEP Open Letter from 500+ Scientists and Cryptographers (2025, September 9). Open letter on the EU's proposed Child Sexual Abuse Regulation Joint statement Breyer, P. (2025, September 9). 'Danger to Democracy': 500+ Top Scientists Urge EU Governments to Reject 'Technically Infeasible' Chat Control. Breyer, P. (2025). Chat Control: The EU's CSAM scanner proposal. Private Internet Access. (2025). Chat Control, EU's Plan for Real-Time Mass Surveillance Takes a Dramatic Turn. European Digital Rights (EDRi). (2023, August). Fact-checking of top 9 claims made on the CSA Regulation. Internet Watch Foundation. (2024). 2024 Annual Insights and Data Report. European Commission. (2022, May 11). [Proposal for a Regulation laying down rules to prevent and combat child sexual abuse COM(2022) 209 final.]( https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX%3A52022PC0209 ) European Commission. (2023, December 19). Report on the implementation of Regulation (EU) 2021/1232 (temporary derogation/"Chat Control 1.0"). Anderson, R. (2022). Chat Control or Child Protection? Research paper . University of Cambridge. Computer Weekly. (2025, September 11). Chat Control: EU to decide on requirement for tech firms to scan encrypted messages. Multiple security researchers. (2021). Bugs in Our Pockets: The Risks of Client-Side Scanning . Salt Typhoon: Chinese hacking operation exploits US telecom backdoors . Provide feedback on this episode.

Barry Cowen, Fianna Fáil MEP for Midlands-North West, on his reaction to the withdrawal of Jim Gavin from the Presidential campaign.

Today on Galway Talks with John Morley  9am-10am  MEP calls on minister to act as draft report on EU housing crisis published  Petition demanding the establishment of Mental Health A&Es achieves landmark support  Ambulance for Recess delayed yet again 10am-11am We talk all things budget  Political correspondent Sean Defoe joins us   We hear what people on the streets of Galway want from the budget   And all about a VAT cut for hospitality industry from next July   Meanwhile there will be a VAT cut for new build apartments  And Irish Hauliers say they are being strangled by excessive taxation  11am-12pm  Two Galway ladies footballers join us to chat about an upcoming fundraiser   Galway Girl Crowned Miss Universe Ireland 2025  Music Mornings - Joe Reichbenbachh 

Several new portfolios have been created in the current European Commission, to reflect the EU's changing priorities. One of those is a Commissioner for the Mediterranean. This is a crucial region for the EU, as the bloc grapples with difficult issues such as migration, climate and energy. The EU wants to pursue this southern pivot by signing a Pact for the Mediterranean with North African and Middle Eastern countries. Our guest is the EU's Commissioner for the Mediterranean, Dubravka Suica. She is a Croatian centre-right politician and she held the Democracy and Demography portfolio in the first von der Leyen Commission, from 2019 to 2024. She has also been an MEP. 

Over the last five years, Steve Carroll scaled Kelso Industries from zero to $1.1–$1.2B top line with 3,500+ employees across mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) — powered by 29 acquisitions and an “empowered, decentralized” operating model. In this wide-ranging conversation, Steve and John unpack the Kelso flywheel (construction ➜ retrofit ➜ maintenance ➜ service), how to choose what to centralize vs. decentralize, why leadership pipelines matter more than playbooks, and the realities of integrating owner-led companies at scale. We also dig into data center demand, non-union strategy, and the “survival mode” moments that nearly derailed the journey.If you're thinking about multi-location expansion, commercial/industrial MEP, or acquiring while operating, this one's a blueprint.What You'll Learn-The Kelso flywheel: use construction as an entry point, expand into retrofit, sell maintenance, earn lifetime service-29 acquisitions without breaking culture: partnering with operators, light-touch integrations, and when to standardize-Centralize vs. decentralize: cash & risk centralization; empower branches on P&L, customers, and ops-Building leadership pipelines (trades & military) to keep growth from stalling-Data centers & industrial demand: where the growth is and what capabilities matter- How a billion-dollar platform still treats growth like survival

Trump's 2026 budget, which is set to be debated by Congress this fall, proposes eliminating all funding for the MEP, a program that has been in place for nearly 60 years.

Follow us on X: @RogerHelmerMEP @americasrt1776 @ileaderssummit @NatashaSrdoc @JoelAnandUSA @supertalk Join America's Roundtable (https://americasrt.com/) radio co-hosts Natasha Srdoc and Joel Anand Samy with Roger Helmer, a former member of the European Parliament representing Britain, a stalwart supporter of the US-UK Special Relationship, and a pioneering leader of the Brexit movement. The conversation focuses on President Donald Trump's second official state visit to the United Kingdom and his message, the speech delivered by King Charles in affirming the "special relationship" between the two nations, technology, energy, trade and investments, as well as on erosion of freedom of speech in UK and Europe. The discussion also focuses on conflict on Europe's continent, America calling on the EU to stop purchasing Russian oil, which is still being purchased by Hungary and Slovakia, while transiting through Croatia. The future of Israel, Gaza, and the Middle East. Follow us on X: @RogerHelmerMEP @americasrt1776 @ileaderssummit @NatashaSrdoc @JoelAnandUSA @supertalk America's Roundtable is co-hosted by Natasha Srdoc and Joel Anand Samy, co-founders of International Leaders Summit and the Jerusalem Leaders Summit. America's Roundtable (https://americasrt.com/) radio program focuses on America's economy, healthcare reform, rule of law, security and trade, and its strategic partnership with rule of law nations around the world. The radio program features high-ranking US administration officials, cabinet members, members of Congress, state government officials, distinguished diplomats, business and media leaders and influential thinkers from around the world. Tune into America's Roundtable Radio program from Washington, DC via live streaming on Saturday mornings via 68 radio stations at 7:30 A.M. (ET) on Lanser Broadcasting Corporation covering the Michigan and the Midwest market, and at 7:30 A.M. (CT) on SuperTalk Mississippi — SuperTalk.FM reaching listeners in every county within the State of Mississippi, and neighboring states in the South including Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana and Tennessee. Tune into WTON in Central Virginia on Sunday mornings at 6:00 A.M. (ET). Listen to America's Roundtable on digital platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon, Google and other key online platforms. Listen live, Saturdays at 7:30 A.M. (CT) on SuperTalk | https://www.supertalk.fm

Shane Moynihan, Fianna Fáil TD for Dublin Mid-West // Lynn Boylan, Sinn Féin MEP for Dublin // Alison O'Connor, Journalist and Commentator // Oisín Coghlan, Public Policy Advisor

From artisans to restaurants to manufacturing, Missoula County is home to businesses of all shapes and sizes. The Missoula Economic Partnership exists to facilitate growth, collaboration and mutual understanding between the private and public sectors.Christine Littig, business development director at MEP, joined the commissioners this week to discuss local business trends and how entrepreneurs are responding creatively to the economic landscape.Text us your thoughts and comments on this episode! Thank you to Missoula's Community Media Resource for podcast recording support!

Nicelle Davis is a California poet, collaborator, and performance artist. Her poetry collections include The Language of Fractions (Moon Tide Press 2023). The Walled Wife (Red Hen Press, 2016), In the Circus of You (Rose Metal Press, 2015), Becoming Judas (Red Hen Press, 2013), and Circe (Lowbrow Press, 2011).Penguin Noir recently won the Changing Light Novel in Verse Prize from Livingston Press and will be released Summer of 2025. Her poetry film collaborations with Cheryl Gross have been shown across the world. She has taught poetry at Youth for Positive Change, an organization that promotes success for youth in secondary schools, MHA, Volunteers of America in their Homeless Youth Center, Red Hen's WITS program, and with MEP. She currently teaches Middle School in the High Desert of southern California.Also mentioned in the episode: Plants Painting and Poetry, A Youtube Channel by Nicelle Davis and Anthony M Sannazzaro.

Jerry spoke to the MEP for Ireland South who’s visiting Tír na nÓg Early Years Care and Education Centre in Ballybunion and Adapt Kerry Women’s Refuge in Tralee.

STARRCAST IS BACK for Season 9! We are thrilled to return to bring you more insights and fresh perspectives to help your spa business thrive! Thinking about opening a sauna or bathhouse, or scaling the one you've got?  To kick things off, we're replaying an incredibly informative webinar that unpacks the operating math behind the hydrothermal business: capacity planning, MEP-first (“engine room”) design, admissions-led pricing, and the real bottleneck no one budgets for: laundry throughput.  Expect candid lessons from operators and designers shaping the U.S. market, including Bathhouse (NYC) and leaders from the Global Wellness Institute initiatives. You'll learn how to right-size back-of-house, choose between open-ended admission vs. timed sessions, and design people-flow, so staff can manage more guests with less friction, all while protecting margins and guest experience. What You'll Learn: Why bathhouses are surging now: the shift to social wellness, accessible pricing, and admissions-first business models. MEP > “wow rooms”: how an engine-room-first approach (ventilation, filtration/sanitation, drainage, electrical) prevents constant firefighting. Capacity & pricing mechanics: choosing dynamic pricing, timed sessions, or walk-ins based on footprint, software, and throughput. Back-of-house math: planning for ~⅓ non-guest area, with laundry and storage sized to daily towel turns and peak flow. Revenue mix that actually works: admissions as the margin engine, treatments as add-ons, and F&B designed to extend dwell time—not clog operations. Episode Highlights (Chapters): 00:52 – Why “social wellness” is driving the U.S. sauna/bathhouse wave—and how this model differs from appointment-led spas. 06:18 – The hydrothermal specialist team you need on day one (designer + MEP) and why wet areas blow up naïve $/ft² assumptions. 12:40 – “Start with your engine room”: air changes, filtration, drainage, and electrical that determine guest comfort and uptime. 18:55 – Lessons from Bathhouse NYC: designing around laundry first (thousands of towels/day) and keeping sightlines open to reduce staffing. 25:03 – Admission strategy: open-ended stays with dynamic pricing vs. timed sessions in smaller/hotel footprints—software and UX trade-offs. 33:27 – Lease vs. buy: why most startups lease to preserve capex for fit-out; right-sizing scope and contingency. 41:42 – What really makes money: admissions > treatments; F&B for physiology and community, not margin. 49:58 – Guest norms & flow: no-photo policies, wet-to-dry separation, and the contrast-therapy circuit (hot → cold → rest). Meet the Guests Don Genders — CEO, Design for Leisure; Chair, GWI Hydrothermal Initiative (global authority on thermal & wet-area design). Lynn Curry — Principal, Curry Spa Consulting; member, GWI Consulting Initiative (concept-to-opening spa development). Travis Talmadge — Co-founder/operator, Bathhouse (NYC: Williamsburg & Flatiron), a high-volume, admissions-led urban bathhouse. Tools, Frameworks, or Strategies Mentioned: Engine-Room-First Design: lead with MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing), ventilation/air changes, filtration, drainage, and storage. Capacity/Throughput Modeling: people-flow tracking, dynamic pricing, and sightlines to manage density with fewer staff. Contrast-Therapy Circuit: hot → cold → rest cycle embedded in layout and wayfinding. CFO Lens for Scope: capex vs. opex trade-offs, contingency, and location-first site selection. Closing Insight “We design around the laundry first.” The margin lives or dies in the back-of-house—build the plant right and the guest magic follows. If this episode helped, follow/subscribe and share it with a developer, hotel GM, or wellness entrepreneur planning a hydrothermal project.   Looking for expert advice in Spa Consulting, with live training and online learning?   Spa Consulting: wynnebusiness.com/spa-management-consulting Live Training: wynnebusiness.com/live-education Online Learning: wynnebusiness.com/spa-management-courses   Other Links: Contact Dr. Gerry Bodeker: https://my.linkedin.com/in/gerrybodeker Contact Trent Munday: https://my.linkedin.com/in/trentmunday Follow Lisa on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisastarrwynnebusiness, Listen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/at/podcast/starrcast/id1565223226 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/00tW92ruuwangYoLxR9WDd   Watch the StarrCast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@wynnebusiness Join us on Facebook: facebook.com/wynnebusiness/?ref=bookmarks Join us on Instagram: instagram.com/wynnebusiness

MEP responde a informe de Estado de la Educación.

Barry Cowen, Fianna Fáil MEP for Midlands North West and Francie Gorman, President of the Irish Farmers Association

Barry Andrews, Fianna Fáil MEP for Dublin // Kevin Doyle, Executive Editor of the Irish Independent // Alison O'Connor, Columnist with the Sunday Times

Ben Pascoe talks with former MP, MEP and founder of political party SMER, Boris Zala. They discuss how and why SMER was formed, how it has changed over the years and how Slovakia in the 1990's has an influence on Slovakia today.

What happens when you put five podcasters in a room together at one of the biggest events of the year for innovative industrial tech? A super broad view of what's happening in the industry and what we've got to look forward to.Recorded live from Hexagon's 2025 event, we welcomed four friends of Manufacturing Happy Hour, returning to the show to talk about the innovations we were most excited to see at the event. But for the main part of our conversation, we do a mid-year check-in on the industry to hear their thoughts of what we have in store in the future.Say hello to our panel:Jim Mayer – Founder of The Manufacturing Connector and Host of the Manufacturing Culture PodcastNikki Gonzalez – Director of Business Development at Weintek USA plus Co-Founder and Host of the Automation Ladies podcastMike Payne - President & Owner of Hill Manufacturing & Fabrication and Co-Host of MakingChipsNick Goellner - VP of Sales & Marketing at Hennig, and Co-Host of MakingChipsTune in to hear about 3D printed body parts, how scientists are turning ocean trash into surfboards, and how new mentor programs are revolutionizing how we train the next generation.We each take stock of what we've been seeing in the industry lately and why uncertainty isn't dampening our optimism. While investing in new tech is naturally a big part of our conversation, we also widen the topic to investing in ourselves and our teams, highlighting the importance of relationships and staying true to company values.In this episode, find out:The tech that stood out the most to us at Hexagon's 2025 eventA mid-year check-in: Jim, Nikki, Mike and Nick share their thoughts on manufacturing in 2025Why Jim's optimistic about the industry and how technology adoption is fueling thatHow Mike's balancing his optimism with concern over the access to capital challengeHow manufacturers can weather the storm in uncertain times (some lessons from COVID)What it means to invest in yourself as a manufacturer and company leader and why it's about more than just adopting new techWhy you should overlook working on relationships and partnerships in the industryJim explains why we all need to reassess company values and make sure we're staying true to what we believe inEnjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It's feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going!Tweetable Quotes:“Make sure everybody's looking at the same scoreboard. Train and coach your team to think like a business owner.” - Nick“Build the foundation on values and relationships. When one of those numbers changes, you work it out together.” – Nikki“The shops that adopt the new technologies will be the ones who really start to expand their capacity and workforce.”- Jim“All these solutions that are coming to market, whether it's hardware or software, help to fill that productivity gap. The concern that I have relates back to the current funding crisis with the MEP networks because if those grant dollars are going away, how do we adopt this stuff?” - Mike Links & mentions:Manufacturing Culture Podcast, hosted by Jim Mayer, this podcast explores the culture of manufacturing with different manufacturing leaders The Manufacturing Connector, connecting manufacturers through training and storytelling, founded by Jim

Sean Kelly, MEP for Ireland South, announces his decision to seek the Fine Gael nomination to run for President of Ireland.

Barry Andrews, MEP

Clark Turner reveals the top 10 critical items contractors forget to include in their estimates, resulting in lost profits and awkward change order conversations. He shares practical strategies for building comprehensive estimates that protect your margins and enhance client relationships.• Due diligence line item covers pre-construction work like Gantt charts, selection workbooks, and MEP walks• Design fees for renderings, layouts, or interior designer consultation should always be included• Architectural and engineering costs need separate line items, especially for additions• Port-a-potties, temporary utilities, and job boxes are essential job site preparation items• Include separate line items for each required inspection to improve scheduling• Site protection costs for floor coverings, countertop protection, and dust barriers• Landscaping restoration is commonly forgotten but important for client satisfaction• Final cleaning ensures the project ends on a high note and prevents disputes• Create job templates in your estimating software to include these items by default• Document when clients decline services like cleaning to avoid disputes laterIf you want the full list of these 10 items or to learn more about our coaching services, visit prostruct360.com and schedule a call directly with me through the contact page.Have a question or an idea to improve the podcast? Email us at team@prostruct360.com or text us at +1 (678) 940-5747 Want to learn more about our software or coaching? Visit our website at ProStruct360.com

Industrial Talk is talking to James Soto, CEO at Industrial Strength Marketing about "Manufacturing resources for manufacturing success". Scott Mackenzie hosts James Soto on the Industrial Talk Podcast to discuss the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP). Soto highlights the MEP's role in supporting small and medium-sized manufacturers through resources like Lean Six Sigma and addressing skilled labor gaps. He emphasizes the MEP's importance in reshoring and nearshoring efforts and its collaboration with universities and advanced manufacturing institutes. Soto notes funding challenges and the need for continued support to maintain the MEP's impact. He advocates for manufacturers to engage with the MEP for efficiency, funding, and innovation, stressing the network's irreplaceable value. Action Items [ ] Explore the MEP national network and find the center closest to your manufacturing business to understand the resources and services they offer. [ ] Advocate for continued funding and support of the MEP program by contacting your local representatives. [ ] Reach out to James Soto on LinkedIn to learn more about the MEP program and how to get involved. Outline Introduction and Purpose of the Podcast Scott MacKenzie introduces the Industrial Talk Podcast, emphasizing its focus on industry professionals and innovations. Scott thanks listeners for their support and highlights the bravery and innovation of industrial professionals. Scott introduces James Soto, a returning guest, and mentions their previous collaborations. Scott emphasizes the importance of amplifying one's message and being aggressive in communication. James Soto's Background and Passion for Manufacturing Scott MacKenzie praises James Soto's contributions to the manufacturing industry and his active presence on LinkedIn. James Soto expresses his love for manufacturing and acknowledges the excitement and uncertainty in the industry. Scott and James discuss the fluid nature of the manufacturing industry and the importance of reshoring and nearshoring. James highlights the role of people in manufacturing and their potential to change the world for the better. Introduction to the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) James Soto provides an overview of the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) and its centers across the country. He explains the MEP's affiliation with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and its focus on advanced manufacturing. James shares his involvement with the MEP in launching Manufacturing Day and its efforts to attract the next generation of manufacturing workers. He emphasizes the MEP's role in meeting with manufacturers, especially small and medium-sized ones, to help them grow and create jobs. Challenges and Threats to the MEP James discusses the funding challenges and threats to the MEP, including the uncertainty around procurement and economic impact. He mentions the efforts to reverse defunding and the importance of telling the MEP's story to encourage representatives to fight for funding. Scott MacKenzie simplifies the premise for manufacturers, emphasizing the importance of the MEP as a resource for introducing new technologies and ensuring a resilient manufacturing business. James explains the MEP's prioritization process based on the distinct nature of different manufacturing environments and the need to