Wanted: New York city Technology Companies for TechNYC Census

Do you have a technology business in New York City? Then stand up and be counted! TechNYC, a program of the Industrial and Technology Assistance Corporation (ITAC) is conducting a census of New York City technology businesses. The technology industry in New York City is extremely diverse, encompassing information systems, biotech and medical products, advanced manufacturing and more. ITAC wants to learn who these businesses are, what they do and what their unique needs are in order to promote growth in and raise the profile of the technology sector.

Register at www.technyc.org/registration.html to ensure that your business is counted among the thousands of other technology firms in NYC! The first 200 firms to register will receive a free USB memory stick! For more information, or to register your business, visit www.technyc.org or contact Leah Archibald at 212-442-2990 ormailto:larchibald@itac.org. ITAC is a non-profit economic development organization that works one-on-one with manufacturing and technology firms in NYC--visit http://www.itac.org/ for more details.

NYC Manufacturers: Make Sure Your Next Move is the Right Move

Let's face it--moving is one of the more traumatic events that can happen in the life of a manufacturing company, but sometimes relocating becomes a necessity. Some of the reasons for making a move may be that your business is growing and you need more space; you may have lost your lease; rents may be going up; or your business may not need all of the current space. Whatever the reason, a move has the potential to radically improve your business--or to damage it. Regardless of what drives you to it, the need to move should be seen as an opportunity--an opportunity to break old habits and to walk away from your current mistakes.

There are numerous factors that affect the success or failure of a move--the first of which is to give yourself enough time to plan appropriately. Many manufacturers who relocate without doing their "homework" later find that the level of disruption to their business is unnecessarily damaging and that the new site is generally problematic. They lose key employees, the space doesn't fit their requirements, there is poor workflow, they can't ship or receive material during rush hour, or a host of other problems. In order to avoid these costly errors, one should allow a minimum of one year to go through the steps necessary to execute a well-planned move.

This article focuses on the first aspect of making the right move: Site Selection. Finding and choosing a site consists of the following steps: defining your needs, searching for an appropriate location, and evaluating the facility.

Defining Your Needs
Before you can begin your search for a suitable Site location and building, you, as the business owner, must look to the future--it's not enough to simply observe what is currently happening. Think about where your company is going. Will there be a change in your product mix? What are the projections for sales growth? Will you be adding new technology, processes or equipment? Will you be making organizational changes that will add/reduce space needs? This assessment helps you to determine your improvement needs and gives you a basis to develop strategies to achieve these improvements. It is critically important to understand your needs before you begin the selection process.

Searching For an Appropriate Location

Once you have identified your space requirements, you can begin to search for an appropriate site. There are many issues to consider.

Employee Transportation: Is there accessible public transportation? Will some of your employees drive to work? If so, is there parking on or off-site?

Employee Retention: If you move away from your current area, will your critical employees go with you? How does the distance affect their commute?

Potential Employment Base: Is there a reservoir of potential employees to replace those who leave or to add as your business grows?

Zoning: Do you zoning regulations permit your type of industry? Will you be able to obtain needed permits? How long does it take to get the permits?

Environmentals: Are there any unusual environmental rules or restrictions? (Even the odor of food preparation may be restricted near residential areas.)

Neighborhood: Are there any trends? Stable, improving, etc. Who are the neighbors--businesses, residential? If you require noisy early morning deliveries, will that be a problem? Will the neighborhood welcome you or resist you?

Traffic: Look at the access routes - are there any alternatives? Rush hour problems? Will this have any effect on your distribution schedule?

Availability of Services: Is there a post office nearby, a bank, restaurants for your employees to have lunch?

Safety: Will your employees feel safe during all hours, especially between building and public transportation? If employees are driving, will their cars be safe?

Finding the Facility
If you're planning on building, it's time to call an architect. If no, it's time to call a realtor. The realtor will generally show you a number of possibilities. It is your responsibility to evaluate those selections and to make the ultimate decision.

Evaluating the Facility
Even if a location is ideal to your needs, you must critically evaluate the appropriateness of the facility itself. Consider the following.

Sharing Space: Will you be the only tentant or will you share the building? If you share, how will the utilities, power transformers, etc...split? How will shared loading docks and elvators be allocating for the free flow of materials?

Certificate of Occupancy: Does it allow your type of operation?

The Property: Lot size and location, building size, orientation to street, appearance, security of periphery (ground and above), will the entrances to the property allow for easy entry and egress?

General condition: How is the building maintained? Does it need repairs? What is the condition of windows, floor, roof?

Layout: Does the space allow for effecient space utilization? Do low ceilings, columns or load-bearing walls interfere with the efficient setup of the production area, or the flow of material? Is there room for expansion?

Floors: If more than one floor is considered, what is the vertical relationship? How many elevators? Will they be dedicated?

Systems: Is there enough power in the space? Gas and electric metering, telephone service, plumbing locations and risers, operational HVAC, etc...?

Truck Access: Number and size of openings, dock locations and floor elevation, street width and turning radius. --

The Negotiated Package: Does it come "As is" or with improvements? What's already there (mechanical, offices, etc...)? What services does the owner provide?

Few available sites will turn out to be the ideal fit for your operation. You will need to compare them to determine which is the best fit. The best way to do this is to create a table comparing the sites you are considering. First list your reuquired space needs, then those available in the buildings under consideration. Include a pros and cons column. Once all of the information is in front you, do an analysis of the whole picture. Decide which critieria are most important to your needs and which location most closely meets those needs.

Selecting an appropriate site for for your business is an important aspect of making the right move. When coupled with a well-conceived productivity improvement plan, it can result in substantial improvements for your company.

If you think you may be contemplating a move within the next 3-12 months, now is the time to start planning. The industrial and Technology Assistance Corporation (ITAC) has developed MoveSmart, a package of services to help manufacturers that are considering relocating develop a plan to optimize their use of real estate, generally resulting in more efficient use of space and increased capacity for growth. ITAC's Relocating Planning and Support Services can help make the transition easier for you and your employees. To learn more, sign up for the next MoveSmart workshop or call Jane Tabachnick at 212-442-2990 or e-mail: mailto:jtabachnick@itac.org

Upcoming Events

MoveSmart Informational Seminar
Date: November 29, 2005, 8:30 am
Location: ITAC Offices, 253 Broadway, Suite 302, New York, NY
The program will introduce key decision makers to the process of planning and executing a plant relocation or expansion. The workshop will cover the key phases and milestones of a complex process that involves many players, including the company, engineers, landlords, lawyers, vendors and contractors. Participants will gain basic knowledge for outlining a project plan to assure a cost effective move and new plant operation. In addition, participants will be provided witih practical tools to assist them in their initial analysis and decision making, such as templates, checklists and sample documents.

Call Jane Tabachnick at 212-442-2990 or e-mail her at jtabachnick@itac.org for more information.

Lean Manufacturing 101 Workshop
Date: December 1, 2005, 8:30 am, $95
Location: ITAC Offices, 253 Broadway, Suite 302, New York, NY
Would you like to produce faster, better and less expensively with your existing resources? What if, in doing so, you could increase your sales, improve customer satisfaction and increase profitability? Principals and key managers at local manufacturing firms should attend this workshop to learn how lean manufacturing techniques help firms produce more with existing resources by eliminating non-value added activities. Workshops simulation exercises help participants experience first hand how lean techniques increase space utilization, improve quality, reduce cycle time, improve delivery performance, and reducde work-in-process. Application of lean techniques enables firms to increase profits, improve customer satisfaction and become more competitive.

For more information contact Mei Sit at 212-442-2990 or msit@itac.org

About ITAC

ITAC is a non-profit economic development organization dedicated to creating and retaining jobs for New Yorkers. We provide indepth one-on-one technical assistance for New York City manufacturers and technology firms to help them stay competitive in the marketplace. ITAC's unique combination of business expertise and expert resource network makes us a valuable partner to help NYC companies grow, change and thrive.

ITAC receives significant financial support from the New York State Office of Science, Technology and Academic Research (NYSTAR), New York's high-technology economic development agency, and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), and Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP). ITAC serves as NYSTAR®'s designated Regional Technology Development Center for New York City and one of nearly 350 MEP locations across the country and works directly with regional companies to increase their competitiveness and profitability.


	ITAC Update: New Look, New Website, New Programs Wanted: New York City Technology Companies for TechNYC Census Make Sure Your Next Move is the Right Move Upcoming ITAC Events About ITAC ITAC Update: New Look, New Website, New Programs We're thrilled to announce ITAC's new look! We've got a new logo, new website and coming soon, a full suite of literature about ITAC services and information about programs of interest to the manufacturing and technology businesses ITAC serves. Check out the new website at http://www.itac.org/ and let us know what you think! We are currently assembling a compendium of resources of interest to manufacturing and technology businesses in New York City--please let us know if there is some information you would like to see on the website that isn't currently there. We'll be updating the site frequently, so check back often. In the coming months, ITAC will be rolling out ITAC Monthly, a montly e/fax news blast and Compete, a quarterly printed newsletter. Take a look, let us know ifi it was helpful to you, let us know the sorts of information you might like to see in these publications. We'd love your feedback! Call or email Leah Archibald at 212-442-2990 or larchibald@itac.org and share your thoughts or suggestions.	Stefanie Feldman (ITAC), Mike Bellovin (Legion Lighting), Jennifer Biscoe (Globus Cork) and Peter Strugatz (IceStone) discussing the benefits of manufacturing envionmentally-friendly building materials at the building Green breakfast on Oct 26, 2005. The breakfast provided ITAC clients with an opportunity to introduce their products to NYC-based architects and developers who specify regionally produced products.
	Wanted: New York city Technology Companies for TechNYC Census Do you have a technology business in New York City? Then stand up and be counted! TechNYC, a program of the Industrial and Technology Assistance Corporation (ITAC) is conducting a census of New York City technology businesses. The technology industry in New York City is extremely diverse, encompassing information systems, biotech and medical products, advanced manufacturing and more. ITAC wants to learn who these businesses are, what they do and what their unique needs are in order to promote growth in and raise the profile of the technology sector. Register at www.technyc.org/registration.html to ensure that your business is counted among the thousands of other technology firms in NYC! The first 200 firms to register will receive a free USB memory stick! For more information, or to register your business, visit www.technyc.org or contact Leah Archibald at 212-442-2990 ormailto:larchibald@itac.org. ITAC is a non-profit economic development organization that works one-on-one with manufacturing and technology firms in NYC--visit http://www.itac.org/ for more details. NYC Manufacturers: Make Sure Your Next Move is the Right Move Let's face it--moving is one of the more traumatic events that can happen in the life of a manufacturing company, but sometimes relocating becomes a necessity. Some of the reasons for making a move may be that your business is growing and you need more space; you may have lost your lease; rents may be going up; or your business may not need all of the current space. Whatever the reason, a move has the potential to radically improve your business--or to damage it. Regardless of what drives you to it, the need to move should be seen as an opportunity--an opportunity to break old habits and to walk away from your current mistakes. There are numerous factors that affect the success or failure of a move--the first of which is to give yourself enough time to plan appropriately. Many manufacturers who relocate without doing their "homework" later find that the level of disruption to their business is unnecessarily damaging and that the new site is generally problematic. They lose key employees, the space doesn't fit their requirements, there is poor workflow, they can't ship or receive material during rush hour, or a host of other problems. In order to avoid these costly errors, one should allow a minimum of one year to go through the steps necessary to execute a well-planned move. This article focuses on the first aspect of making the right move: Site Selection. Finding and choosing a site consists of the following steps: defining your needs, searching for an appropriate location, and evaluating the facility. Defining Your Needs Before you can begin your search for a suitable Site location and building, you, as the business owner, must look to the future--it's not enough to simply observe what is currently happening. Think about where your company is going. Will there be a change in your product mix? What are the projections for sales growth? Will you be adding new technology, processes or equipment? Will you be making organizational changes that will add/reduce space needs? This assessment helps you to determine your improvement needs and gives you a basis to develop strategies to achieve these improvements. It is critically important to understand your needs before you begin the selection process. Searching For an Appropriate Location Once you have identified your space requirements, you can begin to search for an appropriate site. There are many issues to consider. Employee Transportation: Is there accessible public transportation? Will some of your employees drive to work? If so, is there parking on or off-site? Employee Retention: If you move away from your current area, will your critical employees go with you? How does the distance affect their commute? Potential Employment Base: Is there a reservoir of potential employees to replace those who leave or to add as your business grows? Zoning: Do you zoning regulations permit your type of industry? Will you be able to obtain needed permits? How long does it take to get the permits? Environmentals: Are there any unusual environmental rules or restrictions? (Even the odor of food preparation may be restricted near residential areas.) Neighborhood: Are there any trends? Stable, improving, etc. Who are the neighbors--businesses, residential? If you require noisy early morning deliveries, will that be a problem? Will the neighborhood welcome you or resist you? Traffic: Look at the access routes - are there any alternatives? Rush hour problems? Will this have any effect on your distribution schedule? Availability of Services: Is there a post office nearby, a bank, restaurants for your employees to have lunch? Safety: Will your employees feel safe during all hours, especially between building and public transportation? If employees are driving, will their cars be safe? Finding the Facility If you're planning on building, it's time to call an architect. If no, it's time to call a realtor. The realtor will generally show you a number of possibilities. It is your responsibility to evaluate those selections and to make the ultimate decision. Evaluating the Facility Even if a location is ideal to your needs, you must critically evaluate the appropriateness of the facility itself. Consider the following. Sharing Space: Will you be the only tentant or will you share the building? If you share, how will the utilities, power transformers, etc...split? How will shared loading docks and elvators be allocating for the free flow of materials? Certificate of Occupancy: Does it allow your type of operation? The Property: Lot size and location, building size, orientation to street, appearance, security of periphery (ground and above), will the entrances to the property allow for easy entry and egress? General condition: How is the building maintained? Does it need repairs? What is the condition of windows, floor, roof? Layout: Does the space allow for effecient space utilization? Do low ceilings, columns or load-bearing walls interfere with the efficient setup of the production area, or the flow of material? Is there room for expansion? Floors: If more than one floor is considered, what is the vertical relationship? How many elevators? Will they be dedicated? Systems: Is there enough power in the space? Gas and electric metering, telephone service, plumbing locations and risers, operational HVAC, etc...? Truck Access: Number and size of openings, dock locations and floor elevation, street width and turning radius. -- The Negotiated Package: Does it come "As is" or with improvements? What's already there (mechanical, offices, etc...)? What services does the owner provide? Few available sites will turn out to be the ideal fit for your operation. You will need to compare them to determine which is the best fit. The best way to do this is to create a table comparing the sites you are considering. First list your reuquired space needs, then those available in the buildings under consideration. Include a pros and cons column. Once all of the information is in front you, do an analysis of the whole picture. Decide which critieria are most important to your needs and which location most closely meets those needs. Selecting an appropriate site for for your business is an important aspect of making the right move. When coupled with a well-conceived productivity improvement plan, it can result in substantial improvements for your company. If you think you may be contemplating a move within the next 3-12 months, now is the time to start planning. The industrial and Technology Assistance Corporation (ITAC) has developed MoveSmart, a package of services to help manufacturers that are considering relocating develop a plan to optimize their use of real estate, generally resulting in more efficient use of space and increased capacity for growth. ITAC's Relocating Planning and Support Services can help make the transition easier for you and your employees. To learn more, sign up for the next MoveSmart workshop or call Jane Tabachnick at 212-442-2990 or e-mail: mailto:jtabachnick@itac.org Upcoming Events MoveSmart Informational Seminar Date: November 29, 2005, 8:30 am Location: ITAC Offices, 253 Broadway, Suite 302, New York, NY The program will introduce key decision makers to the process of planning and executing a plant relocation or expansion. The workshop will cover the key phases and milestones of a complex process that involves many players, including the company, engineers, landlords, lawyers, vendors and contractors. Participants will gain basic knowledge for outlining a project plan to assure a cost effective move and new plant operation. In addition, participants will be provided witih practical tools to assist them in their initial analysis and decision making, such as templates, checklists and sample documents. Call Jane Tabachnick at 212-442-2990 or e-mail her at jtabachnick@itac.org for more information. Lean Manufacturing 101 Workshop Date: December 1, 2005, 8:30 am, $95 Location: ITAC Offices, 253 Broadway, Suite 302, New York, NY Would you like to produce faster, better and less expensively with your existing resources? What if, in doing so, you could increase your sales, improve customer satisfaction and increase profitability? Principals and key managers at local manufacturing firms should attend this workshop to learn how lean manufacturing techniques help firms produce more with existing resources by eliminating non-value added activities. Workshops simulation exercises help participants experience first hand how lean techniques increase space utilization, improve quality, reduce cycle time, improve delivery performance, and reducde work-in-process. Application of lean techniques enables firms to increase profits, improve customer satisfaction and become more competitive. For more information contact Mei Sit at 212-442-2990 or msit@itac.org About ITAC ITAC is a non-profit economic development organization dedicated to creating and retaining jobs for New Yorkers. We provide indepth one-on-one technical assistance for New York City manufacturers and technology firms to help them stay competitive in the marketplace. ITAC's unique combination of business expertise and expert resource network makes us a valuable partner to help NYC companies grow, change and thrive. ITAC receives significant financial support from the New York State Office of Science, Technology and Academic Research (NYSTAR), New York's high-technology economic development agency, and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), and Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP). ITAC serves as NYSTAR®'s designated Regional Technology Development Center for New York City and one of nearly 350 MEP locations across the country and works directly with regional companies to increase their competitiveness and profitability.

ITAC Update: New Look, New Website, New Programs

Wanted: New York city Technology Companies for TechNYC Census

NYC Manufacturers: Make Sure Your Next Move is the Right Move

Upcoming Events

About ITAC