Weekly News & Agenda for Tuesday, 7/26/11

1. AGENDA FOR TUESDAY, 7/26/11:

0700-0730: INTRODUCTIONS

During our roundtable introductions, you're welcome to share as much or as little as you'd like about what's new in your world. We'll place particular focus on those seeking advice, referrals, job search assistance, or simply the opportunity to disseminate business information or plug your business.

0730-0800: SPEAKER/PROGRAM

BizNet member Bruce Boevers (USMA '73) will share his experiences in Afghanistan as a civilian advisor to the Afghan Ministry of Defense (MOD). In that role, Bruce developed the structure of the MOD organization, developed and taught the "capstone" course for the newly appointed officials, and mentored the Assistant Minister of Defense for Defense Policy (Programming).

2. UPCOMING TUESDAY PROGRAMS:

8/2/11: TBD/Open Forum. This date is currently open. If you have a speaker in mind or would like to lead a discussion, just let me know, at panicciaj@aol.com.

3. JOB OPPORTUNITY - Technology Sales & Customer Support (Longmont, CO):

Thanks to BizNet member Dale Degen (USMA '95) for passing along the following job opportunities at Synkera Techologies, based in Longmont. Dale writes as follows, including an email from his contact at Synkera:

Wanted to pass on an opportunity for a rapidly growing small company heavily involved with both commercial and government contracts. Please feel free to pass on to the rest of biznet. Thanks - Dale

Hi Dale,

We have an open position that we have been having trouble finding candidates for, no doubt because it is a pretty broad position. (Welcome to the challenge of growing a small company!) I have attached a link here - http://www.synkera.com/general-info/customer-service-sales-support.html

If you know of anyone, or think this is the sort of thing that would be appropriate to share on your military network, please pass this along.

Thanks,

Debi

Debra J. Deininger
Strategic Business Manager
Synkera Technologies Inc.
720-494-8401
www.synkera.com

4. GRAD SEEKING ASSISTANCE:

Cliff Miller (USMA '82) is relatively new to the Denver area and is seeking his next job opportunity. Cliff recently reached out to the West Point Society of Denver (WPSD) for networking assistance and was referred to BizNet by Lindy Blackburn (USMA '69) and Sam Thiessen (USMA '73), who are current president and immediate past president, respectively, of WPSD. Please take a look thru Cliff's cover letter below, and contact him directly if you can offer any advice, referrals, or other job search assistance.

COVER LETTER
Cliff Miller
Home - 720-379-3500
Cell - 303-476-0385
cmiller875@aol.com

Cliff Miller is a senior operations leader with significant experience in the financial engagement of budgeting and resource planning; in developing individual and organization capacity and capability; in ensuring the operational alignment and compliance to policies and procedures; in providing project, change, and results management throughout the project management life cycle; and, in leading lean sigma transformations and driving financial improvement within a matrix organization across functions, geographies, and cultures in fortune 500 companies. As a Global Director in Global Operations with Gates, Cliff partnered with and influenced senior leaders in his responsibility for operational process excellence, quality compliance, and performance improvement leading teams in North America, Europe, Asia, and South America. His lean sigma leadership, strategic expertise, organization and communication skills, innovative solutions, passion for practical tactical execution, ability to embrace transformational change, and capability to initiate and drive multiple initiatives enabled the business to successfully launch over 200 global lean sigma projects resulting in a 200% improvement in cost.

Prior to Gates, Cliff was a Global Manager for lean, a Director level senior operational role and part of Goodyear’s Global Leaders Program. While there, Cliff was part of GT’s lean start-up and transformation leading a team to develop and implement the prototype Goodyear Enterprise System focused on generating process excellence via lean sigma. As well, he enhanced engagement and led lean sigma improvement sessions involving 206 leaders and associates for processes in Asia, North America, and Europe. In addition to his lean sigma and cultural transformation focus, Cliff led teams to improve the S&OP process contributing to revenue growth of 6%; to define the consumer product creation process resulting in a 26% improvement in service delivery; and, led the transformation of the largest product business unit resulting in 97% service; and, reducing business costs by 4%.

Prior to Goodyear, Cliff served as the Site Operations Leader at Avery Dennison, its largest facility in the U.S. Cliff also worked in a Business General Management role with profit and loss responsibility leading a market turnaround of an operation at PepsiCo. After serving 5 years in the US Army, Cliff started his private industry career with Procter and Gamble.

Cliff brings a market driven perspective to running businesses highlighting balanced results across all critical performance criteria. He has applied and proven his lean sigma skills successfully working with and leading operational teams in various industries, companies, businesses, functions, geographies, and cultures. Cliff graduated from the USMA in West Point, N.Y. with a B.S. in Engineering and an MBA from Tulane University. He is a certified Lean Master and Six Sigma Black Belt (e.g., Master Lean Sigma).

Documented testimonials validating and attesting to Cliff’s leadership and accomplishments are noted below and are available upon request:
1. Sample military performance evaluations assessing Cliff’s performance consistent with his evaluations over the course of his career (e.g., promote ahead of peers)
2. A Procter and Gamble memo designating Cliff an operational developmental candidate.
3. Several recognition letters from PepsiCo senior operational executives.
4. An Avery Dennison letter on Cliff’s selection to attend the Operations Forum for high potential talent.
5. Several Goodyear testimonials to include a letter on Cliff’s selection to attend a “Skip Level” meeting for high potential talent with the former Goodyear CEO, Bob Keegan.

Cliff is willing to relocate; his total compensation package is negotiable; and, he is flexible and open to the travel needed to drive bottom line business results.


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Have a good week.

Joe Paniccia (USMA '84)
BizNet Coordinator
panicciaj@aol.com

Service Academy BizNet of Denver meets weekly on Tuesdays at 0700 in the Marriott Hotel at the Denver Tech Center. From I-25, exit Belleview east, then turn north onto Syracuse Street. While the Marriott lots are paid parking (approx $2-4), you can park for FREE across the street at Garcia's Restaurant (we have their permission). Look for us in the seating area inside the Marriott's coffee shop. RSVP is not required. Dress is casual. Attendance is open to graduates of the federal service academies (USAFA, USCGA, USMA, USMMA, USNA). Our schedule, roster and other information are posted on the web site at www.academybiznet.org