Guest Blog from Dwaine Raper

Innovation is a Significant Factor of Success for All Types of Organizations

by Dwaine Raper, Solutions Consultant with the Center for Industrial Services

During a recent training session on the Innovation Engineering Management System, I found it encouraging to learn about the system being utilized to help non-manufacturing organizations address the need for innovation to remain viable.  The specific example shared was the Greater Lafayette Chamber of Commerce, in Louisiana.  This chamber experienced significant member loss after Hurricane Katrina, as many businesses closed or moved.  In addition, the economic downturn has also resulted in member loss as businesses increasingly scrutinize all expenditures and the benefits that they get in return.  The value of just being part of the association is no longer enough.  The Greater Lafayette Chamber has embraced innovation to make its service offerings more value-added for business, and in-turn grow membership.  To be more specific, they utilized the Innovation Engineering program, provided by the MEPOL, LA’s Manufacturing Extension Program.  The chamber was selected as the 2011 Chamber of the Year by American Chamber of Commerce Executives, and its focus on Innovation was a deciding factor in them being chosen for the award.

The customers that we work with across the Institute for Public Service have a need to be Innovative in their approach to attracting and retaining customers, or investment partners.  The reality is that if they are not actively working to innovate and improve, then their competitive position is in decline.

Learn more about the Greater Lafayette Chamber at: http://lafchamber.org/AboutUs