“Stand Out from Your Competition” will be the topic at the Southern New England Entrepreneurs Forum (SNEEF) at UMass Dartmouth on Thursday, October 13, 5:30 p.m., Advanced Technology and Manufacturing Center, 151 Martine Street, Fall River.
Larry Girouard is the CEO of The Business Avionix LLC, a business consulting firm based in Newport, Rhode Island. He will use his expertise in strategic and market penetration planning by moderating a case study of Newport Biodiesel LLC and an element of its strategy to compete against petroleum diesel companies. Nat Harris, Founder and Production Manager of Newport Biodiesel, will discuss how this element, relationships with suppliers, can help businesses provide a product that truly stands out from competitors.
Harris has had a life-long interest in the environment and sustainability which led him to founding Newport Biodiesel. Starting from his basement the business has grown to a 1 million gallon per year production facility producing biodiesel from locally sourced vegetable oil. In addition to his interest in the environment and sustainability Harris has used his engineering experience as well as his mechanical aptitude to establish Newport Biodiesel as a clear leader of renewable energy in New England.
Panelists will address the pluses and minuses of supplier relationships and their role in a competitive business environment. The panelists are:
- Ray Surprenant, President of Davico Mfg., a catalytic converter manufacturer based in New Bedford, Massachusetts
- Gary Eich, Director of Operations for Moeller Marine, a plastics manufacturer based in Sparta, Tennessee.
- Ed Struzziero, Co-Founder of Harvest Delivery, a food distributor based in Brewster, Massachusetts.
Become a 2011-12 member of SNEEF at Umass Dartmouth for only $75, and attend the forum free. Event non-member cost is $20 in advance, $25 at the door, includes refreshments. Register at www.sneef.org