Institute of Industrial Engineers

Chapter 71: Lancaster - Harrisburg

Events for 2009

If you have ideas for future events, or would like additional information about events, please contact our Programs Directors at programs@iie71.org.

Past Event Descriptions

9/16/09: Dave Scranton Speaks on Stoner, Inc.'s Quest for Quality Excellence: IIE Dinner Meeting

Small Company, Big Dreams
Stoner, Inc’s Baldrige Story

On November 25, 2003, President Bush and Commerce Secretary Donald Evans announced that Stoner, Inc. was one of seven organizations to win the 2003 Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, the nation’s premier award for performance excellence and quality achievement. Stoner is the smallest business to ever receive a Baldrige Award, and one of only fourteen small business winners since the award’s inception by Congress in 1987.

About Stoner
Located near Quarryville in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, Stoner manufactures specialized cleaners, lubricants, and coatings for both business-to-business and consumer applications. Founded 60 years ago by Paul Stoner, the company has enjoyed a history of innovation and accomplishment, often against difficult odds.

Today, pursuing a mission to help customers “save time, increase productivity, and improve the quality of their work”, Stoner formulates more than 300 solutions that are packaged in aerosol cans and larger bulk-liquid containers. For example, Stoner is the largest supplier of anti-stick release agents for the plastic molding industry. Stoner specialty lubricants are used to manufacture military fighter jet engines, submarine components, and parts for the NASA space shuttle. Stoner electronic cleaners help maintain telecommunications equipment, computers, office equipment, and money handling machines. Professional auto detailers, collectors, and enthusiasts use Stoner car care products to clean, shine, and protect their favorite vehicles, from Fords to Ferraris.

In 2005, Stoner received a site visit from examiners for the Shingo Prize. This Prize honors companies who are achieving world class business results by embracing Lean Enterprise principles.

Speaker Biography: Dave Scranton
Dave Scranton is Inside Sales Manager of Stoner, Inc. Dave has a BA degree in English & Education from Bucknell University. He joined Stoner in 1999 after a brief professional baseball career. Dave started his Stoner career as a member of the Inside Sales Team and became that team’s manager in 2001. Today, Dave's primary responsibility is leading Stoner’s 7 member Inside Sales Team in customer service, satisfaction, retention and sales growth efforts. He also works with fellow Leadership Team members in the areas of strategic planning, business excellence, and human resources.

8/13/09: Dale Smucker,  Director of Purchasing for Auntie Anne's Pretzals
Joint spreaker event with APICS of Central Penn

            From one farmer’s market stand to over 950 locations worldwide, Auntie Anne’s success lies in its commitment to pretzel perfection, ability to maintain an effective business model, and collaborative
approach with its network of 300 franchisees. Dale Smucker, Auntie Anne’s Director of Purchasing for the last 15 years, will describe the inner workings of a food supply chain within a franchise organization. He will focus on the current threats impacting the food supply chain and share how Auntie Anne’s is addressing fluctuating commodity prices stemming from the economic marketplace, sustainable efforts, and unpredictable Mother Nature. Dale will also discuss Auntie Anne’s recently established facility consisting of manufacturing, warehousing, and distribution services for its franchise and prepared products businesses.
            As the Director of Purchasing of Auntie Anne’s, Inc. Dale oversees all aspects of purchasing for over 950 Auntie Anne’s Pretzel stores worldwide. Managing approximately 80 million dollars in purchasing for the franchise system, Dale negotiates pricing with manufacturers of paper products, food items, small wares and equipment that are used on a daily basis to produce and serve fresh from the oven Auntie Anne’s Pretzel products and signature beverages. Dale plays an integral role in Auntie Anne’s continued commitment to menu innovation by working closely with the company’s Food Science & Technology, Operations, and Marketing Teams. He is responsible for integrating all necessary components for new test products into the system via 13 distribution centers located throughout the country. Dale began his career with Auntie Anne’s in 1991 as the Warehouse Manager. At that time, there were 35 stores located primarily in farmer’s markets. As the company expanded and the need for a consistent purchasing system developed, Dale was promoted to Director of Purchasing in 1993.

7/15/09: Tour of Pepperidge Farm Denver, PA Plant

The Denver plant is one of 8 manufacturing plants within the Pepperidge Farm network. It was opened in 1991 and has 611,000 square feet situated on 114 acres. There are 800 employees that work in three distinct operations. There is a biscuit operation that consists of six cookie lines, a goldfish operation that has three lines, and a bakery operation that has a soft roll line, hearth line, and bread line. We make cheddar goldfish, Milano cookies, and many different whole grain breads to name a few of the more popular items. Product is shipped fresh as far west as Pittsburgh, up to Maine, and as far south as North Carolina.

6/25/09: 3rd Annual Professional Society Networking Social

    Central Pennsylvania Engineers Week Council and 14 professional societies hosted the 3rd Annual Professional Society Networking Social at Appalachian Brewing Company. It was a successful networking event, with around 100 professionals in attendance.

Spnsored by:
AIChE: Institute of Chemical Engineers
APICS: Association of Operations Management
ASCE: American Society of Civil Engineers
ASHE: American Society of Highway Engineers
ASME: American Society of Mechanical Engineers
ASQ: American Society for Quality
CSCMP: Council of Supply Chain Management
IEEE: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
IIE: Institute of Industrial Engineers
IoPP: Institute of Packaging Professionals
MASITE: Mid-Atlantic Section of the Institute of Transportation Engineers
PMI: Project Management Institute
SMPS: Society of Marketing Professional Services
WTS: Womens Transportation Seminar

6/14/09: Rusty Elsner, President and CEO of Elsner Engineering Works, Inc.

OUR LEAN MANUFACTURING STORY – A FAMILY BUSINESS PERSPECTIVE

        Founded in 1934, Elsner Engineering Works, Inc. designs and manufactures special machinery for the converting and packaging industries.They are currently celebrating their 75^th anniversary as a 3^rd generation family owned and operated business in Hanover.  Their line of over 40 different machines are used to convert and package such products as disposable baby wipes, surface disinfectant wipes, gift wrap paper, aluminum foil and wallpaper. With 70 employees, Elsner currently services and supports over 2400 machines worldwide with equipment in service in nearly 60 countries. Besides their headquarters in Hanover, PA, they have a sales office in Bremen, Germany and offer field support from sites in Germany and Shanghai, China.
        The presenter, F. Rusty Elsner, is President & CEO. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Pennsylvania State University. He is a fifth generation mechanical engineer in the Elsner family. Rusty’s international business and pleasure travels have taken him to over 45 countries. He is active in his community in several not-for-profits and in his Church. In 2004, Rusty was awarded Ambassador # 3962 for the United States Junior Chamber of Commerce, which is the highest honor bestowed upon a Jaycee.
        Outside of work, Rusty is an avid sailor and enjoys spending time with his family, friends and his wife, Grace. They reside in Hanover.

January 2009: Fellowship Night

Past Events Rewind

Click on the links below to see pictures from our past events.