I'm sure you'll read the official Hanley Wood press release describing the events at World of Concrete we have posted on our Web site. WOC 2010 was a very successful event for everyone who went. I felt a spirit of anticipation and hope.

While the corporate folks tried to offer their insights in their wrap-up, I think they missed something very important. There was history made in the North Hall that probably went unnoticed to most of the busy folks at the event. And perhaps I feel honored because I was part of the event.

On Monday, Feb. 1, 2010, the first live talk show radio event was broadcast from WOC's show floor. The radio show was Lean Nation, a daily drive-home talk-show hosted by Karl Wadensten, president of VIBCO Vibrators (www.vibco.com) in Wyoming, R.I. (You can download a podcast of my interview.)

Wadensten launched The Lean Nation radio show about a year ago. He describes the show as an outlet for his passion for helping other business owners learn how to be more productive and profitable from instituting good business practices. The show is aired daily from 4-5 p.m. on WPRV 790AM in Providence, R.I.

As Wadensten began developing strategic plans for their next 50 years serving our industry, he realized that business as usual wasn't going to make it. In the last few years he has adopted a philosophy that embraces Lean business practices. “Lean is more than cost-savings. It's all about transformation,” says Wadensten. He wants to help other business owners benefit from his experience.

His efforts have drawn attention. In January, Wadensten was appointed to the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation's board of directors.

Lean was definitely the key word for WOC. So it's not surprising that Wadensten's Vibco wasn't the only WOC exhibitor offering tools on lean management.

Duraflex's entry to the Most Innovative Products Award program was its Contractor Academy designed to help contractors learn how to grow their businesses by educating them on how to better manage their organizations. This new, non-product-oriented workshop is geared to teach contractors from all market segments the proven methods of success by applying the Toyota Production System and Lean tools. (Visit www.mip2010 to learn more and vote.)

And Systech announced it is hosting RM Visions '10. John Rabchuck, Systech's president, describes the select gathering of key executive leaders in the ready- mix industry as his effort to help alert leaders in the ready-mixed concrete industry of the need to adopt Lean practices. Rabchuck hopes invitees will learn about cutting edge management tools and technological advances, while sharing strategic insights about future innovations. To learn more, telephone Sandy Cavazos at 630-515-0200 or e-mail scavazos@systech-inc.com.