FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Parsippany, NJ -- October 16, 2006 --  Outsourcing is a hot topic these days and has been the hair-trigger for more than a few heated debates! However, that’s just the topic that brought together Top Tier OEMs [Original Equipment Manufacturers] and high-quality U.S. Manufacturing Suppliers for face-to-face discussions during a two day Manufacturing Summit on September 6th & 7th 2006 hosted by First Index, Inc., at the Flamingo Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, NV.

The Las Vegas Manufacturing Summit kicked off with a 2-hour “cocktails & hors d’oeuvres” networking social attended by OEMs, Suppliers and First Index staff. There was a palpable energy in the air as buyers and vendors built rapport in a casual setting and set the stage for day two: face-to-face Buyer/Supplier meetings. The meetings were preceded by a networking breakfast again attended by all event participants. Summit meetings are scheduled on 20-minute intervals, with Suppliers expertly matched to each OEM based on specific criteria. Prior to each Summit, OEM Buyers provide First Index exact requirements so that Suppliers are matched with them accordingly. These criteria can include: Process (machining, fabrication, electronics, etc.), Certifications (ISO, QS, etc.), Facility size, Number of Employees, Type of Equipment, Geographic location, and so forth.

Buyers and Suppliers both expressed tremendous satisfaction with the event’s organization and management-- “The sourcing person also gets to explain what he/she is currently looking for and then the suppliers are prescreened [by First Index] based on this… it’s a terrific benefit & time saver for both parties. To find the number of qualified suppliers I did on my own would take me much longer than the 8 hours I spent at this event” --Keith Hackenberger, Philadelphia Mixing Solutions.

Supplier participants were equally impressed and optimistic about the event as represented by Ty Finch, Sales Manager for Century Inc., “I would consider our attendance in Las Vegas a success. We met 4-5 potential customers, Great job!” Peter Cook, V.P. Global Events at First Index added, “At First Index, we know that finding the right business partner can be a time-consuming process for both buyers and suppliers. That’s why doing the up-front leg-work for both of these groups saves them valuable time and resources. It’s a huge time saver for Buyers and a highly effective way of developing new business for Suppliers.”

First Index will be hosting their next Manufacturing Summit on January 17th & 18th 2007 in Orlando, FL at the Grosvenor Resort.  Interested Buyers, Suppliers and Vendors should contact the First Index Events Department for more information or visit the Events page of our website!