Industry and Innovation Expo, Fall 2009
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Manufacturing For a Vibrant Economy and Region
With a focus on keeping Washington competitive, the alliance will partner with and serve community and work force development initiatives through streamlining the dissemination of information between local businesses and their workforce. The NWMA agenda will promote innovation in education and employment options.
The mission of the NWMA: To improve the competitive environment for manufacturing operations within the Pacific Mountain region (inclusive of Grays Harbor, Lewis, Mason, Pacific and Thurston counties.)
Manufacturing is vital to the region’s prosperity because it brings new dollars into the community as products are exported out. It brings balance to the economy, so the region is not too dependent on one sector, such as service or government. It is a source of high demand, high wage jobs; and also creates a high percentage of supporting jobs (estimated at three for each manufacturing job).
Manufacturing in the 21st Century requires more science and engineering than in previous decades, and the one certainty is that it will continue to change and evolve. The “lower value” mass production manufacturing of the past has moved offshore; however, it has been replaced with “higher value” manufacturing that requires a talented workforce and fuels higher paying jobs. Although skill and education are required for these jobs, a four year degree may not be.
The mission of the Northwest Manufacturers Alliance (NWMA) is to promote a regional environment where manufacturers not only survive, but thrive and prosper. Educating the public on the importance of manufacturing for the region is first on the list. Getting the word out to educators, students, and parents about the unique opportunities in manufacturing is also important. Manufacturers and educators will be brought together in collaborative efforts to develop creative training opportunities for a skilled workforce. The Alliance is also the vehicle for a unified, powerful voice for manufacturing in legislative issues, and a network to enable resource sharing.
Any manufacturer in the five county region can participate in the NWMA. Additionally, anyone who can bring a benefit to our manufacturers – colleges, financial institutions, suppliers – can participate as an affiliate.
For more information about manufacturing jobs in the 5 county area, please contact Mr. Michael Cade, Director of the Thurston County Economic Development Council at 360-754-6320.
Be sure to visit our colleagues:
Association of Washington Business
Regional Education and Training Center
Pacific Mountain Alliance for Innovation, 1570 Irving Street SW, Tumwater WA 98512
Ph: 360-570-6957, Fx: 360-704-6444
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