Impact Washington NIST MEP Announces Its Continued Support and Partnership with the Association of Washington Business (AWB) for the Annual Manufacturing Week Bus Tour
Bothell, WA (September 2024) — Impact Washington-NIST MEP is proud to announce its continued support and partnership with the Association of Washington Business (AWB) for the 2024 Annual Manufacturing Week Bus Tour, set to take place from October 2-9, 2024. This marks the fifth year of collaboration between Impact Washington and AWB on this event.
"The Impact Washington team is thrilled to join AWB for our fifth Manufacturing Bus Tour. I love this state-wide road trip to rally for, recognize, and revel in Washington’s manufacturing excellence and innovation," said Kelley Sowards, President & Center Director, Impact Washington. "We learn and talk about challenges, accomplishments, hopes, and dreams, from within the businesses and communities that day in and day out produce the fabric of our Washington economy. We hope to see you there!"
The Manufacturing Week bus tour showcases Washington’s vibrant manufacturing sector, highlighting the innovation and economic contributions of local manufacturers. Impact Washington is proud to join this year’s bus tour, spotlighting manufacturers in all corners of Washington and inviting policymakers, economic development groups, and other stakeholders to gain a firsthand understanding of the challenges and opportunities within the manufacturing sector, and how to support its growth.
Impact Washington emphasizes its commitment to raising awareness of the critical role that manufacturing plays in Washington’s economy amid regulatory complexity, high taxes, and a growing skills gap, which has been exacerbated by the pandemic.
The Manufacturing Week bus tour highlights the diverse range of industries that fuel this robust economic sector—from mint flavoring and agriculture to metal fabrication and pharmaceuticals. Washington is home to approximately 7,938 manufacturers, employing nearly 271,000 workers across the state. Manufacturing contributes over $63 Billion annually to Washington’s economy, making up 8.6% of the state’s total output.
From touring shop floors to meeting with high school students training for manufacturing careers, this event is not just about highlighting businesses—it’s about showcasing the vibrant communities manufacturing supports. This weeklong event will also focus on the critical role Washington manufacturing plays in job creation, economic stability, and community development.
Learn more about the Manufacturing bus tour here.
About Impact Washington-NIST MEP
As a NIST MEP-approved center, Impact Washington is the official representative of the MEP National Network in Washington State. Impact Washington is a statewide non-profit organization that provides competitive, value-driven consulting and training services. With access to public and private resources, we enhance growth, improve productivity, reduce costs, and expand manufacturing capacity in Washington.
Our manufacturing consulting, solutions, and educational opportunities focus on small and medium-sized manufacturers. Since 1997, Impact Washington has delivered measurable, validated business impacts to more than 1,500 Washington State manufacturers.
About the Association of Washington Business
Formed in 1904, the Association of Washington Business is Washington’s oldest and largest statewide business association, including 1200 manufacturing businesses members and representing 7000+ manufacturing firms.
AWB serves as the state’s chamber of commerce and the manufacturing and technology association. AWB also has a longstanding record of working for companies in many other industries such as retail, wholesale, communications, services, agriculture, transportation, hospitality, and construction.
About MEP National Network™
The MEP National Network™ is a unique public-private partnership that delivers comprehensive, proven solutions to U.S. manufacturers, fueling growth and advancing U.S. manufacturing.
Focused on helping small and medium-sized manufacturers generate business results and thrive in today's technology-driven economy, the MEP National Network comprises the National Institute of Standards and Technology's Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NIST MEP), the 51 MEP Centers located in all 50 states and Puerto Rico, the MEP Advisory Board, MEP Center boards, and the Foundation for Manufacturing Excellence, as well as over 1,440 trusted advisors and experts at approximately 460 MEP service locations, providing any U.S. manufacturer with access to resources they need to succeed.
In FY 2023, the MEP National Network connected with more than 36,000 manufacturers, leading to $16.2 billion in new and retained sales, $2.9 billion in cost savings, $4.8 billion in new client investments, and helped to create and retain more than 107,100 U.S. manufacturing jobs.
About NIST
National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) promotes U.S. innovation and industrial competitiveness by advancing measurement science, standards, and technology to enhance economic security and improve our quality of life. NIST is a nonregulatory agency of the U.S. Department of Commerce.
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