MAY 11, 2026 | EVERETT, WA — Impact Washington will participate in an upcoming Japan Trade Mission led by Washington Secretary of State Steve Hobbs, joining state, regional, and international partners to strengthen collaboration across aerospace and advanced manufacturing sectors and support Washington companies engaged in global supply chains.
The mission includes a 40-member delegation representing a broad range of industries critical to Washington’s economy. Participants span aerospace, aviation, sustainable aviation fuel, creative industries, agriculture, and sports and entertainment, including 10 Washington‑based tabletop gaming companies, reflecting the growing global reach of the state’s creative economy. This marks Secretary Hobbs’ third trade mission to Japan since 2023, underscoring Washington’s sustained commitment to strengthening long‑term economic and trade relationships with Japan.
“As a champion for Washington businesses, and the US-Japan trade relationship, I want to use my position to open doors and facilitate connections for local industry leaders in markets of opportunity,” said Secretary Hobbs. “The success of our homegrown businesses translates to the success of our regional economy, benefitting all Washingtonians.”
“Japan is a vital partner in the global aerospace supply chain,” said Kelley Sowards, President & Center Director, Impact Washington. “This trade mission is focused on strengthening long‑term relationships, advancing technical collaboration, and supporting innovation across aerospace manufacturing. These connections help us better serve Washington manufacturers operating in increasingly global markets.”
Impact Washington will be represented on the ground in Japan by Maddie Merton, Account Executive, supporting direct engagement with industry partners and stakeholders. Insights gained through the mission will inform Impact Washington’s work supporting manufacturers with operational excellence, workforce development, quality systems, and supply chain resilience.
The trade mission reflects a coordinated, statewide approach to international engagement, with participation from the Washington State Department of Commerce, World Trade Center Tacoma, Clallam Economic Development Council, and Economic Alliance Snohomish County, among other partners.
World Trade Center Tacoma highlighted the importance of international engagement in helping Washington companies navigate global markets. “Face-to-face connection is the foundation of international partnerships. Nowhere is that more true than in Japan”, said Michael A. Fowler, Executive Director & Senior Trade Consultant, World Trade Center Tacoma.
Clallam Economic Development Council underscored the value of international partnerships for regional and rural manufacturers. “Biofuels made from forest biomass will scale only through strong, multi‑party partnerships across regions and industries,” said Roy Mann, Program Manager, Clallam Forest Product Innovation Program, Clallam Economic Development Council.
“International engagement is essential to the long-term competitiveness of Washington’s aerospace and advanced manufacturing sectors,” said Ray Stephanson, President & CEO, Economic Alliance Snohomish County. “Through strong partnerships with state and local economic development organizations, we deepen global relationships—like those with Japan—strengthen supply chain resilience, and ensure our region remains a premier destination for innovation and investment.”
Participation in the Japan Trade Mission aligns with Impact Washington’s role as Washington’s NIST Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) Center, supporting manufacturers across the state through, connecting global manufacturing insights to Washington’s manufacturing community.
By strengthening international relationships and gaining firsthand market insight, Impact Washington and its partners aim to advance Washington’s aerospace and advanced manufacturing ecosystem and support long‑term, sustainable economic growth.
About Impact Washington
Impact Washington is a nonprofit organization that helps manufacturers across Washington State thrive through hands‑on consulting, training, and implementation support. As Washington’s NIST Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) Center, Impact Washington works with companies to improve productivity, competitiveness, and long‑term growth across sectors including aerospace, maritime, food and beverage, advanced materials, and supply chain manufacturing.
For more information, visit www.impactwashington.org.
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Impact Washington
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