Bothell, WA (March 3) – Impact Washington will convene with members of the American Small Manufacturers Coalition (ASMC) during its annual “Hill Day” on March 3-4, 2020. This event provides ASMC members and their manufacturing clients to meet with his/her respective Congressional delegation to educate them about the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) program during the annual appropriations process.
The MEP works with small and mid-sized U.S. manufacturers, through designated MEP Centers, including Impact Washington, to help create and retain jobs, increase profits, and promote innovation and growth for the future. As a program of the U.S. Department of Commerce, MEP offers its clients resources centered on five critical areas: technology acceleration, supplier development, sustainability, workforce, and continuous improvement. The Upjohn Institute for Employment Research conducted a study of MEP this past year and found that the program generates a 14.4:1 return on investment. In 2019, MEP clients reported $15.7 billion new and retained sales and the creation or retention of 114,650 jobs. Considering that the average U.S. manufacturing worker earns more than $87,185 in wages and benefits per year, MEP clients are economic drivers in their communities. MEP clients are also increasing their capacity for the production of goods. MEP clients reported $4.5 billion in new investments directly attributed to their work with MEP.
The intent of Hill Day is to raise awareness on the importance of small and medium-sized manufacturers’ effect on rebuilding the economy. By showcasing the achievements of this sector to elected officials, ASMC members are able to demonstrate a return on investment of the federal funding generated through the MEP program.
“Hill Day allows us the opportunity to walk the halls of Congress and meet with Members of Congress and staff about the impact we’re making in their district, said Deloit R. Wolfe Jr., President and Center Director of Impact Washington. “It’s a great way to share our perspective as manufacturing consultants, educators, and trainers, on how supporting this program impacts the work we do on a daily basis to ensure every manufacturer across the state excels.”
Accompanying Deloit to the capital is Lori Friedt, Director of Finance for Impact Washington, Carol Blayden, Director of Marketing & Client Engagement for Impact Washington and Sarah Lee, Washington State Department of Commerce, Governor’s Advanced Manufacturing Sector Lead.
“The MEP National Network continues to significantly improve the productivity and competitiveness of America’s small and mid-sized manufacturers,” said Dave Boulay, ASMC Board Chair and President of the Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center. “Hill Day provides us an opportunity to showcase those impacts to our congressional representatives and allow our clients to share their stories directly.”
For more information about the ASMC’s Hill Day, please visit: http://www.smallmanufacturers.org/events
Impact Washington Media Contact/Questions: cblayden@impactwashington.org