June 2023

SURVEY for Manufacturers: NIST’s Measurement Science for Manufacturing Robotics

NIST is conducting a brief survey related to automation in manufacturing for its Measurement Science for Manufacturing Robotics (MSMR) program. The NIST MSMR program regularly reaches out to U.S. industry stakeholders to ensure the program goals are aligned with industry needs, and the research outputs are appropriately targeted to benefit US manufacturers.

The survey attempts to capture how companies use manufacturing technologies, and the opportunities and challenges faced during normal operations.

The survey will take 5-10 minute of your time and closes June 30th. Begin Survey Here

Investing in Washington's Supply Chain Resilience: Impact Washington Receives Funding Boost.

The Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) program has recently granted approximately $400,000 to each MEP National Network™ Center across the United States and Puerto Rico.

This substantial funding, totaling over $20 million, has been allocated to develop programs in each state to enhance the resilience and efficiency of domestic supply chains.

Authorized through the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022, this pilot program empowers MEP-approved centers such as Impact Washington to provide specialized services focused on supply chain resiliency. The newly acquired funds will play a vital role in several key areas, including supplier scouting, strengthening existing supply chain networks, facilitating manufacturers' connections, and mapping U.S. supplier capability and capacity.

This ambitious initiative expects to significantly and positively impact the growth and resilience of the domestic manufacturing industry as it works towards securing and enhancing the nation's supply chains.

Read Full Press Release Here

Stay tuned for more information about Impact Washington's Supply Chain Program. 

Friday, October 6, 2023 is Manufacturing Day

We are just shy of 100 days for Manufacturing Day 2023.

As part of our commitment to promoting the industry, we strongly support Manufacturing Day (MFG Day) and urge local manufacturers to get involved in this critical initiative. We encourage you to open your doors to students and the community, allowing them to learn about modern manufacturing practices and the many exciting career opportunities in the industry. 

We are committed to working with local manufacturers, industry partners, and educational institutions to build a strong and vibrant manufacturing workforce for the future.

Let us know how we can support and promote your event - Contact Us Here

Learn More About Manufacturing Day/Month Here

Attention Washington Manufacturers: Empower Your Female Workforce with the WiM Washington Chapter!

We are thrilled to present an extraordinary opportunity for manufacturers in Washington. The Women in Manufacturing (WiM) organization, dedicated to empowering women in the industry, has a local chapter in Washington, and they are inviting you to join their movement and get your female employees involved. The WiM Washington Chapter operates programs in the Greater Puget Sound and Spokane.

At Impact Washington, we recognize the significance of fostering diversity and inclusion in the manufacturing sector. By joining the WiM Washington Chapter, you can play a pivotal role in empowering your female workforce, enriching their careers, and impacting your organization.

WiM offers unparalleled support to women in manufacturing, providing a vibrant community where they can connect, network, and collaborate with like-minded professionals. Learn More Here

Time is running out: Nominate a business for AWB Washington Excellence, Manufacturing Excellence Awards before June 30

Deadline coming up: June 30 is the last day to nominate a business for the Association of Washington Business (AWB’s) Washington Excellence Awards and Manufacturing Excellence Awards. The finalists will be recognized at a formal awards ceremony on Nov. 16 at the Fairmont Olympic Hotel in Seattle.

AWB gives out seven Washington Excellence Awards and three Manufacturing Excellence Awards, including: 

• Manufacturer of the Year, recognizing overall business excellence and raising the industry standard. 
• Manufacturing Excellence Award for Operational Excellence, for a distinctive manufacturing process with continuous improvement.
• Manufacturing Excellence Award for Innovation, for maintaining a competitive advantage by utilizing innovation while remaining responsive to market demands.
• Employer of the Year, recognizing the overall business providing a thriving work environment for employees. 
• Washington Veterans & Families Awards, recognizing employers for hiring, retaining or supporting veterans, transitioning service members and their spouses.
• Leading Environmental Practices, recognizing green and clean business operations

See a description of all the awards here.

Eligibility: Award nominees must be a business operating in Washington state. They do not have to be an AWB member. Employers are also encouraged to submit self-nominations. You can nominate for multiple awards by filling out the one single entry form. Read about last year’s winners here.

Nomination process: It takes less than five minutes to submit a nomination. 

The deadline to submit nominations is June 30. Nominate a Washington manufacturing business, including your own, today!

Graduation: Igniting Lifelong Learning and Shaping Promising Futures

June is graduation time, and graduation signifies a significant milestone in one's educational journey, but it serves as merely the first step in an ongoing quest for knowledge. In Washington State, the need to fill a staggering 300,000 new manufacturing jobs over the next ten years adds an urgent dimension to pursuing higher education through college, trade schools, or apprenticeship programs.

A college education offers a comprehensive academic experience, providing profound knowledge, critical thinking skills, and avenues for personal growth. Trade schools specialize in industry-specific training, addressing the specific needs of the manufacturing industry. These programs deliver hands-on education, equipping students with practical skills that align with the evolving technological advancements and workforce demands. Apprenticeship programs act as a vital bridge between theoretical learning and real-world application. By learning from seasoned professionals, individuals gain invaluable on-the-job training, mentorship, and the chance to cultivate practical skills necessary for success in the manufacturing sector.

The significance of graduation from college, trade schools, and apprenticeship programs cannot be overstated. These educational pathways play a crucial role in meeting the pressing demand for skilled workers, contributing to economic growth and the prosperity of individuals and the state.

Let us unite in celebrating the exceptional Class of 2023 across all educational programs, extending our wholehearted support and unwavering enthusiasm for their journey to fill the manufacturing workforce gap in Washington State. Together, we can shape promising futures and bolster the thriving manufacturing industry, bringing about a prosperous decade ahead. 

Share what you see and tag us on LInkedIn at @impactwashington

Impact Washington Welcomes Kelley Sowards as Account Executive and Announces Board Updates  

Kelley Sowards has been appointed as the Account Executive in the North Puget Sound Region, serving Snohomish, Skagit, Whatcom, San Juan, and Island Counties. With over 15 years of manufacturing experience, including leadership positions at Eviation Aircraft and Meter Group, Sowards brings valuable expertise to the team. Having served on the Impact Washington Board of Directors for seven years, she was recently the Center's first female Board Chair. Steve Wittenberg, the current Board Vice-Chair, will assume the role of Chair, while Jenny Snow-Boscolo has been named Vice-Chair. These changes aim to strengthen the organization's leadership and enhance its impact on manufacturing.

Read Full News Announcement Here

Protecting Controlled Unclassified Information: What’s New In Draft SP 800-171, Revision 3 | Webinar Recap

NIST hosted a virtual webinar to overview the significant changes in NIST Special Publication (SP) 800-171, Revision 3, Protecting Controlled Unclassified Information in Nonfederal Systems and Organizations. Space was limited and they had an overwhelming number of participants. 

This revision to NIST SP 800-171 represents over one year of data collection, technical analyses, customer interaction, redesign, and development of the security requirements and supporting information to protect Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). Draft SP 800-171, Revision 3 is available for public comment through July 14, 2023. See the publication details for a draft copy, additional resources, and comment submission instructions.

If you missed it you can view the presentation here or recorded webinar here

Another opportunity to understand the requirements for the cybersecurity certification to be eligible for DoD contracts and other federal agencies is to join PTAC/APEX Accelerator on their upcoming webinar, where they'll cover topics such as Cybersecurity Assistance, Defense Industrial Base (DIB) Readiness, and Government Industrial Base (GIB) Readiness.

You'll get an opportunity to ask your detailed questions about cybersecurity requirements. Your instructor for this class is Terry Homburg, a retired federal Contracting Officer with 29 years of experience. He shares real-life examples of what works and what does not work in government contracting.

June 28 |  3:00 PM - 5:00 PM (PDT) | Virtual Meeting
Register Here
Fee: No Fee

Impact Washington And Center For Advanced Manufacturing Puget Sound (CAMPS) Lunch And Learn

June 21st | Register Here 
Fee: No Fee | Come have lunch with us!

Join Impact Washington At PNAA's Summerfest, A Yearly Networking Event.

Summerfest follows the multi-year success of Oktoberfest & Springfest and is part of PNAA’s quarterly networking series. We're sure you'll enjoy networking and have summer fun with aerospace leaders from around the Pacific Northwest. 

June 22nd | 4:00 - 7:00 pm | Everett Community College Aviation Maintenance Technician School across from Paine Field Airport.

Learn More and Register Here

Impact Washington would like to invite partners and clients to attend local webinars presented by members of the Washington Export Outreach Team (WEOT). This collaborative team of local, state, regional, and federal export assistance agencies provides businesses with the tools and resources to sell internationally. 

Wednesday Webinars with SBA Seattle is an ongoing series of free, virtual, webinars covering a variety of topics to benefit small business owners.

• June 28 - Meet the Western U.S. Agricultural Trade Association
• July 26 - Meet the Export Bank of United States
• August 23 – Meet the USDA – Foreign Agriculture Service
• September 27 – Meet the SBA Office of International Trade