News

November 25, 2008 -  CAMPS Executive Round Table Program

"Alternative Energy Program Opportunities"

In alignment with the Innovataion Data Base Initiative, CAMPS members were presented an overview of the most common alternative energy programs, along wiht the market opportunities.  The CAMPS members agreed to further pursue opporutniies in the areas of Solar and Wind Energy.  The December Round Table discussion will center on more detailed information relating to market size, key companies, funding opportunities, and what is required to meet supply chain requirements.

October 23, 2008  - CAMPS Executive Round Table Program

"How to financially position your company during turbulent economic times"

In response to concerns expressed by CAMPS members about the turbulent economic times, an interactive panel discussion was presented to provide insights into how to cope with current situations. The panel consisted of: 

·         Hebert Research - Jim Hebert, President and Founder of Hebert Research and a CAMPS Founding Board Member

·         Viking Bank - John Huey, Senior Vice President and W. Seattle Market Manager

·         United Commercial Bank - Rob Robinson, SVP & Senior Approval Officer 

·         Berntson & Porter (CPA Firm) - Jennifer Raybon, Principal 

·         LeMaster Daniels (CPA Firm) - Svet Mihaylov, Manager 

Mr. Hebert presented the Third Quarter 2008 Puget Sound Business Confidence Index.  

September 23, 2008 - Presentation to the enterpriseSeattle Board of Directors

enterpriseSeattle is a regional economic development organization that has provided client-based economic development services to businesses for 35 years.

enterpriseSeattle's mission is to be a "difference-maker" in the community by growing the jobs and tax base
in KingCounty, its 39 cities and the greater Puget Sound region. It accomplishes its mission through a
customized client services program focused on business retention, expansion and recruitment. It's objective is to become the premier economic development organization in the US.

September 25, 2008  -  CAMPS Execitive Round Table Program

CAMPS is comprised of small and medium manufacturers (SSM).  A report published in 2006 called The Future Success of Small and Medium Manufacturers was discussed that identifies the external and internal challenges that manufacturers are encountering.  CAMPS will provide 2009 programs in alignment with these issues. The CAMPS members support this agenda, along with pertinent workshops on supply chain development and other subjects.

August 11, 2008  - CAMPS Members meet with US Senator Patty Murray

CAMPS Manufacturing Members and Workforce Strategic Partners met with US Senator Patty Murray to exchange ideas on workforce development and other issues of concern to manufacturing businesses.  Senator Murray and the CAMPS members discussed the concern over schools not promoting and training graduates for careers in manufacturing.  Senator Murray was very receptive to the manufacturers concerns and will take them into consideration  while drafting legislation.

July 24, 2008  -  CAMPS Execitive Round Table Program

Structured On-the-Job Training Program (SOJT)

CAMPS members expressed the need for skilled employees, they feel current programs are not meeting the needs to upgrade skills of existing employees and to find and train applicants to fill critical positions.  CAMPS members are looking for a solution to meet “on-site” training needs in “task specific” functions.  Mari Ragland, with Green River Community College provided an overview of a Structured On-the-Job Training Program.   Current funding programs were also presented.  Ms. Raglind is an Organization Development Specialist and has worked in the manufacturing sector developing training programs prior to joining Green River.  The proposed solution provided  by CAMPS is a training support system, finding qualified resources, cost sharing among members, and best practices shared across the CAMPS membership

June26, 2008  -  CAMPS Execitive Round Table Program

Darcy Kooiker, a Principal with Bernston Porter & Company PLLC, a Bellevue based CPA firm and CAMPS Member provided an overview of current Washington State and Local tax incentives for manufacturing companies.  Ms. Kooiker heads the Bernston Porter & Company PLLC State and Local Tax (SALT) department. 

June 3, 2008  -  Sixth Annual, Washington Manufacturers Appreciation Symposium

CAMPS, The Kent Chamber of Commerce, Manufacturing Industry Council (MIC) and the Association of Washington Business (AWB) partnered in presenting the Sixth Annual Washington Manufacturers Appreciation Symposium, featuring; Supply Chain Boot Camp, NW Industrial Index Update, Genie Industries, and Boom Next Door (Export opportunities in Western Canada)    The primary sponsors for this event were Moss Adams, Key Bank, Berntson& Porter & Co. LLC, Volt Workforce Solutions, The City of Kent, and Green River Community College.

May 22, 2008  CAMPS Execitive Round Table Program

Workforce Issues and Solutions

The primary topic focused on formulating a plan to address workforce issues.  Manufacturing strength in the region has continued to show a shortage of skilled manufacturing employees and qualified applicants to train.  The CAMPS manufacturers realize they need to be part of the solutions and  recommended a CAMPS priority to work closely with the education community to express the CAMPS concerns and needs.  Additionally, all sources of eligible employees are to be examined, including Job Fairs, Veterans Groups, training programs – both public and privare, and all other sources.

April 9, 2008  - Presentation to APICS

Tom Mclaughlin presented the history and plans for CAMPS at the Pacific Northwest Chapter of APICS.

April 24, 2008  - CAMPS Execitive Round Table Program

 Innovation Data Base

CAMPS members requested the formation of an Innovation Data Base.  This data base is to provide a “members only website access” of current, credible, and concise information relating to emerging industries, technologies, products, and processes.  Members requested the initial data base to include two subjects.  The first is a detailed resource describing the  Alternative Energy Sectors (solar, wind, wave, thermal, etc.).  The second area of concentration is a current, credible, and concise information relating to the various process improvements programs,  (Lean, Six Sigma, 5S, ISO, ASA, SPS, etc.).  The data base will include who the primary companies and organizations are to partner to seek new markets and to gain new and improved processing capabilities,

March 27, 2008  - CAMPS launches Executive Round Table Program

CAMPS hosted the inaugural Executive Round Table Program.  This ignagural event was attended by 28 members or potential members.  This forum provided an opportunity for the members to meet and network as a way to connect with each other. 

The concept of submitting submitting an application for a Washington State Designation of an Innovation Partnership Zone (IPZ), with CAMPS and the City of Kent partnering on the application.  The proposal centers on the concept of establishing a Center for Innovation to assist small and medium companies in the areas of Product Development and Manufacturing Process Development.  The program would enable companies to work together to link individual company capabilities into a combined program to provide a full array of services to meet customer needs and wants in a quick and agile manner.

December 17, 2007 - CAMPS establishes office at Green River Community College, Kent Station Campus

 The Center for Advanced Manufacturing Puget Sound (CAMPS) has established an office at the Green River Community College (GRCC), Kent Station Campus.  Green River Community College has been a strong supporter of CAMPS since the early stages and is continuing to be a strong partner of CAMPS in working closely with area small and medium manufacturers.

December 14, 2007 - CAMPS will be launched in January 2008

Tom McLaughlin, Executive Director of CAMPS, announced on Friday, December 14, 2007, that CAMPS will be officially launched in January 2008.  The announcement was made to members of the Puget Sound Regional Council Prosperity Partnership Team and Kent Chamber members and guests who attended the Kent Chamber's December Membership Luncheon.  McLaughlin announced that feedback from manufacturers identified seven initial services as the starting point.  The 2008 membership goal is 100 memberships.

October 22, 2007 - CAMPS Executive Director Appointed

The Board of Directors of The Center for Advanced Manufacturing Puget Sound announces the appointment of Tom McLaughlin as Executive Director.  McLaughlin has over 30 years of experience in high growth manufacturing companies, holding senior positions as General Manager, CFO, Controller, and Director of Materials.  Since 2004, he has been a partner with Hyak360 Partners LLC, a professional services firm focusing on emerging and transitioning companies.  McLaughlin has been involved with the CAMPS project from its conception, through the feasibility study, the development of the business plan, and the securing of initial funding.   McLaughlin has a Masters in Business Administration and is a member of the Financial Executives International (FEI), Institute of Management Consultants (IMC), and Institute of Management Accountants (IMA).  CAMPS is a not-for-profit subsidiary of the Kent Chamber of Commerce, helping Puget Sound manufacturers succeed through innovation, supply chain positioning and business development activities.

August 16, 2007 - CAMPS Website Launched

The Center for Advanced Manufacturing Puget Sound expresses it sincere appreciation to Redclay Corporation www.redclay.us for the development of this website and the strategy development that will allow our website to grow with CAMPS.  The Redclay Team has developed this initial website with dynamic foundations that will enable CAMPS to grow and provide additional features for our manufacturers to use in the future.  Thank you Redclay Corporation.  Redclay Corporation’s name was changed in October 2008 to fgi, www.fgi.com.