CAMPS Collaborative Programs & Services

  • Executive Round Table (Peer to Peer) Forum* — CAMPS will coordinate monthly roundtable forums for small groups of executives to meet, receive updates on requested subjects, network, and collaborate on common points of interest. CAMPS North (Everett, WA) and CAMPS Kent (Kent, WA) will both meet once a month. Opportunities to come together as a single network will happen no less than quarterly. As CAMPS membership expands deeper within the State in development of Track Supply Chain needs new CAMPS networking groups will emerge.
  • Network Mixers — No less than quarterly CAMPS will hold an informal CAMPS Networking Mixer in a social environment. This will be a after work hours opportunity for CAMPS members to come together and enjoy a relaxed yet professional environment. In July of 2011 the first “Mixer” was held at the Bellevue Westin, where close to 90 members, member company employees and guests attended.
  • Supply Chain Development and Boot Camp* — CAMPS will provide introductory supply chain training on how companies can position themselves into the supply chains of OEM and large non-manufacturing customers, or to develop their own supply chain capabilities.
  • Member Capabilities Database — To support the revitalization of Washington State manufacturing it is imperative that the manufacturing industry become accessible in every sector. As manufacturing needs are identified there must be a portal that is easily accessible for OEM’s as well as tier 2 and tier 3 suppliers. CAMPS has developed an extensive database of member capabilities in a searchable database. This database has a RFP/RFQ process with searches the database and provides a list of Manufacturers who are vetted and capable of fulfillment.
  • Innovation Data Base — Data base development in two initial areas. Alternative Energy Industries, with a special focus on solar power, wind power and infrastructure sectors. A second initiative includes current, credible, and concise data of business improvement and certification topics.
  • E-Commerce Advancements — CAMPS website listing and portal exchange between company websites and CAMPS website, using Search Engine Optimization (SEO) techniques, to enable companies to increase awareness of their capabilities, certifications, and specialties.
  • Workforce Development — Background — In September 2010, CAMPS completed an in-depth Workforce Assessment Survey that included 45 manufacturing company responses, representing a workforce of 6,600 manufacturing company employees.

Key findings snapshot:

  • Manufacturing companies were hiring in 2010, with a strong focus on entry-level and skilled workers, with lesser on semi-skilled workers
  • The majority of manufacturers indicated plans to hire in 2011
  • Manufacturers indicated when hiring entry-level workers, they wanted to see an indication that applicants could demonstrate a “willingness to learn” (100% of responses)
  • Personal skills relating to positive communication and responses were important to respondents (85% of responses)