Manufacturers rarely have the luxury of working on one challenge at a time. They may be trying to improve productivity while developing employees, evaluating new technology, managing supply chain risk and keeping up with customer demands.

Knowing something needs to improve is only the beginning. The harder questions are where to focus first, what support is needed and how to make the improvement last.

That is where Impact Washington works with manufacturers.

Impact Washington is a nonprofit transformation partner helping small and midsized manufacturers across Washington overcome operational constraints and build lasting performance. As the state's Manufacturing Extension Partnership affiliate, it combines hands-on guidance with access to specialized expertise and a statewide network of partners. Since 1997, the organization has worked with more than 1,600 manufacturers across Washington.

Impact Washington follows a structured approach: assessing the underlying business constraint, developing a practical and prioritized roadmap, coordinating the expertise needed to implement improvements, and staying engaged to help sustain results. Its work addresses operational excellence, leadership and workforce development, technology, quality, supply chain and business growth.

For a manufacturer, that support can take many forms.

A company struggling with efficiency may need to identify where work is getting stuck, improve facility layout or establish more consistent processes. A manufacturer preparing for growth may need stronger quality systems, leadership development or workforce capabilities. Another may be considering automation Another may be considering automation, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity or a new information system and need help determining how the investment should align with its processes and priorities.

Impact Washington helps manufacturers connect those immediate needs to the larger business, prioritize the work and engage the appropriate expertise to carry it forward.Its role as part of the MEP National Network also gives Washington manufacturers access to a broader network of manufacturing expertise and resources across the country. Within Washington, Impact Washington draws on a vetted network of specialized experts and resource partners to meet each manufacturer's needs. Rather than simply making introductions, Impact Washington helps define the work, coordinate the right expertise and guide implementation, maintaining continuity throughout the engagement.

For CAMPS, organizations like Impact Washington are important parts of Washington’s larger manufacturing ecosystem. CAMPS brings manufacturers and industry partners together to build relationships, exchange knowledge and connect with resources. Impact Washington complements that work by helping individual manufacturers translate business challenges into coordinated improvement efforts, bringing together the expertise and support needed to move from planning to implementation.

Both perspectives are relevant as manufacturers consider what it means to be ready for what comes next.

That makes Impact Washington’s support of the 2026 CAMPS Annual Manufacturing Conference, FUTURE READY: Leadership, Change & the Road Ahead, particularly relevant. The conference will bring manufacturing leaders together to discuss leadership, change, operational improvement and the decisions shaping the future of their businesses.

Being future ready does not require knowing exactly what comes next. It requires understanding where your business stands today, identifying where improvement is needed and making informed decisions about where to invest next. Just as important, it means having the expertise and support to turn those decisions into lasting improvements.

CAMPS appreciates Impact Washington’s support of this year’s conference and its continued work with manufacturers across Washington.

2026 CAMPS Annual Manufacturing Conference
FUTURE READY: Leadership, Change & the Road Ahead

October 22, 2026 | 9:30 AM–5:30 PM
DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Seattle Airport–Southcenter | Tukwila, WA

Learn more about Impact Washington: https://www.impactwashington.org/

Conference details and registration: https://www.campsconference.com/