Impact Washington

10/06/2026

Thank you to Schwabe for sponsoring the Smart Manufacturing Forum.

The future of depends on more than technology alone. It takes strong leadership, workforce strategies, and the right partners.

Join us on October 26 to explore the trends, technologies, and connections helping Southwest Washington manufacturers compete and grow.

Register now: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1999003607602?aff=oddtdtcreator

10/01/2026

Happy Manufacturing Month!

This October, we celebrate the manufacturers and skilled workforce that power Washington's economy and strengthen communities across our state.

We are grateful for the manufacturers building lasting success across our state and for the partners who help strengthen Washington's manufacturing ecosystem.

Join us in celebrating Manufacturing Month 2026. https://www.impactwashington.org/news?post=14367&title=Manufacturing-Month-2026:-Celebrating-Washington-Manufacturers

09/30/2026

Governor Bob Ferguson has signed a proclamation recognizing October 2026 as in Washington.

This recognition celebrates the manufacturer, workforce, educators, and industry partners who contribute to one of Washington's most important industries.

Every day, manufacturers solve complex challenges, build new capabilities, and advance the products, technologies, and industries that help Washington remain competitive.

https://www.impactwashington.org/news?post=14360&title=Governor-Bob-Ferguson-Proclaims-October-2026-Manufacturing-Month-in-Washington

Manufacturing Extension Partnership

09/15/2026

Join the South Sound Defense Manufacturing & Innovation Summit to explore defense contracting, critical technology needs, supply chain opportunities, industry readiness, and advanced manufacturing resources. https://washingtonapex.ecenterdirect.com/events/855459?embedded=0

Whether you're an established defense supplier or exploring opportunities within the defense industrial base, this summit offers practical insight into where the market is headed and how manufacturers can position themselves for growth.
• Gain insights on priorities, supply chain gaps, and upcoming procurement needs
• Network with manufacturers and innovative companies
• Learn how to promote innovations that support production capability, technology transition, and industrial readiness
• Hear updates on contracting policy developments
• Celebrate the kickoff of

Register today!

09/14/2026

What will help manufacturers stay competitive over the next few years? Technology is part of the answer. So are workforce, leadership, and strong regional partnerships.

That's why we're bringing manufacturers, industry leaders, workforce partners, educators, and economic development organizations together for the Smart Manufacturing Forum - Southwest Washington on October 26th in Vancouver, WA https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1999003607602?aff=oddtdtcreator

Expect practical conversations, real-world perspectives, and opportunities to connect with others shaping the future of manufacturing in our region.

09/11/2026

Looking to grow beyond domestic markets?

Join Economic Alliance Snohomish County for World Trade Ready, a free seminar for manufacturers and small businesses interested in exporting.

Learn about export resources available in Washington, how Foreign Trade Zone #85 can support your business, and opportunities to reach customers in Korea through Coupang.

Register here: https://bit.ly/WorldTradeReady Port of Everett Washington State Department of Commerce

Exporting, E-Commerce & Foreign Trade Zone Workshop

09/09/2026

We're proud to support Chinook Enterprises in this initiative. Glad to be part of a community that helps create more opportunities for everyone!

Join us at the This Old House: Make It Accessible Fall Open House & Fundraiser on September 17 in Mount Vernon. https://chinookenterprises.betterworld.org/events/ThisOldHouse

The work we do is only possible because of the incredible community that stands beside us. 💙🏡✨

As we prepare for This Old House: Make It Accessible, we're grateful for the businesses and organizations that have stepped up to support our mission through sponsorship. Their generosity helps create opportunities, remove barriers, and build a more inclusive community for all.

Thank you to each of our sponsors for investing in this event and the people we serve. We couldn't do it without you.

Please join us in recognizing the amazing sponsors featured here, and thank them for helping make this year's event possible! 👏

Janicki Impact Washington Skagit Sign Co. Print Solutions, Inc Puget Sound Energy Ashley's Design & Letterman Jackets Navy Vet Real Estate

09/09/2026

Business succession planning is about more than replacing people.

It's about reducing the risk created when critical knowledge, customer relationships, and years of experience are concentrated in one person.

In our latest blog, we discuss how manufacturers can reduce the risk of critical knowledge walking out the door. https://www.impactwashington.org/news?post=14192&title=Business-Succession-Planning-&-Why-it-Matters

What role in your organization would be hardest to replace tomorrow?

09/01/2026

Join NWIRC's September AI Meetup, From Experimentation to Impact: Applying AI in Engineering and Manufacturing, for practical insights on AI adoption and real-world manufacturing applications. We will be there!

🚀 NWIRC Monthly AI Meetup – September Edition

In collaboration with Cascadia AI and Cloud Computing, NWIRC presents our monthly AI Meetups—designed to share, discuss, and build practical AI knowledge through expert-led presentations and peer-to-peer conversations.

Each month features a new AI topic with industry- and field-specific insights tailored for small businesses, innovative entrepreneurs, and our regional workforce.

📅 Wednesday September 9, 2026
⏰ 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM
📍 IRC Lab–SWIFT

In September, we welcome Charles Swart, P.E., Engineering Manager at PACCAR Technical Center, for:
From Experimentation to Impact: Applying AI in Engineering and Manufacturing

Artificial Intelligence is transforming engineering and manufacturing, but successful adoption requires more than implementing new technology. Charles will share real-world insights into how PACCAR is leveraging AI to improve engineering productivity, accelerate software development, enhance knowledge management, and support validation and testing.
Whether you’re an entrepreneur, engineer, student, or business leader, you’ll gain practical strategies for navigating AI adoption, addressing governance and organizational challenges, and delivering measurable business value.

💡 Come discover how leading engineering teams are applying AI to drive productivity, innovation, and business impact by joining us for From Experimentation to Impact: Applying AI in Engineering and Manufacturing at the IRC Lab–SWIFT.

Don't miss this opportunity to learn from one of the region's engineering leaders and take away ideas you can apply in your own organization.

08/31/2026

Registration is now open for the Smart Manufacturing Forum - Southwest Washington. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1999003607602?aff=oddtdtcreator

Join manufacturers and industry leaders from on October 26 in Vancouver for a morning of insights, discussion, and networking focused on the strategies helping manufacturers adapt, grow, and compete.

Explore technology adoption, workforce development, leadership, and the economic trends shaping manufacturing performance while connecting with the industry, workforce, education, and economic development partners supporting manufacturing success across the region.

Register today!