Washington Business Spring 2015 | Page 49

business backgrounder | industry AWB Institute Builds Manufacturing Council manufacturing in washington is key to competitive economy Washington builds great things and has a growing economy to show for it. With nearly 7,000 manufacturers in Washington state that provide more than 280,000 jobs, or 10 percent of the state’s workforce, manufacturing is a cornerstone of Washington’s resurgent economy. The newly-created AWB Institute Manufacturing Council was formed this year to share the positive story of manufacturing in Washington. Its goal is to help state and local leaders better understand why they must focus on policies that promote and grow the manufacturing sector. The council is co-led by Michael Senske of Pearson Packaging Systems in Spokane and Robert Bleu of Sumnerbased Shining Ocean, and composed of the following manRobert Bleu, co-chair of AWBI’s new Manufacturing Council, hosts a reception at Shining Ocean in Sumner. ufacturing industry leaders: Share your business with top decision makers in Washington state. Washington Business magazine is distributed to more than 8,000 subscribers ranging from CEOs and managers to owners of small, medium and large businesses statewide. Our readers—including top executives, industry leaders and state and national lawmakers—are your customers. Target your message and get results with Washington Business magazine. • Sharon Palmerton, REC Silicon, Moses Lake • Kate Lampson, Lampson Crane, Kennewick • Keith Mathews, FirstFruits Marketing of Washington, Yakima • Caitlin Sause, Vigor Shipyards, Seattle • Kirk Adams, Seattle Lighthouse for the Blind, Seattle • Jim Lucey,