NEWS RELEASE
Aug. 10, 2006

Legislative committee to examine Washington manufacturing

EVERETT — With a cautiously optimistic outlook for the future of manufacturing in Washington state, a legislative committee chaired by Lt. Gov. Brad Owen will examine the industry at a public meeting from 10 a.m. to noon Aug. 18 at Intermec Inc. in Everett.

The Legislative Committee on Economic Development and International Relations (LCDEIR) will hear from manufacturing experts in both the public and private sectors.

These include:

 ·         Rick Lockhart, an analyst with the Washington State Employment Security Department. Lockhart will provide an overview of manufacturing trends and implications for the industry and state.

 ·         Steve Winter, president of Intermec Inc. Intermec Inc. develops and manufactures technologies that identify, track and manage supply chain assets.

     ·         Roy Nott, president of Paneltech International, a Hoquiam-based   wood products manufacturing company.

 ·         Rob Hungerford, human resources manager for SAFE Boats International based in Port Orchard.

  ·         Jeff Kipp, vice president of manufacturing operations for Isothermal Systems Research Inc., a computer and electronics company headquartered in Liberty Lake.

Lt. Gov. Owen will kick off the meeting, followed by welcoming remarks from Snohomish County Executive Aaron Reardon. 

“The purpose of this meeting is so that the committee can better understand the future for manufacturing in Washington state,” said Owen. “We hear different things, from reports that small and medium manufacturing is on the rise, to concerns that manufacturing faces an uncertain future. This meeting will give us an opportunity to learn more from those who are directly involved in a good cross-section of industries.”

The mission of the LCEDIR is to study and review economic issues before the state. The committee’s duties include special emphasis on international trade, tourism, investment and industrial development, and assisting the legislature in developing a comprehensive and consistent economic development policy.  

Current House and Senate members include state senators Rosa Franklin, Mike Hewitt, Joyce Mulliken, Cheryl Pflug, Marilyn Rasmussen and Paull Shin, and state representatives Bruce Chandler, Bob Hasegawa, Phyllis Kenney, Lynn Kessler, Dan Roach and Mary Skinner. 

Intermec is located at 6001 36th Ave. W., Everett 98203. For more information about the work session or the LCEDIR, contact Antonio Sanchez at (360) 786-7786 or Brian Hatfield at (360) 786-7745 or send an email to sanchez.antonio@leg.wa.gov.

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For more information contact:                                           

Brian Hatfield
hatfield.brian@leg.wa.gov
(360) 786-7745