Earlier this year , NIMA secured a $ 200,000 grant from the Washington Department of Commerce to renovate a machine and wood shop at East Valley High School in Spokane Valley . This project was the first phase in establishing a fully functioning , self-supporting machine shop to be run by students who will learn technical skills like welding and machining , in addition to other aspects of running a business — such as accounting , sales , and quality control .
Increasing Industry Connections
In October , NIMA partnered with the Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce and CAMPS to launch the Leadership Accelerator Forum . The forum provides a platform for company owners , CEOs , and other executives to address key challenges , discuss new opportunities , and share best practices with their peers . The group will meet periodically throughout the year with the ultimate goal of growing the manufacturing sector along the I-90 Corridor .
The kick-off meeting included a jam-packed room full of leaders from varying-sized companies with diverse capabilities serving a multitude of industries . Through meetings like this , participants can identify new resources , connect with potential partners , and find new local customers . Discussions will also drive future NIMA programs .
DECEMBER 2023 | JANUARY 2024 ISSUE NO . 36 33