Western Manufacturing Alliance meets with Lt. Gov. Hutchison

On June 22, the Northern Nevada Development Authority and the Economic Development Authority of Western Nevada announced the formation of the Western Manufacturing Alliance (WMA), an alliance of manufacturers, for manufacturers, and led by manufacturers to support next generation manufacturing.

On Thursday, the second set of round tables was held at the NNDA office in Carson City to continue discussions aimed at identifying key issues facing all manufacturers in the state.

Mark Hutchison, Lt. Gov. of Nevada, led the round-table discussions on how the State of Nevada can support manufacturing and related businesses that support the manufacturing sector. So far,47 manufacturers have participated in the discussions and 10 builders. Some issues discussed were workforce development, education, and the costs of doing business in Nevada. The outcome of the discussion and potential solutions will be shared with manufacturers who are part of the Western Nevada Alliance (WMA). The WMA expects to address these issues head-on.

After the discussion, four inaugural charter members were recognized including American AVK, Aloha Medicinals, Cabletech Manufacturing Corp, and Monarch Direct, LLC. Manufacturers who are interested in the Western Manufacturing Alliance may contact Susannah, srussel@nnda.org or 775-624-3958.

“This meeting is important to continue our momentum as we move to become the advanced manufacturing hub of the West,” said Mike Kazmierski, executive director for EDAWN.

Rob Hooper, Executive Director for NNDA, said, “To secure an abundant and sustainable economy for Nevada, we need to work statewide with close “shoulder to shoulder” partnerships between manufactures and with other economic development authorities and agencies. That is the spirit of the WMA, as we recognize Manufacturing as a key industry to Nevada’s economy.