CAMPS and YCDA Launch Manufacturing Initiative to Strengthen Central Washington Manufacturing Community
The Center for Advanced Manufacturing Puget Sound (CAMPS) and the Yakima County Development Association (YCDA) have partnered to launch the Yakima Manufacturing Initiative, a long-term effort focused on strengthening and growing the manufacturing community throughout Central Washington.
The initiative officially launches on June 30, 2026, with the Yakima Manufacturing Roundtable from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Perry Technical Institute. The event will bring together manufacturers, industry partners, workforce organizations, educators, and economic development leaders to discuss opportunities, challenges, and the future of manufacturing in the region.
The featured speaker will be Simon Floyd, General Manager of Manufacturing & Mobility Americas for Microsoft. Floyd is customizing his presentation specifically for Central Washington manufacturers, with a focus on practical applications of artificial intelligence in manufacturing environments. Topics will include production flow, operational visibility, labor productivity, quality improvement, decision-making, and real-world examples relevant to food processing, packaging, and production operations.
Following the roundtable, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a manufacturing plant tour at CubCrafters, one of Central Washington’s premier advanced manufacturing companies.
“Local manufacturing businesses have expressed the need for opportunities to collaborate and share best practices,” said Jonathan Smith, Executive Director of the Yakima County Development Association. “The partnership with CAMPS meets that need and provides additional benefits.”
The Yakima Manufacturing Initiative is designed to go beyond a single event. Future programming is expected to include CEO forums, manufacturing mixers, plant tours, educational roundtables, and leadership development opportunities tailored to the needs of Central Washington manufacturers.
Through the partnership, CAMPS and YCDA aim to create a stronger regional manufacturing network by connecting manufacturers with resources, operational improvement programs, leadership development opportunities, workforce partnerships, industry expertise, and growth opportunities.
Manufacturing remains a critical driver of the Central Washington economy. By bringing manufacturers together and fostering collaboration across the region, the initiative seeks to support long-term competitiveness, innovation, and growth.
Manufacturers, industry partners, educators, workforce organizations, and community stakeholders are encouraged to participate and help shape the future of manufacturing in Central Washington.
ABOUT YCDA
The Yakima County Development Association (YCDA) serves as the economic development organization for Yakima County, supporting business growth, workforce development, investment, and economic opportunity throughout the region.
ABOUT CAMPS
The Center for Advanced Manufacturing Puget Sound (CAMPS) is a Washington State manufacturing association dedicated to helping manufacturers reduce costs, improve operations, access capital, strengthen leadership, and build industry connections. CAMPS serves manufacturers through programs including the CAMPS Health Trust, CEO Forums, Capital Accelerator, Al Working Group, Innovation Forum, plant tours, and educational programming.
FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO REGISTER VISIT: https://mms.camps-us.com/Calendar/moreinfo.php?eventid=221825&org_id=CAMP
