Highlighting Central Washington's Manufacturing Industry Achievements

Central Washington is home to a world-class workforce and a quality second-to-none when it comes to our manufacturing industry. This week, I joined AWB for their 2022 Manufacturing Week tour of several state-of-the-art production facilities throughout Central Washington.

The first stop on the tour was Vanguard Academy in Moses Lake. This innovative high school opened just two months ago and has a project-based curriculum to promote hands-on learning, collaboration, and professional development for students to obtain good-paying jobs in the manufacturing industry.

The next stop was Big Bend Community College (BBCC)'s Advanced Technologies Education Center. BBCC just launched a brand new Workforce Education Center to allow students to explore a variety of different specialty areas, including manufacturing facilities, data centers, and food or chemical processing plants. This new program will prepare students with the skills they need to be successful.

Following the tour of BBCC, we went to Grant County International Airport and the Port of Moses Lake. Several manufacturers, such as SGL Carbon Fiber, Boeing, and Eviation have set up shop at the Port to create a thriving hub for the industry, utilizing easy access to receive and ship products.

We then visited Genie, the largest steel consumer west of the Mississippi which employs 750 hard-working men and women. Founded in 1966 in Kirkland, Washington, Genie specializes in aerial lifts used in a variety of industries worldwide while providing durable equipment, support, and dependable parts.

The last stop on the AWB Manufacturing Week tour was Kwik Lok in Yakima. Creating billions of small bag closures every year, Kwik Lok invests in technologies and talent to improve automation initiatives and increase productivity. They continue to shape the industry by leading in the innovation of packaging technologies that are used around the world.

Our Dams Make Central Washington's Economy Thrive

Every year, Riverfest brings together the Tri-Cities to celebrate our river and hydropower system. I was honored to speak at the festival to talk about the countless benefits of our dams, such as affordable electricity, jobs, irrigation, transportation, and much more!

Recent data shows that the Snake River Spring Chinook returns continue to improve, proving what we already know to be true: dams and fish DO coexist.

I am committed to continuing to raise awareness and educate others about the many benefits these powerful hydroelectric dams provide for our region.

Central Washington is Facing an All-Time Crime High

Over the past few years, there has been an uptick in crime across the nation. Unfortunately, Central Washington has been no exception to this trend. Indeed, the total number of homicides in Tri-Cities for 2022 is already at a record high compared to recent years, according to the Coroner's Office.

Mobile Congressional Office Hours

Mobile Office Hours are happening now! Hosted on a weekly basis by my staff, these hours are an excellent opportunity for constituents throughout Central Washington to get personal assistance with questions or issues related to federal agencies. Mobile Office Hours are open to the public, and no appointment is necessary.

Every Tuesday

Twisp

The Cove Food Bank, 206 S Glover St, Twisp

2:30 PM to 4:30 PM PST

Every Other Wednesday

Brewster

Brewster American Legion, 102 E Main, Brewster

10:00 AM to 1:00 PM PST

Grand Coulee

Grand Coulee Dam Area Chamber Of Commerce, 17 Midway Ave, Grand Coulee

10:00 AM to 1:00 PM PST

Every Thursday

East Wenatchee

Chelan-Douglas Regional Port Authority, One Columbia Parkway, Suite A, East Wenatchee

12:00 PM to 3:00 PM PST

Okanogan

Okanogan USDA Service Building, 1251 2nd Ave S, Okanogan

10:00 AM to 1:00 PM PST

Tonasket

Tonasket City Hall Council Chambers, 209 S Whitcomb Ave, Tonasket

2:00 PM to 4:30 PM PST

Click Here To Find Full Schedule for Mobile Office Hours

Tri-Cities law enforcement agencies team up for hiring event

Law enforcement agencies from all around the Columbia Basin teamed up for a public safety hiring event. Tri-Cities police, Sheriff’s Offices, corrections departments and more were recruiting.

Association of Washington Business highlights local manufacturing

The sixth Annual Washington State Manufacturing Bus Tour stopped in Benton City today to highlight the importance of the sector in our area.

265,000 employees work in manufacturing, and the vocation is responsible for eight-percent of Washington's workforce.

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