CAMPS Helps Manufacturers Succeed in the Northwest Aerospace Industry

If you are a manufacturer in the Northwest region, you might be interested in joining CAMPS, a non-profit membership association that helps manufacturers succeed through innovation, supply chain positioning, and business development. In this article, we will share insights from Kirk Davis, the Executive Director of CAMPS, who was recently interviewed by Jennifer Ferrero, the host of Northwest Aerospace News Live.

What is CAMPS?

CAMPS stands for Center for Advanced Manufacturing Puget Sound, and it is a non-profit organization that was founded in 2008 to support the manufacturing industry in Washington State. CAMPS has over 200 members, ranging from small to large manufacturers, as well as service providers, educational institutions, and government agencies that support manufacturing.

CAMPS’s mission is to help manufacturers grow and thrive by providing them with access to innovation, supply chain opportunities, and business development resources.

Why is networking important for manufacturers?

One of the main benefits of joining CAMPS is the opportunity to network with other manufacturers and industry experts. According to Kirk Davis, success in manufacturing is not only about knowledge but also about networking. He says that being part of a community like CAMPS can help manufacturers of all sizes learn from each other, share best practices, find new customers and suppliers, and collaborate on projects.

CAMPS organizes various events throughout the year in different cities in Washington State. These events include workshops, conferences, roundtables, plant tours, and social gatherings. These events are designed to provide valuable information and education to manufacturers on topics such as lean manufacturing, quality management, innovation, workforce development, and more.

How does CAMPS help manufacturers save money on health benefits?

Another benefit of joining CAMPS is the access to a health benefits program that can save manufacturers money and allow them to compete with larger companies. The health benefits program is offered through the CAMPS Health Trust.

The CAMPS Health Trust allows small and medium-sized employers to pool together and leverage their collective bargaining power to negotiate lower rates and better coverage options with insurance providers. The CAMPS Health Trust offers more flexibility and customization than traditional health plans.

According to Kirk Davis, the CAMPS Health Trust offered by CAMPS has been very successful and popular among its members. He says that many members have reported saving up to 10% to 15% on their health insurance premiums compared to market-rate plans. 

How can manufacturers join CAMPS?

If you are interested in joining CAMPS or learning more about its membership benefits, you can visit its website at www.camps-us.com

The membership fees for joining CAMPS vary depending on the size of your company. The annual fees range from $1,000 for companies with less than 20 employees up to $5,000 for companies with more than 500 employees. The membership fees have remained unchanged since 2008.

CAMPS is open to all manufacturers and companies that support manufacturing in Washington State. You do not have to be in the aerospace industry to join CAMPS. However, if you are in the aerospace industry or want to enter it, you will benefit from the connections and opportunities that CAMPS can provide.

What is the CAMPS Manufacturing Accelerator?

The CAMPS Manufacturing Accelerator is a new program that connects CEOs and owners of manufacturing shops to in-person meetings and online resources, funding, and support services. The program aims to bridge the gap between manufacturers and government support programs.

The CAMPS Manufacturing Accelerator is designed to help manufacturers overcome the challenges and barriers that prevent them from accessing these government programs, such as lack of awareness or time. The program also helps manufacturers identify and prioritize their needs and goals and match them with the appropriate resources and solutions.

The CAMPS Manufacturing Accelerator is currently accepting applications from manufacturers who want to participate in the program. The program is open to all manufacturers in Washington State. The program is free of charge and there is no obligation to be a member of CAMPS.

How can you support CAMPS and Northwest Aerospace News?

We hope that this blog post has given you some useful information about CAMPS and how it can help you succeed in the Northwest aerospace industry. If you want to support CAMPS and its mission, you can join as a member, attend its events, use its services, or refer other manufacturers to it.

You can also support Northwest Aerospace News Magazine, which is a publication that seeks to identify leading companies that support the aerospace manufacturing industry in the Northwest region. You can subscribe to its magazine, watch its live shows, or sponsor its programs.

One of the programs that Northwest Aerospace News Magazine sponsors is Let’s Go Aerospace, which is an initiative that encourages young people to consider careers in manufacturing. Let’s Go Aerospace showcases the exciting opportunities and benefits of working in the aerospace industry, such as high wages, job security, career advancement, and social impact.

If you want to learn more about Let’s Go Aerospace or Northwest Aerospace News Magazine or how you can support it, visit Northwest Aerospace News.