(1) Washington manufacturing services is organized as a private, nonprofit corporation in accordance with chapter 24.03 RCW and this section. The mission of the center is to operate a modernization extension system, coordinate a network of public and private modernization resources, and stimulate the competitiveness of small and midsize manufacturers in Washington.

     (2) Washington manufacturing services shall be governed by a board of directors. A majority of the board of directors shall be representatives of small and medium-sized manufacturing firms and industry associations, networks, or consortia. The board shall also include at least one member representing labor unions or labor councils and, as ex officio members, the director of the department of community, trade, and economic development, the executive director of the state board for community and technical colleges, and the director of the workforce training and education coordinating board, or their respective designees.

     (3) Washington manufacturing services may:

     (a) Charge fees for services, make and execute contracts with any individual, corporation, association, public agency, or any other entity, and employ all other legal instruments necessary or convenient for the performance of its duties and the exercise of its powers and functions under this chapter; and

     (b) Receive funds from federal, state, or local governments, private businesses, foundations, or any other source for purposes consistent with this chapter.

     (4) Washington manufacturing services shall:

     (a) Develop policies, plans, and programs to assist in the modernization of businesses in targeted sectors of Washington's economy and coordinate the delivery of modernization services;

     (b) Provide information about the advantages of modernization and the modernization services available in the state to federal, state, and local economic development officials, state colleges and universities, and private providers;

     (c) Collaborate with the Washington quality initiative in the development of manufacturing quality standards and quality certification programs;

     (d) Serve as an information clearinghouse and provide access for users to the federal manufacturing extension partnership national research and information system; and

     (e) Provide, either directly or through contracts, assistance to industry associations, networks, or consortia, that would be of value to their member firms in:

     (i) Adopting advanced business management practices such as strategic planning and total quality management;

     (ii) Developing mechanisms for interfirm collaboration and cooperation;

     (iii) Appraising, purchasing, installing, and effectively using equipment, technologies, and processes that improve the quality of goods and services and the productivity of the firm;

     (iv) Improving human resource systems and workforce training in a manner that moves firms toward flexible, high-performance work organizations;

     (v) Developing new products;

     (vi) Conducting market research, analysis, and development of new sales channels and export markets;

     (vii) Improving processes to enhance environmental, health, and safety compliance; and

     (viii) Improving credit, capital management, and business finance skills.

[2006 c 34 § 2.]