The definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter unless the context clearly requires otherwise.

     (1) "Costs of extension services" and "extension service costs" mean the direct costs experienced under a contract with a qualified manufacturing extension partnership affiliate for modernization extension services, including but not limited to amounts in the contract for costs of consulting, instruction, materials, equipment, rental of class space, marketing, and overhead.

     (2) "Department" means the department of commerce.

     (3) "Director" means the director of the department of commerce.

     (4) "Innovation and modernization extension services" and "service" mean a service funded under this chapter and performed by a qualified manufacturing extension partnership affiliate. The services may include but are not limited to strategic planning, continuous improvement, business development, six sigma, quality improvement, environmental health and safety, lean processes, energy management, innovation and product development, human resources and training, supply chain management, and project management.

     (5) "Innovation and modernization extension voucher" and "voucher" mean an instrument issued to a successful applicant from the department, verifying that funds from the manufacturing innovation and modernization account will be forwarded to the qualified manufacturing extension partnership affiliate selected by the participant and will cover identified costs of extension services.

     (6) "Outreach services" means those activities performed by an affiliate to either assess the technical assistance needs of Washington manufacturers or increase manufacturers' awareness of the opportunities and benefits of implementing cutting edge technology, techniques, and best practices. "Outreach services" includes but is not limited to salaries of outreach staff, needs assessments, client follow-up, public educational events, manufacturing orientated trade shows, electronic communications, newsletters, advertising, direct mail efforts, and contacting business organizations for names of manufacturers who might need assistance.

     (7) "Program" means the Washington manufacturing innovation and modernization extension service program created in RCW 43.338.020.

     (8) "Program participant" and "participant" mean an applicant for assistance under the program that has received a voucher or a small manufacturer receiving services through an industry association or cluster association that has received a voucher.

     (9) "Qualified manufacturing extension partnership affiliate" and "affiliate" mean a private nonprofit organization established under RCW 24.50.010 or other organization that is eligible or certified to receive federal matching funds from the national institute of standards and technology manufacturing extension partnership program of the United States department of commerce.

     (10) "Small manufacturer" means a private employer whose primary business is adding value to a product through a manufacturing process and employs one hundred or fewer employees within Washington state.

[2009 c 565 § 43; 2008 c 315 § 2.]

NOTES:

     Reviser's note: The definitions in this section have been alphabetized pursuant to RCW 1.08.015(2)(k).

     Sunset Act application: See note following chapter digest.