SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5549

BYSenators Lee, Williams and Anderson

Creating an industrial extension service.

Senate Committee on Economic Development & Labor

Senate Hearing Date(s):January 26, 1989

Senate Staff:Jack Brummel (786-7428)

AS OF FEBRUARY 2, 1989

BACKGROUND:

The nation's major industrial competitors have successfully targeted academic and technical expertise to promote innovation and productivity growth in the industrial sector.  Many states now provide industrial extension services, similar to the agricultural extension services, to improve their industries' competitiveness.

SUMMARY:

The Business Assistance Center of the Department of Trade and Economic Development administers a challenge grant program in consultation with the Northwest Policy Center and the state Institute for Public Policy.  At least four grants are given to at least four programs to operate industrial extension throughout specific substate regions.  The grant recipients will be consortiums of colleges or universities, trade associations and local economic development groups.  The programs will offer small firms specific assistance from industrial engineers, efficiency experts, and other technicians for a maximum of five days.  The programs will also provide more general information on new technologies.  The Business Assistance Center will work with grant recipients in examining the potential of flexible manufacturing networks.  The Business Assistance Center will report to the Legislature on the details of the accomplishments of the programs.

Appropriation:    $400,000

Revenue:    yes

Fiscal Note:      requested January 25, 1989