Washington Manufacturing Services (WMS) has awarded its First Annual “Friend of Manufacturing” award to State Representative Bill Eickmeyer (D-Belfair). The award recognizes a person in government who has worked for the advancement of manufacturing in Washington State.

“We selected Rep. Eickmeyer to receive our first Friend of Manufacturing award to recognize his hard work in ensuring that manufacturing jobs in this state are preserved,” said John Vicklund, president of WMS. “He has been a leader in the legislature in sponsoring legislation that encourages investment in manufacturing, particularly in Washington’s rural communities.”

During the last legislative session, Eickmeyer sponsored a resolution to encourage Congress to fully restore funding for the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) program. The program provides assistance to small manufacturers to help them remain competitive and retain and add high wage manufacturing jobs.

Funding was cut in the 2004 federal budget, but due to the success of the program and support from states such as the resolution sponsored by Eickmeyer, Congress is considering reinstating the MEP to its full funding level in the 2005 budget.