The Global Economic Engine Place Suppliers in the Driver

Los Angeles, California, USA. (SANEPR.com) October 21, 2007 -- The Suppliers Transformation Annual Forum on October 24, 2007, hosted by Raytheon and the California Space Authority (CSA), is drawing a new breed of suppliers—companies that recognize the global market is changing the entire matrix of how goods and services are produced and delivered today.

“Fierce global competition will continue to place more pressure on companies to innovate,” says Kellie Johnson, CEO and President, ACE Clearwater Enterprises, a California-based complex part and assembly manufacturer, and Chair of the CSA Space manufacturing Group. “To succeed, suppliers will become integral partners—not just suppliers—in the new value chain.”

“Workforce development, advanced manufacturing processes and technology,” adds Christine Purcell, CSA Manager, Industry Workforce & Manufacturing Development, “as well as increased innovation and collaboration are key concerns for California suppliers and primes, and a strong focus of the U.S. Competitive Initiative and DOL WIRED program.”

The Workforce Innovation in Regional Economic Development (WIRED), an initiative from the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), was awarded to California in 2006 through efforts made by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and CSA. The $15-million grant, dispersed over three years, aids over 60 participating organizations in an area designated the “California Innovation Corridor,” a region of 13 counties extending north to Alameda, east to the Inland Empire and Antelope Valley, and south to San Diego. WIRED encourages the creation of innovative methods, tools, and programs to strengthen California’s workforce, business, government, and academic sectors in science, technology, engineering and math. The Suppliers Transformation Annual Forum is the result of the WIRED grant funding.

Ken Dozier, Executive Director, WESRAC, USC Engineering notes, “Dynamic complex supplier networks require more open communications and tighter collaboration than stable vertical supply chains.” Dozier’s comment resonates with the emphasis at the forum on collaboration and innovation.

“Collaboration brings together resources, creativity, and contacts,” explains Purcell. “Innovation is being aware of what works in today’s world and implementing that fresh approach to be competitive in the global economy.”

Dr. Wanda Austin, CEO and President (effective January 2008), The Aerospace Corporation, is scheduled to give the keynote address on “Enabling Transformation of the Space Supply Chain.” The forum has several panel discussions and a short matchmaking session as well.

For more information on this forum and how to attend visit http://www.innovatecalifornia.net.

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