1. Western Research Application Center (WESRAC) Ken Dozier USC Western Research Application Center Barbara Halsey Halsey Consulting Martin Gutierrez, Jr GMP Plating, Inc. California Workforce Association Meeting of the Minds September 2-4, 2014 Monterey, CA Strategies for At-Risk Businesses

2. Western Research Application Center (WESRAC) TAAF-What is it?? Trade Adjustment Assistance for Firms Federal Program-US Dept. of Commerce Cost Sharing Pays for consultants/industry specific experts Goal: Improve Manufacturer’s Competitiveness

3. Western Research Application Center (WESRAC) TAAF-Who does it help? Businesses recovering following the recession Businesses at risk now Businesses that lack capital to implement improvements Businesses poised to take the next step

4. Western Research Application Center (WESRAC) How can WIBs use it? As part of a comprehensive sector strategy in cooperation with EDCs As a central component to Rapid Response and Lay-off Aversion strategies As an alternative to MEPs where federal to federal match is prohibited As a critical life-line to saving companies and jobs in manufacturing.

5. Western Research Application Center (WESRAC) Program Comparison

6. Western Research Application Center (WESRAC) WESRAC Web Site

7. Western Research Application Center (WESRAC) WTAAC Home Page

8. Western Research Application Center (WESRAC) Success Stories

9. Western Research Application Center (WESRAC) Forged Metal Manufacturer

10. Western Research Application Center (WESRAC) Western TAAC Steps

11. Western Research Application Center (WESRAC) Litmus Test

12. Western Research Application Center (WESRAC) Good News

13. Western Research Application Center (WESRAC) Petition Application

14. Western Research Application Center (WESRAC) Results Manufacturing/Distribution: Custom Wood and Laminate Casework/Countertops –Faced increased competition from lower cost foreign competition from China and Canada –Experienced a 15% decrease in annual sales and a 6% decrease in employment Certified as trade impacted by the US Dept. of Commerce, Economic Development Administration (EDA) in 2010. Strategy: Western TAAC and the company management team from the company developed an adjustment proposal and focused on enhancing sales and marketing capabilities increasing operating productivity lowering manufacturing costs. Status: The company is in its 4th year in the implementation phase of the TAAF Program. With Western TAAC assistance the company has successfully implemented two information technology projects for $35,637 in matching funds. Outcome: Since beginning its public/private sector partnership with the TAA for Firms Program, sales increased 23% to $4.6 million and employment improved 29% to 40 employees.

15. Western Research Application Center (WESRAC) Results Design/Manufacturing: Packaging Supplies –Suffered from a continued shrinking market share due foreign competition from China. – Sales decreased 17% & Employment decreased 14%. Certified as trade impacted by the US Dept. of Commerce, Economic Development Administration (EDA) in 2007 Strategy: Western TAAC and the company’s management developed a strategy to: Implement efficiency and productivity improvements’ Develop a green packaging initiative to keep current with increasing customer demand Status: 2007 graduated from the Western TAAC program in 2013 Outcome: While in the program the company implemented eight projects totaling $49,600 in matching funds from WTAAC: Four information technology projects Two quality management system development projects One general management project One marketing project The company realized a sales increased of 22% to $17M, employment increased by 63% to 68 and 18 new jobs were created since working with the TAAC program.

16. Western Research Application Center (WESRAC) Results Manufacturing: Custom Stamping Fabrication of Metal Parts –Faced increasing competition from contract manufacturers located in China –As customers began sourcing production offshore, the subcontracting jobs were also sourced locally –Resulted in a 7% decrease in annual sales and an 11% decrease in employment Strategy: Western TAAC and the company’s management developed a strategy to Specialize in the manufacture of more complex precision stamped and fabricated parts, Diversify its customers and industry markets Status: Company completed the post implementation phase of the program in June 2011. Western TAAC tracks graduates like this one for three years to monitor the company’s accomplishments and provide valuable feedback to the Trade Adjustment assistance for Firms Program Results: With Western TAAC’s assistance, the company, successfully implemented –two quality management projects focused on significantly improving manufacturing efficiency, reducing production cost and shortening cycle times. Since beginning its public/private sector partnership with the TAA for Firms Program, sales increased 3% to $6.5M and employment has climbed back to certification numbers, while profitability increased over 33%.

17. Western Research Application Center (WESRAC) In Conclusion Additional Matching Funds –Up to $60k –Consulting and Training Only –You Choose the Consultants –You Choose the Trainers WTAAC Three Year Follow Up For Graduates WTAAC Program Has Over 600 Active Alums

18. Western Research Application Center (WESRAC) http://wesrac.usc.edu For more information, please visit Contact Information kdozier@usc.edu halsey.barbara@gmail.com