NW Innovation Resource Center

NWIRC Data Analytics Program Manager Amy Paquette recently visited the City of Stanwood, where she met with Business and Community Relations Coordinator Aaron Weinberg to discuss opportunities for local small businesses to participate in NWIRC’s AI training programs.

The sunny summer visit also provided an opportunity for Amy to connect directly with local small business owners, learn more about their workforce development needs, and share information about the resources and support available through NWIRC.

NWIRC’s training programs help small businesses upskill their employees by building expertise in emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence and business analytics. As markets continue to rapidly digitize, investing in workforce development is essential for small businesses to remain competitive, innovative, and positioned for long-term success.

NWIRC is committed to helping small businesses strengthen their workforce, embrace new technologies, and thrive in an evolving economy.

🚀 NWIRC Monthly AI Meetup – June Edition

In collaboration with Cascadia AI and Cloud Computing, NWIRC presents our monthly AI Meetups—designed to share, discuss, and build practical AI knowledge through expert-led presentations and peer-to-peer conversations.

Each month features a new AI topic with industry- and field-specific insights tailored for small businesses, innovative entrepreneurs, and our regional workforce.

📅 Wednesday June 10, 2026
⏰ 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM
📍 IRC Lab–SWIFT

In June, we welcome Ava Meredith, CS Professor and a co-recipient of the Microsoft Elevate grant, for:
Building a Blueprint for AI Security & Governance
In this session, you’ll get a practical breakdown of AI security rooted in industry standards, paired with a robust governance model that ensures responsible usage. This presentation bridges the gap between technical ex*****on and everyday operations offering critical insights for:

Developers: How to build, integrate, and secure AI systems using proven security standards.

Chatbot End-Users: How to safely interact with AI tools, manage data privacy, and avoid common prompt risks.

While developed with technical rigor, this framework is designed to be universally applicable to any organization looking to scale AI safely. Come walk away with an actionable roadmap for your team.

Don’t miss this opportunity to stay competitive as we enter the AI optimization era in 2026.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for an inspiring day exploring the future of the fusion economy in the Pacific Northwest. ⚡

From entrepreneurs and manufacturers to engineers, skilled trades professionals, and clean energy leaders, the conversations made it clear: our region is ready to lead the next era of innovation. Together, we explored how transferable skills from aerospace, maritime, and advanced manufacturing can help power the growing fusion energy sector and create new opportunities across our workforce and supply chain ecosystem.

A special thank you to all attendees, speakers, sponsors, partners, and collaborators who helped make this event such a success.

The momentum is building, and this is only the beginning. 🚀

Thank you to our sponsors for helping make this event possible:


The Port of Skagit
Anvil Corporation

🚀 Join us for our next AI Meetup this May!

In collaboration with Cascadia AI and Cloud Computing, NWIRC’s monthly AI Meetups bring together innovators, small businesses, and professionals to explore practical, real-world applications of AI. Each session dives into a new topic with expert insights and engaging peer-to-peer conversations—helping you stay competitive in today’s rapidly evolving digital economy.

As we move deeper into the AI optimization era of 2026, staying informed and secure is more important than ever.

🔐 This month’s session:

How Altrusion Uses AI as a Force Multiplier to Create the Fusion Energy Supply Chain

Hear from Dr. Van Dyk and Mason Gentry of Altrusion as they share how they’re building and deploying AI tools—from automated contract discovery to real-time quoting and supplier workflows—to scale operations far beyond team size

📅 Thursday, May 14, 2026
⏰ 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM
📍 IRC Lab–SWIFT

Join us for How Altrusion Uses AI as a Force Multiplier to Create the Fusion Energy at the IRC Lab–SWIFT and be part of the conversation shaping the future of AI in industry.

The fusion economy is taking shape — and our region is ready. ⚡

Fusion energy is no longer a distant concept. It’s creating real opportunities today across new markets, supply chains, and high-impact careers. Entrepreneurs, manufacturers, and skilled professionals are uniquely positioned to lead the way.

The key? Transferable skills.

From aerospace to maritime to advanced manufacturing, the expertise built here in the Pacific Northwest directly powers the future of fusion. If you work in precision machining, engineering, fabrication, or technical trades — your skills are already in demand.

Join us for this upcoming event presented by NWIRC in collaboration with CleanTech Alliance:
🔹 Connect with regional suppliers
🔹 Explore emerging innovation
🔹 Be part of the clean energy workforce conversation

This is a must-attend for professionals in:
• Precision manufacturing
• Materials & engineering
• Technical trades
• Supply chain & logistics

Spots are limited — register now and be part of what’s next.

That's a wrap on the Northern Cascades SAF Event Series 🎉

Event 3: Building the SAF Workforce brought together industry, educators, researchers, and community partners at Bellingham Technical College to map the path forward for SAF workforce development in our region.

The opportunity is real — and it starts with recognizing transferable skills, building the right connections, and making targeted training investments that open doors for workers and rural communities across the Northern Cascades. ✈️🌄

A huge thank you to our speakers and to everyone who showed up across all three events. This is just the beginning.

Follow along as NWIRC turns this momentum into action. 🌲

🌟 Featured Speakers Announced – Northern Cascades SAF Event Series (Part 3) 🌱✈️

We’re excited to spotlight the incredible voices joining us for the final session of the Northern Cascades SAF Event Series, focused on Workforce Development. These speakers bring deep expertise across education, industry, and innovation—driving the future of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) in our region.

🎤 What they’ll cover:
• Building cutting-edge process technology curriculum aligned with industry needs
• Unlocking new workforce opportunities in the timber sector
• Exploring engineering and research career pathways in SAF
• Strengthening partnerships between education, industry, and regional leaders

Our featured speakers represent a dynamic mix of educators, industry professionals, and innovators working at the forefront of SAF development—helping turn regional strengths into real economic opportunities.

📅 Event Details
SAF Workforce Development – Part 3
Thursday, April 9, 2026
8:30 AM – Noon
📍 Bellingham Technical College
Desmond McArdle Center, Room 118

This is your chance to hear directly from leaders shaping the SAF workforce pipeline and to connect with partners across the Northern Cascades.

🚀 Let’s build the future of sustainable aviation—together. Don’t miss it!

Amy Paquette, Data Analytics Program Manager, took the stage at the North Puget Sound Business Builder Expo on March 31! 🎤

She delivered powerful insights and practical strategies on how small businesses can harness the power of AI to drive growth, improve decision-making, and stay competitive in today’s fast-changing landscape.

From data-driven decision making to accessible AI tools, her session highlighted real opportunities for businesses ready to innovate and scale. 🚀