A supportive business environment is crucial to success, especially when it includes a group of like companies willing to set aside competition for the benefit of local industry. Manufacturers, as an example, benefit from clustering in an area. Grouping in a close proximity creates a critical mass and economies of scale that draw suppliers and bolster a workforce. Benefits include improved cost and quality controls.
It can also lead to leveraged marketing opportunities, as is the case in the northern Idaho and eastern Washington communities that share the Snake River and a growing boat building industry as a common link.
Six welded-aluminum jet boat manufacturers from Lewiston and Orofino, Idaho and Clarkston, Wash. have formed a joint marketing effort under the umbrella of the Snake River Boat Builders Export Program. The idea is to use their collective resources to draw global attention to their capabilities and products and develop viable foreign markets. And, of course, drive sales.
The group recently participated in the 42nd boot Dusseldorf, dubbed the “world’s biggest water sports show.” The show provided hands-on training for the boat manufacturers, contacts with potential buyers, a chance to see new ideas and technologies, and global industry perspective.
It was the return engagement to a European trade mission delegation that visited the Snake River Boat Builders last year. The group toured factories, tested boats and became the focus of the first annual Snake River Boat Expo.
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