Creating opportunities through supply chain expertise, industry leadership, and meaningful connections.

Kusum Kavia, President and Co-Founder, Combustion Associates, Inc.

Manufacturing success requires more than operational excellence. Companies need access to market intelligence, skilled talent, strategic relationships, and opportunities to collaborate with other leaders. Through decades of leadership in manufacturing, supply chain, and economic development organizations, Lisa Anderson has built a reputation for bringing together people, ideas, and opportunities that create value. For Kusum Kavia, President and Co-Founder of Combustion Associates, Inc. (CAI), that ability to connect people and organizations has led to years of productive collaboration and meaningful business relationships.

Lisa and Kusum have worked together through numerous manufacturing, supply chain, and economic development organizations, including the Association of Supply Chain Management (APICS/ASCM), the California Inland Empire District Export Council (CIEDEC), the Manufacturers’ Council of the Inland Empire (MCIE), and other initiatives focused on strengthening manufacturing throughout Southern California. Kusum also recommended Lisa for appointment to the California Inland Empire District Export Council, where she was subsequently approved and joined other business leaders dedicated to supporting exports, economic development, and manufacturing growth throughout the region.

Providing Valuable Market and Supply Chain Insights

As a manufacturing executive in Riverside County, Kusum values Lisa’s ability to provide meaningful perspectives on economic conditions, supply chain trends, and emerging business challenges. Through industry associations, executive forums, conferences, and leadership organizations, Lisa consistently shares practical insights that help manufacturers stay informed and prepare for changing market conditions. According to Kusum, every time she collaborates with Lisa, she comes away with valuable knowledge related to economic trends and forecasts that can impact manufacturing performance and future growth.

Strengthening the Manufacturing Talent Pipeline

One of the most pressing challenges facing manufacturers today is attracting and developing engineering talent. Recognizing the importance of workforce development, Lisa actively works to connect manufacturers with educational institutions and future talent. Kusum points specifically to introductions and relationships with Harvey Mudd College, one of the nation’s leading engineering schools. These connections help manufacturers gain access to highly skilled engineering talent while supporting the long-term strength and competitiveness of the manufacturing sector.

Bringing People Together

Perhaps what stands out most to Kusum is Lisa’s ability to connect people. Throughout her career, Lisa has developed a vast network of manufacturing executives, supply chain leaders, educators, economic development professionals, and business experts. More importantly, she has a unique talent for bringing together individuals and organizations that can benefit from working together. These introductions often lead to new relationships, collaborative opportunities, and valuable partnerships. As Kusum explains:

“Lisa has a knack for bringing people together, and I really love that about her. Through her, I’ve met many interesting people, companies, and have worked with them on a collaboration basis as well.”

For manufacturers, those connections can create opportunities that extend far beyond any single meeting or event.

The Result

Strong businesses are built on more than products, processes, and technology. They are also built on relationships, knowledge, talent, and access to the right opportunities. Through her leadership in manufacturing, supply chain, and economic development organizations, Lisa helps create those opportunities by sharing insights, fostering collaboration, and connecting people who can help one another succeed. For Kusum, the value has come through trusted relationships, industry expertise, access to talent, and a network of connections that continues to generate opportunities for collaboration and growth. Sometimes the greatest impact comes not from solving a specific business challenge, but from bringing together the right people, ideas, and opportunities to help manufacturers thrive.

 

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Published: April 10, 2018 | Updated: April 23, 2026