Manufacturing Day 2015 was a great success, not just for Oregon, but nation wide. We’re still waiting for the final numbers, but we know that at least 80 companies participated in events across Oregon, hosting over 2,000 participants! Canby and Washington County smashed last year’s records. Canby hosted more events than any other city in Oregon, and Washington County hosted an ambitious 18 tours!
Makers Gone Pro
On Thursday evening, October 1st, students from the Center for Advanced Learning (CAL) and other organizations kicked off Manufacturing Day with a large faire style event. Through fun and engaging hands-on activities, this event provided students and community members an opportunity to understand and learn about the world of making things, and how these activities relate to the Portland region’s robust manufacturing sector. This initiative was part of a regional MFG Day coordinating effort that includes Workforce Investment Boards, Community Colleges and the School-to-Work Consortium.
Lam Research Kick Off
The following morning, October 2, I attended a kick off event with Representative Suzanne Bonamici at Lam Research. The congresswoman addressed over 40 students and 20 business leaders and partners with an inspiring speech about the importance of manufacturing to our future. Students then attended a tour of LAM Research, and even got to wear the clean suits!
Workforce Roundtable
Representative Bonamici held a small roundtable discussion with food processing business owners at Beaverton Foods. We heard from food processors about their experience as manufacturers, what they have learned over the years, and how they stay ahead of the competition.
Beaverton Foods Tour
Later that day, I attended a tour of the state of the art facilities in Beaverton Foods. Over 50 students examined their production lines, mixing areas, and shipping area. Students even got to do a little taste testing in the R&D Lab. CEO Domonic Biggi graciously led a portion of the tour, and spoke about the joy of working as a third generation family business owner. They still use his Grandma’s horseradish recipe!
And Much More
There were many more events taking place across the state! You can read more about them here:
Celebrating 20 Years
OMEP is proud to celebrate 20 years as a company this month. To celebrate this fact, and manufacturing month, we hosted an open house at our new office. We’re pleased to welcome newest staff members Loree Spangler, Russ Gaylor and Denise Masanga to our team! Thank you for your support over the years – the work we do wouldn’t be possible without our fantastic partners and clients! Take a look at this little video we created to honor the occasion.
OMEP: Celebrating 20 Years of Manufacturing Advancement from OMEP on Vimeo.
THANK YOU
Many thanks to our sponsors and partners who made this event possible including:
OMEP MFG Day Sponsors:
 
Second year Presenting Sponsor:
Gold Sponsors:
American Paper Converting
BBC Steel Corp.
Boeing
Columbia Machine
Linear Technology
Madden Industrial Craftsmen
Pacific Stainless
Portland Development Commission
Stevens Water
Tosoh Quartz, Inc.
Vigor
Western Precision Products, Inc.
Partners:
School To Work
Mt. Hood Community College
Portland Community College
Worksystems Inc.
Clackamas Workforce Partnership (formerly WICC)
Worksource Oregon
