10 minute read
Now, More Than Ever, Partnerships Should Be Strong
At SEDCOR, we have a catchphrase. “We know a guy,” or “We know a gal.”
This means we are always finding new and better ways to use our connections and partnerships to make life better for the businesses we serve. With the outbreak of COVID-19, collaboration became a necessity. That’s why we decided to take a concerted effort to strengthen an existing alliance with four of our strongest partners.
This alliance will be increasingly important to our region’s manufacturers. No matter who they contact first, manufacturers will have the resources of Willamette Workforce Partnership, SEDCOR, the Small Business Development Center, Oregon Manufacturing Extension Partnership, and Chemeketa Customized Training.
We asked the leadership from each organization the same four questions to give our readers a chance to understand who they are, what they care about, and how they view the importance of strategic partnership in the future.
Willamette Workforce Partnership
Kim Parker-Llerenas
How has your organization stepped up since the outbreak of COVID-19?
Our work has shifted and increased in a number of ways. The support we’ve been able to facilitate for local businesses have included providing layoff aversion funds for almost 60 businesses ranging from $1,000 - $20,000 grants, to managing Marion County economic stimulus funds for 102 companies. All said, we’ve distributed more than $400,000, and anticipate more funds coming to continue this type of support for local businesses.
Participating in regional planning around the economic impact and recovery has also become a major focus for our organization. We’ve received two different federal grants totaling almost $1,000,000 to support disaster recovery and employment recovery. Assuring our funding is wisely spent to respond to the COVID crisis has taken time, planning, communicating, and collaborating with local governments and partners. Continued on page 10
PARTNERSHIPS continued from page 9
Why is it important now to share resources and strengthen these kinds of partnerships?
‘Never let a crisis go to waste’ has been a mantra repeated many times over the last several weeks. There is always an opportunity, and in our region what we’ve seen is individuals representing state and local governments, economic and workforce organizations coming together selflessly to serve people and businesses.
The mission has been clear, and it has been the driver in all of our decision making. It has been remarkable to see the collaboration and power behind working together in ways none of our organizations have before. The right people are at the right place at the right time to make these synergies work.
What is your organization doing to foster economic resiliency in the future?
We continue to work with funders to identify ways to support individuals who are laid off, and businesses struggling to stay afloat during this time. As we shift some of our energy to recovery and reopening, finding ways to support businesses as they navigate these unchartered waters is a focus. Whether that’s helping fund the purchase of PPE, continuing to help pay for utilities, rent and payroll, or other necessities, Willamette Workforce Partnership is committed to continuing the collaborative work with our partners and finding ways to help individuals and businesses respond to this crisis.
What about this partnership makes you excited/hopeful for the future of traded-sector business in Oregon?
As we emerge from this crisis, our partnerships are stronger, relationships are established, trust is built, and businesses will reap the benefits. As we emerge from the pandemic and life returns to a ‘new normal,’ our collaboration will continue to benefit the entire community. There’s a greater understanding of what all of the organizations do and what their role is in supporting businesses and industry. That knowledge and experience will carry us forward
Small Business Development Center
Celia Núñez
How has your organization stepped up since the outbreak of COVID-19?
The Chemeketa SBDC took important steps to immediately move to virtual advising and events. Our Center has served as the primary technical assistance provider for businesses needing help with SBA programs including the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), Economic Injury Disaster Loan program (EIDL) and other loan modification programs. We reached our under-served communities with services in Spanish, including specialized capital access assistance. Our advisers understand what it takes to run a business and share that passion with business owners in our community through it all.
Why is it important now to share resources and strengthen these kinds of partnerships?
It takes a community to support and grow our best businesses. At a time when our business community is facing some of its greatest challenges, it is up to all of our business assistance providers to provide support and guidance. The resources and trust of one organization are best met with the assistance of others.
What is your organization doing to foster economic resiliency in the future?
Resiliency is developed through time and practice. Our classes are adding additional content to help businesses prepare for future crises. Our advisers have now received additional information and training to help businesses through difficult times. We are keeping note of the challenges we faced as an organization and the steps we need to improve for the future.
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We know that during times of crisis there are often more questions than answers, and that businesses do best when they have the resources and planning to survive the unexpected. The Chemeketa SBDC is working to help provide answers and resources faster and to help businesses be better prepared.
What about this partnership makes you excited/hopeful for the future of traded-sector business in Oregon?
Our traded sector businesses are now facing different challenges than they did before. We have an opportunity to help businesses be more robust and resilient in the future, and to work together to help meet new challenges. In 2020, we have learned to handle the unexpected, and that careful planning is critical for future success. The work we are doing together is just beginning.
Oregon Manufacturing Extension Partnership
Aaron Fox
How has your organization stepped up since the outbreak of COVID-19?
OMEP has continued to live out our values of working side by side with manufacturers to help build successful businesses. We focused on our state and local partnerships to assist with supplier scouting and domestic PPE sourcing. We are offering insights and support for those who are re-tooling to meet demand. Additionally, we’ve developed content in the form of webinars, guidebooks, and a self-assessment regarding COVID-19 safety and response.
Lastly, OMEP is also offering the first 2 months of OMEP project support at no cost to assist companies who are facing financial difficulties.
Why is it important now to share resources and strengthen these kinds of partnerships?
Oregon has a unique spirit of collaboration and support between industry sectors and businesses. By coming together during difficult circumstances, we build on one another’s strengths to better help Oregon’s small businesses succeed. Small manufacturing businesses need all the support they can get and they rarely look for help, so when they do it is important they are aware of ALL the resources at their disposal.
What is your organization doing to foster economic resiliency in the future?
OMEP is focusing programming efforts on three key areas for long term business success. We’ve developed activities and cohorts in the areas of top-line growth, strategy, and sales. Each of these areas are key for manufacturing in our region to remain competitive. OMEP is also building advanced technology programs to assist manufacturers in addressing workforce challenges as well as necessary modernization to participate in a digital supply chain.
What about this partnership makes you excited/hopeful for the future of traded-sector business in Oregon?
By collaborating we can draw on one another’s strengths, gain greater visibility into market need, and improve our reach as we work together to build a successful manufacturing sector in Oregon. This partnership will allow us to be seen as a comprehensive solution for businesses, rather than a typical disconnected group of quasi-government resources. By partnering, we can provide simple and easy to access solutions business need now. Continued on page 12
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PARTNERSHIPS continued from page 11
Chemeketa Customized Training
Celia Núñez
How has your organization stepped up since the outbreak of COVID-19?
Chemeketa Customized Training (CT) administers several statewide certification programs. We immediately shifted staff resources and accessed the college Tech Hub to ensure workers maintain their licensure and livelihood. Our instructors quickly transferred highly technical materials to virtual platforms. As a result, technical training and testing for industry certification can be accessed virtually and several groups of workers have already been certified this spring.
CT continues to offer classes for essential workers in the construction industry. Classes are also still delivered in small group settings by certified trainers. Our team has been working with trainers to ensure COVID-19 safety requirements are followed.
Why is it important now to share resources and strengthen these kinds of partnerships?
As a group, we can streamline our efforts and leverage resources. These efforts will be based on a consensus, rather than a single point of view. This partnership will provide solid
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initiatives that will focus on prioritizing and enabling the recovery, rebuilding, and expansion of existing industries.
What is your organization doing to foster economic resiliency in the future?
Chemeketa Customized Training is identifying ways we need to change to meet the needs of the current and future workforce. We are expanding our cadre of trainers and consultants to include experts who can contribute in the areas of business continuity, change management, virtual presentations, and working remotely.
In addition to training, we are identifying additional supports that will allow industry to inform what training best fits their needs. Our goal is to provide relevant training to ensure broad support for industries in an ever-changing environment.
What about this partnership makes you excited/hopeful for the future of traded-sector business in Oregon?
Our Mid-Valley Region has many valuable silos for training. This partnership is an exciting one in that it unifies economic parties and improves responsiveness during COVID-19 recovery. This joint effort will allow us to quickly access the scope of economic impact and meet the needs of industry with a variety of services.
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