High Performance Consortium Updates
Updates from September 21, 2009
Emerald Valley High Performance Enterprise Consortium (EV HPEC)
EV HPEC is excited to announce that it has launched its new website! Check it out at www.evhpec.org.It includes consortium news, an activity calendar, resource and membership information, and a user-friendly business-to-business forum. The consortium will be a vehicle for recruitment as well as valuable member interaction.
EV HPEC membership has remained steady with fifteen dues-paying members. Given the current recession, new businesses have been hesitant to join; however, an increasing number of non-member companies are paying out of pocket to attend workshops. The hope is that they will join once the economic situation improves.
EV HPEC has continued to host various Lean training classes and Learning Exchanges this year - over the past quarter alone, EV HPEC has hosted Setup Reduction, Problem Solving, and Principles of Lean provided by OMEP, and a highly successful Learning Exchange at Johnson Crushers International. The consortium also provided Standard Work training for both manufacturing and service/office audiences. The Standard Work training will be followed up with Training Within Industry (TWI) Job Instruction sessions beginning this fall provided by Michael Martyn. The TWI sessions will include Train the Trainer to help the consortium build internal capacity for providing the training.
EV HPEC serves the southern Willamette Valley.
For additional information about programs or membership, contact Dave Oatman, EV HPEC Project Coordinator; 541-517-5501.
High Desert Enterprise Consortium (HiDEC)
Currently with 24 members, HiDEC continues its partnership with the Economic Development for Central Oregon (EDCO) which also staffs the consortium. The consortium has struggled this year due to the economic downturn – central Oregon is one of the most depressed areas of the state. As a result, member companies have had to do more with fewer people and compressed work schedules that do not readily allow time for participation in training events. Sensitive to the plight of their members, the HiDEC steering committee has implemented various strategies to retain membership and facilitate participation in events: they have limited the number of events to eight for the year, charged host companies less for their participants, and offered one year dues deferment to companies that would like to remain members but cannot afford the member dues.
Despite the economic difficulties, the events so far in 2009 have been highly successful. The Fall lineup looks strong with Mike Hoseus returning for a workshop on Human Resources (The Toyota Way), an executive roundtable, and a presentation from Toni Doolen, assistant professor of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering at Oregon State University. Looking ahead to 2010, the HiDEC steering committee is staying focused on member needs and letting the need guide next year’s program.
The group serves Central Oregon.
For additional information about programs or membership, contact Eric Strobel, EDCO Business Development Manager, at 541-388-3236 or 800-342-4135.
Mid-Willamette High Performance Consortium (MWHPC)
With 38 member companies representing 13 industries, MWHPC has done exceptionally well in maintaining its aggressive training plan over the first half of 2009. Under the ongoing governance of its steering committee and staffed by the Enterprise for Employment and Education (EEE), members have participated in Lean training classes provided by the Oregon Manufacturing Extension Partnership, a People Value Stream event provided by Mike Hoseus, and various Learning Tours hosted by member companies. Several training activities are scheduled throughout the fall and will include a Problem Solving workshop by Mr. Hoseus.
To further encourage and support application of Lean and to share best practices, MWHPC has begun requiring companies that host events (training and Learning Tours) to present reports at quarterly meetings outlining implementation of the principles learned and outcomes resulting from the training. In addition, members have been encouraging each other to bring employees from the shop floor to participate in and conduct the report-out sessions. One recent report provided by Sabroso and Givaudan, two area food processors, regarding Lean-Green pilot projects conducted by the Oregon Manufacturing Extension Partnership and the Energy Trust of Oregon was very well received and sparked the desire for more information. OMEP will provide a Lean-Green Overview session in the fall.
MWHPC has coalesced well and every consortium meeting is held at a company site – the companies have gotten past the initial jitteriness of letting competitors into their premises and now welcome them. The consortium has provided a powerful forum for companies working together to deal with the nuts and bolts issues, fears, and tough decisions they all encounter as a result of the recession. A new needs assessment will be conducted this fall to lay the foundation for next year’s activities.
MWHPC serves the central Willamette Valley.
For additional information about programs or membership, contact Karen Litvin, EEE Workforce Program Manager, at 503-581-4272.
Northwest High Performance Enterprise Consortium (NWHPEC)
The state’s first high-performance consortium (since 2002), NWHPEC currently has 46 member companies representing various industries in Oregon and SW Washington. To cope with challenges brought about by the recession, the consortium utilizes various strategies to support members during this difficult time. Strategies include charging membership dues on a sliding scale, offering a rebate on membership dues to companies hosting learning events, and making the highest use of internal resources through Learning Tours, Special Interest Groups, benchmarking, and peer-to-peer networking. NWHPEC members learn with and from each other through these various formal and informal events. Many members have considerable experience with Lean and are willing to share their best practices, knowledge, and experience with other member companies. Most learning events are scheduled on a “pull system,” meaning that NWHPEC members identify their learning needs and NWHPEC schedules training and events around those needs.
As a member-focused organization, NWHPEC conducts an annual survey to identify learning needs for the following year organizing Executive Forums and bringing in new learning to meet those needs. One example of this is a new partnership with the Energy Trust of Oregon and the Strategic Energy Group, which provides member companies training, support, and guidance in energy improvement. NWHPEC’s website, www.nwhpec.org provides members with a calendar of events, library of books and DVDs, and contains an extensive library of Lean principle training materials created by members themselves, as well as their Lean coach, Executive Forum presentations, and a variety of Lean templates and forms.
NWHPEC continues to support the Oregon Manufacturing Workforce Strategy and Oregon’s regional high performance consortia. NWHPEC is happy to support all new consortia and learning networks and is privileged to continue this work.
NWHPEC primarily serves Portland Metropolitan and Southwest Washington areas, but has members located throughout the state of Oregon.
For additional information about programs or membership, contact Julie Hatten, Executive Director, at 503-778-6208,jlhatten@nwhpec.org.
Oregon Biosciences Association High Performance Consortium (OBA HPC)
OBA is currently maintaining its membership at 165 members, down from 198 at the end of 2008 – a common theme resulting from the recession. However, although some companies have dropped off, several new companies have joined as a result of recruitment efforts. Since Oregon’s bioscience community is focused on the production of medical devices, a large percentage of OBA companies are manufacturers.
The biggest news at OBA is a recent change in leadership. Former Executive Director, Bob Lanier, has moved to California and has been replace by Interim Director, John Tortorici, a former Board member. Mr. Tortorici, originally from New Jersey, has more than thirty year of experience in IT (including medical software) and previously served as the president of the Software Association of Oregon. Mr. Tortorici is committed to OBA and has hit the ground running to keep the organization moving forward – that includes coordination with OBA’s three regional chapters: Willamette Valley Bioscience Industry Consortium (Linn-Benton), Central Oregon OBA (Bend) and Southern Oregon Bioscience Industry Consortium (Medford).
A host of Lean and regulatory training classes have been provided through BioPro, OBA’s comprehensive training program developed in partnership with Worksystems Inc. and Worksource Oregon. The goal for BioPro is to raise the knowledge and efficiency of the local and regional bioscience workforce, thereby improving the industry’s competitiveness. Currently, BioPro boasts the ability to teach 99 regulatory topics throughout its entire organization, chapters included. OBA has a robust training schedule posted throughout the end of the year and looks forward to great things during the rest of this year and into 2010.
OBA serves bioscience companies throughout Oregon.
For additional information about programs or membership, contact Donna Chambers, OBA Office Manager, at 503-261-3960.
Southern Oregon High Performance Enterprise Consortium (SOHPEC)
Not unlike most everyone, the national recession has impacted SOHPEC’s membership during 2009 to date. At the end of 2008 SOHPEC had 41 members. By the end of June 2009 membership dipped to 33 members, with a net loss of 8 members. Despite the net loss in membership to date, a number of new members have joined as a result of steady recruitment efforts, including referrals from a variety of sources.
Given SOHPEC’s strong relationship with Southern Oregon Regional Economic Development Inc., Rogue Community College (RCC) and Southern Oregon Job Council, SOHPEC administered numerous and varied training and learning events during 2009, through the Power-Up Academy. These events provided practical training and learning opportunities for every tier in an organization from entry level positions up to executives and owners.
SOHPEC’s Board of Directors has stepped up to volunteer in specific areas including training, marketing, and recruitment to ensure ongoing delivery of value added benefits to members. Examples of this include its training committee which is now developing, and scheduling training, and member-to-member learning events in three-month increments which are published on the website calendar. SOHPEC also successfully applied for and received a training grant for the “Heavy Lift Cluster” which is made up of area-wide helicopter and related businesses. These resources will be used to develop and execute on cluster-specific needs for this group.
Looking ahead to the remainder of 2009, SOHPEC is going to focus its efforts even more to member-to- member learning exchanges, kaizen events and training that has fast, relevant application members can use in their operations; these are key during these challenging economic times.
On the administrative side of things, SOHPEC is actively recruiting for a new Executive Director. Due to other business commitments, the previous Executive Director opted to not renew his contract effective May 31st. In the interim, Eric Smith, SOHPEC Secretary and CEO/President of Micro-Trains, is the point of contact for all SOHPEC program and/or membership information.
SOHPEC serves Southern Oregon.
For additional information about programs or membership, contact Eric Smith, SOHPEC Secretary, at 541-535-1755.
Updates from December 17, 2008
Emerald Valley High Performance Enterprise Consortium (EV HPEC)
EV HPEC has been very active over the past two years. During the first year of OMWS, EV HPEC focused on establishing itself as an entity and on growing and adding value to its membership. It formed a steering committee, developed a preliminary business plan, and developed/maintained key partnerships with various groups including the Lane Workforce Partnership, NWHPEC and the other High Performance consortia, the Oregon Manufacturing Extension Partnership, and Lane Community College. The Consortium was able to leverage OMWS funds with Employer Workforce Training Funds (EWTF) and provided several Learning Exchanges and Lean training classes to its members.
In 2008, EV HPEC was formally established as an Oregon Nonprofit Corporation [501(c)6] and is closing out the year with fourteen dues-paying members and a committed seven-person board of directors. The ongoing Learning Exchanges and grant-funded Lean training classes and Executive Forums continue to add tremendous value to the local manufacturing community – so much so that the Lane County Board of Commissioners has awarded EV HPEC additional funds to continue training activities in 2009! The steering committee seeks to maintain momentum and continue to grow with thoughts of perhaps expanding membership to organizations outside of manufacturing. 2009 promises to be an exciting year for EV HPEC!
EV HPEC serves the southern Willamette Valley.
For additional information about programs or membership, contact Dave Oatman, EV HPEC project coordinator 541-517-5501.
High Desert Enterprise Consortium (HiDEC)
In partnership with and staffed by the Economic Development for Central Oregon (EDCO), HiDEC was established quickly during the first year of the OMWS and has been very active ever since. With 26 member companies and a highly engaged seven-person board, HiDEC holds monthly roundtables and conducts surveys to stay in touch with member needs. The Consortium has been able to leverage OMWS funds with Employer Workforce Training Funds used to provide various Lean training classes and Executive Forums.
HiDEC has found that Kaizen events are especially popular with its members and holds them on a regular basis. Kaizen events are hands-on continuous improvement activities that result in actual shop floor improvements for the host company. HiDEC has also explored alternative training methods such as webcasts, DVDs, and simulation kits developed for use by members. The Consortium is also looking at “bundling” companies with similar needs to better target training.
Over the past two years, HiDEC has been a major energizing force for the manufacturing community in Central Oregon. Recently the Consortium won the Economic Development Partnership of the Year Award. Kudos to HiDEC and its partners! With such dedication and enthusiasm, we can expect great things from HiDEC in 2009!
The group serves Central Oregon.
For additional information about programs or membership, contact Eric Strobel, EDCO business development manager, at 541-388-3236 or 800-342-4135.
Mid-Willamette High Performance Consortium (MWHPC)
Staffed by The Enterprise for Employment and Education (EEE) since its inception, MWHPC is governed by a steering committee and has grown to 36 members representing 13 industries most of which are in manufacturing. The first year was spent laying the foundation and direction for the Consortium. Now, MWHPC continues to attract additional members through Learning Tours, Executive Forums, Lean training events, and EEE’s work with three other industry consortia.
MWHPC uses the Kaizen approach to Learning Tours making them hands-on events that add considerable value to the host company. To stay current with member needs, MWHPC conducts annual surveys that guide activities for the following year. Because the need for Lean Manufacturing services is so great for members, EEE requires companies applying for Employer Workforce Training Funds for Lean projects to pay an amount equal to that requested. By leveraging the funds in this way, EEE hopes to help the public funds stretch further and provide assistance to more companies.
MWHPC has an aggressive training plan in place for 2009 and an initiative to raise awareness regarding Lean and the needs of manufacturing in various community organizations such as education, Worksource centers, and government entities. 2009 promises to be a very busy year for MWHPC!
MWHPC serves the central Willamette Valley.
For additional information about programs or membership, contact Karen Litvin, EEE workforce program manager, at 503-581-4272
Northwest High Performance Enterprise Consortium (NWHPEC)
NWHPEC, the first High Performance Enterprise Consortium in Oregon established in 2002, serves primarily the Portland Metro area including southwest Washington. NWHPEC has a stable, eight-member board and 62 current members. NWHPEC continues to add value to its members through Learning Tours, Executive Forums, and training classes which are scheduled on a “pull” system. The Consortium surveys members annually to stay current with member needs. Many of its members have considerable experience with Lean and some are proceeding very well along their Lean journey.
In addition to the services provided to its own members, NWHPEC has played a key role in assisting the regional consortia that have formed throughout the state. As OMWS grantee, NWHPEC has provided significant technical assistance on a variety of topics ranging from becoming an incorporated non-profit organization to coordinating Learning Tours. NWHPEC has shared training opportunities and provided significant moral support, advice, and encouragement to the regional consortia. As the regional Consortia grow and evolve into a peer network, NWHPEC can take pride in the significant role they have played in expanding the reach of high-performance manufacturing practices across the state. NWHPEC is looking forward to another exciting year in this arena in 2009!
NWHPEC serves the Portland Metropolitan and Southwest Washington areas.
For additional information about programs or membership, contact Julie Hatten, Executive Director, at 503-778-6208.
Oregon Biosciences Association High Performance Consortium (OBA HPC)
OBA has grown by leaps and bounds over the past two years and currently has 198 members – 25% more than this time last year! 167 of their members are directly industry related – half of them are manufacturers. With funding accessed through Worksystems, Inc., (WSI) OBA has developed a workforce training program called BIOPRO that includes regulatory, management and Lean training. Many employees participated in BIOPRO training classes during 2007 and 2008 and OBA is sharing the program with its newly formed regional bioscience industry consortia outside of the Portland Metro area.
In a high-expansion mode, OBA has been working hard to bring additional bioscience companies to Oregon. Because of the resulting tremendous growth and related work load, OBA has found it difficult to keep on track with their Lean initiative, OBA HPC. OBA has added additional staff to help with this and other OBA initiatives. OBA’s plan for 2009 is to host quarterly breakfast meetings to energize this initiative and demonstrate how Lean can help companies meet FDA regulations. Some OBA board members are very experienced with Lean and have committed to help lead the way for other companies. With so many projects in the offing, OBA is in for a wild ride in 2009!
OBA serves bioscience companies throughout Oregon.
For additional information about programs or membership, contact Donna Chambers, OBA office manager, at 503-261-3960.
Southern Oregon High Performance Enterprise Consortium (SOHPEC)
With 41 members (up from 30 at the end of 2007), SOHPEC is comprised of a diverse group representing manufacturing, health care, education and independent consultants. Although based in Medford, current SOHPEC membership extends over a wide geographic area including Roseburg, Bandon, Klamath Falls, and the coast.
With much planning, work, and technical assistance from NWHPEC, SOHPEC became established as an Oregon Nonprofit Corporation [501(c)(6)] in 2008. It has dues-paying members and a nine-person board. In addition to dues, SOHPEC has been successful at leveraging OMWS funds with other funds including Employer Workforce Training Funds making it possible to provide ongoing training for its members.
Close partnerships with other local entities such as the Southern Oregon Regional Economic Development, Inc. and Rogue Community College have fostered SOHPEC’s involvement in the region’s Power-Up Academy and given rise to mutual training initiatives. For instance, SOHPEC is currently partnering with the College on a Computer Academy and on a Lean Academy to provide training to members. SOHPEC recently hired a training coordinator to organize training events and to implement the Consortium’s marketing strategy including their “training postcard” initiative. SOHPEC also posts its training schedule on its website.
With an eye to the future and commitment to the mission, SOHPEC is holding firm to its goal of self-sufficiency in 2009. Next year holds high hopes for SOHPEC!
SOHPEC serves Southern Oregon.
For additional information about programs or membership, contact David Matthews, SOHPEC executive director, at 541-941-0433