Workforce response team (WRT)
To better respond to the needs of Oregon businesses and workers, each of Oregon’s 15 workforce regions formed a workforce response team made up of local economic development and workforce representatives. Federal workforce dollars are passed to the WRT to fund regionally placed workforce training grants that are offered to traded sector companies meeting certain criteria.
WRT funds may be used to finance incumbent worker training projects with existing Oregon businesses, industry or worker associations. For WRT-funded projects, it is required that, at a minimum, every dollar awarded to eligible Oregon business must be matched dollar for dollar with non-federal contributions. The non-federal match may be either cash or non-cash. Funds are awarded at the local level using state and local priorities. Each region has local priorities and Central Oregon has elected to focus funding on traded sector companies for their ability to enlarge the total regional economy. EDCO is involved on the WRT board in making funding selections.
Oregon manufacturing extension partnership (OMEP)
Oregon Manufacturing Extension Partnership (OMEP) is Oregon's leading lean enterprise provider. OMEP helps Oregon manufacturers reduce costs, increase sales, and create jobs by becoming more competitive and productive in the global marketplace. OMEP has a Central Oregon field office, manned by consultant Kleve Kee. Kee also works closely with HiDEC, outlined below. On a custom basis, Kee is available to assist companies with building support for lean practices, as well as lean training and implementation issues. Email Kee or contact him at 541-350-7429.
High desert enterprise consortium (HiDEC)
The High Desert Enterprise Consortium (HiDEC) is a newly formed organization of independent manufacturing businesses in Central Oregon committed to helping each other strengthen their competitive positions. The group meets monthly and is deeply involved in the training and implementation of Lean Quality practices. HiDEC meets meet monthly for kaizen (improvement) events where a member-company hosts other members for a highly targeted, on-site review of a process. HiDEC offers a employee training and many other learning situations for management, supervisors, and workers. To understand more about HiDEC, contact EDCO Business Development Manager Eric Strobel or call 541-388-3236. You may also see the fuller description of HiDEC on our website or go directly to HiDEC online.
Other pages of interest include Oregon's Tax Environment, Business Financing Solutions, Income Tax Incentives, Property Tax Incentives, and Other Incentives.