03/16/1988 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

e VII. SOUTHERN WILLAMETTE PRIVATE INDUSTRY COUNCIL SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT Assistant City Manager Dave Whitlow introduced the item. Laurie Swanson, Executive Director, and Liz Cawood, Chairperson, presented the report. Ms. Cawood said the Southern Willamette Private Industry Council (SWPIC) has an active partnership with the community. She said SWPIC conducts several programs with Lane Community College. The council is directing more efforts toward at-risk youth and putting a stronger emphasis on the summer youth programs. Ms. Cawood said the council received the National Dislocated Worker Award in September 1987, as the best program of its kind in the country. She said she attended an awards ceremony in Washington D.C. and was able to meet others involved in similar programs throughout the nation. In addition, she said the State of Oregon is recognized nationally for running quality private industry programs. Ms. Cawood said unfortunately the council is facing a $1 million shortfall in next year's budget. The council is looking for other revenue sources, and has been selected to participate in a pilot job program being conducted throughout the state. She said the council will be doing vocational assessment for the Springfield office of Adult and Family Services. She said the program will bring the council approximately $236,000 in the next 18 months. Ms. Cawood said the council is also reviewing its budget in search of areas where expens- es can be trimmed. e Ms. Swanson said SWPIC and City staff have a good working relationship. She said the council works regularly with the Development Department and the Metropolitan Partnership. Ms. Swanson said the council is identified as the first agency prospective businesses should contact when seeking trained workers. She said Melamine Laminate Decorative Inc. is a good example of a company SWPIC aided in re- cruiting, training, and vocational assessment. She said the company started with 15 employees paid $8-$9 an hour. She said the council has been involved with a food processing company that will be formally announced at the end of the month. Ms. Swanson said the council is also performing work outside Eugene/Springfield. The council has been working with Lane County residents impacted by Bohemia Inc.'s purchase of the International Paper mill in Gardiner. Mr. Rutan said the council is a well-managed program. He said the council does a good job providing prospective businesses with practical information about the area. Mr. Miller reported the owner of the food processing company said he would have decided on Eugene immediately if he had met first with SWPIC. The meeting was adjourned at 12:40 p.m. e MINUTES--Eugene City Council March 16, 1988 Page 6