May 31, 2023 | AOC Business Partner
The night before CIS’ Virtual Conference in February, the Willamette Valley experienced significant snowfall that prevented some staff from making it to the studio to participate live in the conference. Thankfully, CIS’ conference planner had pre-recorded some of the presentations, which made the annual conference move forward smoothly, despite the snow. More than 400 people attended, and based on the post-conference survey, nearly all appreciated the expert speakers and informative sessions. Each conference session is still available and can be viewed in the CIS Learning Center.
With the popularity of the virtual conference, it wasn’t surprising that the overall conference was rated 91% Excellent/Good. Many attendees took the time to comment about the conference.
You guys continually amaze me. While in-person you usually exceed expectations too, your virtual conferences are by FAR the best that I’ve experienced, and this one was no exception. Fast paced and packed with important/relevant/timely info. Can’t thank you enough!
Very well explained and the presenters were well prepared.
Glad that it was a virtual event for many reasons: because of the weather conditions, the expense of traveling, time away from the office and limiting group exposure to any type of virus going around. Participants get the information they need for budget purposes sooner.
Given the weather, first of all, everyone must be congratulated for making this go off without a hitch! The technology and the music were just right.
Perfect kind of event to announce rates! Appreciated the bullet point style way of taking about the categories of risk that affect rates.
Learned about the current pressures on rates and why they are increasing.
Virtual Conferences are challenging, and the CIS crew did an amazing job (as usual)!
I thought it was great and informative and everyone did great, considering the snow/changes in venue due to the weather.
Looking Back at 21 years of CIS Conferences
After the many complimentary comments received about CIS’ February virtual conference, they reflected on how this signature event has changed over time. CIS launched their first Annual Conference back in 2002. It began as the “Annual Meeting and CIS Risk Management Conference.” The purpose was to increase member involvement in CIS activities. It also served — and continues to serve — as the annual membership meeting as required by CIS’ governance policy.
Today, the conference highlights the coverages and plans available to members, provides updates on changes that affect our communities, and educates attendees about ways to avoid claims and control losses. Because risk management and pre-loss are core functions of our operations, they’re featured prominently. It’s about fostering good risk management practices that lead to reduced claims so CIS can keep rates stable. It’s important to help counties protect their financial health, so the CIS conference packs the most risk management education into a single event.
The event represents CIS’ mission, vision, and values in a single event.
MISSION: CIS provides property, casualty, and employee benefit solutions tailored to the needs of Oregon’s cities and counties.
VISION: Together, CIS helps Oregon’s cities and counties to be safer, stronger, and healthier.
VALUES: Financial strength, innovation, expertise, adaptability, collaboration, integrity, and diversity and inclusion.
CIS sat down with their Communications, Events, and Projects Manager Julie LaMarche, to learn more about how the conference has evolved since 2001. Besides managing and producing the conference, LaMarche manages CIS’ communications efforts, including reviewing, editing, and designing publications, announcements, and presentation materials.
Q: When did you become involved in the planning for the CIS Annual Conference?
A: When I started at CIS in 2005, the conference was coordinated by CIS’ Executive Assistant, who led an internal conference committee. Later in 2007, it was taken over by two CIS staff. When they left CIS — two months before our 2009 conference — I was asked to step in. I’ve organized the conference ever since.
Q: How has the conference evolved over time?
A: When I started 17 years ago, the conference was held at the Embassy Suites near Washington Square in Tigard. Similar to today, it was held in February, and we offered one complimentary registration and covered one-night hotel stay for every member.
The 1st Annual Meeting and CIS Risk Management Conference was held in 2002 at the Ramada Inn & Suites near the Portland Airport. Prior to 2002, the conference was like a road show. It was similar to our Fall Supervisor Training series, where our presenters traveled around the state and held sessions regionally.
In 2007, we introduced electronic survey evaluations. In 2010, we went green by discontinuing handing out large binders for each attendee, and instead provided them with electronic copies of the presentation materials.
In 2011, we celebrated our 30th Anniversary and 10th Annual Conference by introducing longevity awards of 20, 25, and 30-years for those Members who had continuous coverage with the CIS Property/Casualty Trust. Later in 2016, 35-year awards were created, and 40-year awards were added in 2021.
In 2012, we introduced a conference mobile app, and started recording select sessions so members and agents could watch sessions they missed. We also introduced a 4th track for law enforcement/public safety.
In 2016 we began live-streaming select sessions so members and agents could still receive pertinent information from the convenience of their desk.
In 2017 the law enforcement track split off and we created a new conference for public safety.
In 2020 we introduced the Shark-Tank session, awarding grants of $1,000, $2,500, and $5,000 for innovative safety-related programs.
In 2021, due to the pandemic, we held a three-day all virtual conference.
By 2022, we transitioned to a fully hybrid conference where members and agents had the flexibility of attending in person, virtually, or a combination of the two.
Q: How do you see our conference evolving after the pandemic?
A: I think there will be more demand for all events — conferences, trainings, workshops, meetings — to be hybrid.
I know people have missed meeting with each other in person because they appreciate the higher level of engagement. It’s been difficult to achieve when meeting virtually. Members have told us that they enjoy attending sessions, sharing meals, networking, and interacting with CIS employees.
Other Members have told us that they truly appreciate the flexibility of being virtual — while some of our smaller-county members have said they like signing in remotely because they don’t have the budget to travel, or they don’t have anyone to cover for them while they’re out of the office.
The pandemic has shown that we can offer both options.
Q: Where do you see our conference 5 to 10 years from now?
A: We’ll continue to seek member input and innovate. Just like in the past, we will find ways to improve the conference. One thing that I’m confident about is that we will give people the option to attend in-person or online. It’s really about how we can best serve our Members and Agents.
Q: What do you enjoy most about the conference?
A: It’s all about making the conference valuable, educational, and enjoyable for members, our partners, and agents. What I enjoy most is striving to make it better than the year before. I also really enjoy working with each CIS employee, as they are key in making the event successful. I know that attendees really enjoy interacting with them. Those personal connections make our conference almost like a family reunion.
Contributed by: Bill LaMarche | CIS Public and Member Relations Manager
*Sponsored content provided by AOC Business Partner.
May 17, 2023 | AOC Business Partner
With each passing year, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) has become more prevalent with first responders. Join CIS experts as they address this issue and many other public-safety-related topics during the Annual Public Safety Conference, Aug. 9-11 at Salishan Coastal Lodge (Gleneden Beach). Registration for this event is FREE for those members with CIS general liability coverage.
The three-day conference will highlight many issues, including employment-law trends, trauma training, and social media best practices for command staff and public information officers (PIOS). In addition to the high-quality training, attendees will receive 15 DPPST credits, and valuable networking opportunities with public-safety leaders from across the state.
Additional agenda items include:
Wednesday, Aug. 9
Early morning Golf Tournament (networking opportunity)
Tactical Trauma Training (Parts 1 and 2)
You Are Never Alone — A Personal Story of Survival, Courage, and Vulnerability
In part one of this session, Jared Nesary, a retired officer from Yakima Police Department, shares his personal battle with PTSD and what healing looks like after residential treatment. His courage to ask for help, in his words, saved his life and career. “You are never alone” is a personal story of survival, courage, and vulnerability. Jared survived PTSD and won his life back.
Understanding PTSD/PTSI and How it Affects Us All
In part two of this session, Matt Quackenbush, LCSW, shares the latest research and techniques in Neuroscience, Traumatology, and Psychology. Discover the basics of the neurobiology of trauma, how it changes the physical structure of the brain, and the way the body responds to threats and stress. Quackenbush shares cutting-edge treatments from the field of Traumatology and easy-to-use techniques to change the way one’s brain and body respond to threats and stress.
Thursday, Aug. 10
Civil Litigation Trends
In recent years there’s been an explosion of public-safety-related litigation. CIS’ Supervising Litigation Attorney Dave Lewis shares an update about important federal cases — along with an overview of Oregon-specific law-enforcement cases and their outcomes.
Employment Law Trends
CIS’ Deputy General Counsel Tamara Russell shares recent changes in employment law that are important to public safety employers. Attendees will learn how new case law and arbitration decisions will impact their organizations, and how to use those cases/decisions to avoid legal pitfalls in the workplace.
Public Safety Wellness Best Practices Panel
Learn more about comprehensive and innovative wellness practices from several member agencies. Panelists will explore issues surrounding funding, organizational acceptance, and research, among other topics.
Improve Employee Commitment by Building Trust
Public-safety leaders learn practical trust-building strategies to help employees transition from compliance to commitment. Discover the techniques that help improve employee morale, accountability, and performance. By the end of the 4-hour session, attendees will have professional strategies on how to effectively engage with employees to build trust, provide continuous accurate feedback, show appropriate appreciation, and help create a work environment where motivation can thrive.
Friday, Aug. 11
Strategic Social Media Practices for Command Staff & PIOS
The most successful law enforcement agencies are using public messaging proactively — long before any crisis strikes — to build positive relationships with their communities. Designed for leaders who oversee the public message, this fast-paced presentation takes attendees through social media strategies to tell their agency’s story and with interacting traditional media to amplify their message.
Topics include:
- Understanding Legal Considerations for Government Social Media
- Recognizing Good News Stories That Resonate
- Proven Social Media Strategies
- Navigating Negativity
- Building Mutually Beneficial Relationships with the Media
Telling good news stories helps the organization and the community. Learn how to do that intentionally from an Emmy-award-winning former Washington, DC, area reporter, who also served as a PIO for two of the nation’s largest police departments.
Travel and overnight expenses are the responsibility of each attendee. CIS has negotiated a discounted group rate at the Salishan Coast Lodge of $289 plus tax, per night. Guest reservations and room charges are the sole responsibility of the attendee. Hotel reservation instructions will be provided once registration for the event is live.
For more information about the Public Safety Conference, visit cisoregon.org/publicsafety.
Contributed by: Bill LaMarche | CIS Public and Member Relations Manager
*Sponsored content provided by AOC Business Partner.
May 10, 2023 | AOC Business Partner
Last year, the CIS Board approved hiring a Cyber Risk Management Consultant to help Members prevent cyberattacks. So far, the investment is paying off with fewer cyber claims in 2022. This has led to no premium increases for CIS’ first two tiers of coverage and a 5% increase for Tier 3.
Members who have cyber coverage through CIS receive free cyber security consulting from CIS’ in-house IT expert. CIS’ coverage is tailored to counties, and often better than what can be secured from the for-profit insurance market.
To encourage CIS Members to sign up, CIS has reduced the eligibility requirements from last year so more Members can qualify. When counties have CIS cyber coverage, they receive free dark web monitoring, a cyber risk management expert to assist counties, and much more. CIS cyber coverage is reasonably priced, and unlike the cyber insurance market, CIS contributions are stable because they can self-insure the first $250,000 in limits.
Here’s what else counties need to know:
Tier 1: $50,000 Limit — No Applications Needed. The CIS Board wants to ensure every Oregon county has a minimum level of cyber coverage. The contribution is very reasonable, and we encourage Members to work with their Agents to place this coverage with CIS.
Tier 2: $250,000 Limit ($200,000 excess of $50,000) — Application Required. To help counties obtain this coverage, CIS has reduced the minimum requirements to:
- Having a cyber security policy
- Strong passwords
- Offsite backups
- Training employees
- Having CIS Property and Excess Crime coverage (Required)
Tier 3: Up to $1,250,000 Limit (up to $1M excess of $250,000) — Qualifying for Tier 2 can also qualify for Tier 3. Tier 3 is a fully insured program. Keep in mind that this excess coverage program is in addition to the $250,000 limit.
For additional information contact Greg Hardin at 503-763-3889. To download and complete an application, visit cisoregon.org/PropertyLiability/Cyber. Counties can also contact Tena Purdy at tpurdy@cisoregon.org or Karen Masterson at kmasterson@cisoregon.org for more information.
Contributed by: Bill LaMarche | CIS Public and Member Relations Manager
*Sponsored content provided by AOC Business Partner.
May 10, 2023 | AOC Business Partner
The CIS Benefits team is hosting a free Wellness Academy at the Embassy Suites in Tigard (near Washington Square), May 17-18. The Academy is designed for HR and wellness committee members considering refreshing their worksite wellness programs. The event is offered exclusively for members with CIS Benefits’ medical coverage. Breakfast and lunch are provided on Wednesday and Thursday. Attendees are on their own for dinner Wednesday evening.
The Wellness Academy features Andrea Herron as keynote speaker. She serves as the “head of people” for WebMD Health Services and is also a published author of There’s an Elephant in Your Office. During her keynote, Herron shares how poor mental health doesn’t disappear when an employee clocks in for work.
“Mental health is something we all have, yet we don’t always know how to best support ourselves or those around us,” said CIS Executive Director Patrick Priest. “We encourage member counties to join us for Herron’s unique perspective on mental health in both physical and virtual workplaces.”
In addition to Herron’s keynote address, the two-day event features a variety of topics, including:
Why Connection is So Important for Mental Health
“You are Not Alone” is the campaign launched by the National Alliance on Mental Illnesses. In this session CIS members will learn more about the nationwide campaign and discover some helpful digital tools.
The Food of Your Dreams
What one eats and how one sleeps has a direct impact on mental health. This session features the Dos and Don’ts for good mental health.
CIS Wellness Resources and Updated Grants
During this panel discussion, CIS members will share wellness ideas that have worked (and some that didn’t).
The Go-Game
Secret Agent is a fun puzzle game where teams receive spy training, think on their feet, and collaborate to save the world from nefarious hackers.
Resilience: A Different Perspective
Rest and recovery in environments of constant change and pressure is critical to good mental health. Resilience — the ability to successfully cope, adjust or recover from stress — is a skill one can learn over time, resulting in many health benefits. This session shows how one can develop skills for self-care and live with purpose.
Solutions vs. Stigma — The How, What and Why of Mental Health and Addiction Medicine
During this session, Kaiser Permanente experts share why employees need help now more than ever before. They’ll bring to light how a county’s workforce can flourish when mental health and addiction is destigmatized. Kaiser has many mental health and addiction medicine services and resources available to members — and can connect member-county employees to the help they need.
We are in this TOGETHER –– HERO Scorecard
Discover how the HERO Scorecard helps organizations learn about well-being-related best practices and how counties can improve them over time.
Wellness Programs Best Practices
So, how does an organization improve employee wellness? CIS reveals the six key questions one needs to ask to achieve better results. Employers, consultants, and vendors are under pressure from regulators and customers to supply more information about their benefits projects and other employee advantages. In this session, counties discover strategies for aligning their wellness initiatives with organizational goals, resulting in a stronger company culture.
Mini Grants/Shark Tank Winners
CIS Benefits is offering mini “Shark Tank” grants to select attendees for their commitment to wellness over the years. Learn more about this opportunity at cisoregon.org/sharktank.
Seating is limited for the May 17-18 Wellness Academy, so CIS members should register today, HERE.
Note: Registration for this event is processed through the CIS Learning Center and will require a login to the site. If you have questions, please email learn@cisoregon.org.
Contributed by: Bill LaMarche | CIS Public and Member Relations Manager
*Sponsored content provided by AOC Business Partner.
May 10, 2023 | AOC Business Partner
Every snowflake is one of a kind. That’s because each one takes a different path as it moves through the sky, picking up water vapor along the way and ultimately forming a shape all its own.
You can say the same thing about people. We all travel different paths through life and each experience touches us and uniquely shapes our personalities.
And, as we face inevitable ups and downs, many of us also may need help to make sense of things and be our best at work and at home.
Mental Health Awareness Month gives us an opportunity to shine a light on the importance of caring for our mental health.
One in five adults lives with a mental illness according to the National Institute of Mental Health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports more than four in 10 students in grades 9-12 felt persistently sad or hopeless and nearly one-third experienced poor mental health. The CDC further reports children as young as age two have been diagnosed with a mental, behavioral, or developmental disorder.
Behavioral health issues – encompassing mental health and substance use disorders – do not discriminate by age, gender, race, income, geography or other distinguishing factors.
The good news is that most mental health and substance use conditions are common and treatable.
Because each person faces their own unique challenges, there is also no one-size-fits-all approach to treatment. That’s why Regence members have access to a wide range of tools and resources to live life to the fullest.
We’re here to help.
If you or your loved one needs emotional support or mental health care, we can help you find the behavioral health care option that fits your needs. Most of our health plans offer virtual mental health treatment options from providers such as AbleTo Therapy+, Doctor on Demand, Talkspace, Charlie Health and more. No referral is needed – you can visit the provider website and fill out their intake form for an appointment.
In addition to the broad range of traditional and virtual mental health providers, most Regence members have access to specialized behavioral health care for those seeking help for eating disorders (Equip) and obsessive-compulsive disorders (nOCD).
Regence also offers access to traditional and virtual substance use disorder treatment providers such as Boulder Care, Eleanor Health (WA only) and Hazelden Betty Ford. If your employer has an employee assistance program (EAP), your use of the program is confidential and at low or no cost.
We encourage you to visit these providers’ websites or call our customer service team at the number listed on your member ID card to verify which virtual care and traditional behavioral health options are available through your health plan.
Remember 988 – the new National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. When people call, text, or chat 988, they will be connected to trained counselors who will listen, understand how their problems are affecting them, provide support, and connect them to resources if needed.
Contributed by: Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Oregon
*Sponsored content provided by AOC Business Partner.
Apr 27, 2023 | AOC Business Partner
Regional Solutions Visits Gilliam County
The Regional Solutions staff in the governor’s office convenes together once a month to think big about the program, share notes on problem solving, and appreciate the context of our colleagues’ work. Our plan is to periodically hold these gatherings in the field to connect to local communities and see the practical applications of our work. We were very grateful to Gilliam County for hosting us for the first of these field meetings during the Kotek Administration. The team had the opportunity to tour the Columbia Ridge Landfill—the largest landfill west of the Mississippi River—and the Chemical Waste Management Site near Arlington. The Waste Management staff also shared plans to create a renewable natural gas facility with carbon capture technology that will use gas byproduct from the landfill to create energy and limit greenhouse gas emissions. The team discussed Waste Management’s long history and engagement with the county, including recent partnership with the county to help address housing shortages for Waste Management’s workforce. Many thanks to the Waste Management team for their hospitality.
Over lunch, the team also had the chance to catch up with Port of Arlington Director Jed Crowther, who updated us on key initiatives within the county. Director Crowther shared updates on the many projects that the county, port, and other partners are engaged in, including the rehabilitation of the Condon Elementary School for housing and other community uses (utilizing Brownfields funds from Business Oregon), a plan by the Port to create shovel ready land in Arlington for further residential development, and collaborative efforts to create more affordable childcare opportunities. On all of these fronts, the county continues to make critical and large investments. The Regional Solutions team is engaged in many of these efforts, and Nate Stice and Courtney Crowell, who share coverage for Gilliam County, were able to share context on several projects.
Again, a big thank you to Director Crowther for joining us for a rich discussion, and to Gilliam County and Judge Liz Farrar Campbell for allowing the use of their facilities.
Greater Eastern and Northeast Regions
- City of Echo Pedestrian Safety Bridge: Within the city of Echo there are two sets of railroad tracks that cut through the community, with one of the tracks becoming a parking lot for trains in the area. Unfortunately, the Echo school is right near the tracks and the nearest pedestrian crossing is almost a half mile down the road, so many times kids end up crossing the tracks and when there are trains parked there, they can’t see and it becomes a huge safety concern. The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has partnered with the city to put $2.5 million towards planning and design of a safety solution. Representative Bobby Levy (R-Echo) is requesting $4 million to create a pedestrian bridge that would run from the school, over both sets of train tracks to the other part of town. Regional Solutions will continue to follow this issue and help with either the implementation of the pedestrian bridge or looking for other solutions.
- Umatilla Basin Water Quantity Issues: Regional Solutions brought together the Oregon Water Resources Department (OWRD), the Port of Umatilla and the Mid-Columbia Water Commission to discuss concerns related to an instream lease of the Port of Umatilla being used for mitigation by the Mid-Columbia Water Commission in order to use water out of the Columbia River for irrigation. Regional Solutions is working to improve communication and find a path forward for this year’s mitigation efforts. Both OWRD and the Mid-Columbia Water Commission are working on finding solutions over the next few days to solve this issue in the short-term.
- Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation/City of Pendleton Transportation Planning: Regional Solutions and ODOT convened a meeting between the city of Pendleton and the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) to discuss the large-scale transportation projects surrounding exits 209 and 216 and Highway 331. For the past few years both CTUIR and the city of Pendleton have individually applied for federal funding through the Rebuilding American Infrastructure and Sustainability Equity (RAISE) grant program and haven’t been successful. The city of Pendleton is trying once again with matching assistance from ODOT but should they prove not successful this year, we are beginning to have conversations about how the three entities (CTUIR, city of Pendleton and ODOT) might be able to coordinate together to make a joint application for a larger and more comprehensive regional transportation project. Not only are their freight issues in this region but there is significant safety concerns associated with this larger project. The hope is that by working together we might have a better shot at the federal funding. RS will continue to help strengthen the working relationship and see if there are ways to work together over the next year.
- Baker City Wastewater Project: Regional Solutions met with both the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and Baker City recently to discuss their ongoing challenges with their wastewater treatment project. The good news is that DEQ has put out for public comment the city’s Recycled Water Plan which, once approved, will allow the city to land apply their wastewater on land approved by DEQ. This public comment period will last for 30 days and if the city feels they are close to overflowing their lagoons, DEQ has said they will approve a special use permit within 48 hours to allow the city to land apply wastewater. We also discussed what DEQ will need to allow additional land to be brought into land application (medium term solution) and the city is working on providing that information. Regional Solutions will continue to bring the city and DEQ together monthly to discuss next steps and ensure that communication is going smoothly.
- Verde Light Community Solar Project: Regional Solutions has been working for the past couple of weeks with a community solar project in Ontario that is running into regulatory challenges between state agencies. This is a small solar project that has received a $900,000 Oregon Department of Energy (ODOE) grant and is about to receive a $1 million United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) grant to provide solar for the city of Ontario. The land is zoned heavy industrial and was planned to be a truck stop prior to this community solar project. This project has gone through the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) to account for federal environmental needs, and the land has been deemed not a wetland by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. However, the state has determined that the land includes a wetland and there are regulatory challenges between the Department of State Lands (DSL) and DEQ to issuing a final permit. Regional Solutions is working with DEQ and DSL to try and find a path forward for this project.
North Central and North Coast Regions
- Dog River Pipeline: The City of The Dalles has engaged the Regional Solutions Team over the last several years on a project to replace 3.5 miles of aging wooden water supply pipeline that serves as the main water supply for the city. The former pipeline leaked nearly a million gallons a day. The project is designed to create more resilient infrastructure for the community as well as supporting environmental values as well. In particular, the pipeline will include new fish passage and screening systems at the pipeline intake. The project includes a $1 million investment from the Oregon Water Resources Department and financing from Business Oregon.
- Update: The team continues to work with the city through the permitting and construction of the
project and met with the city this week to help navigate part of the process.
- Childcare Center Project: Regional Solutions has been participating in an effort to house a new childcare center in The Dalles. The project is led by the Columbia Gorge Education Service District and Columbia Gorge Community College Child Care Resource and Referral. Regional Solutions helped the college to secure a legislative allocation to move the project forward. The project group has spent the last year looking at economic models, partnerships, and potential locations, and have identified an underutilized school district property as a potential site for the project: the Chenowith Middle School site.
- Update: Regional Solutions team members rejoined the project steering committee and received an update on engineering and cost estimates for rehabilitation of the site. The middle school will require significant investments to put it into service as a childcare center. The team will work with the Educational Service District (ESD) and college to explore funding option both for repair of the property and ongoing operations.
- City of St. Helens: The City of St. Helens has undertaken a comprehensive look at redeveloping their downtown waterfront district. Of particular interest are brownfield sites where Boise Veneer and Boise White Paper were once located. Three key waterfront properties totaling over 250 acres that provide catalytic redevelopment opportunities for
the city. The city plans to restore the connection between downtown St. Helens and the Columbia River, provide public access to the waterfront, and preserve the natural and cultural heritage of St. Helens.
- Update: Thanks to the City of St. Helens for taking the time to get me up to speed on the project and share the many other amazing efforts under way in the community.
South Coast & Southern Oregon Regions:
- Roseburg Forest Products announced on Friday a suite of planned investments in Southern Oregon totaling $700 million over the next four years. These investments include the creation of two new, state-of-the-art factories at the company’s Dillard, Oregon complex. The new Dillard Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF) plant will make MDF and High Density Fiberboard (HDF) panels, and the planned Dillard Components facility will convert specialty MDF made at the company’s Medford, Oregon plant into Armorite™ Trim, a new exterior trim product developed by Roseburg Forest Products. Both new plants are anticipated to begin operations in 2025 and will employ approximately 120 people once completed. In addition to these new plants, Roseburg intends to invest $200 million into modernizing its plants in Riddle and Coquille. The Regional Solutions ream worked hard to help encourage this investment: after working with the company to understand their business needs, which included funding and regulatory certainty, Business Oregon awarded a grant of $3 million from the Emerging Opportunity Fund to help purchase machinery for the $45 million Dillard Components plant, while the Department of Environmental Quality’s Air Quality team provided technical assistance around air quality permit application preparation and timing.
Resources
Workforce Ready Grants Available:
The Oregon Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC) has opened the Request for Applications (RFA) for Workforce Ready Grants, Round Two: Innovation in Workforce Programs to support the education and training needs of Oregonians through Future Ready Oregon.
Future Ready Oregon is a comprehensive $200 million investment package that supports the education and training Oregonians need for good-paying jobs, prioritizing underserved and historically marginalized communities. You can learn more about Future Ready Oregon on the HECC Future Ready Oregon webpage. Workforce Ready Grants are the largest component of Future Ready Oregon and will be available on a phased or rolling basis through 2024. In round one, the HECC released $10 million in capacity-building grants to broaden the type and number of organizations that comprise Oregon’s workforce system.
The second round focuses on innovative and collaborative workforce development programming and partnerships that center the needs of Oregon’s historically underserved communities. Up to $35 million may be awarded to develop education and training programs that connect individuals to the resources they need for good-paying jobs and meaningful careers. Investments will advance opportunities to recruit and retain a diverse workforce in key sectors of Oregon’s economy— healthcare, manufacturing, and technology.
Who is Eligible
The HECC welcomes applications from community-based organizations and workforce service providers that administer workforce programs in the healthcare, manufacturing, or technology sectors and prioritize equitable program participation by individuals from priority populations.
How to Apply
The RFA document—which details eligible activities, timelines, guidelines, and requirements for applications—can be found on HECC’s Grants and Contracts webpage. The RFA has been posted in both English and Spanish and can be made available in additional languages upon request. The application deadline is June 23, 2023.
Support for Applicants
Potential applicants have access to technical assistance providers who can help them understand the terms and requirements of the RFA, as well as provide feedback on application materials, free of charge. Contact information for technical assistance providers is included in the RFA.
Additionally, HECC will host four virtual information sessions. These sessions are free, and participation is optional but encouraged.
- Session 1, Monday, April 17, 1-2 p.m.
- Session 2, Tuesday, April 25, 4-5 p.m.
- Session 3, Wednesday, May 3, 1–2 p.m.
- Session 4, Wednesday, May 10, 4:30–5:30 p.m.
Once you have registered, you will receive an email with the meeting link. Please email FutureReadyOregon@hecc.oregon.gov if you do not receive the link, or if you have additional questions.
Contributed by: Regional Solutions
