OMEP staff are standing by to provide resources for Oregon’s manufacturers. We are releasing a series of free webinars on a variety of topics designed to provide constructive information to manufacturers about successfully managing their businesses now and in the future. Scroll down to see past webinar recordings.
UPCOMING WEBINARS
CSNW + OMEP: Attract and Retain Workers – April 21 @ 9:00 am – 10:00 am
Manufacturing is the lifeblood of the American economy. However, it is a challenging time for employers with increased competition overseas, automation, a growing labor skills gap, and meeting the demands of a multi-generational workforce.
Employees are your organization’s most important asset – so how do you go about attracting the right individuals and then retaining them? Join CSNW to discuss a variety of new ideas that will enhance your employee satisfaction within your organization, without breaking the bank.
Topics to be discussed will include:
- Employee benefit design and implementation
- Employee education, advocacy and communication
- Benchmarking to ensure competitiveness
- Cost containment strategies
- New and unique benefits to keep employees engaged
REGISTER
May 4 -Join OMEP and Prosper Portland for our Monthly Manufacturer Resource Meeting
On May 4th 2021 at 3pm we will host a listening session for Oregon manufacturers from across the state, turning our usual agenda on its head. The purpose of this session is to hear about the real issues facing Oregon manufacturers. Manufacturers: this is your chance to share your story, concerns, and needs. Please feel free to join the call on May 4th. Facilitators will ask you to share the answers to questions such as:
- Is your business on track to meet your 2021 goals? Why or why not?
- What resources would help your business grow?
- What challenges are you facing?
- How have you found success?
- What are your goals as we move away from the pandemic?
If you want to remain anonymous, we can use the chat function as well. We look forward to hearing from you!
REGISTER
RECORDINGS
How Oregon’s Work Share Program Can Help you Retain your Manufacturing Employees
For more than 35 years, Oregon Work Share has been helping businesses avoid wide-scale layoffs while retaining talent during a temporary decline in business. Covid-19 has caused many manufacturers to reduce hours. In this webinar Adam shares how the Work Share program allows employers to leverage unemployment insurance to temporarily supplement a portion of staff’s lost wages when their hours are reduced.
Marketing Best Practices for B2B Manufacturers
Discover five essential actions that you can take as a B2B manufacturer that will drive your most effective marketing strategy for 2021. In this webinar, Jennifer Morrow discusses understanding your audiences, key messages to move the right people to respond to your message at the right time.
Axiom Electronics / Electr0n Automation Challenges for Small Manufacturers
Robert Toppell sharers about the automation challenges and adoptions Axiom has made
Get Your Manufacturing Business Found Online
Your website is the heart of your marketing, especially if you are selling products online. Yet most manufacturing leaders are frustrated with their online presence. Jennifer Larson Morrow discusses tools and tactics you can use to strengthen your website and online business presence.
Oregon Manufacturing Economic Update from EcoNorthwest
Special Guest John Tapogna, President of ECONorthwest joined OMEP and Prosper Portland for our twice monthly meeting. John gave an update on the competitiveness of Oregon’s manufacturing sector and benefits to the manufacturing workforce.
Exit Your Business with Freedom and Financial Security
Will you have the personal freedom and financial security to leave your business when you’re ready?
Successfully transitioning from your business requires steering your company and personal life toward your vision. In this webinar Tim Root and Michelle Knepel discuss the steps to execute a successful exit while ensuring the longevity of your business. This virtual event was co-sponsored by The Florence Chamber of Commerce, WorkSource Lane, and OMEP.
5 Tips to Build An Actionable 2021 Strategy for Your Manufacturing Business
Carl Cox, OMEP board member discussed strategic planning for manufacturers in our twice a month Statewide Manufacturing Resource call.
View Recording Download Slides
Exporting Opportunities with Business Oregon
Business Oregon shared updated export statistics, including top markets and products exported from Oregon in 2019, grant program information, and more. We heard from three Oregon businesses on how they used the funds to help find new importers, distributors, and end-users.
- Andrea Van Landingham – Theia Technologies
- Stacy Moritz – Secret Aardvark Trading co.
- Rich Ellis – SSI Shredding Systems
WATCH
Accelerating Growth Through Equipment Automation and Processing Improvements
KeyBank’s Mark Thomas, discusses accelerating growth through equipment automation and processing improvements. If you plan to purchase equipment in the next year, this session is for you! Mark will make manufacturers aware of all the options available for leasing or gaining financing for equipment purchases of all types. He will guide attendees through considerations around the useful life of the equipment, common misconceptions, tax considerations, and various financial strategies that utilize depreciation.
Watch
Market Update from Moss Adams – Planning for Your Future
Moss Adams’ Ryan Kuenzi and James Rothenberge explored key ways to successfully navigate business disruption- and discussed what to look for in 2021. They cover a Q4 Market Update and Planning for 2021 including:
- Owner Exit Strategies
- State and Local Tax Update
- R+D Tax Credits
Technology Adoption: What Science Fiction Can Teach Us About Technology
In OMEP’s experience, the success of a technology project often has a lot to do with the philosophical lens through which it is approached. The way we think about challenges heavily influences how we solve those challenges. Take a quick tour through a handful of science fiction stories with Justin Gradek, OMEP Manufacturing Consultant, and learn about how OMEP would encourage manufacturers to think about and approach technology challenges. This presentation is a light-hearted discussion about the fundamentals of technology adoption, that mixes social science, literature, and engineering.
In the Eye of the Hurricane: Getting Back to Strategy
There is no doubt that the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted economies around the world. Even as the local economy is reopening in fits and starts, the impacts of the pandemic are proving to be more than a brief setback.
Carl J. Cox, CEO of 40 Strategy, discusses the fundamental challenges of strategy in 2020 and highlight the importance of setting both short-term and long-term goals to navigate the road ahead. In a time where it is hard to remain focused on what you can control, Cox provides insight into strategies business leaders can utilize to get their organization back on track!
How to Make Your Leadership Team Your Competitive Advantage

Frequent change, the unknown, and tough decisions can have a negative impact on team interactions and motivation, which impacts an organization’s competitive advantage. A high performing team of talented problem solvers who communicate and work well together is critical to making the necessary changes to achieve organizational goals. In this webinar Tami Trout, Senior OMEP Consultant, shared her expertise on ways to identify and understand unique strengths on the team, manage conflict, and enhance interactions to be more effective together.
Opportunities to Grow Your Business within the DOD Supply Chain
Shane Steinke is OMEP’s newest Senior Consultant. He discussed opportunities for manufacturers who are interested in being part of the Department of Defense (DOD) supply chain, as well as how to expand existing DOD and Federal supply chain opportunities.
View Slides View Recording
Factory of Tomorrow Launch Event
Together, OMEP and OMIC R&D have partnered to create an advanced manufacturing technology lab, The Factory of Tomorrow, designed to empower Oregon’s small and mid-sized manufacturers to adopt current and emerging technologies.
The Factory of Tomorrow is officially open, and you’re invited to join our interactive virtual tour. During this event, you’ll hear from manufacturers, OMEP and OMIC staff, as well as other experts. Don’t miss the chance to learn how your business can utilize affordable technologies that are driving productivity around the globe.
Proven Ways to Generate New Leads During an Economic Downturn
Presenter: Chris Scafario, DVIRC
Chris Scafario is the Vice President of Consulting Operations at DVIRC. He works in Philadelphia and across the nation’s Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) to support the advancement of small to midsized manufacturers and their supply chain through leading the design, implementation, and oversight of consulting services in areas related to operational excellence, top-line growth, and business management.
Sales Techniques for Manufacturers in Today’s Economy: Matching Your Selling Cycle with your Client’s Buying Cycle
Access Password: OMEPW3b!
How to Skill Up New and Existing Employees Quickly
Employee Engagement for Manufacturers
Low and No-Cost Ways to Reduce Operating Expenses with Energy Trust of Oregon
Business Tax & Financial Insights
Ryan Kuenzi of Moss Adams and Michael Smoot of Moss Adams share potential tax breaks and savings for your manufacturing business.
Employment Law COVID-19 Updates
COVID-19 Workplace Preparedness resources
PR and Communication for Your Manufacturing Business
Operational Excellence Tools for Recovery
Where Do We Go from Here? Business Continuity Webinar
View the live event drawing from Urban Wild Studios
Workforce Best Practices for Recovery
Small Business Guidance resource
Three Dimensions of Digital Transformation
SBA Coronavirus Relief Funding Options for Manufacturers
ON DEMAND – Register to View Recording
Social Distancing Best Practices for Your Shop Floor
ON DEMAND – Register to View Recording
Business Survival Tips with Tom Schnell of Business Oregon
ON DEMAND – Register to View recording
Small Business Resource Navigator
Covid-19 Employment Law Updates with Jean Back of Schwabe Williamson and Wyatt
ON DEMAND – Register to View Recording
Webinar Q & A sheet (Revised 4/1/20)
Employee Rights from the Department of Labor
You can read more from the Schwabe team on Covid19 here.
Leadership During Uncertain Times with John Hunt
Suggested Reading
- HBR: Lead Your Business through the Corona Virus
- Forbes: Leading in Times of Uncertainty
- HBR: How to Survive a Recession and Thrive Afterwards
- Douglas Adams: Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy
Covid 19 RESOURCES
If you are looking for specific resources on Covid19, we have a page dedicated to the topic. It is updated regularly. Learn More