6
community
march17
2016
Manufacturing Research Center in Columbia County
continued from front page
IBEW 48.
Collectively, efforts to create
a local AMRC will facilitate the long-
term goal of developing an “Oregon
Manufacturing Innovation District”
in which stakeholders share costs and
pool resources and attract potential new
partners. Long term, project partners
anticipate this leading to high-value
manufacturing companies and their
supply chains co-locating, resulting in
significant impact to and vitality for
Oregon’s economy.
“This project presents an
exciting opportunity for Boeing and
other industry partners,” said Mike Starr,
general manager, Boeing Oregon, which
employs more than 1,650 staff who
oversee complex machining and building
of gear systems and flight controls. “The
potential coalition could create the means
to provide highly trained workers for the
region’s metals industry, a field whose
workforce is shrinking due to retirement.
Several partners are coming together to
problem-solve at the same time they’re
creating opportunity for students and
industry through training, research and
development. It’s a fantastic approach,
and we’re very supportive of it.”
Boeing
has
experience
creating successful AMRCs with
willing partners. Its first was in 2001 in
Sheffield, England, in collaboration with
the University of Sheffield. Together, the
partners transformed a 400-acre empty
lot in a depressed region of the country
into a renowned manufacturing center
that today employs 2,000 engineers and
apprentices, assists 500 manufacturing
companies with training and innovation,
and has had a $1 billion impact on the
economy.
Since then, numerous centers
worldwide have been successfully
replicated from this model. The goal is
to produce a similar outcome in Oregon
supported by a variety of partners.
“Launching
a
successful
AMRC in Columbia County will be the
catalyst for advances in manufacturing
technology that will significantly benefit
manufacturers throughout our region,”
said State Senator Betsy Johnson who
represents Senate District 16, which
includes Columbia County. “It also
becomes a magnet to attract other
manufacturing entities to our state.
That’s an incredible value proposition,”
she said.
This reaction echoes the
sentiment of those representing skilled
workers in metals industries here in
Oregon.
“The Machinists Union is
a strong supporter of this endeavor,
one we believe will advance our trade
and positively accelerate the scope of
Oregon’s workforce,” said Noel Willet,
ADBR, IAM District W24. “Creating
apprenticeship and training programs
is key to attracting new business and
family wage jobs.”
The role of research and
development is critically important to
this venture. To remain competitive,
companies need to transition technology we’re educating and training for jobs
and hire qualified personnel. Those being in an industry that offers growth and
trained in association with research opportunity,” said PCC President Kelley.
enter the workforce with both current, “The Advanced Manufacturing Research
pertinent skills and an awareness of Center model has a proven track record,
advances being made in the field.
and it’s exciting to think of how much
Local universities – OSU, PSU Oregon stands to benefit by creating one
and OIT – will be instrumental in this here,” she said.
effort, leading collaborative
research and development that
Vernonia’s Voice is published
bolsters economic growth and
twice each month on the 1st and
deepens relationships with
3rd Thursday. Our next issue
metals-related industries as it
will be out April 7.
pertains to enhanced technology.
“I visited England in
late January and saw for myself
the AMRC operations at the
University of Sheffield,” said
Chris Maples, president of OIT.
“This kind of model offers huge
potential for research, innovation
and business development once
replicated here in Oregon. It’s
phenomenal, really, to think of
what the future might hold.”
Next steps for PCC and
collaborating partners include
nurturing workforce development
relationships with local metals
manufacturers and developing
curricula for industry-supported
apprenticeships.
“A center like this
enables us to bring together
experienced teams who lend
capital investment, equipment
and expertise, and funnel that
support to benefit students
Anonymous Donor
in Support of
Vernonia’s Voice
On The Shelves
By Shannon Romtvedt
The library has an array of special events
coming up. Some for children and families, and
some for adults. We kicked off March with our
annual Dr. Seuss event on Tuesday, March 1. We
had 65 people come to the library to listen to The
Cat in the Hat read his story: The Cat in the Hat.
Kids were buzzing around the library afterward
on a scavenger hunt, making crafts, and eating a
fantastic birthday cake. Thank you so much to all
our volunteers and a special thank you to Kaitlyn
Eyrrick and Rachel Langmaid.
Speaking of volunteers, the library is
always looking for them! We will specifically be
recruiting for our busy summer season. Volunteers
help with programs, crafts, check in, shelving,
booksales, displays, and outdoor grounds
maintenance. We currently have several teen
volunteers helping us out at the library, gaining
community service credit for school. Ask at the
library if you are interested in volunteering and we
will get you an application.
At the end of February, the library had
two volunteer run grounds maintenance projects:
pruning, weeding, trimming, and spreading
compost. Thank you to our team of volunteers for
your hard work and to CiCi Bell for helping staff
coordinate the projects. The courtyard is beautiful.
March 1 was not only a busy day at the
library, it was also the first day of our new out of
town patron rate. The library fee for patrons living
outside the city limits is now $25 per year (reduced
from $40 per year). If you have been interested
in getting a library card, now is the time! The fee
was reduced to encourage more membership and
participation in the library. So please help us pass
on the word.
If you live in the city limits, the library card
is pre-paid through your taxes. So there is no
charge to join the library. We are always happy to
welcome new members.
Baby and Toddler Time
Upcoming Events at the Library
Fridays, 10:30 – 11:15 am
Stories and a craft/activity for children up to age 5.
St. Patty’s Day Craft
Mondays, 10:30 – 11:15 am
Songs, short stories, toys, and bubbles for 0 – 3.
Older siblings welcome.
Preschool Storytime
Thursday, March 17, 4 pm
Come by the library before the annual St. Patty’s
Day parade and make something green to wear!
For kids and families, grades K – 5 (younger and
older siblings welcome).
Book Discussion Group
Spring Break Board Game Fun
Tuesday, March 22, 1:30 – 2:30 pm
Play a familiar board game or challenge yourself
to learn a new one. Games available will be best
suited to children grades 2 – 6.
Susan enjoys reading biographies of famous
people, fiction with interesting characters, and
magazines. Susan is currently re-reading the Harry
Potter series by J.K. Rowling and loves the 6 classic
Jane Austen novels.
Family Movie Night
Did You Know?
Thursday, March 24, 6 pm
Come to the library and enjoy a new movie and
free popcorn. Call or visit the library for movie
titles (503) 429-1818.
Thursday, April 7, 6 – 7 pm
Performance of Baba Yaga and The Little Mailman
of Bayberry Lane. For all ages.
Every summer the library has a Summer Reading
program for kids. The Summer Reading program
runs mid-June through the beginning of August.
Prize drawings throughout the summer and a free
book for participants who complete the program.
All for reading! We also have several performers
and craft activities. Look forward to Charlie Brown
(the Juggler) in June and Reptile Man in July!
Ongoing Programs
Hours & Contact Info
Readers Theater with Young at Heart
Writers’ Group
No meeting March 17, resumes April 21
Every 3 rd Thursday of the month, 6 – 7:30
pm. Opportunity for writers with all levels of
experience to get together, write, and get
feedback.
Last Monday of every month, 5:30 pm
Selection for March 28: The Memoir of Jake
Weedsong by Timothy Schell
Staff Picks: Some of Susan’s Favorites
Mon, Wed, Fri 10 am – 5 pm
Tues & Thurs 1 pm – 7pm
Sat 10 am – 4 pm
Closed Sundays
Phone: (503) 429-1818
E-mail: library@vernonia-or.gov
