Advocacy Statements
William Thorndike
Medford Fabrication
Medford, Oregon
"Medford Fabrication invested in Manufacturing 21 because it has long been clear our state needed to hear a clear, concise and positive voice for manufacturing. MFG 21 has become that voice and has used it to bring a positive message about manufacturing to the public and elected leaders. Because of MFG 21 we've seen a resurgence of interest and new investment in workforce training and applied research programs. This already has paid handsome dividends, which will continue well into the future."
Medford Fabrication
Medford, Oregon
"Medford Fabrication invested in Manufacturing 21 because it has long been clear our state needed to hear a clear, concise and positive voice for manufacturing. MFG 21 has become that voice and has used it to bring a positive message about manufacturing to the public and elected leaders. Because of MFG 21 we've seen a resurgence of interest and new investment in workforce training and applied research programs. This already has paid handsome dividends, which will continue well into the future."
Andrew McGough
WorkSystems, Inc.
Portland, Oregon
"The Manufacturing 21 Coalition has made a real difference. Having a dynamic and committed industry group has made it easier for WSI to understand the training needs of manufacturing employers.
The coalition organized our region’s manufacturers into an effective and clear voice for change. This has made it easier for the public workforce system to know what industry needs and to target our investments to meet those needs."
WorkSystems, Inc.
Portland, Oregon
"The Manufacturing 21 Coalition has made a real difference. Having a dynamic and committed industry group has made it easier for WSI to understand the training needs of manufacturing employers.
The coalition organized our region’s manufacturers into an effective and clear voice for change. This has made it easier for the public workforce system to know what industry needs and to target our investments to meet those needs."
David Marks
Marks Metal Technology
Clackamas, Oregon
"Manufacturing 21 has become a major force and clear voice for the concerns of manufacturing companies in the region and state. It is providing substantial benefits and getting the kind of results that have long eluded our industry. I am proud to be part of an organization that concentrates on finding solutions to the workforce and innovation needs of our companies."
Marks Metal Technology
Clackamas, Oregon
"Manufacturing 21 has become a major force and clear voice for the concerns of manufacturing companies in the region and state. It is providing substantial benefits and getting the kind of results that have long eluded our industry. I am proud to be part of an organization that concentrates on finding solutions to the workforce and innovation needs of our companies."
Paul Hill
Mt. Hood Community College
Gresham, Oregon
"The members of Manufacturing 21 Coalition have become effective and knowledgeable industry partners with our colleges and universities. The thing that sets MFG 21 apart is that it sees every problem as an opportunity to create practical and collaborative solutions."
Mt. Hood Community College
Gresham, Oregon
"The members of Manufacturing 21 Coalition have become effective and knowledgeable industry partners with our colleges and universities. The thing that sets MFG 21 apart is that it sees every problem as an opportunity to create practical and collaborative solutions."
Mark Rosenbaum, Chair
Portland Development Commission
Portland, Oregon
"As Chair of Portland Development Commission (PDC), I know how important manufacturing is to our community and how vital it is that we meet the needs of manufacturing employers for a skilled workforce and research. This is why PDC and the Commission have committed so much time and energy to the work of the Manufacturing 21 Coalition."
Portland Development Commission
Portland, Oregon
"As Chair of Portland Development Commission (PDC), I know how important manufacturing is to our community and how vital it is that we meet the needs of manufacturing employers for a skilled workforce and research. This is why PDC and the Commission have committed so much time and energy to the work of the Manufacturing 21 Coalition."
Les DeAsis
Benchmade Knife Company
Oregon City, Oregon
"Benchmade Knife Company is deeply involved in our local community, with schools and nonprofits. The Manufacturing 21 Coalition allows us to amplify what we do as an individual company. It gives us an effective and independent voice on issues that cut to the heart of our businesses success – the quality of our workforce and access to world-class research and development."
Benchmade Knife Company
Oregon City, Oregon
"Benchmade Knife Company is deeply involved in our local community, with schools and nonprofits. The Manufacturing 21 Coalition allows us to amplify what we do as an individual company. It gives us an effective and independent voice on issues that cut to the heart of our businesses success – the quality of our workforce and access to world-class research and development."
Martha Schrader
Board of Commissioners
Clackamas County, Oregon
"Clackamas County is home to many of our most creative manufacturing companies. Manufacturing 21 has given them a voice that has changed the way public officials perceive our manufacturing cluster. The result has been a tremendous partnership that is producing real results in terms of jobs and economic growth."
Board of Commissioners
Clackamas County, Oregon
"Clackamas County is home to many of our most creative manufacturing companies. Manufacturing 21 has given them a voice that has changed the way public officials perceive our manufacturing cluster. The result has been a tremendous partnership that is producing real results in terms of jobs and economic growth."
Ross Lienhart
CEO, PCC Structurals
Portland, Oregon
"PCC Structurals was one of the first investors in MFG 21 because its dual focus on workforce and applied research and development hits our two most critical needs for the current and future growth of our businesses. Through MFG 21, Oregon manufacturers are building stronger, more effective relationships with public and private sector partners and we are already seeing a real difference in the resources supporting these needs."
CEO, PCC Structurals
Portland, Oregon
"PCC Structurals was one of the first investors in MFG 21 because its dual focus on workforce and applied research and development hits our two most critical needs for the current and future growth of our businesses. Through MFG 21, Oregon manufacturers are building stronger, more effective relationships with public and private sector partners and we are already seeing a real difference in the resources supporting these needs."
