By Rob Pochert

The winners of the first annual Innovative Workforce Development Awards, sponsored by the Jackson-Josephine Workforce Council (JJWC) and Southern Oregon Regional Economic Development, Inc. (SORERI), were announced and honored at SOREDI's Annual Dinner Meeting recently at the Riverhouse in Shady Cove. The winners in the four categories were:
Non-Profit Organization Award 

Southern Oregon Goodwill Industries provides training services to individuals with barriers to employment. Their goal is to help individuals overcome obstacles and give them the chance to become independent, self-supporting members of the community. They mandate a drug-free workplace, safety as everyone's responsibility, and competitive pay rates.

Recognition Specialties started out twelve years ago with one employee and little equipment.They now boast 12 employees, dozens of pieces of equipment and thousands of products! Their clients include well-known companies such as Safeway and Holiday Inn. Recognition's philosophy includes promoting from within, cross training workers, and recognizing their workforce often.

Rogue Federal Credit Union began in 1956 and believes that on-the-job training has played an important part in their growth & success. Staff members are trainers and mentors to new employees and a new certification program will soon be in place. The company's emphasis on training is also illustrated by their tuition reimbursement plan and insistence that employees give back to the communities they serve.

Schrock Cabinets implemented a "High Performance Work Teams"  program in the past few years. It created a partnership between Schrock's management, workers and the community. All members of each team are empowered to make changes and improve efficiency. Their tools for success include Materials Requisition Planning (MRP), Total Quality Manufacturing (TQM), and Just in Time (JIT) planning. The company also provides college course reimbursement, in-house seminars and ongoing cross training. Results:

• A factory saved from closure


• Workforce increased from 132 to 168


• Processing time reduced from 10 to 2 days


• Inventory reduced by 1 Million dollars


• Inventory Record Accuracy at over 98%


• On-time shipping at 99.99%


• Reduced rejects by over 90%