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OMIC R&D pitches local access, workforce pipeline as it readies for NIST event
Summary
Don Hendrickson, executive director of OMIC R&D, briefed the committee on expanded staff, industry partnerships and internships and said the center will host a National Institute of Standards and Technology event in December to spotlight advanced metal additive manufacturing and regional opportunities for manufacturers.
Don Hendrickson, executive director of the Oregon Manufacturing Innovation Center R&D, told the Columbia County Economic Development Committee that OMIC R&D has grown its staff to roughly 20 people and is expanding its partnerships with regional education and industry partners.
"My name is Don Hendrickson. I'm the executive director of OMIC R and D," he said, describing OMIC's work in metal additive manufacturing and its designation as one of five Centers of Innovation Excellence supported by Business Oregon. Hendrickson said OMIC has grant and state funding, is able to do project work for companies, and is preparing to host a National Institute of Standards and Technology town-hall event in December in partnership with Oregon State University.
Committee members and residents pressed for clarity on whether OMIC is open to small businesses and hobbyists. Hendrickson said OMIC is an applied research center affiliated with Oregon Tech and that the PCC training center operates a separate maker-space for smaller-scale prototyping. "If Natalie or Sarah or any of the folks there said, 'no, that idea is better suited for OMIC R and D,' they would immediately send them our direction," Hendrickson said, and added that the two organizations routinely refer projects to each other.
Hendrickson highlighted workforce ties: OMIC hosted manufacturing-day events for more than 150 students, ran paid internships (20 interns and other summer placements were discussed), and said several interns have received scholarships to Oregon Tech and in some cases returned as employees. He said OMIC will pursue more community outreach to reduce confusion about access and services.
The next visible milestone Hendrickson offered was the December NIST event, which he said will bring national attention and visiting companies to the region. He encouraged committee members to arrange tours and to direct community members to OMIC for projects that match the center's advanced-metal and composites capabilities.
The presentation concluded with committee requests for clearer public messaging about what OMIC does and how small businesses can engage with either OMIC or the PCC training center.
