Eugene -- August 17, 2004

Partial List of Issues Raised by Panelists & Audience Members

- Education is key -- we need great training/workforce

- Technology is important -- automation in manufacturing -- research and development as a company keeps us ahead

- Higher education and engineers are needed

- Wood supply -- resources (such as Douglas Fir) are important -- overall people need to be aware of the good work forest products companies are doing -- there is not enough awareness

- Federal timberland are locked up -- we need to lead with more solutions in the U.S. Senate

- People -- great, smart people, including technicians, are needed in the forestry sector

- Trading roots -- rain in particular -- is important for forestry

- Place is key -- people are attracted to Oregon because of its quality of life & recreational activities

- Need qualified people -- Oakridge did not have a lot of knowledge workers -- need training of workers

- Transportation -- need to get products in and out rapidly -- T-21 reauthorization is important -- just in time manufacturing has turned highways into warehouses

- Innovation is key in business -- it takes good people to innovate

- Skilled workers are needed -- engineers -- innovative people with continuous learning

- Substance/drug abuse is a problem -- Monaco Coach has a "Directions Program" that works well -- drug courts might be a solution

- Give students technical training in high school

- Regulation is onerous on business -- effect labor availability -- "16-year-olds aren't allowed to use power-drills"

- Healthcare costs are increasing

- Brand Oregon outside of Oregon -- not just in Oregon

- Don't shut off the wilderness -- allow for development

- More business internships in college would be good

View the Initiative Survey Results from Eugene & See How They Compare to the Issues Raised Above.

back to top

back to 2004 regional meetings main page