Chamber Boot Camp Provides Fresh Perspectives on Small Business Solutions
The Springfield Chamber held its 2021 Business Boot Camp series for the fourth year running, continuing the tradition of “helping with the business of running a business.” Hosted virtually for the second year in a row, local experts were invited to speak in three different sessions to inform business owners on timely issues, arming them with information to plan for the flexibility and know-how needed to succeed through a staggered COVID-19 reopening process. The program was broken into three sessions; how to successfully incorporate a hybrid workplace, analyzing the local workforce and exploring recruitment solutions, and a workshop on navigating crucial conversations while fostering meaningful connections.
Session one kicked off on May 12th, and featured a panel of experts that discussed best practices in navigating a hybrid workplace as county risk levels continue to change and some employees return to the office. Robert Killen of Lane SBDC, Mario Conte of Hershner Hunter LLP, and Michele Howard of Performance Resources, Inc. each shared their unique experiences, and demystified the complex task addressing liability concerns, employment laws, difficulties and benefits of the hybrid model, and other important factors for businesses to consider while navigating the future of the workplace. The recording of session one can be viewed through the link below.
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Robert Killen, Lane SBDC 
Michele Howard, Performance Resources 
Mario Conte, Hershner Hunter LLP
On May 19th, Session two relied on experts Seth Gruschow of Togather Restaurant Consulting and Holly Tate of University of Oregon Career Center who engaged the group in conversation concerning local workforce solutions, including employee retention, tips for successful boarding, and more. For the first time, the program also invited University of Oregon student Maya Tagwerker, to provide the key perspective of a student close to entering the workforce. Panelists discussed topics such as how employers can create more meaningful and attractive job postings, the type of experiences/takeaways the future workforce are prioritizing when seeking jobs, and how to connect to local resource partners. The recording of session two can be viewed through the link below.
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Seth Gruschow, Togather Restaurant Consulting 
Holly Tate, University of Oregon Career Center 
Maya Tagwerker, Current Senior at University of Oregon 
Max Molzahn, Springfield Chamber 
Vonnie Mikkelsen, Springfield Chamber 
Paige Sharpe, Springfield Chamber
Session three is coming soon! Sign up today for our last session taking place on Wednesday, May 26th from 11:30am – 1:00pm. Session Three will feature Jane Kammerzelt of Great Teams International as she hosts a workshop on successfully navigating crucial (and sometimes difficult) conversations in the workplace. We hope you’ll join us! Register through the link below.
Presented by: NW Natural
For more information about Business Boot Camp, Contact Max Max Molzahn (EMAIL)
