HomeMy WebLinkAbout05/29/2012 Work SessionCity of Springfield
Work Session Meeting
IS 01.1
SPRINGFIELD CITY COUNCIL
TUESDAY, MAY 29, 2012
The City of Springfield Council met for a presentation and tour of the Lorey I. Lokey Laboratory on
the University of Oregon Campus on Tuesday, May 29, 2012 at 5:30 p.m.
ATTENDANCE
Present were Mayor Lundberg and Councilors VanGordon, Moore and Woodrow. Also present were
City Manager Gino Grimaldi and City Recorder Amy Sowa.
Councilors Wylie, Ralston and Pishioneri were absent (excused).
1. University of Oregon Research, Innovation and Technology Transfer: Partnerships and Economic
Development.
The University of Oregon (UO) provides comprehensive instructional, research, and public service
programs that advance scientific and humanistic knowledge and serve the educational, cultural, and
economic needs of the local community, Oregon, the Pacific Northwest, and the nation. These
functions align closely with the City of Springfield's economic development goals.and provide
opportunities for innovative partnerships.
UO faculty and administrators provided the context for the university's strategies around research and
innovation and provided examples of research and outreach done in Springfield.
Greg Rikhoff, Director of Community Relations, welcomed the Mayor, Councilors and staff to the
Lorey I. Lokey Laboratory. He introduced Kimberly Andrews Espy, Vice President for Research and
Innovation and Dean of the Graduate School.
Ms. Espy presented a power point presentation. She spoke regarding funding sources for science and
research at the University of Oregon. Much of the funding had helped bring in scientists who had then
stayed and lived in our community. All of the programs in Research and Innovation related to our
State bringing technology that affected our economy in a positive way.
Ms. Espy noted that some of the challenges to the program included limited space to launch new
businesses and access to some of the resources. They were working with Oregon State University
through the Governor's Regional Solutions initiative, but were also interested in the Glenwood area.
Charles (Chuck) Williams, Executive Director of Technology Transfer Services, also presented a
power point presentation. He spoke regarding moving technology into practical uses. Part of that
included transferring the information created through the technology programs to companies. The
main component was relationships between the University, students and the community. He discussed
the Willamette Angel Conference (WAC), which was an investor conference connecting early stage
and seed businesses with angel and venture investors. Entrepreneurs and start-ups could submit a
business plan for review and coaching, ultimately vying for an investment of up to $200,000. .
City of Springfield
Council Work Session Minutes
May 29, 2012
Page 2
Mr. Williams discussed the income for licensing innovations and noted that they would like to grow
that by 15% per annum. They faced the same challenges as noted by Ms. Espy of space, access to
capital and communicating to the public.
Dave Johnson, Professor of Chemistry reiterated the importance of relationships for these programs.
The future of the universities was to prepare students for particular businesses where they could be
placed and get a job. He also spoke of the importance of making Eugene, Springfield, and Glenwood a
place where businesses wanted to locate. Sometimes, that took getting one or two businesses
established.
Chris Larson, Masters Industrial Internships Director spoke regarding the internship program. The
University started asking businesses and the community how they could help. The program was more
than just the facility, but could prepare students with the skills needed to work in local industry. They
also wanted to look to bring businesses to our area. Their program had been successful in placing
100% of the grad students with businesses. They were also looking at a similar program for
undergraduates.
Councilor Moore asked if the School of Business was part of this internship program.
Mr. Larson said it was a different program, although they had a similar process. This program was
more focused on sciences and industry.
Ellen McWhirter, Professor in Counseling and Psychology, presented a power point presentation. She
spoke regarding career development in Latino and Latina adolescents. When meeting with a group of
students from Springfield High School, they found that some of the barriers for these students in high
school and pursuing higher education included economics, parents lack of access to resources, lack of
confidence and racism. They formed the "Advocacy for Latino Achievement in School (ALAS)" a
pilot outreach program. ALAS included 19 students; 80% Mexican American, 15% Central American,
and the remainder from the Caribbean. The goals of the program were:
• Goal 41: Provide bilingual academic and homework support
• Goal 42: Provide advocacy skills training
ALAS met twice a week after school from February through June and had a very high attendance rate.
The.students were very engaged and through. this program their confidence was increased. The pilot
was very. successful and the University hoped to expand the program to other schools, but needed
funding and a structure.
The Mayor and Council were invited to attend the Science Odyssey on September 15, 2012, which
included connections between industry and the programs. Invitations would be mailed. During this
event, students interviewed with businesses.
Councilor VanGordon asked what Springfield elected officials could do to help.
Talk about the program in the community and tell the story. Encourage collaboration and look at how
Glenwood could fit into the vision. They could also invite businesses to tour the Lab and show them
what was available, or hold a Business Appreciation Reception at the Lab.
Following the presentations, John Donovan, UO Microanalytical Facility Director, provided a tour of
the laboratory to the Mayor, Council and staff.
City of Springfield
Council Work Session Minutes
May 29, 2012
Page 3
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 7:02 p.m.
Minutes Recorder — Amy Sowa
Christine L. Lundberg
Mayor
Attest:
a4n� afw-A,-
Amy So
City Rec rder