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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