Hi Friends,

We’re helping rewrite the playbook for economic development. It’s not sufficient to just accelerate the growth of Lane County's targeted industries, we need to help local residents access the new jobs that are being created. We are not alone in this vision; a collaboration of changemakers is paving the path for change.

It’s people like Stan Pickett, President & General Manager of Delta Sand & Gravel, who has been meeting with educators about future workforce needs and the key roles Delta is looking to fill, as part of our Blueprint program. Educators can then take first-hand knowledge and better prepare their students for those jobs.

It’s also people like Tamar Jackson, Senior Director of Community Engagement at Workforce Central (and our March 20th CC&I Luncheon Keynote Speaker). Tamar is the founder of ‘Collaboration for a Cause’, a dynamic event that has connected thousands of people with resources to remove barriers to employment - flipping the script on workforce development.

I invite you to learn more about economic development done differently in our February newsletter.

In partnership,

Matt

Tamar Jackson, Senior Director of Community Engagement at Workforce Central, has a clear vision: eliminating systemic barriers and uplifting those who’ve historically been left behind. His strategy is simple yet groundbreaking—focus on the whole person rather than just job placement. “If we don’t address housing or childcare,” he explains, “how can we expect people to succeed long-term?”

Jackson’s commitment took shape through the Pierce County Community Engagement Taskforce, which he founded to unite local employers, nonprofits, and educational institutions around a shared mission. The Taskforce’s hallmark programs include the Lens of Equity summit, which prompts community leaders to reassess their hiring and support systems, and Collaboration for a Cause. This dynamic event has yielded over 5,000 referrals and connections across Pierce County and the I-5 corridor. 

Collaborative EDO invites you to learn about Tamar’s human-centered approach that drives better employee retention, higher productivity, and stronger local economies at the Community Collaborative & Industry Luncheon on March 20, 2025. Tamar’s keynote will highlight how genuine collaboration can spark opportunities once thought out of reach.

Innovation doesn’t happen in silos—it happens when big thinkers, bold doers, and passionate problem-solvers come together to shake things up. That’s why Collaborative EDO is teaming up with economic development champions across Lane, Linn, Benton, and Lincoln Counties to launch the Cascades West Regional Innovation Hub.

Backed by Business Oregon, this hub is designed to supercharge our region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem by expanding access to the critical resources startups need to start and grow. This initiative isn’t just another top-down program—it’s a collective effort built on collaboration over competition. The organizations involved share a vision of a resilient, innovation-driven economy where businesses don’t just survive but thrive, and where new ideas have the support they need to become reality.

Mark your calendar for April 29th! From 10 AM to 2 PM in Eugene, we’re bringing together regional stakeholders for a transformative, in-person event.  Don’t just watch the innovation happen—help build it. Email to get on the list and be part of the conversation.

In honor of Career & Technical Education Month, we sat down with Stan Pickett, President & General Manager of Delta Sand & Gravel, to discuss the vital role of industry engagement in shaping future career pathways and strengthening the workforce. At Delta Sand & Gravel, workforce development isn’t just a priority—it’s a necessity. Pickett believes that connecting students with real-world career opportunities ensures a skilled and prepared workforce for years to come. “The more information teachers have, the more they can pass on to students about career opportunities in multiple industries,” says Pickett.

Through Collaborative EDO’s Blueprint for Career Success, which brings educators into industry settings, Delta Sand & Gravel helps teachers gain firsthand insights into job requirements. Last month, Pickett hosted Lane County educators at Delta Sand & Gravel for a facility tour and an interactive discussion on the company’s future workforce needs and key roles they’re looking to fill.

Delta Sand & Gravel also plays a key role in Sand & Gravel Day, where high school students visit multiple facilities for a behind-the-scenes, hands-on look at industry careers. Pickett explains, “This event gives students an up-close look at job opportunities available. The more informed students are, the better equipped they are to pursue careers that align with their interests and goals.”

Stan Pickett proves that when businesses invest in workforce development, everyone wins. Ready to follow in the footsteps of Delta Sand & Gravel? Email to learn how your company can get involved.

TONIGHT – Tuesday, February 4th!

Join Us at the Ford Alumni Center for Scaling Smart & the PubTalk Entrepreneur Mixer!