Redmond economic development official earns award
The board of directors of Redmond Economic Development, Inc. (REDI) is proud to announce that REDI Senior Manager, Jon Stark, has been awarded the Outstanding Community Contribution Award by the Oregon Association for Career and Technical Education.
The Oregon ACTE Excellence Awards seek to promote excellence in career and technical education (CTE) by recognizing individuals who have made outstanding contributions to CTE program development. Jon was selected from a roster of the most dedicated and effective CTE partners across the State of Oregon for the extraordinary impact his contributions have made to improve the effectiveness of career and technical education in Redmond.
Jon was instrumental in the creation of Redmond High School’s (RHS) Innovative Manufacturing Program, helping to raise almost $500,000 in grant monies and building the relationship between RHS and the Redmond business community. Through Jon’s continued efforts, seven initial industry partners have grown to 29, providing RHS students with the unique opportunity to intern with companies such as Straw Propeller, Smith Brothers Pushrods, McConnell Labs, Risse Racing, Poltex, Mill Power, and PCC-Schlosser, among others. Students receive training in a wide variety of skills, including welding, manual and CNC machining, 3D printing, laser etching/cutting, robotics, computer-assisted design (CAD), and LEAN processes. The program also partners with COCC to provide students with the opportunity to earn college credits for their work.
Dr. Nicole MacTavish, the RHS principal who launched the Manufacturing Program (now Executive Director for Teaching and Learning for the Nampa, Idaho School District), recommended Jon for the OACTE Award. As she was looking for ways to connect with the Redmond business community to better prepare RHS students for productive careers, Dr. MacTavish noted: “It quickly became apparent that if you wanted something to happen quickly and professionally in Redmond, there was one man to call – Jon Stark. Jon’s reputation as a connector of people, as a visionary leader, and as a genuine and thoughtful community member quickly proved to be true.
“I can honestly say that in 20 years working in public education, I have never worked with a community partner who has had more impact on a school and district’s Career and Technical Education program than Jon…
“I can say without hesitation…that Redmond High School would not have won this grant, forged these partnerships [with the business community], stood up this manufacturing program, or be offering the comprehensive menu of college credit to students without the help, support, encouragement, and personal efforts of Jon Stark.
“The students of Redmond high School, the community, which will this year see the first class of graduates with this high value training, and the businesses in Redmond who will now have highly trained local talent, are all indebted to Jon. “
Dr. MacTavish’s acclaim for Jon’s contributions is echoed by educators and government and business leaders across the City of Redmond. The REDI board acknowledges OACTE for recognizing Jon Stark with this prestigious award and are delighted to have the opportunity to publicly recognize and thank Jon for his “above and beyond” contributions in making Redmond “a great place to live and prosper.”
Jon Stark, Manager of Redmond Economic Development, Inc.’s (REDI), was formerly the Vice President of Business Development for Express Employment Professionals, where he developed workforce and workplace solutions for more than 200 Central Oregon businesses. Jon is a recognized authority on workforce development, business retention and recruitment, and other economic development issues. He serves on multiple committees and boards, including but not limited to Oregon Economic Development Association, Team Oregon Advanced Manufacturing, Better Together, and the Central Oregon Air Service Team. As Senior Manager for REDI, Jon is responsible for recruiting, retention, and expansion of traded-sector businesses to help with issues such as business finance, site selection and zoning, facilities development, manufacturing processes, product marketing, workforce training, attracting and retaining labor force, and incentives for expansion and relocation in the City of Redmond.
About Redmond Economic Development, Inc. (REDI)
Redmond Economic Development is a private, non-profit corporation established in 1987 as a partnership between private business and the public sector to encourage economic development in the City of Redmond. REDI has a long-term contractual relationship with EDCO. Visit www.rediinfo.com.
About Economic Development for Central Oregon (EDCO)
Founded in 1981, Economic Development for Central Oregon (EDCO) is a private non-profit corporation dedicated to creating a diversified local economy and a strong class of middle class jobs in Central Oregon by encouraging companies to move here, supporting entrepreneurs to start a business here, and by working with existing traded-sector employers to grow their operations. REDI serves as the economic development arm of EDCO in Redmond. Learn more about EDCO at www.edcoinfo.com.
