Orion's May 2019 eNewsletter
 
 



Orion Welcomes Jerry Chase as New CEO

 Jerry Chase, Orion's new President & CEO.

On May 10th, longtime CEO of Orion Industries, John Theisen, is retiring after 18 years and Jerry Chase will become the new CEO.

Jerry Chase, the former CEO of Bsquare, was chosen as the successor after a three-year transition plan. Orion was looking for a candidate that could continue to grow our successful social enterprise model focused on providing job training and career placement to people with barriers to employment. 

"This opportunity came at a time when I was looking to use my skills to benefit others. At Orion, my experience will be put to use growing their businesses of aerospace manufacturing and contact centers, while having a large impact on the lives and families of the people we train," said Chase.
John Theisen, retiring President & CEO.
Chase was the former President & CEO of Bsquare, a leading provider of Internet of Things software products and solutions. Previously he served as CEO at Lantronix and Terayon where he successfully led both companies through difficult turnaround situations. He is also a Marine Corps veteran and graduate of Harvard Business School. 

"It was my duty to ensure Orion's legacy was in good hands before I retired. Through our extensive search, we found that Jerry's proven track record, valuable business experience and passion and respect for our social mission, makes him a great fit for the organization," said John Theisen, retiring CEO.

For more information please see our  Press Release.







Mechelle (left), Orion Employment Services Participant, with Crispin (right), her co-worker at work at an area Five Guys.

Mechelle 

"I love Five Guys Burgers and Fries!" was t he first thing that Mechelle said to me when I met her.  Mechelle started her new job with Five Guys as part-time employee doing food preparation only a few weeks ago, but she already knows that the job is a great fit. 

Mechelle worked with Haylee Park, her Orion Employment Consultant, to create a resume, and to practice introductions and interviewing. Once Haylee had a good understanding of what Mechelle enjoys she began helping her to identify potential employers in the community.

"We went to Five Guys to drop off a resume, and I was hired on the spot!" Mechelle exclaimed. "I get to do everything here! I chop up the lettuce, onions, potatoes, bacon, and other foods that will be used. I enjoy being part of team and helping."

Haylee said, "After only a couple weeks Mechelle had learned her new job. Now that she has become comfortable, she is getting to learn new tasks.  Mechelle is doing great!"

Congratulations Mechelle!



 

 Quintin, Orion Direct Placement Client.

Quintin discovered Orion through his church. Quintin shared that he was looking for work and Tricia Cleavelin, Orion Vocational Counselor, who attends the same church, spoke with him about seeing what Orion could do to help him. Tricia introduced Quintin to Tamie Clark, Orion Job Developer, who has been working with Quintin as a direct placement client since March.

Quintin has been working part-time but is looking for work that will give him full-time hours. Tamie has worked with Quintin to update his resume and has shown him how to tailor the resume and cover letter for each job that he applies to. Quintin related, "You have to work to find work. I've found everyone at Orion to be fantastic. Everyone is helpful and show that they are interested in supporting you in reaching your goals."

Providing great service is a cornerstone of Quintin's work ethic. Quintin has experience working for city and local government. "I'm looking for jobs with a law enforcement focus," Quintin said. "I enjoy meeting new people and working to help people from all walks of life. My ultimate goal would be to find a job that can grow into an instructor position. I love learning, and I'm good at teaching what I've learned." 

Offering advice to anyone considering Orion's training programs or direct placement services, Quintin said, "I recommend Orion to anyone who has trouble finding work. Their training provides job experience which will help, and their Job Developers work with you during the job search to help you present yourself. As a direct placement client, I've found Orion's assistance to be invaluable!"

If you would like to learn more about Quintin, or if you would like to see his resume, please contact Tamie Clark at 253.661.7805 x274 or email her at  tamie.clark@orionworks.org.

Meet a Mentor - Leanne Smith

Leanne Smith (left), working with Mary (right).

What makes Orion an amazing company is that we give people a chance. And sometimes a chance is all that someone needs. Orion's mentors are who make that chance possible.

Orion's paid training programs feature working one-on-one with a mentor while learning valuable job skills. The mentors impart technical skills while also providing guidance on improving soft skills.

Leanne Smith is a mentor in the Clamp Block Assembly area of Orion's Auburn location. Leanne said, "Orion provided both video and group training to prepare each mentor for their role. I learned how best to communicate with different types of people, and how important it is to be accepting, and to not make assumptions."

Mentors also learn how to support each other, and how to access Orion's resources, including vocational counselors, instructors and job developers, when working with program participants in the training program.

"Mentors will consult with each other as program participants transfer from one work area to another, about what works best for each individual, and how each participant learns," Leanne explained. "If there is ever an issue we are unsure of we are supported by Orion's vocational counselors."

Leanne found that the role she performs is very rewarding. She related, "With patience, I have learned how to help participants get over their doubts. I give them chances to be successful and build on each success. The reward is seeing their confidence grow. Seeing participants begin to believe in themselves, and being part of that process, is an amazing experience."

Thank you Leanne!

United Way's Free Tax Campaign

If you have questions about eligibility or what documents to bring, visit United Way's website at:

Orion is Hiring!
Join Orion's award-winning team! Orion is a leading manufacturer and supplier for the aerospace industry. We offer competitive wages and 100% employer paid benefits, 401(k) matching, 11 paid holidays and a generous paid time off plan.

Orion is a nonprofit with a mission of helping those who need job training. We are looking for experienced individuals who have a desire to share their knowledge and make a difference in our community. 

Orion is a business with a purpose! For more information see our video and visit the careers page on our website:



Program tours are available!

Orion Industries, Auburn, currently has openings available in all of our training programs:
If you are working with someone who would benefit from this training program, please have them attend our weekly tour - Monday at 9am!
  • Our Office Skills & Customer Service Program offers students exposure to computer training, customer service training and keyboarding / 10-key skills training. It utilizes a self-directed model, in a small classroom setting, with instructor support. Each Friday, interactive group customer service discussions are led by the instructor. Students are offered a daily stipend of $5 for class attendance.
Orion has multiple open spots for direct job placement support services to individuals not in our training programs. If you are interested in direct job placement services, please contact a Job Developer at 253-661-7805.


Employer Appreciation Event
 

Orion's Training & Employment staff held an Employer Appreciation Event at our Auburn location on Thursday, April 25th. 

Area employers, who attended, were able to network, while enjoying a breakfast buffet and learn about how Orion's training programs prepare our graduates for their job openings free of charge. 

To learn more please contact us - We would be happy to discuss how Orion can help your business! 

AIX Hamburg 2019
 

Sean Dwyer and Raymond Moe, pictured with the Washington State Delegation, represented Orion at AIX Hamburg 2019. Please visit the show website for more information: 

https://www.aircraftinteriorsexpo.com/

IGNITE Panel
 

Orion staff member Kristina Pressley participated in the IGNITE Panel on April 16.

The panel consisted of five women from diverse backgrounds and varying roles at local technology/STEM companies. An eager group of young women were inspired to follow their dreams in becoming engineers, medical technologists, animators, game designers, and more!

For more follow the link: 

http://www.igniteworldwide.org/ignite-panel-at-chief-sealth-international-high-school/

Orion Celebrates Earth Day
 
Pictured left to right: Danny Larson, Becca Ebach, Calvin Ebach, Shela Mohler, Stephanie Maxwell, Kristina Pressley, Liz Hickman, Vasiliy Khochay and Jason Person.

In honor of Earth Day Orion staff volunteered to clean up the property surrounding Orion's Auburn facility!


Orion Links

 
Orion Industries, Auburn
1590 A Street NE
Auburn, WA 98002
Orion Industries, Mukilteo
13008 Beverly Park Rd
Mukilteo, WA 98275