Orion's October 2016 eNewsletter
 
 







Samuel celebrating 10 years at Walmart.
 
Samuel    

Samuel came to Diversified (now Orion Industries, Mukilteo) more than 20 years ago through DVR. Samuel was looking to build marketable manufacturing skills for a long term, meaningful job in Snohomish County.

Samuel worked on his communication skills by volunteering at a local YMCA with a job coach. He was also able to demonstrate his work skills in recycling and car detailing, and after overcoming some of his personal communication and learning disability barriers, he was able to accomplish his goal by being placed in a position at Walmart.

Samuel has just completed 10 years of service with Walmart, and has been nominated twice for employee of the month. Samuel stated, "Christen, my job coach, was patient and attentive. I had the best job coach!"

Samuel is well liked in his store, and Walmart applauds his quick and timely performance as a maintenance worker. Walmart greatly appreciates the ongoing support provided for Samuel through job coaching and task coordination techniques. 

Samuel has worked diligently to overcome stuttering when speaking with the public. The combination of Samuel's hard work and Orion's continued staff support have helped him navigate his barriers, and have resulted in his success. Samuel is a skilled worker and a quick learner, and he has a bright future in front of him. Samuel said, "Diversified built my confidence in communicating with both co-workers and the general public, and they are always there to support me." 



 

 Tina in the Office Skills classroom at Orion Industries, Auburn.
 
Tina  came to Orion Industries, Auburn, through DVR, and initially went through Orion's Manufacturing Training Program, in 2007. When Tina returned, she realized that ideally she wanted to find part time customer service work; so this time she opted to go through Orion's Office Skills & Customer Service Training Program.

While in the Office Skills & Customer Service Training Program Tina has learned how to navigate in Microsoft Windows, and how to proficiently use Microsoft Outlook. As she has gained exposure to the operating system, her confidence has grown. Tina said, "As I became more experienced using the computer I started to relax, and eventually became confident in my abilities."

Tina is excited about being in the program and is enthusiastic about learning new things. She never misses a day, and is always on time and ready to learn.

Jeri Lucas, the Office Skills & Customer Service Instructor, said, "Learning doesn't come easily for Tina, but she is persistent and keeps at a task until she gets it. Tina learns best with hands-on, step by step instruction, and positive encouragement. I don't know when I've worked with someone who tries harder; Tina consistently puts forth 100% effort."

The combination of the skills that Tina is learning and her personality will serve her well in customer service. Dru Fleming, Orion Job Developer, said, "Tina is always positive, open and friendly."

When Tina started the training she was nervous because she didn't know what to expect. She learned not to rush and to take her time to do things correctly. Tina said, "My Instructor, Jeri, told me, 'You can do this.' And after a while I started to reply, 'I know I can.' I'm proud of myself!"  

If you are interested in learning more about Tina or would like to see her resume, call Dru Fleming at 253-661-7805, or email Dru at dru.fleming@orionworks.org.


Orion classes available!

Orion contracts with companies around the King and Pierce County area to provide classes, such as blueprint reading. Companies can send their staff to Orion for classes at our facility, or we can send our instructors on-site. If you're interested in finding out more about how this can benefit your staff, please contact Orion's Training Program Manager, Cynthia Kim, at 253-661-7805.

 


Program tours are available!
Please note new tour times!!

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 $10 for class attendance.
  • Our Contact Center Training Program offers three paid training opportunities: Inbound Customer Service, Front Desk / Reception and Document Conversion training. Participants can come for a variety of reasons including assessment or skills training. While some programs offer cohort enrollment, most positions enroll weekly. Pretesting may be a requirement and will be coordinated during program tour.
  • Contact Center Training Program Flyer 
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.


Microsoft ASL Video

 From left to right, Orion staff members Benjamin Belisle, Ryan Klock, and Uriah Moore at Microsoft's Redmond headquarters.

Orion staff members Benjamin Belisle, Ryan Klock, and Uriah Moore visited Microsoft's Redmond headquarters on August 23rd.

Benjamin and Ryan were featured actors in a Microsoft ASL (American Sign Language) Technical Support promotional video.

Orion Industries, Auburn, houses Microsoft's first, and only, ASL Technical Support line. This promotional video will be seen by the public across the United States, increasing awareness of Microsoft's Technical Support line that Orion supports via ASL.

The video can be seen at:



Strikes for Kids Seattle

 Left to right, Dale Dahlman, Joanna Boatwright, Patrick McMillen, Mandi Magers, Heather McMillen, Walter Jones, and Matt  Foster.

Orion's Belters bowling team participated in the Strikes for Kids Seattle charity bowling tournament on Labor Day. The event was hosted by Seattle Seahawk Walter Jones and other Seahawks players. 

To learn more about the event, or how you can contribute your support, please see the link:



Blood Drive 2016

 Michele Johnson, Orion staff member (left), and Omarr, Orion program participant (right), attended by Cascade Regional Blood  Services staff.

Orion Industries, Auburn, participated in a blood drive with Cascade Regional Blood Services on September 9th. 

Each donation can potentially save the lives of up to six people. Our amazing staff is always looking for ways to positively impact the community! 

If you would like to learn more, or would like to find out how you can also donate and save lives, please visit the Cascade Regional Blood Service website:



Orion featured in REDF photo shoots

 REDF staff conducting photo shoots at Orion Industries, Auburn.

Orion Industries, Auburn, was happy to have representatives of REDF onsite on 9/13 to conduct a series of photo shoots featuring participants in our many training programs. 

To learn more about REDF visit their website at:



Women of Washington State in Aerospace

 Women of Washington State in Aerospace networking event attendees.

Orion staff members Joanna Boatwright and Tiffany Nicolow attended a Women of Washington State in Aerospace networking event on September 14th. 

The event, held at Lombardi's in Mill Creek, provided opportunities to network with women from all over the Puget Sound region.


Kent Chamber Chili Cook Off

 Lavada Colon (right) being presented with the Kent Chamber Chili Cook Off champion apron.
Lavada Colon, Orion Job Developer, took first place in the Kent Chamber Chili Cook Off. Lavada's chili is appropriately titled Chili #1 and was enjoyed by the tasters so much there was none left.

Congratulations Lavada!

Washington State Representative Hans Zeiger Tour

 John Theisen, Orion Industries President & CEO (left), and Washington State Representative Hans Zeiger (right).

Washington State Representative Hans Zeiger, of the 25th legislative district, toured Orion's Auburn location on Wednesday, September 28.

Representative Zeiger learned about Orion's successful business platforms, including the Aerospace manufacturing and Contact Center Services divisions, and how they support Orion's mission of helping those who have barriers to employment  through mentoring and training programs .


Congratulations to Heidi Wright, Retiring after 30 Years  

 Heidi Wright at work on the Orion industries, Mukilteo, production floor.

Heidi Wright is retiring after 30 years of service to Diversified Industries and Orion Industries, Mukilteo. Heidi's start date was January 13, 1986. She has been a valued Production Assembler for 30 years. Her last day is October 3, 2016. Everyone at Orion is proud of Heidi's accomplishment and we all wish her well.

Congratulations Heidi!


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