15Mar 2026 by Jennifer Ayers
Webinar: From Chaos to Clarity – May 12th

Webinar: From Chaos to Clarity – May 12th

Events, Webinar
From Chaos to Clarity, Simplifying process design with 2P In her session on 2P, Process Preparation, Alex Brown (Clemco, CI Manager) brings the kind of grounded energy that turns theory into movement. She shows how teams can shift from reactive firefighting to proactive design by creating clarity before the first bolt is tightened or the first unit is built. 2P blends kaizen, visual thinking, and simulation to reduce risk and drive right-first-time outcomes. Alex breaks it down into a practical, usable structure, from preparation and team selection through simulation and implementation. Real examples. Interactive dialogue. Clear takeaways you can apply immediately to process, layout, or product design. About our presenter: Alex started in crating, building pallets and protecting shipments. She advanced to machine builder and project assembly. She strengthened her…
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08Dec 2025 by Jennifer Ayers
Benchmarking Tour: A-dec – Feb 11th

Benchmarking Tour: A-dec – Feb 11th

Events, Learning Tours
Tour Focus: Technology Integration in Manufacturing Host Company – A-dec website A-dec designs and manufactures dental equipment at their headquarters in Newberg, Oregon. The A-dec vision began with a simple idea: make the best better. From their simple beginnings, A-dec has emerged as one of the most respected names in the dental industry. In 1964, founders Ken and Joan Austin made the biggest choice of their lives: risk it all to start a company of their own. Little did they know that an invention and a dream would help revolutionize the world of dentistry. 60 years later, A-dec is an employer of choice and the world’s leading manufacturer of reliable dental operatory equipment. They continue to work for the betterment of dentistry and embed their values into the work they…
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23Nov 2025 by Jennifer Ayers
Benchmarking Tour @Smith Gardens – Nov 14th

Benchmarking Tour @Smith Gardens – Nov 14th

Events, Learning Tours
Theme: Lean Management System Framework in Action Host company: Smith Gardens grows annuals and perennials at five locations in the PNW and Southern California for retailers in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Alaska and Western Canada. Their local nursery in Aurora, Oregon opened in 1997.  The site has 38 acres of greenhouse and 12.5 acres of field space. The Aurora facility produces and ships year-round. This tour occurs at peak Poinsettia season, which will provide a beautiful backdrop to our tour. Tour Summary At Smith Gardens, an important foundation for creating a culture of continuous improvement included building out their Continuous Improvement Management System (CIMS), modeled after the Lean Management System framework. Leadership at the Aurora site have fully embraced this framework and have been steadily rolling out new components over the…
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22Nov 2025 by Jennifer Ayers
Lean Happy Hour – Nov 18th

Lean Happy Hour – Nov 18th

Events
It’s time to connect, socialize, and network while enjoying some tasty apps and beverages! Please join us. This is a great opportunity to get to know others in the consortium better and to continue geeking out on lean topics. Drop in any time after 4pm, we’ll be there until 6 or 6:30…depending on how social everyone is. NWHPEC will provide appetizers, you’ll cover the cost of drinks and any additional food. Date: Tuesday, Nov 18, 2025 Time: Happy Hour starts at 4pm (Cooper Mountain Ale Works in Tigard – drop in any time after 4pm) Location: Cooper Mountain Ale Works - 12562 SW Main St, Tigard, OR 97223 (map link) RSVP for a calendar invite RSVP
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03Jul 2025 by Jennifer Ayers
Webinar: Joy in the Workplace – Aug 13th

Webinar: Joy in the Workplace – Aug 13th

Events, Leadership~, Webinar
Overview In today’s fast-paced work environment, achieving a state where work feels as engaging and fulfilling as a hobby is a lofty yet attainable goal. This presentation explores the underlying factors that transform work from a mundane obligation into a source of joy and satisfaction. Central to this transformation is the concept of “flow.” We’ll discuss how the absence of joy is often a signal of underlying waste within processes and systems. Furthermore, we’ll delve into the importance of clear system ownership and thoughtful system design. Effective system design not only supports the elimination of waste but also enhances overall workplace efficiency and employee satisfaction. We will hear about five habits and tools within the Kaas Operating System that help them achieve joy on a daily basis: Kaizen: Literally translated…
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08Jun 2025 by Jennifer Ayers
Benchmarking + Happy Hour – July 24th

Benchmarking + Happy Hour – July 24th

Events, Member Sharing
It’s time to connect, socialize, and network while enjoying some tasty food and beverages! Join us for either or both activities. First stop: Bob's Red Mill - 13521 SE Pheasant Ct, Milwaukie We'll engaged in a SIG style benchmarking discussion around the topic of "Overcoming Barriers to Implementation & Gaining Buy In". It doesn't matter what lean principle you're trying to implement, there are always barriers, obstacles, and resistance. Join the conversation to learn what other's have tried, and share your own stories to provide ideas for overcoming obstacles. Last stop: Portland Cider Co - 8925 SE Jannsen Rd, Clackamas Please join us. This is a great opportunity to get to know others in the consortium better and to continue geeking out on lean topics. Drop in anytime after 4pm,…
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14Apr 2025 by Jennifer Ayers
Benchmarking Tour @Owens Corning – May 13th (FULL)

Benchmarking Tour @Owens Corning – May 13th (FULL)

Events, Learning Tours
Host company: Owens Corning is a leading manufacturer of roofing shingles, underlayment, and components, offering systems that not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of homes but also provide long-lasting durability and a variety of options to suit different projects. Their commitment to quality ensures that customers receive roofing solutions that are both reliable and visually appealing. The Portland roofing plant is one of thirteen facilities across the United States. At Owens Corning, Our People Make the Difference, Portland was recognized by the Asphalt Roofing Manufactures Association for our commitment to Safety last year. Owens Corning earned the 2024 Women’s Choice Award as America’s Most Recommended Roofing Products. Tour Summary Join us for a behind-the-scenes look at Owens Corning, where innovation, technology, and frontline engagement are actively redefining the future of…
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