Partners
Business Solutions Partnership
Helping Your Company Stay Strong in all Business Cycles!
• Central Florida Community College Institute for Corporate Training,
• Workforce Connection,
• Ocala/Marion County Chamber of Commerce, and the
• Ocala/Marion County Economic Development Corporation
The dynamic partnership of these organizations is here to help you think and stay strong through
all cycles of your company. Positive thoughts begin to come when the partners provide...
Answers to Three Questions That Keep You Up at Night!
1. “Where will I find the RIGHT talent, facilities and systems to PROPEL this
company forward?”
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One homegrown company seeing a lot of growth through the years is Intellon. You may not recognize the company name, or have no idea what they do, but the research and development they conduct right here in Ocala is intricately connecting the world. Intellon’s slogan says it all — No New Wires! Their team of engineers, thinking beyond current technologies, develop integrated circuits (ICs) that enable communications to travel over existing electrical wires in homes across the globe.
Intellon President and COO Rick Furtney explains their work. “Cut from silicon glass wafers, consisting of 30-45 layers with millions of circuits each about 65 nanometers thin, ICs become the powerful engines that run some of today’s greatest technology.” Families who enjoy “entertainment grade” video in multiple rooms may not care how Intellon’s Home Plug-based technology works, they just want to watch their favorite programs. Used by dozens of leading cable, satellite TV and telephone companies, Intellon’s ICs help make that happen.
“We’re the best kept secret out there,” said Intellon’s CEO Charlie Harris. “We are world leaders at what we do. Our ICs enable people to move audio and video throughout their home without stringing additional wires throughout the house.”
If you cringe thinking about having to rewire your home to connect your favorite computer and entertainment products, thank Intellon for providing an easier solution. Intellon’s ICs let personal computers, TVs, video game consoles and even home security cameras communicate with each other and connect to Internet routers, simply by plugging into a standard electrical outlet. Adapters using Intellon’s ICs are sold at leading retailers in Asia, Europe and North America. While this technology is being rolled out, Intellon’s engineers are hard at work developing new products to assist with the emerging Smart Grids that will more efficiently and effectively manage the electrical power delivered to our homes.
Since its inception nearly 20 years ago, Intellon has sold more than 36 million ICs — almost 12 million just in 2008. At a time when companies are struggling to exist, Ocala’s Intellon is experiencing phenomenal growth. In 2008, one of the toughest years for American companies, Intellon’s revenues grew 44% over 2007. They also continue to hire in the midst of high unemployment in our area. Harris knows who is responsible for that growth, “We are where we are because of our people.”
Ocala’s close proximity to the University of Florida allows Intellon to develop Co-Op programs with some of the best and brightest talent. Many of those Co-op students have stayed with the company and explain why Intellon’s Faces of Economic Development love our community. Boston Native and Director of Engineering Applications Peter Shread sees some things Ocala lacks as a great strength. “NO snow and NO shoveling (driveways) in the winter!”
Senior Engineer Adil Hussain enjoys the quality of life in Ocala knowing everything is so close. “I really enjoy the beauty of the area and the many outdoor activities available, but it’s also so close to Orlando and Tampa that you have access to everything.”
CFO Brian McGee has lived all over the world, but loves calling Ocala home. “It’s great here!...Outdoor activities like golf and tennis are great, but it’s the depth of our friendships and relationships that we really enjoy.”
Senior Accountant Ava Badal likes her 10 minute commute into work each day. “I used to sit in Orlando traffic for over an hour just to go a short distance.”
As the Director of Standards and Regulations, Purva Rajkotia is in a different country two to three times a month. “When I have been traveling, coming from the airport, crossing exit 350 (on I-75) I have a great sense of HOME... Moving from New York to Ocala was a big transition, but these people are wonderful... In New York, everyone is concerned about the goal. In Ocala, people value the journey toward the goal!”
How may the Partners help your company propel with growth?
2. “Am I doing enough to PERSIST in this cycle, or could it slip away?”
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There’s not much that makes a manufacturer lose sleep more than the thought of shutting down a production line due to lack of workers. Signature Brands has been a manufacturer of sweet confections for such strong national brands as Betty Crocker and Cake Mate for more than 50 years. The company has enjoyed consistent growth and remains one of the community’s major employers.
President and CEO Jim Schneider faced a challenge. As orders were coming in and products needed to be on the shelves, a harsh reality hit. There were not enough maintenance technicians to keep the vital equipment running at peak performance levels. There were applicants looking for work and current employees who wanted to advance into those positions. However, they lacked the skills necessary to do the job. Schneider and his team knew who to call.
“Pat Reddish, our Director of Human Resources, had worked with the college on training programs before,” said Schneider. “She knew there was a chance they could help us out and in turn, provide a great opportunity for under-employed workers.”
Reddish contacted Donnah Courtice with Business Solutions Partner Central Florida Community College Corporate Training. There was no program to train manufacturing maintenance technicians. The fact that a program does not exist, doesn ’t stop the Business Solutions Partnership from meeting the needs of an employer. Courtice called other manufacturers and found this issue was not isolated to just Signature Brands. With a greater demand, Courtice was able to create a program and begin the search for funding. The EDC tapped their resources at Enterprise Florida to help the college secure an Incumbent Worker Consortium Training Grant.
In a short period more than 20 workers were trained by CFCC. A second Maintenance Technicians Training program was conducted with funding through a grant obtained by partner Workforce Connection where nearly 20 more participants increased their skills for local employers. The Business Solutions Partnership was presented with a challenge and a solution was found. How may the Partners help your company meet its training needs?
3. “How can I PROTECT my company and the people who helped build it?”
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When CEOs realize downsizing is necessary to protect the company, they lose sleep as the faces of the good employees who will affected flash through their minds. Melissa Malone had been with her employer nearly seven years when the downturn of the residential construction market made it necessary to decrease the workforce. During the process of that downsizing Melissa’s position was eliminated.
Melissa's employer showed concern about her and other employees who needed outplacement services. Through the efforts of Workforce Connection working with local employers looking for talent, Melissa was placed with another company in a higher-level position.
“I never thought that the elimination of my position would provide such a great opportunity,” said Melissa. “I loved my job and the company I worked for and as difficult as it was for me to see positions eliminated within the organization, I am grateful to have the opportunity to advance in my career with a company such as Class 1, Inc. I am so glad there is a partnership in our community that is looking out for people's best interests, as well as those of the corporations.”
Melissa Malone is an example of a positive result coming out of a difficult challenge.
How may the Partners help you protect your company and the people who helped build it
What cycle is your company in and how may the Partners help you?
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