Partner Success Story: SOREDI & RWP Collaboration Supports Work Sharp Expansion

Partner Success Story: SOREDI & RWP Collaboration Supports Work Sharp Expansion
~Tyler Worthley | Senior Business Services Manager

When Work Sharp Inc. began planning its facility expansion, they turned to SOREDI’s Enterprise Zone Expansion program for guidance. SOREDI Loan Manager Ryan Deroo worked closely with the company to help secure a temporary tax abatement through the program — an important incentive supporting local business growth. Recognizing that expansion would also bring new workforce needs, Ryan connected Work Sharp with WorkSource Rogue Valley and the Rogue Workforce Partnership (RWP) to explore workforce solutions.

Through RWP’s Rogue Business Elevate initiative, Grant Loberg and Kris Wolfswinkel from Work Sharp collaborated with the RWP team to implement customized training strategies, including On-the-Job Training for employees moving into new roles, Incumbent Worker Training in project management and NIC Industries Cerakote certification, and Youth Work Experience opportunities for ages 16–24. So far, RWP has invested over $30,000 in Work Sharp’s workforce. This success story showcases the strong partnership between SOREDI and RWP, demonstrating how aligning economic and workforce development efforts creates greater impact for businesses and strengthens the regional economy.