Intel outside: Let's figure out how to help those in our community affected by the Intel layoffs

In case you haven’t heard, Intel is in the midst of reducing its global workforce. It’s a change that affects thousands of employees worldwide. And given that the Portland area is home to more Intel folks than anywhere on earth, it’s going to have significant impact here locally, as well. Like to the tune of nearly 800 people in the Portland area losing their jobs.

Now I realize that Intel hasn’t always been the most active participant in our startup community. And it’s common knowledge that I’m no fan of their reality show.

But all of that is beside the point.

What concerns me—and many others in our community—is that, in a few short days, a ton of very talented people in our community are going to be without work.

So I did what I usually do in times like this: I turned to the awesome Portland startup and tech community. And made a plea for us to get creative. And to make some lemonade out of those lemons. Or something. And stuff.

And as per usual, the response was pleasantly staggering. Folks in the community chimed in, offered to help, and starting working to get something done.

Now, a number of us are starting to scheme around an event to connect former Intel employees with opportunities in startups and tech companies around Portland. Maybe it takes the form of a job fair. Maybe it’s resume review and mock interviews. Maybe it’s simply just getting all of us in the same room. I don’t know. All I know is that it’s not going to be perfect. And it doesn’t need to be. I just know we need to do it.

Why? Because it’s the right thing to do. Your companies need talent. These former Intel employees need jobs. It’s a potential win win. And right now, we just need to do something.

We’re a community. And this is what communities do.

[UPDATE] The most current list of companies and resources can be found at Intel Outside on Github. If you are a former employee who is interested in attending the event, please RSVP so that we can keep you in the loop. If you are a company that is interested in helping, please take a moment to provide additional details.

The companies that initially supported the effort can be found below. [/UPDATE]

This list of folks supporting this effort changes by the day, but here’s the current group:

If this sounds even remotely interesting to you and your company, please take a few seconds to fill out this form and we’ll make sure to keep you in the loop. No obligation to do anything. Just that you’re interested.

[UPDATE] Portland Business Journal on the Intel Eliminati, a self organized group of former Intel employees helping one another. And The Oregonian on the impact this may have on the community.

Category: #featured, Oregon, Portland, Startups
Tag: Community, Intel, Layoffs, Startups

Published by Rick Turoczy

More than mildly obsessed with the Portland startup community. Founder and editor at Silicon Florist. Cofounder and general manager at PIE. Follow me on Twitter: @turoczy View all posts by Rick Turoczy

Published by Rick Turoczy

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