Powers of Automation (POA) has been designing, building and maintaining automated equipment and systems for biotech, pharmaceutical and other highly regulated industries for 23 years!
The founder began a tradition called Taco Tuesday around 15 years ago where once a month, POA provides Mexican food for customers, vendors, community leaders, friends and family. POA typically hosts between 30 and 50 people or more at this once a month event. “It’s a great way to connect with people in the work environment, without discussing work,” says Steve Powers. “My brother, dad and I have always enjoyed making people happy through their stomachs.”
POA has cancelled Taco Tuesday for April and May due to the stay-at-home orders put in place from the Oregon Governor’s office. “This is the first time ever that we have not held Taco Tuesday,” says Steve.
POA decided to donate the Taco Tuesday budget to Bend first responders. POA purchased gift cards from several local Mexican food restaurants and gifted the cards and certificates to Bend Fire and Rescue crews. This gesture benefits the local restaurants that are mandated by state order to only provide takeout or delivery. “Every restaurant we talked to was greatly appreciative to receive the business from us. It really makes me feel good to help Bend’s small businesses,” says Steve.
Bend Fire and Rescue was happy to receive the gift cards. The Battalion Chief of Administration stated the department callout volume has not increased, but the time required on each call has substantially increased due to the personnel protection gear they must don and doff and extra steps required to safeguard the public. The crews will enjoy a break from cooking lunch or dinner while enjoying some fantastic local Mexican food. POA plans to repeat the gift with the May Taco Tuesday’s budget.
“Recently, we started to spotlight a local nonprofit, such as Bend Food Project, during our Taco Tuesday events and encourage the participants to donate their ‘lunch money’ to the charity to further help people in need,” says Powers. “We are proud to be a part of Central Oregon’s great business climate and contribute to this fantastic community we live in.”
