Celebrating Our 2025 McMinnovators: Innovation, Leadership, and Community in Action
Nov 14, 2025
McMinnville, Oregon showed up in full force this month to celebrate creativity, collaboration, and economic vitality at MEDP’s Annual McMinnovation Awards, hosted at Linfield University.
From local startups to industry leaders, the event honored the makers, innovators, educators, and partners who are shaping McMinnville’s thriving economy.
“We’re here to celebrate innovation, leadership, and community,” said MEDP Executive Director Patty Herzog, opening the event. “Since 2007, these awards have recognized the people and businesses that make McMinnville a place where ideas grow, partnerships thrive, and innovation takes root.”
This year’s celebration also featured a special presentation of MEDP’s Annual Report, spotlighting a year of growth: from new business expansions and job creation, to strengthened partnerships connecting education and industry.
🌟 2025 McMinnovation Award Winners
🏭 McMinnville Maker of the Year – Precision Analytical
Founded by Mark Newman and Andy Tyssen, Precision Analytical has grown from a small startup in 2012 into a global leader in hormone diagnostics. Their DUTCH Test is revolutionizing at-home hormone testing for healthcare providers worldwide. With 130 jobs created locally, this bioscience powerhouse exemplifies McMinnville’s spirit of innovation and growth.
💡 Innovator of the Year – Ether Form
Led by Chris Barnes, Ether Form is redefining what’s possible in advanced manufacturing and engineering. From aerospace design to cutting-edge signal processing systems, their work is putting McMinnville on the map for high-tech innovation. Ether Form’s commitment to workforce development and their partnerships through McMinnville WORKS and Business Oregon highlight the powerful link between creativity and community.
🌱 Start-Up of the Year – Pure Light Botanical Beauty
Caitlin Grey’s Pure Light Botanical Beauty is proof that sustainable innovation can be both beautiful and impactful. This plant-based skincare brand, now celebrating its second birthday, has become a shining example of local entrepreneurship—and is already turning heads nationally, with Caitlin recently featured at “Beauty New York.”
👩🏫 Workforce Partnership of the Year – Dr. Lauren Berg, McMinnville School District
As Interim Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment, Dr. Berg has championed hands-on learning and industry connections. Her leadership helped create new career pathways for students—including the state’s only Hospitality Pathway, the Skilled Trades Mentorship Program, and the Manufacturing Exploration Experience coming this fall.
🤝 Board of Directors Outstanding Partner – Anja Taylor, Kinesis
A passionate advocate for McMinnville’s business community, Anja Taylor has helped elevate local companies like Solid Form Fabrication, HelloCare, and Solid Carbon through the Kinesis Catalyst and Sprout Summits, championing McMinnville as a Circular City focused on innovation and sustainability.
🏗️ Kelly McDonald Business Leader of the Year – Carson Benner, Cellar Ridge Construction
For Carson Benner, leadership means showing up, listening, and helping others succeed. Through his long-time service on the McMinnville School Board, his role in the Economic Vitality Leadership Council, and his dedication to workforce programs like McMinnville WORKS, Carson continues to strengthen McMinnville’s business community and build pathways for the next generation.
🏆 Distinguished Service – Economic Vitality Award – Ed Gormley, Gormley Plumbing & Mechanical
A true McMinnville icon, Ed Gormley has spent decades serving the community—through his family’s five-generation business, as Mayor of McMinnville for 24 years, and as a McMinnville Water & Light Commissioner. His steady leadership has shaped the city’s growth and continues to inspire civic pride and economic vitality.
🙌 Honoring Dedicated Service
MEDP also celebrated three leaders whose service and commitment have strengthened the organization and community partnerships:
- Teresa Smith, MEDP Board Member (8 years), MIP Board Member, and Community Home Builders founder, whose leadership has guided local business growth.
- Deven Paolo, MEDP Board Member (3 years), Solid Form CEO, and workforce champion, who continues to empower students to pursue hands-on careers in the trades.
- Heather Hadley Blank, MEDP Deputy Director (2015–2025), whose decade of leadership and collaboration helped grow programs like McMinnville MADE, McMinnville SITES, McMinnville WORKS, Launch Mid Valley, and the Workforce Integration Network—connecting people, ideas, and opportunity across our community.
As MEDP Board Chair John Dietz shared, “Our progress is built on the passion and dedication of people like Teresa, Deven, and Heather. They’ve helped shape McMinnville’s story of innovation and partnership.”
📈 Looking Ahead
With MEDP’s 20th anniversary on the horizon in 2026, the organization continues to build momentum. This year’s Annual Report highlights new business investments, talent initiatives, and strategic collaborations that keep McMinnville’s economy strong and resilient.
“Together, we’re building on success and celebrating the people and ingenuity that make McMinnville the home of McMinnovation,” said Herzog in her closing remarks.
👉 Explore the full 2025 Annual Report and photo highlights from the event at www.McMinnvilleBusiness.com.
