Goodwill and Gratitude, a message from MEDP Executive Director, Patty Herzog

Dec 20, 2024

As the year ends, I want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible community we are privileged to serve. To everyone who makes McMinnville such a special place, our partners, businesses, employees, nonprofits, and dedicated volunteers, thank you for working alongside us this year. The collaboration and collective efforts of our community inspire us daily. Together, we’ve achieved so much, and we are looking forward to continuing to build our partnerships.

The new lights on Third Street bring a sense of cheer that perfectly captures the spirit of our community, while also supporting local businesses and attracting visitors to experience our charming downtown. These lights illuminate the community spirit that drives McMinnville, while also fostering a welcoming atmosphere that draws us into shops, restaurants, and other local businesses, boosting downtown commerce and creating a vibrant economic hub. They are a testament to how community dedication can light the way, both figuratively and literally, for economic vitality.

This reminds me of the many things I love about McMinnville, a list that grows longer everyday. It includes things like how incredible it is to have one of only two operating steel mills on the West Coast right here in Oregon’s wine country, recycling steel into rebar for essential infrastructure. It also includes the Ham Fam Fun Run, where the entry fee is cans of food for YCAP, the Yamhill Community Action Partnership, which provides essential services and support to those in need throughout the year. Organized by the Hampton Family and Friends for 13 years, this grassroots event exemplifies the spirit of McMinnville, a genuine celebration of generosity and fun.

The list also includes the intangible qualities that make McMinnville unique, like our ability to disagree without being disagreeable, a trait that fosters open dialogue, mutual respect, and a collaborative spirit that strengthens our community bonds. And, of course, the McMinnovators who not only dream of solving complex challenges, they create companies and implement solutions. The list encompasses businesses, nonprofits, educational institutions, public spaces, and countless others who contribute to McMinnville's vibrancy. Together, they create a community we are proud to call home.

At MEDP, we are deeply grateful to serve the people and businesses that make McMinnville thrive. From helping startups navigate resources to connecting established companies with new opportunities, we take pride in being part of your journey. From established enterprises to those with just the spark of an idea, your vision and dedication inspire us every day. It’s a privilege to witness the innovative ways you build and contribute to our community, making it a better place for everyone.

We wish you all the best. May the goodwill and inspiration that define McMinnville continue to guide us all forward. Let us build on this momentum together, fostering collaboration and innovation to make the coming year even brighter. Thank you for sharing your business journey with us and being an essential part of this community.