MEDP Spark Q1 '25 - McMinnville’s Momentum: Innovation, Growth & Opportunities in 2025

Feb 14, 2025

MEDP Q1 - 2025 Spark Newsletter, read the full enewsletter at this link.

McMinnville Industrial Promotions Shovel Ready 26 acres, rail spur possible in McMinnville's Industrial District

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A Letter from MEDP's Executive Director, Patty Herzog:

I’m excited to share MEDP welcomes Lori Robertson of Cutting Edge Metals to the Board of Directors. Lori brings extensive experience in manufacturing, workforce development, and is a leader in promoting McMinnville in the aerospace industry. She succeeds Deven Paolo, who is stepping down to lead the Oregon chapter of the Construction Industry Education Foundation. Deven will continue making a positive impact on workforce development for young people in the trades, now at a statewide level.

This quarter’s news is focused on property development, with plenty of activity in McMinnville’s industrial district. Ether Form’s new facility is underway, Chameleon Industries has started operations, and New Energy Works has completed an impressive new building featuring carbon-reducing concrete from Solid Carbon. On the other side of town, EMPWR is nearing completion of a 85,000 square foot expansion and addition of a fourth manufacturing line. These milestones highlight the continued growth and potential in our community, along with strong interest from both established businesses and startups.

The City of McMinnville is planning for the future development with several project advisory committees (PAC). The airport master plan PAC is reviewing development options that will shape its growth over the next 20 years, ensuring it remains a key asset for our economy. In addition, there is a PAC focused on the Innovation Campus and we are also following the Urban Renewal Agency’s planning for the Northwest Rubber Redevelopment Site in the Northeast Gateway District.

Looking ahead, we’re excited the first Sprout Summit will take place on March 20 at Linfield University. This community-driven event will bring together innovators from the built environment, manufacturing, agriculture, circular supply chains, and not-for-profit champions advancing sustainability solutions and policymakers. This event will connect innovators from various industries, foster idea-sharing, and move intentions into action to drive innovation in the Willamette Valley.

At MEDP, we remain committed to supporting our business community, helping to create high-wage jobs, and connecting with businesses to help them thrive. A big thank you to our community partners and Investors Circle contributors for your ongoing support!

Patty

Executive Director
McMinnville Economic Development Partnership

Read the full Q1 Spark here.

Accolades & Congratulations to:

Lori Robertson of Cutting Edge Metals, new board of directors appointment to the MEDP Board, Welcome Lori! Read the press release here. (1/2025)

The Mac Tool Library and Keith Jordan received a grant from the DEQ Reduce, Reuse, Reimagine Grant to support community empowerment and sustainability through tool lending. A soft opening will be held March 1 on Alpine Avenue with a Grand Opening in May 2025

Ether Form and Solid Carbon for receiving Business Oregon and the Oregon Innovation Council (Oregon InC) Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)/Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Matching Grant awards. The SBIR and STTR grant programs are federal programs designed to stimulate technological innovation and provide opportunities for small businesses to conduct research and development with commercialization potential. (Dec. 2024)
- Solid Carbon will use the award for development of waste biomass aggregate that sequesters carbon for use in concrete.
- Ether Form will use the award for enhanced capabilities for radio frequency environment simulation technology.

Launch Mid Valley Startup Bootcamp Weekend – PitchFest Top 10: Local Flow, Mac Clay, Pour Up, and Pure Light Botanical Beauty were a few of the McMinnville based winners. (2/2025)

Bad Dog Bakery and Summon Coffee opened in McMinnville. News-Register, 12/17/2024

Chemeketa Cafe (McMinnville Campus) – now serving Summon Coffee, Flag & Wire Coffee and Belly Bunny Bagels! (12/2024)

Thank you to our incredible Investor Circle!

Join MEDP in supporting economic vitality in McMinnville, Join our Investor Circle today!

MEDP is a 501c6 created back in 2015 as a committee of the Chamber of Commerce. We became a standalone entity supported by our primary funding partners: McMinnville Industrial Promotions, McMinnville Water & Light, and the City of McMinnville. We rely on the generosity of our Investor Circle to support programs for our business community as referenced above. Please join us in supporting our business community by investing today. Investors will be highlighted at our October Annual Event and Awards program and throughout the year at MEDP events and in our quarterly e-newsletter and social media channels.

MEDP's strategic initiatives focus on: