MEDP Spark Q2 '26 - The Land of Opportunity: McMinnville, Oregon

Apr 24, 2026

MEDP Q2 - 2026 Spark Newsletter, read the full e-newsletter at this link.

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

As we move into the second quarter of 2026, I continue to be encouraged by the momentum happening across McMinnville. From business expansion and infrastructure investment to stronger partnerships and new tools for growth, there is a lot moving forward in our community.

I’m especially excited to welcome three partners to the MEDP Investor Circle: Willamette Valley Medical Center, R&H Construction, and Linfield University. Each of these organizations plays an important role in the long-term strength of McMinnville, and their investment reflects a shared commitment to business growth, workforce development, and community success. Strong economic development only happens through strong partnerships, and we are grateful to have them at the table.

This quarter also marked an important step forward with the launch of C-PACE in Yamhill County. This financing tool gives commercial and industrial property owners another option to invest in building improvements, energy efficiency, and long-term modernization using private capital. It is a practical tool that helps businesses reinvest and stay competitive while supporting broader community goals.

The Q1 Business Leader Forum, held in partnership with the McMinnville Economic Vitality Leadership Council (MEVLC), focused on business climate and how we continue improving communication between the City and the business community. This work aligns directly with the goals of MAC-Town 2032. The conversations were honest and productive, with consistent themes around workforce, housing, permitting, commercial space, and the need for regular dialogue. These conversations matter because they help move us from discussion to action.

Business retention and expansion continues to be at the center of MEDP’s work. We have met with companies including Laurelcrest, Phenix Solutions, and NWUAV to better understand how they are growing, what challenges they are facing, and how we can help connect them to resources. That often includes helping business leaders navigate programs and incentives available through Business Oregon, along with financing options, workforce support, property connections, and strategic business partnerships. Sometimes the most valuable role we play is simply helping businesses find the right door and the right people. These one-on-one conversations are some of the most important work we do, and I encourage businesses to reach out and connect with us.

The McMinnville Airport is seeing growth as Trimble Aviation has been selected as the new Fixed Base Operator. MEDP was proud to support their Connect Oregon application for terminal improvements and infrastructure upgrades that will strengthen airport operations, improve services, and support future economic growth tied to aviation and business recruitment.

MEDP had the opportunity to support the Launch Mid-Valley Startup Bootcamp at Linfield University, bringing entrepreneurs, mentors, and investors together from across the region. Building an entrepreneurial ecosystem takes consistency and collaboration, and events like this help create real pathways for founders to launch and grow here.

Business Oregon opened the Opportunity Zones 2.0 nomination process, with applications due May 22. This is an important opportunity for McMinnville and Yamhill County to position priority areas for future investment and redevelopment. We are working closely with our partners to ensure we are ready to compete for these long-term opportunities.

Public and private investment is active with Ether Form moving forward with construction on a new leasable building, and the City of McMinnville secured $1.5 million to complete Alpine Avenue improvements. Both projects represent the kind of progress that supports long-term business growth and strengthens the community as a whole.

Economic development is never one project or one meeting. It is the steady work of building trust, solving problems, and creating opportunities together. Thank you for being part of that work and for continuing to invest in McMinnville’s future.

With gratitude,

Patty Herzog

Executive Director
McMinnville Economic Development Partnership

Read the full Q2 2026 Spark here.

Accolades & Congratulations:

City of McMinnville receives $1.5M for completion of Alpine Avenue
Gratitude for Jody Christensen as she retires May 1 from the City and recognition for her extensive work in support of McMinnville's economic growth ... and more News Register article, 4.24.26
McMinnville High School Team Chronobreak heads to Nationals (News Register, 3.5.26) for Robotics Challenge, finished 15th out of 300 Oregon Teams competing to attend.

What's Ahead:

Visit our MEDP Calendar Page for links to citywide Event Calendars.

Q2 2026 Quarterly Business Forum: Access to Capital, May 7

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 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 traded sector business community. Please join us in supporting McMinnville business and industry by investing today. Investors will be highlighted at our 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: