MEDP Spark Q3 '24- Thriving Together
Jul 19, 2024
July 2024
This page includes articles from MEDP's Q3 Spark E-Newsletter. Click here to view the full newsletter.
Empowering Tomorrow: How Mentorship Drives Success in McMinnville WORKS
Article by Madison Aradine, McMinnville WORKS Internship Program Coordinator, 2024
McMinnville Economic Development, Deputy Director, Heather Hadley Blank and McMinnville WORKS 2024 Internship Program Coordinator, Madison Aradine
When I first joined the McMinnville WORKS Internship Program, I was eager to gain practical experience but unsure of what to expect. My mentor, Heather Blank, the Deputy Director at the McMinnville Economic Development Partnership (MEDP), has not only guided me through the process of coordinating and hosting events but has also connected me with a diverse network of professionals within the McMinnville community. This firsthand experience underscores the transformative power of mentorship programs, which bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world applications. Mentorship programs inspire and motivate young professionals by showcasing career opportunities and providing insights into industry trends and challenges. Additionally, they create valuable networking opportunities, helping to build connections that can support their future educational and career endeavors. Overall, these programs create a supportive environment where participants can gain essential skills, make informed career choices, and prepare effectively for their futures.
These mentorship relationships offer many benefits to both the mentor and the mentee, but what makes the relationship an effective one? The Harvard Business Review published an article, “6 Things Every Mentor Should Do” where the authors, Vineet Chopra and Sanjay Saint, state mentorships are “...characterized by mutual respect, trust, shared values, and good communication, and they find their apotheosis in the mentee’s transition to mentor.” Chopra and Saint go on to explain this expected transition demonstrates the level of knowledge that is being passed on to the mentee. They state this is important because “...the myriad skills and knowledge needed in business are difficult to acquire from a single individual.” Through having multiple sources of information, including a mentor, our emerging workforce is able to get a better idea of the careers available.
McMinnville Water & Light and McMinnville High School - Water Filtration Trailer Project Development Internship
Craig Brockett, the Workforce Development Project Coordinator at MEDP, is working to cultivate a new mentorship program, connecting High School youth with industries in McMinnville. Craig believes that, "Creating mentorship programs here in McMinnville is one of many strategies to better connect local students to their surrounding business community. These partnerships can really help shape students' careers and allow local businesses to understand the emerging workforce." This program is crucial for McMinnville, where local businesses can directly engage with and shape the future workforce.
MEDP also puts a lot of effort into their McMinnville WORKS Summer Internship Program. This program connects exceptional young professionals with companies around McMinnville. At these companies, the interns are paired with a mentor who they will work with throughout the summer learning about the company and the industry. These mentors are demonstrating essential skills and helping to support them through project-based internships.
Members of the 2024 McMinnville WORKS Summer Internship Cohort
This year marks the 11th year of the McMinnville WORKS Internship Program, featuring a diverse cohort of 13 interns and 11 mentors spread across 10 host sites in McMinnville. As I have been getting to know each of the mentorship pairs, I’ve noticed a common theme among the mentors: every single mentor is eager to learn from their intern’s new perspective and background. Additionally, every intern is eager to gain hands-on experience and learn first-hand the reality of working in their mentor’s industry.
This summer, the host sites consist of the City of McMinnville Engineering, Cutting Edge Metals, EMPWR USA Inc., Ether Form, MEDP, McMinnville Water & Light, Miller Technologies, Solid Carbon Inc., Solid Form Fabrication, and Swedemom Center of Giving. Each company has at least one or more intern who is being guided through their project-based internship under the guidance of their mentor. The success of the McMinnville WORKS program highlights the profound impact of mentorship on our local youth and businesses. As we continue to foster these relationships, we encourage more companies and professionals to get involved and support our emerging workforce.
See more Q3 News in our Full Quarterly Newsletter.
Advancing Workforce Development and Innovative Initiatives
Article by MEDP Workforce Development Contractor, Craig Brockett
McMinnville School District, Lauren Berg and MEDP Workforce Development Contractor, Craig Brockett and applicant at the Hospitality Industry Hiring Fair.
After collaborative research and various stakeholder feedback, the City of McMinnville's 8212 Grant has entered its implementation stage, focusing on creating sustainable systems to connect qualified job seekers with local employers. One immediate action was the launch of a Seasonal Hospitality Hiring Event, driven by insights from a Hospitality listening session that highlighted the critical need for support in hiring local seasonal employees post-COVID-19. Seasonal workers are crucial for business success, offering flexibility and scalability to meet changes in demand, reducing costs, and enhancing productivity.
This initiative involved a task force including MEDP, McMinnville School District, and the Workforce Innovation Network (WIN) Advisory Council, collaboratively developing job descriptions and organizing a targeted hiring event. Efforts were concentrated on ensuring candidates met specific criteria and had equitable access to opportunities through partnerships with education and employment agencies. The goal was to address immediate hiring needs while establishing a streamlined process for future events.
MEDP promoted the event through local education partners, WorkSource Oregon, local business leaders, and social media, resulting in a diverse applicant pool ranging in age from 16 to 60 years. The event successfully connected over 40 applicants with 18 different job postings across six local businesses.
Another action step included the development of a mentorship program designed to connect skilled trades employers with students in aligned Career & Technical Education pathways at McMinnville High School. Partnering with local educational institutions is crucial for skilled trades, fostering workforce development by equipping students with necessary skills early on. These collaborations enhance career awareness, attract new talent, and dispel misconceptions about careers in trades. They also provide hands-on experience and industry insights, improving students' employability and cultivating meaningful relationships between students and professionals, which is essential for career success.
Collaborative meetings with school and district-level employees have begun, with additional sessions planned over the summer to prepare the Skilled Trades Mentorship Program for launch by fall 2024. The objective is to establish a sustainable program that can be scaled up to include other industries and student groups, expanding across all levels of education.
See more Q3 News in our Full Quarterly Newsletter.
LMV Pub Talk: People, Planet, Profits - Exploring Purpose-Driven Business
LMV Pub Talk: People, Planet, Profits - Moderators: Sarah Holdeman and Rebecca Goldcrump and Panelists: Helen Anderson, HelloCare; John Mead, Solid Carbon; Pat Crowley, Chapul Farms; Deven Paolo, Solid Form Fabrication at 1882 Grille, McMinnville, OR
On June 27, 2024, McMinnville's business community gathered at 1882 Grille for the latest Launch Mid Valley Pub Talk, focusing on the theme “People, Planet, Profits.” The event provided a platform for local business leaders to discuss how to successfully integrate social and environmental responsibility with profitability.
The panel featured Helen Anderson from HelloCare, Deven Paolo from Solid Form, Pat Crowley from Chapul Farms, and John Mead from Solid Carbon. Each shared insights on balancing profit-making with positive social and environmental impact. The discussion was moderated by Rebecca Golcrump and Sarah Holdeman of The Impact Collective, who guided the conversation towards actionable strategies for cultivating purpose-driven businesses.
Rebecca Golcrump, CEO & Co-founder of The Impact Collective, commented on the event: “What an inspiring panel and amazing event! The sense of community was palpable. McMinnville is clearly a place that strongly supports its entrepreneurs.” She added, "It's challenging to run a purpose-led business that balances people, planet, and profits, and I’m grateful to the local leaders proving it's possible."
Sarah Holdeman, COO & Co-founder, emphasized the importance of mission-driven growth and noted that focusing solely on profit is unsustainable. Her diverse experience across industries provided a comprehensive approach to helping organizations achieve their impact goals.
The Impact Collective specializes in guiding companies towards B Corp Certification, highlighting the potential for businesses to serve as a force for good.
The event fostered a sense of community and shared purpose among attendees through discussions and networking.
See more Q3 News in our Full Quarterly Newsletter.
Solid Carbon: Leading the Charge in Sustainable Innovation
MEDP Executive Director, Patty Herzog, Wilsonville Concrete Michael Bernert, and Solid Carbon's John Mead at a HIOP Pilot Pour at Alpine Crossing
Solid Carbon partnered with the McMinnville Economic Development Partnership (MEDP) to secure the High Impact Opportunity Project (HIOP) grant through Business Oregon in 2022. Following their receipt of the HIOP grant, Solid Carbon has been making significant strides in sustainability, expansion, and innovation.
Since being awarded the HIOP grant, Solid Carbon has moved into a new location in Oregon’s wine country. Their new facility will house offices and a concrete lab, furthering their research and development capabilities. The company has also expanded its team, welcoming a product development engineer, an alum of McMinnville High School and of the McMinnville WORKS Internship Program, a director of research, and two college interns.
Solid Carbon recently secured an investment from the newly launched Intrepid Oregon Fund, managed by the Portland Seed Fund. This $4 million fund focuses on early-stage startups in climate tech and other innovative fields. Solid Carbon's inclusion in this portfolio underscores their potential to revolutionize the concrete industry with their carbon-negative products. CEO John Mead emphasized, "The need for sustainable building materials is critical, and this investment allows us to advance our mission of reducing the carbon footprint in the construction industry."
The Intrepid Oregon Fund (read more here), supported by Business Oregon and the Oregon Innovation Council, aims to invest in 15 or more Oregon-based companies, providing initial funding between $100,000 and $250,000 with the possibility of additional follow-on investments. This initiative aligns with Solid Carbon’s mission to offer sustainable alternatives in the construction industry.
Solid Carbon’s achievements were recently recognized with the 2023 McMinnville Innovator of the Year Award, presented by the McMinnville Economic Development Partnership (MEDP). This accolade honors companies demonstrating forward-thinking and innovative practices with a positive societal impact. Solid Carbon’s biogenic carbon-based materials for structural concrete were pivotal in winning this award.
Looking ahead, Solid Carbon continues to work closely with MEDP and with regional partners such as SEDCOR and Business Oregon. Their work includes pilot pours in the McMinnville community, with projects like New Energy Work’s New Beamery factory slab and the Miller Woods welcome kiosk.
Solid Carbon is committed to both environmental sustainability and community engagement. CEO John Mead actively supports the local community by coaching rugby and serving on the City’s historic landmark committee.
Stay tuned for more updates on Solid Carbon’s journey and their contributions to sustainable innovation—there is certainly more to come!
See more Q3 News in our Full Quarterly Newsletter.
McMinnville Area Community Foundation Awards Linfield University $10,000 from Game Changer Program
On May 22, Dave Haugeberg, President of the McMinnville Area Community Foundation, announced a significant boost to local entrepreneurship with the inaugural award of $10,000 to Linfield University for the Entrepreneurship Center and Launch Lab supporting entrepreneurial education and programming. This first-ever award included $7,000 from the Game Changer Grant Program and $3000 generously supported by other McMinnville Area Community Foundation funds. This grant will play a pivotal role in supporting aspiring entrepreneurs through the Launch Mid-Valley Coffee Club for Startups and educational programming at Linfield University.
The Linfield Launch Lab stands as a collaborative initiative involving Linfield University, the City of McMinnville, McMinnville Industrial Promotions (MIP), and the McMinnville Economic Development Partnership (MEDP). This partnership aims to foster entrepreneurial spirit and economic growth within the McMinnville community.
"This generous grant will allow us to expand our efforts in nurturing local startups and providing them with the resources and mentorship they need to thrive," said Joseph Hunter, Vice President for University Advancement at Linfield University. "The monthly Coffee Club for Startups, in particular, has been instrumental in creating a supportive environment where entrepreneurs can network, learn, and grow their ventures."
The Game Changer Fund, established by the Bladine Family, exemplifies a commitment to empowering local initiatives that drive positive change in McMinnville. Through strategic investments like these, the fund aims to partner with other funds to catalyze innovation and economic development in the McMinnville community.
"We are thrilled to support the Linfield Launch Lab through a Game Changer grant," said Dave Haugeberg, President of the McMinnville Area Community Foundation. "This investment not only strengthens entrepreneurial opportunities but also underscores our belief in the transformative impact of collaborative community partnerships."
The Linfield Entrepreneurship Center and Launch Lab is a new initiative for aspiring entrepreneurs that provides business and educational resources. As McMinnville looks towards a future of innovation and growth, initiatives like these pave the way for a vibrant and resilient local economy.
See more Q3 News in our Full Quarterly Newsletter.
MEDP's LMV Micro Workshops: Leveraging GenAI for Business Innovation
Holli Wagner, Wagner Advisory LLC and Caitlyn Gray, Pure Light Botanical Beauty lead an LMV Micro Workshop on Leveraging AI for your Business following the June LMV Coffee Club for Entrepreneurs and Start-ups
On June 18, 2024, the McMinnville Economic Development Partnership (MEDP) held its latest LMV (Launch Mid Valley) Micro Workshop, titled "Leveraging GenAI for Your Business," aimed at equipping local entrepreneurs with the tools to integrate Generative AI (GenAI) into their operations. The workshop followed the monthly Coffee Club and featured Holli Wagner of the Wagner Advisory Group as the guest speaker.
Holli Wagner, an AI and business innovation expert, provided a comprehensive overview of GenAI's capabilities and practical applications. The workshop addressed several topics, including the differences between traditional AI and GenAI, the mechanics of GenAI, and the steps to begin using these tools in business. With an in-depth look at the technology behind GenAI, explaining its core mechanisms and potential applications, practical guidance was offered on how companies can start using GenAI, including steps for integrating these tools into their operations effectively.
Security, integrity, and ethics were also highlighted as crucial considerations for the ethical and secure use of AI. Real-world examples showcased how businesses are successfully leveraging ChatGPT to enhance their operations. To cap off the session, there was a live demonstration of ChatGPT 4.o, illustrating its capabilities and various applications in a business context.
Wagner explained the evolution of AI and highlighted GenAI's unique ability to generate content, analyze large datasets, and provide real-time insights. She showcased practical applications such as automating customer service and creating personalized marketing strategies. The importance of ethical AI use was also emphasized, focusing on transparency and accountability in AI-driven decisions.
"The potential of GenAI tools like ChatGPT is immense," said Wagner. "However, it's crucial to implement these tools thoughtfully, with a strong focus on security and ethical considerations. By leveraging GenAI, businesses can innovate and improve efficiency in unprecedented ways."
Attendees witnessed a live demo of ChatGPT 4.o, showcasing its ability to generate human-like text for various business applications, including drafting emails, creating content, and providing customer support. This hands-on demonstration highlighted the practical benefits and ease of integrating GenAI into everyday business operations.
Miles Oliveira from Buildable added “Generative AI tools are improving at an incredible pace. The accuracy, applicability, and variety of tools available will continue to evolve and bring transformative changes to how we live and work. What is important to remember, is that business owners must continue to adapt to these tools and embrace the change they represent. Having a strategy for how your organization will utilize these tools is key to maintaining your competitive advantage."
MEDP's LMV Micro Workshops continue to provide invaluable resources and learning opportunities for local entrepreneurs, helping them stay at the cutting edge of business innovation. Stay tuned for more events and workshops designed to support and grow our vibrant business community.
July 25 AI in the Valley, presented by SEDCOR and Launch Mid Valley
See more Q3 News in our Full Quarterly Newsletter.
Local Awards Opportunities: Don't miss the chance to honor the Best of the Best!
MEDP McMinnovation Awards Ceremony 2023
As we move into a new quarter, the MEDP is thrilled to announce several opportunities to celebrate and recognize the outstanding achievements within our community.
Nominations Due by:
2024 OEN Entrepreneurship Awards: August 5
Coolest Thing Made in Yamhill County Contest: August 19
MEDP 2024 McMinnovation Awards: August 23
Here’s a comprehensive guide to ensure you don’t miss out on these prestigious awards and recognitions:
MEDP MCMINNOVATION AWARDS - Nominations Now Open
MEDP is excited to announce that nominations are now open for the annual McMinnovation Awards. This is your chance to recognize the incredible accomplishments of our local businesses and leaders.
Award Categories:
- McMinnville Maker of the Year: Celebrating significant achievements in the traded sector, including growth, innovation, sustainability, and community service.
- McMinnville Start-up of the Year: Highlighting young businesses with fewer than 50 employees, demonstrating entrepreneurial spirit and potential for economic impact.
- Kelly McDonald Business Leader of the Year: Honoring individuals who exemplify exceptional leadership and innovative business practices.
Nomination Deadline: August 23, 2024
Award Ceremony: October 2, 2024, at MEDP’s Annual Event
MEDP has been recognizing our McMinnville MADE and McMinnovators since 2007. Take a look at our past recipients. Additional awards will be chosen by our Board of Directors and announced at MEDP's Annual Event.
Submit Nominations: MEDP McMinnovation Award Nomination Form
2024 OEN ENTREPRENEURSHIP AWARDS
The Oregon Entrepreneurs Network (OEN) is now accepting nominations for the 2024 OEN Entrepreneurship Awards. These awards celebrate excellence in innovation, growth, and community impact within Oregon’s entrepreneurial community.
Categories Include:
- Growth Stage: For companies demonstrating significant progress and potential.
- Trailblazer: For businesses showing innovative approaches in their field.
Nomination Deadline: August 5, 2024
Submit Nominations: OEN Nomination Form
Notable Local Past Winners:
- Chapul Farms: Winner of the "Growth Stage" Award for its innovative insect farming techniques.
- Precision Analytical: Finalist in the "Trailblazer" category for advancements in hormone testing.
COOLEST THING MADE IN YAMHILL COUNTY CONTEST
We are thrilled to present the "Coolest Thing Made in Yamhill County" contest, part of the Oregon Business & Industry (OBI) Coolest Thing Made in Oregon competition. This is an excellent opportunity to showcase the remarkable products made by our local manufacturers.
Why Participate?
- Showcase Your Products: Gain visibility and recognition.
- Boost Local Pride: Highlight the craftsmanship in Yamhill County.
- Engage the Community: Involve the community in voting and support.
Yamhill County Deadline: August 19, 2024
Submit Nominations: Coolest Thing Made in Yamhill County
Yamhill County Winners will be recognized in a special edition by the News Register. McMinnville based winners will be recognized at MEDP’s Annual McMinnovation Awards Event: October 2, 2024 and in conjunction with National Manufacturing Day: October 4, 2024
We encourage everyone to take part in these recognition opportunities. By acknowledging the achievements of our local businesses and leaders, we continue to foster a vibrant and supportive community.
Let’s celebrate the innovation and hard work of our local manufacturers! Together, let's honor those who are driving innovation, growth, and community impact in McMinnville and beyond!
See more Q3 News in our Full Quarterly Newsletter.
McMinnville's Path to Progress: A Dynamic Evolution
The City of McMinnville is making significant progress on two major development projects: the former RB Rubber / Ultimate RB site and the new Innovation Campus.
Northwest Rubber Site Redevelopment
The City’s effort to leverage the former Northwest Rubber site off Alpine Avenue into a catalytic mixed-use commercial and residential redevelopment project is moving forward, with City staff and consultants providing updates on selecting a developer. The City purchased the 3.6-acre property last October for $4.25 million, aiming to solicit developers to redevelop it into a mixed-use, high-density development that would help revitalize and transform the NE Gateway District. An RFQ (Request for Qualifications) will be issued in July, with initial responses due by the end of August. The City will then select a short list of developers to participate in a community engagement process and provide concept proposals for the site by the end of December from which the City will select a developer for the site.
This RFQ process gives the City the opportunity to select a developer based on qualifications and match for the City’s vision for the site. Once a developer is chosen, the City will enter a memorandum of understanding and begin planning, which could take 6 - 12 months. Desired uses for the site include housing for various income levels, commercial space, and open areas, potentially incorporating hospitality uses like a hotel. The project aims to transform the district, leveraging a "toolbox" of incentive programs to offset affordable housing costs.
To find the RFQ, visit: City of McMinnville Procurement - Bids & RFPs | DemandStar
For more information, visit: City of McMinnville Northwest Rubber Information Page
Simultaneously, the City is advancing plans for an Innovation Campus along Highway 18. The campus is envisioned as a hub for industrial and entrepreneurial jobs and includes office spaces, manufacturing facilities, incubator spaces, and a 40-acre retail town center. The City Council on May 28 approved a contract for an estimated 18-month study of the land. The study will answer critical questions about the campus, which is part of the Three Mile Lane area plans.
The Innovation Campus project will consider various factors, including master planning for density limitations, utilities, transportation, and broadband access. Marketing efforts will focus on branding and a site-specific strategy to attract businesses and investors.
Both projects underscore McMinnville's commitment to growth and innovation, with the City taking strategic steps to ensure that these developments meet the community's needs while fostering economic development.
Stay tuned for further updates as McMinnville continues to transform and grow.
See more Q3 News in our Full Quarterly Newsletter.
Fostering Growth and Stability: MEDP and Business Oregon’s Commitment to McMinnville’s Business Success
Fostering Growth and Stability: MEDP and Business Oregon’s Commitment to McMinnville’s Business Success
Business Oregon and The McMinnville Economic Development Partnership (MEDP) are committed to the success and growth of local businesses, recognizing their vital role in fostering a prosperous community. With a strong focus on business retention and expansion (BR&E), MEDP connects the city’s diverse businesses with programs and resources tailored to their unique needs.
A significant emphasis is placed on helping businesses access programs offered by Business Oregon, alongside other federal and local resources. This coordinated effort aims to sustain and enhance the competitiveness and strength of McMinnville businesses, ensuring their long-term success and resilience.
"Retention and expansion of local businesses is essential for a strong and resilient economy. At Business Oregon, we are committed to providing the necessary resources and support to help McMinnville businesses succeed. Our partnership with the MEDP and other economic development organizations across the state ensures that companies can access the programs they need to innovate and grow. Together, we are supporting business growth to create prosperous communities,” Arthur Chaput, Regional Development Officer, Business Oregon.
BR&E is a critical component of economic development for several key reasons:
- Economic Stability: By retaining and expanding existing businesses, the local economy remains stable and less vulnerable to market fluctuations.
- Job Creation: Supporting business growth leads to new job opportunities, boosting local employment rates.
- Community Prosperity: Thriving businesses contribute to the overall prosperity of the community, improving the quality of life for residents.
- Innovation and Growth: Access to state and local resources encourages innovation, helping businesses to grow and compete effectively in the market.
We are proud to share success stories from businesses that have benefited from recent BR&E initiatives:
Applied Physics Technology (APT)
APT Tour with Congresswoman Bonamici, Business Oregon, OMEP and APT CEO, Marcus Straw
- Expansion Project: 2,670 sq ft, ISO 7-rated clean room
- Project Cost: $2.5 M (not including new cleanroom equipment)
- Funding: Business Oregon Emerging Opportunity Grant: $1.2M, APT: $1.3M
- Jobs Retained: 25
- Jobs Added: 25 (by the end of 2024)
- Completion Date: November, 2023
- Quote: Marcus Straw, PhD. PRESIDENT & CEO.
“The $1.2 million Emerging Opportunity Fund grant we received from Business Oregon was a crucial support pillar for this project. Their assistance was not just financial, but also a vote of confidence in APT’s mission and vision. It’s the kind of support that helps small businesses like ours turn bold ideas into reality. The MEDP team has also been instrumental in fostering a business environment in which companies like ours can thrive. Their efforts help bring business and community together, ensuring McMinnville continues to be a place where innovation can flourish. And finally, our appreciation extends to the Oregon Manufacturing Extension Partnership as well. Their guidance has been invaluable, helping us to streamline our operations and enhance our competitiveness in a demanding marketplace. It's organizations like OMEP that ensure Oregon's manufacturing sector remains at the forefront of innovation and efficiency.”
Excel Tech
ExcelTech Tour with CEO Matt Redhead, representatives from SEDCOR, Business Oregon, and MEDP
- Expansion: Equipment purchase and workforce development
- Project Cost: $275,000
- Funding: $275,000 Business Oregon Emerging Opportunity Fund
- Jobs Retained: 12 FT, 2 PT
- Jobs Added: 4 FT (projected)
- Completion Date: December 2023
- Quote: Matt Redhead, President and Owner
"Our expansion project, made possible by the Business Oregon Emerging Opportunity Fund, has allowed us to purchase updated equipment and replace aging machinery. This investment not only ensures we maintain our current standards and handle more advanced projects but also enables us to offer additional services to our customer base and introduce new offerings to Yamhill County. The support from Business Oregon and MEDP has been crucial in helping local small businesses like ours remain competitive in Oregon."
Blue Raeven Pies
Blue Raeven's Retail and Production facility on Alpine Avenue
- Expansion: purchase and installation pie-making equipment to expand production
- Funding: $75,000 Business Oregon, Small Business Sustainability Fund. Blue Raeven: cash match of $32,000 and an in-kind match of $3,000 toward a total project cost of $110,000
- Jobs Retained: 12
- Jobs Added: 3
- Completion Date: 12/31/2023
New Energy Works
New Enegery Works NEW Beamery Italian Timber Cutting Line arrival
- Expansion: New Building, 20,000 SF timber frame and glulam production shop
- Funding: Self-funded
- Jobs Retained: 170 crafts persons, 100% employee-owned and triple-bottom line company
- Completion Date: Fourth Quarter 2024
- Quote: Jonathan Orpin, New Energy Works CEO and Founder (from press release 05/2024)
“The NEW Beamery is a fascinating opportunity to not only expand our West Coast operations and be able to do new work in the area of glulams and more efficient timber framing; but a way to walk our talk of sustainable building practices. It’s been a place for us to work with biochar concrete, use a more innovative glulam truss system instead of steel, and incorporate wood fiber insulation,” says New Energy Works CEO and Founder, Jonathan Orpin.
“I’m excited to open this new facility in McMinnville, a town that has been so good to us over our last 20 years here. And to be able to have our McMinnville team crafting in a home that has more space, is more efficient, and makes them happy to come to work every day,” finished Orpin.
EMPWR
EMPWR expansion progress on Booth Bend
- Expansion: Phase 1 (2022) - investment and installation of manufacturing and co-packing line (1). Phase 2 of 3 includes an 85,000 sq ft facility, new manufacturing, and co-packing lines (2).
- Project Cost: Phase 1 - $20M, Phase 2 - $85M
- Funding: Governor’s Strategic Reserve Fund (SRF) Grant from Business Oregon, $1M
- Jobs Retained: 85 jobs, currently 210 employees
- Jobs Added: Phase 1 - 110-125 new jobs, Phase 2 - 220 to 240 new jobs (projected by 2026)
- Completion Date: Phase 1 - completed in 2023, Phase 2 - First Quarter 2025 (projected)
- Quote: Sheyla Wulf-Howell, VP of Operations (press release 04/2024)
“We are putting in a lot of work to become one of the best local employers around and placing a lot of emphasis on the happiness of our employees.” The company has also benefited from local partners. Sheyla said, “It’s been amazing to work with Business Oregon, the McMinnville Economic Development Partnership, City of McMinnville, and SEDCOR. They all pull together to find solutions and resources when we have questions.”
These companies and more have experienced significant growth and innovation through private and state investment and MEDP’s collaborative efforts with Business Oregon. We are building a resilient economic foundation by focusing on business retention and expansion (BR&E) activities, leveraging strong partnerships, and utilizing state and local resources. This approach ensures long-term prosperity and stability for McMinnville's businesses and residents.
See more Q3 News in our Full Quarterly Newsletter.
