MEDP Spark Q4 '24 - Celebrating McMinnovation!

Oct 25, 2024

October 2024 MEDP Q4 Spark Newsletter

Celebrating McMinnovation in McMinnville

McMinnville Economic Development Partnership 2024 Annual Event at The Bindery

MEDP's McMinnovation Awards Program is an eagerly awaited celebration of the remarkable achievements shaping McMinnville’s business landscape. MEDP has been celebrating our traded sector businesses and leadership since 2007. This year, the event showcased outstanding companies and individuals whose innovation, leadership, and community spirit have contributed to the city’s growing economic vitality. Below are the highlights from the 2024 McMinnovation Awards ceremony, celebrating McMinnville’s most inspiring achievements.

McMinnville Maker of the Year: EMPWR Nutrition

The first award recognized EMPWR Nutrition as the McMinnville Maker of the Year, a title honoring a traded-sector company that has significantly impacted the local economy. EMPWR, a Belgium-based snack bar manufacturer, has been a driving force for growth in McMinnville. With a $20 million investment to expand its facility by 85,000 square feet, the company is creating more than 200 new jobs, marking a significant milestone in McMinnville’s business landscape. This expansion, backed by a state grant, not only strengthens the local workforce but also highlights EMPWR's commitment to sustainability and operational excellence. EMPWR Nutrition’s expansion stands as a testament to its ongoing dedication to growth and innovation, making it a worthy recipient of this award.

Start-up of the Year: Phenix Solutions

Next, the Start-up of the Year Award was presented to Phenix Solutions, a company led by retired U.S. Army veteran Brian Riese and CEO Mark Zimmerman. Phenix Solutions has emerged as a leader in aviation technology, specializing in large Remote Piloted Aircraft (RPA) for both military and civilian use. Since its founding, Phenix has secured over $15 million in development funding and is transitioning into commercial operations with ambitious plans for larger aircraft that can serve critical missions like firefighting and medical transportation. Their participation in the Oregon UAS Accelerator Program and their innovative Ultra 2XL aircraft demonstrate the company’s commitment to cutting-edge technology and economic impact in McMinnville.

Kelly McDonald Business Leader of the Year: Harold Washington

The Kelly McDonald Business Leader of the Year award went to Harold Washington, a pillar of McMinnville’s business and philanthropic community. Washington, who took over his family’s roofing business, Washington Roofing, in 1986, has since grown the company into a local staple. But his contributions extend far beyond business. Washington has been a key figure in various community organizations, including McMinnville Industrial Promotions, MV Advancements, Yamhill County Gospel Rescue Mission, and Habitat for Humanity, where his company has provided roofing for every house since the 1990s. His commitment to service and his family, along with his humility and integrity, made him an exemplary choice for this prestigious award.

Workforce Partnership of the Year: Willamette Valley Medical Center

Willamette Valley Medical Center (WVMC) was awarded the Workforce Partnership of the Year for its innovative internship program, designed in collaboration with the McMinnville Economic Development Partnership. This program provides invaluable opportunities for individuals interested in the medical field, offering hands-on experience and mentorship across hospital departments. Supported by funds from the American Rescue Plan Act through the City of McMinnville, the internship initiative is addressing workforce challenges exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and creating long-term career pathways in healthcare. WVMC’s dedication to workforce development has had a significant impact on both the local economy and healthcare sector.

Innovator of the Year: News-Register

The Innovator of the Year award went to Jeb Bladine and the News-Register, a family-owned newspaper that has been a cornerstone of McMinnville since 1866. Under the leadership of Jeb and his son, Ossie, the newspaper has adapted to the digital age with a new publishing model, offering both e-editions and a redesigned print edition. The News-Register’s innovative approach ensures that local news remains accessible and relevant to all generations. Their forward-thinking vision, while maintaining their community-focused mission, sets a high standard for local journalism and innovation.

Launch McMinnville Award: HelloCare

The inaugural Launch McMinnville Award was presented to HelloCare, a company founded by nurse Helen Anderson to address gaps in senior care. Since participating in the Launch Mid-Valley Bootcamp in 2020, HelloCare has grown exponentially, now employing over 100 caregivers and winning the 2023 OEN Development Stage Entrepreneurship Award. HelloCare’s mission to provide high-quality in-home care for seniors, while also creating sustainable careers for caregivers, exemplifies the kind of innovation and growth the Launch McMinnville Award was designed to recognize.

Outstanding Partner of the Year: Chemeketa Community College

The Outstanding Partner of the Year award honored Paul Davis and Holly Nelson of Chemeketa Community College. Their dedication to community support, from organizing career fairs to hosting monthly workforce meetings, has fostered a collaborative environment that is essential to McMinnville’s economic development. Their commitment to introducing industry-driven programs in trucking, healthcare, and equipment operation has significantly contributed to the region’s workforce development, making them invaluable partners to the community.

Distinguished Service for Economic Vitality: Ron Noble

Finally, the Distinguished Service for Economic Vitality Award was presented to Ron Noble for his leadership in securing funding for McMinnville’s Business Recovery and Resiliency Plan. This plan, funded by the State American Rescue Plan Act, has provided critical resources to help local businesses recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. Through forgivable loans, workforce training, and bilingual mentorship programs, Noble’s efforts have laid the foundation for sustainable economic growth in McMinnville, ensuring the community’s resilience and prosperity for years to come.

The McMinnovation Awards highlight the creativity, resilience, and leadership that define McMinnville’s business community. Each recipient embodies the spirit of innovation and dedication to both economic development and community well-being, making McMinnville a thriving and inspiring place to live and work.

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Want to watch our Annual Event Video?

Thank you to MCM 11 for capturing our annual event! Watch it here!

Thank you to our 2024 Annual Event Contributors:

Programming like this is supported by our incredible Investor Circle, THANK YOU!

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.

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