MEDP Spark Q4 '25 - Momentum for McMinnville: Highlights from 2025 and What’s Next

Nov 14, 2025

MEDP Q4 - 2025 Spark Newsletter, read the full e-newsletter at this link.

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

Celebrating Our McMinnovators and Building Toward McMinnville’s Future

As we wrap up 2025 and reflect on the work at MEDP, I’m proud to share a few highlights of what we’ve accomplished together and look ahead to 2026.

Celebrating our McMinnovators
We thoroughly enjoyed celebrating our business and industry leaders at the MEDP Annual Event in October, hosted at Linfield University, where we recognized the heros behind McMinnville MADE and those who support us in growing a thriving community. Please join us in sharing your congratulations to our 2025 McMinnovators!

Strengthening Workforce and Supporting Local Businesses
MEDP and partners completed work on the McMinnville Business Recovery and Resiliency Plan, funded by ARPA and secured by Rep. Ron Noble, supporting the community’s MacTown 2032 Economic Prosperity goals.

Workforce highlights included:

WVMC medical internships – 24 paid placements

LPN-to-RN apprenticeships

MHS hospitality and skilled trades pathways

Yamhill County Student Manufacturing Experience

The Workforce Integration Network grew 23%, and cultural agility training strengthened inclusive workplaces.

On the business side, MEDP completed 279 consultations, helping companies secure $742,000 in funding and generating 25 site-connection leads. We hosted Industry Tours, PNAA AeroConnect, and Quarterly Business Leader Forums, reaching an annual total of 816 attendees, and celebrated local makers at the McMinnovation Awards at Linfield University this year. Be sure to check out our 2025 Annual Report.

Looking Ahead: 2026 and Beyond
Our priorities will include:

Talent and Workforce Pipeline: Expanding internships and connecting emerging talent to manufacturing pathways through programs like Unidos Level Up.

Site and Infrastructure Readiness: Supporting ready-to-build sites and available spaces for business growth.

Innovation and Entrepreneurship: Fostering startups, retaining local innovators, and attracting investment in technology, aerospace, and advanced manufacturing.

Business Retention and Expansion: Helping companies grow, create quality jobs, and secure new opportunities.

Community and Collaborative Engagement: Linking business, government, education, and nonprofits to drive shared success.

With your support, 2026 will be a milestone year as MEDP celebrates 20 years of helping businesses thrive, creating quality jobs, and strengthening our community.

A special thank you to our Investor Circle members for your continued partnership—your support makes this work possible. Together, we’ll keep building opportunities, celebrating innovation, and shaping McMinnville’s future.

Patty Herzog
Executive Director, MEDP

Read the full Q4 Spark here.

Accolades & Congratulations:

Congratulations to our McMinnovators! MEDP's 2025 Annual Awards program held in October, recognized the people and businesses that are the backbone of our thriving community. Please share in congratulating our 2025 Winners!
MEDP and The Sprout Summit Committee were proud to be awarded the OEDA-Oregon Economic Development Association's Award for Outstanding Collaborative Partnership in Economic Development.

What's Ahead:

The City of McMinnville is currently seeking applications for several Advisory Committees and Commissions. Consider contributing your time and expertise to one of the following: Planning, Affordable Housing, Historic Landmarks, Urban Renewal, DEI, and Budget. Visit the City’s Boards & Commission’s page for a downloadable application and information on how to apply: https://www.mcminnvilleoregon.gov/bc OR complete a digital application at: https://forms.gle/MYmYCQNPsCZPVMzG7. Apply by November 21, 2025 at 5:00pm

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 traded sector business community. Please join us in supporting McMinnville business and industry 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: