Letter from the Executive Director - Q3 2024

Jul 19, 2024

Hello to our MEDP Partners,

As we navigate a changing economy, our commitment to supporting business retention and expansion (BR&E) remains strong, driven by our belief in the pivotal role of local businesses in advancing a thriving community. Our strategic initiatives (Business Attraction, Business Retention and Expansion, Workforce Development, and Innovation and Entrepreneurship) are tailored to meet the diverse needs of our business ecosystem.

Through active outreach and support, we engage closely with local businesses to understand their specific challenges and provide targeted resources for growth. Collaborating closely with key partners like Business Oregon, SEDCOR, and local entities such as the City of McMinnville, McMinnville Water & Light, McMinnville Industrial Promotions, Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Business Association, and Visit McMinnville, our BR&E efforts offer a range of services. These include personalized business consultations, access to financial assistance, workforce development programs, and state incentives for expansion, all aimed at enhancing McMinnville businesses' competitiveness and sustainability.

For several reasons, business retention and expansion (BR&E) is a critical component of economic development. It preserves and creates jobs, ensuring residents have great jobs with stable employment opportunities. By retaining and expanding local businesses, we contribute to a resilient economy, reducing the risks associated with business relocations. Successful BR&E programs encourage businesses to reinvest in our community, leading to improvements in infrastructure, new facilities, and enhanced services that benefit everyone.

Local businesses also play a vital role in community engagement, supporting local events and charities that create a strong sense of community among residents. By growing local businesses, we strengthen community connections. Additionally, by helping businesses to innovate and grow, BR&E initiatives help maintain a competitive edge in the local economy, attracting talent and fostering entrepreneurship.

We take pride in the success stories of local businesses like Applied Physics Technology, Excel Tech, Blue Raeven Pies, and EMPWR, which have thrived through collaborative efforts. Leveraging strong partnerships and resources of our economic development partners, we are building a healthy economic foundation that benefits all residents of McMinnville.

We look forward to continuing to support and celebrate the growth of our local businesses, ensuring long-term prosperity and resilience for our community.

Cheers,

Patty

See more Q3 News in our Full Quarterly Newsletter.