Letter from the Executive Director - Q4 2024
Oct 25, 2024
Hello MEDP Partners,
With autumn ushering in a season of change across our valley, we are reflecting on the remarkable progress in McMinnville's business community. This October, we proudly celebrated National Manufacturing Month, recognizing the essential role our local manufacturers play in our economy. McMinnville is home to 106 manufacturing companies, employing 2,216 individuals and generating an impressive $338 million in revenue impact. This is part of a larger network of 360 manufacturers across Yamhill County, which collectively employ 5,786 people and contribute nearly $956 million to our regional economy.
A recent analysis of Oregon's manufacturing sector, conducted by ECOnorthwest for Oregon Business & Industry (OBI), outlines both challenges and opportunities ahead. Although Oregon ranked 45th nationally in manufacturing growth between June 2023 and June 2024, there are encouraging signs of resilience and innovation. Manufacturing jobs in our state continue to offer significant wage premiums, with an average annual salary of $91,467. We are also witnessing strengths in sectors such as wood products and high-tech electronics, where Oregon workers are among the most productive in the nation. You can find the complete findings in the 2024 Oregon Manufacturing Sector Report.
Strengthening our manufacturing sector in McMinnville’s economy is a top priority for MEDP, given its substantial contribution to the state's GDP and its potential for creating high-wage jobs. The vibrancy of our local manufacturing community is currently showcased in the inaugural "Coolest Thing Made in Yamhill County" contest, hosted by the News-Register. This competition highlights the diversity and innovation of our manufacturers, with Applied Physics Technologies and Blue Raeven Pies emerging as finalists from a remarkable pool of 32 entries. The winner will be announced at the 2024 Chamber Annual Dinner on November 8th. We encourage you to learn more about our exceptional local manufacturers and cast your vote at newsregister.com/coolestthings before October 31st.
The strength of our manufacturing sector was also on display at the recent MEDP awards ceremony, where we celebrated EMPWR Nutrition for creating 200 new jobs through their facility expansion and recognized emerging success stories like Phenix Solutions with their Ultra 2XL aircraft. We also applauded HelloCare, which has grown from a startup bootcamp winner in 2020 to employing over 100 people in our region. Additionally, we honored community leaders Harold Washington for his decades of business leadership and former Rep. Ron Noble for his vital role in securing essential ARPA funding for our community.
As we near completion of the Sustainable Workforce Training and Resources project—part of the Business Recovery and Resiliency Plan, initiated through Rep. Noble's leadership—we are proud of the workforce systems established over the past year under Craig Brockett's guidance. Key accomplishments include launching the Yamhill Valley Careers Resource Directory, establishing a healthcare internship program with Willamette Valley Medical Center, coordinating a Hospitality & Tourism hiring event, and developing the Skilled Trades Mentorship Program at McMinnville High School.
At MEDP, we remain dedicated to strengthening our manufacturing base and enhancing our economic vitality. We invite you to join us in this important work through our Investor Circle as we continue to build a brighter future for our business community.
Thanks for your partnership!
Patty Herzog
See MEDP's 2023-2024 Annual Report
See more Q4 News in our Full Quarterly Newsletter or visit our News page to subscribe.