On May 16, 2017, MEDP hosted Oregon Governor Kate Brown and state partners, including the Director of Regional Solutions and the Jobs and Economy Policy Advisor, Jason Lewis-Berry, and Assistant Director of Business Oregon and Director of Infrastructure Finance Authority of Business Oregon, Chris Cummings. They spent the day in McMinnville learning about the community.

Both Lewis-Berry and Cummings began the day with a tour of TTR’s new facility, a previous Evergreen Aviation building currently being redeveloped on Highway 18. CEO of TTR, Shon Holyfield, led the tour with members of his team. The new building reflects their employee centric company culture including a gym for employees, a large kitchen, and open workspaces. With the expansion TTR will be able to grow their employment numbers from 70 to ~120-150. The company expects to move into the new building by the end of June.

The day continued at NW Rapid Manufacturing where Governor Kate Brown joined the group to tour the facility and learn about the community. Governor Brown met with Owner and President, Heather Harris, to learn about the 3D printing company. With a SLS (Selective Laser Sintering) process, Harris’ machines are able to create accurate and precise pieces that are more rugged and durable than filament- or liquid resin-based 3D printers.

Along the tour, three of McMinnville High School’s EASA (Engineering & Aerospace Sciences Academy) students presented Governor Brown with project they had designed as well as spoke about how the Career Pathways program had shaped their future plans and goals. Later, the students and Governor got a hands-on experience in the 3D printing process, digging through a “partcake” (a loaf of 3D printed parts and support powder) to find some previously printed pieces.

Governor Brown was then introduced to MEDP’s McMinnville WORKS Internship Program and was able to speak to both companies who had been impacted by the program as well as interns who have since found full time positions in the community. The internship program is just one way that MEDP is helping McMinnville “Grow Our Own” workforce.

The day ended with a roundtable business discussion in which 14 business and community leaders had the opportunity to speak with Governor Brown, Representative Ron Noble and McMinnville Mayor Scott Hill. The discussion allowed for business leaders to present concerns they had that impacted their businesses such as transportation, land-use, housing availability, and changes in Oregon’s taxing structure.

“Giving Governor Brown the perspective of McMinnville’s business and community leaders is important as Oregon navigates its support for urban and rural economic vitality,” stated Mayor Scott Hill, “We appreciate her openness and time while in our community.”

A variety of industries and businesses were present including agriculture, tourism, healthcare, manufacturing, commercial, aerospace, technology, and food-products. The day was planned and made possible by MEDP with help from our Regional Solutions Coordinator, James LaBar, and our partners throughout the community and state.

Photos of the day available upon request.

About MEDP: The Partnership includes the City of McMinnville, McMinnville Water & Light, McMinnville Industrial Promotions, the McMinnville Area Chamber of Commerce, and area businesses. To learn more about the McMinnville Economic Development Partnership, visit www.McMinnvilleBusiness.com or find us at facebook.com/McMinnvilleBusiness.

Learn more about the day by visiting our website: https://www.mcminnvillebusiness.com/governor-brown-visits-mcminnville-oregon