As we close out 2025, I find myself reflecting with deep gratitude on what our community has accomplished together. This year has been a reminder of what makes McMinnville so special: when challenges arise, we don’t wait for solutions—we build them. We listen to one another, we lean in, and we move forward with the shared belief that a strong, connected business community strengthens the entire region.

Across every program and partnership, your Chamber has continued to serve as a catalyst for solutions—lifting up local voices, fostering connection, and championing the needs of businesses large and small. From the energy in our Greeters gatherings to the joy of Glide & Gather, from leadership development to regional advocacy, the work we’ve done this year reflects the spirit and determination of the people who call McMinnville home.

One of the most meaningful milestones of 2025 has been the launch of our Chamber Health Insurance Association, a project born directly from member feedback and built to ease one of the greatest pressures facing employers. In just the past few months, we have quoted over 80 businesses, helping many find more affordable and accessible options for themselves and their employees. What began as a local solution is already drawing interest from across the region, proving once again that McMinnville’s ability to innovate often outpaces its size.

We also continued to invest in workforce development and leadership, recognizing that people are the heart of every thriving economy. Our Leadership Mac cohort strengthened its network and skills through tours, discussions, and hands-on learning. Partnerships with Linfield University and regional organizations are preparing us for a renewed Business Support Series in 2026—an effort designed to equip our members with practical tools for hiring, retention, and workplace culture. These initiatives reflect our belief that when employers thrive, families thrive, and communities flourish.

Community connection remained at the center of our work as well. Whether celebrating at Business After Hours events, welcoming visitors and vendors at Glide & Gather, rolling up our sleeves during downtown clean-ups, or honoring excellence at our Chamber Gala, each gathering strengthened the relationships that make McMinnville vibrant. These shared experiences remind us that business success and community spirit are deeply intertwined.

Our advocacy efforts also continued with purpose. From championing workforce and childcare solutions to supporting transportation investment, infrastructure needs, and a fair business climate, we worked hard to ensure local voices were heard—locally, regionally, and statewide. This year’s collaboration across Yamhill County reaffirmed something we all know to be true: when our communities work together, our entire region becomes stronger.

As we look to 2026, I feel a tremendous sense of optimism. The groundwork laid this year—in healthcare access, workforce pipelines, leadership development, event experiences, and regional partnership—has positioned us for a year of momentum and possibility. The opportunities before us are exciting, but what inspires me most is knowing that we will move toward them together, with the same spirit of collaboration, creativity, and shared purpose that defined 2025.

Thank you for your trust, your partnership, and your commitment to making McMinnville a place where people want to live, work, visit, and invest. It is an honor to serve this remarkable community, and I look forward to all we will accomplish in the year ahead.

John Olson, President
McMinnville Chamber of Commerce