Enterprise Magazine Spring 2024

Executive Council

Chair

Kate Schwarzler

Owner, Indy Commons

Vice-Chair

Ryan Allbritton

SVP, Chief Banking Officer, Willamette Valley Bank

Treasurer

Timothy Murphy

Senior VP, DCI

Past Chair

Mike Keane

Shareholder and Managing Officer, Garrett Hemann Robertson

Board of Directors

Marin Arreola

President/Business Consultant, Advanced Economic Solutions

Curt Arthur

Managing Director, SVN Commercial Advisors

Ricardo Baez

President, Don Pancho

Authentic Mexican Foods, Inc.

Roxanne Beltz

City Councilor, City of Monmouth

Becky Berger

Owner and CEO, Berger International

Alan Blood General Manager, Garmin AT, Inc.

David Briggs

Trial Lawyer, Partner, Saalfeld Griggs PC

Tom Christensen

CFO, Oregon Fruit Products

Cathy Clark

Mayor, City of Keizer

Jacqueline Crosby

Operations Manager, Crosby Hop Farm

Brent DeHart

President, Salem Aviation

Tony Eaquinto

Southern Regional Manager, Portland General Electric

Steve Elzinga

Partner, Sherman Sherman Johnnie & Hoyt, LLP

Juli Foscoli

Co-owner – PR & Marketing Manager, South Town Glass

Nathan Good Architect, Nathan Good Architects PC

Curt Highland

VP of Operations, Oregon Fruit Products

Steve Horning

VP, Business Relationship Manager, People's Bank

Jessica Howard

President/CEO, Chemeketa Community College

Chris Hoy

Mayor, City of Salem

Michael Fowler CEO, CabDoor

Tony Schacher General Manager, Salem Electric

Scott Snyder General Manager, The Grand Hotel in Salem

Keith Stahley City Manager, City of Salem

Colm Willis County Commissioner, Marion County

Erik Andersson President

503-837-1800

eandersson@sedcor.com

Kent Kaufman

President/Owner, Kaufman Companies

Jennifer Larsen Morrow President, Creative Company, Inc.

Ryan Mosgrove

AVP, Business Banking Relationship Manager, Key Bank

Kim Parker-Llerenas

Executive Director, Willamette Workforce Partnership

James Parr

Chief Financial Officer, Salem Health, Hospitals & Clinics

Craig Pope County Commissioner, Polk County

Ryan Rasmussen

Vice President of Administration, Modern Building Systems

Mark Raum

VP, Commercial Banking Officer, Umpqua Bank

David Rheinholdt

Board President, Latino Business Alliance

Samantha Ridderbusch

Director, Government & Regulatory Affairs, Comcast

Scott Salazar

Regional Business Manager, Pacific Power

Liz Schaecher

Program Coordinator, Oregon Aglink

Zachary Sielicky Government Affairs, NW Natural

Renata Wakeley

Special Projects Director, City of Woodburn

Cyrus Ward

Audit Manager - CPA, Aldrich CPAs + Advisors

Jenni Kistler

Director of Operations

541-918-1588

jkistler@sedcor.com

Naureen Khan

Communications and Marketing Manager

503-837-1802

naureen@sedcor.com

Abisha Stone

Economic Development Manager – Yamhill County

503-507-4175

astone@sedcor.com

Alex Paraskevas

Economic Development Manager – Polk County Rural Innovation Catalyst

503-931-3148

alexp@sedcor.com

Kip Morris Economic Development Manager -– Marion County

503-837-1804

kip@sedcor.com

Collaboration and Innovation Drive Logistics Success in Willamette Valley

I have seen firsthand the crucial role that logistics play in the success of businesses in the Willamette Valley. From manufacturing to agriculture, the ability to efficiently transport goods and materials is essential for businesses to thrive.

One of the primary reasons that the Willamette Valley is such a desirable location for businesses is its access to major transportation networks. Historically, the Willamette River provided connectivity between the region’s processors and the markets they served. Then developments in our railroad and interstate highway systems provided more efficient access to West Coast ports and markets, from Mexico to Canada and beyond. Developers recognized the Mid-Willamette Valley transportation network made it a prime location for warehouse and distribution facilities, and soon household name firms like WinCo, Amazon, Home Depot and FedEx began to invest in a variety of facilities in Woodburn and Salem. But transportation infrastructure and land availability are only part of the equation. To truly excel in logistics, businesses must also have access to a skilled workforce and cutting-edge technology. Fortunately, the Willamette Valley has both in spades.

Our region is fortunate to feature a variety of Career Technical Education (CTE) programs and four-year colleges and universities working to develop a skilled pipeline of workers for the region’s employers. Chemeketa Community College offers a series of classes that provide workers with the tools, tactics, and strategies needed to have successful careers in supply chain fields. As warehouse and distribution industry technology changes, Chemeketa can provide workers with the skills needed for industrial automation jobs through its Robotics program.

Our region’s tech sector will be growing with the arrival of Agility Robotics, a company that provides a perfect example of the cutting-edge technology required to move warehouse and distribution companies into the future. Agility’s Digit robots are designed to work side by side with humans, performing highly repetitive tasks. Amazon, which is partnering with Agility Robotics to test the Digit technology, finds that these new technologies actually create jobs rather than replace them.

All of this technology and training is coming together in the Mid-Willamette Valley, a region that values collaboration and innovation. From public-private partnerships to industry clusters, businesses in our region are constantly working together to find new ways to improve supply chains and logistics systems.

Of course, some challenges must be addressed in order to maintain the Willamette Valley’s competitive edge. For example, infrastructure investment is needed to ensure that our transportation networks can keep up with the demands of a rapidly changing economy. In addition, we must continue to invest in workforce development programs and research and development initiatives to stay ahead of the curve. I am serving on the Future Ready Oregon Manufacturing Consortium, which is identifying priorities for state training funds for manufacturers. I feel part of my role is to represent the non-tech industries like warehouse and distribution that will be creating the majority of tech jobs in the future.

With a dedicated business community, skilled workforce, and cutting-edge technology, I am confident that the Willamette Valley will continue to be a leader in distribution and logistics for years to come.

Erik Andersson SEDCOR President

Erik Andersson, President

Welcome Kip Morris!

In January we welcomed Kip Morris to the SEDCOR team. He joins us as the Economic Development Manager focusing on work in Marion County. Kip has a robust educational and practical background that will make him an exceptional resource for both our team and our region. background that will make him an exceptional resource for both our team and our region. With military service in both the Army and the Air Force, he is a natural team player. Kip has extensive experience in the utility sector, specializing in wind turbine energy. He has worked as a technician, providing hands-on support to various industries including food manufacturing, agricultural processing, data centers, and direct turbine work at heights. Understanding the value of skilled trades, his most recent, and arguably most impactful, experience has been serving as an educator and workforce development advocate.

Prior to SEDCOR, Kip was the Apprenticeship Program Coordinator at Central Oregon Community College where he was solely responsible for developing programs, securing grant funding, and working with government agencies and local employers to ensure the successful delivery of skilled trades programs.

As a proud father of four daughters, family holds a special place in his heart. Weekends are often filled with outdoor adventures enjoying Oregon’s natural beauty, whether it’s camping, fishing, hiking, or cruising around on his motorcycle. Kip also takes pride in mastering the art of barbecuing. He has embraced the Pacific Northwest lifestyle and appreciates how it has enriched his life with a perfect blend of family, nature, and the culinary arts.

Erik & Abisha showing Kip around

Industry Insights - “Kids Don’t Want to Work These Days”

In February, we hosted our Industry Insights (formerly Economic Educational Forums) discussing workforce challenges and debunking to myths around the younger workforce. Our robust panel included Dean Craig from Willamette Workforce Partnership, Jennifer Purcell from Future Ready Oregon, Rhonda Rhodes from CTEC Salem-Keizer, Francisco Saldivar from Chemeketa Community College, and Leslie Garcia Murillo, a CTEC young professional, and Danika Code, a CTEC young professional who were available to answer any questions. The panel discussed their insights on some of the most pressing workforce challenges facing businesses today, how to promote economic mobility and opportunities to diversify the workforce.

Thank you to our event sponsor, Willamette Workforce Partnership! We look forward to seeing you at our next Industry Insights on April 17th.

YOU CAN count on us!

Nothing is more important to us than delivering the safe, reliable power you need. In fact, we work day and night, in good weather and bad, to power everything you do. We’re going further to strengthen our system and improve your service year-round. To learn more, visit PacificPower.net/Reliability

Salem CTEC Aviation Grand Opening

In January, community members and leaders representing the City of Salem, Salem-Keizer Public Schools, Salem Municipal Airport, the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce, and local businesses joined Career Technical Education Center to celebrate the official launch of CTEC’s new Aviation Program at the program’s facility at Salem Airport.

Polk County Resource Center Opening

The Polk Community Resource Center celebrated their grand opening in January. The Polk Community Resource Center is a program of the Family & Community Outreach Department that assists families and individuals to meet their basic needs while helping them to achieve self-sufficiency. We support families in meeting their goals through offering emergency financial assistance, hygiene supplies, diapers and wipes, bus passes, assorted other resources, and information and referrals. The Center’s new address is 1407 Monmouth Independence Highway, Monmouth, OR 97361, and the main office number is 503-751-1644.

MMHF and SEDCOR Case Study – Now Live!

Learn how the Missing Middle Housing Fund helped SEDCOR and the Newberg Workforce Housing Consortium (NWHC) find innovative workforce

housing solutions for Newberg, OR. Read the case study on our website, which you can be directed to by scanning the QR code.

Happy 150 Years, Dallas!

Dallas turned 150 in February. On February 17th, a Sesquicentennial celebration was held with a parade, pet parade, time capsule burial in Dallas City Park and more.

Hub International update

HUB International Northwest opened their new Lake Oswego office on October 9, 2023. This new location will be home for up to 60 employees as HUB continues to grow throughout Oregon. As a SEDCOR member for almost a decade, HUB has proudly supported the business and economic vitality not only in Marion, Polk, and Yamhill counties, but throughout the state. Since 2004, our footprint has grown to include offices in Medford, Eugene, Corvallis, and Lake Oswego, which enable us to support our clients across the state of Oregon. As a global insurance brokerage with a regional presence, HUB is proud to consider itself as Willamette Valley’s local, one-stop provider of insurance, risk management, employee benefits, and retirement needs.

Rep. Salinas visits Barbara Roberts CTEC Representative Andrea Salinas came out to Sheridan to learn more about the Barbara Roberts Career Technical Education Center construction plans.

AROUND THE VALLEY / MEMBER NEWS

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Regional Innovation Cluster update

SEDCOR staff have continued to support AgLaunch and their AgLaunch365 Accelerator programming, attending an in-person “Challenge Week” in Memphis as the final part of the selection process for filling the cohort of startups. Like other accelerators, the startups receive significant support to help them get to scale more quickly. In the case of AgLaunch, the final selection process is determined by farmers, who are also receiving equity in the startups. The 2023-24 AgLaunch365 cohort includes 10 companies and where whittled down over a 6-month process from more than 60 applicants from eight counties and 18 U.S. states.

Rep. Elmer Introduces Bill to Provide Affordable Housing for Rural Communities

Representative Lucetta Elmer introduced a bill In February that could add 400 affordable housing units to Yamhill County in the next five years. The Housing Oregon’s Workforce bill aims to provide grant funding to 10 municipalities for project infrastructure needs, and in return, developers would agree to designate 30% of units for sale or rent at 130% of Area Median Income for 10 years. The bill includes an agreement with property owners to offer affordable rates for ten years and has received support from the Oregon Homebuilders Association, Oregon Property Owners Association, and ten bipartisan co-sponsors.

OpenRoad To Expand Dallas, Oregon Headquarters Building

OpenRoad Global, a Pacific Northwest-based logistics company, announced last year its plans to expand its existing operations in Dallas by adding more than 50 new jobs to the area through a capital investment of roughly $5 million in support of OpenRoad’s mission to become a global leader

in the supply chain and logistics industry. The company recently completed the expansion on its current headquarters building resulting in an additional 12,600 square feet of office space, 2 more conference rooms, an additional breakroom, and a vibrant outdoor space. OpenRoad is planning on hosting an open house in March of 2024 and invites the community to come learn more about the industry and the company. Supply chain and logistics is an enormous $2 trillion industry, contributing up to 10% of the nation’s GDP. As one of the leading global logistics companies based in the PNW, OpenRoad is committed to providing a superior work environment for its employees and looks forward to hiring new talent from reputed local colleges and seasoned local professionals alike.

Dallas Mill Site Master Plan

Using a state grant, the City of Dallas has retained a consultant to help design a redevelopment plan for the Dallas Mill Site to include improvements to the transportation systems in that part of the city. The City of Dallas Council’s goal is to create new industrial and commercial development opportunities to bring new jobs, investment and tax revenue to support public safety, parks and other important General Fund-supported operations.

Gem Welding Room in Mt. Angel

Last year the Gem Equipment of Oregon Welding Room at the Kennedy High School in Mt. Angel opened their new welding shop. This was an industry-driven effort supported by many community groups and local companies (including several SEDCOR members). They now have a full class, and everyone seems to be enjoying the new welding room. In winter, seven of the students competed in the Youth Welding Competition, a state-wide welding competition. Out of the 400 who participated in the competition, one of the students from the Gem Equipment welding room got first place in TIG welding!

Ben Booth, CEO of SoilMetrix, talks with AgLaunch’s Margaret Oldham, Vice President of Innovation, and Paul Kennedy, Senior Farm Innovation Specialist, during AgLaunch Challenge Week programming in Memphis, TN.

Pioneer Trust Bank

N.A. Announces Senior Staff Promotions

Pioneer Trust Bank is pleased to announce five officer promotions in key staff positions. “We are very pleased to share this announcement. These are exceptional individuals who have made significant contributions to Pioneer Trust Bank, and our customers,” said John Willburn, Pioneer Trust Bank CEO.

• Pam Haarsma has been promoted to Vice President, Controller and Corporate Secretary.

• Dan McDowell has been promoted to Senior Vice President and Chief Credit Officer.

• Gary Hardey has been promoted to Vice President, Chief Investment and Trust Officer.

• Michelle Howell has been promoted to Vice President and Senior Trust Operations Manager.

• Bill Davis has been promoted to Vice President/Chief Fiduciary Officer/Head of Trust Services and Senior Property Manager.

SEDCOR Board Member Marin Arreola Appointed to Business Oregon Commission

SEDCOR board member

Marin Arreola has been appointed to the Oregon Business Development Commission by Governor Kotek, confirmed by Senate vote on February 12, 2024. He is the owner and president of Advanced Economic Solutions Inc. and has nearly three decades of experience serving his communities through economic, business, workforce development and entrepreneurial programs.

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SEDCOR President Erik Andersson shares that, “Marin has been a vital partner of SEDCOR through his continued collaboration and dedicated work with the Latino Microenterprise Development Program. I am so pleased to have someone with his passion, experience and practical knowledge of economic development serving on the Commission. His appointment to the Oregon Business Development Commission is a

Marin Arreola

testament to his commitment and dedication to promoting economic development and serving diverse communities.”

Marin also serves the State on the Governor’s Racial Justice Council. Congratulations, Marin! SEDCOR thanks you for your continued service.

George Fox University is Oregon's largest private university by enrollment, with over 4200 students attending programs in 12 different colleges ranging from Nursing to Engineering to Education. A Christian university, students are principally situated in the main 150-acre campus in Newberg, but George Fox has remote campuses in Tigard and Redmond, and classes are available online. We are eager to work with SEDCOR further on enhancing the Oregon workforce, and every year nearly 1200 graduates exit our programs to support a wide range of industries, municipalities, and healthcare systems. George Fox also encourages events at all campuses, and if you are looking for space for a retreat, workshop, or conference, we are happy to facilitate that for your organization. There are also ample opportunities to secure high-quality interns and participate in program advisory boards across all fields. You can examine our offerings at www.georgefox.edu. If you are interested in partnering with Geroge Fox in any capacity, our SEDCOR contact is Dr. Shawn Daley, Chief Strategy Officer, and he can be reached at sdaley@georgefox.edu.

With nearly 170 lawyers in seven offices, Schwabe is among the largest law firms in the Northwest region. Clients from start-ups and entrepreneurs to the Fortune 500 count on us for ‎full-spectrum legal services to help them achieve goals throughout their business lives.

What do you get when you're "Represented by Schwabe"? Innovative solutions from lawyers who know every deal has a dream and every risk an opportunity. A committed team that understands your industry and cares about your business, as well as the comprehensive resources of one of the Pacific Northwest's top law firms.

Molalla was incorporated in 1913 and remained a very small Timber Town until the late 1980’s. The city began to grow quickly in the late 1990’s and now has a population of 10,335. Molalla has retained its small-town identity throughout its grow pattern and remains resilient and innovative in many ways.

This community cares about public safety for all residents and visitors and Molalla passed a bond levy to construct a new Police Station to serve residents and businesses alike. Groundbreaking for a new wastewater treatment plant should begin in late spring of 2024 and

will serve our population projections into the next 20-30 years. The plant will be constructed to include expansion in preparation for that planned growth.

Recently, Molalla has joined SEDCOR and has created an affiliation with the Mid-Willamette Valley Council of Governments. As a community located in south Clackamas County, Molalla is without regional partnerships. We believe these partnership connections will help the Molalla community prosper and realize its full potential.

Since 1958,

AC + Co Architecture | Community has been serving the greater Mid-Willamette Valley area and has steadily expanded its capabilities throughout the years. The company proudly serves a broadly based spectrum of clients ranging from education to health and commerce, including religious facilities and financial institutions, as well as clients at all levels of government from municipal to state and federal agencies. AC + Co is a full-service architectural firm, inclusive of interior design and space planning services. Their in-house services include Architectural & Interior Design, Building and Life Safety Code Reviews, Bond Assistance, Construction Documents & Construction Observation, Cost Control Estimates & Life Cycle Cost Analysis, Design Consultation, Design Guidelines, Existing Facility Evaluations, Feasibility Studies + Project Research, Historic Resource Regulatory Permitting and Compliance, LEED Certification Assistance & Energy Conservation Studies, Master Planning, National Register of Historic Places Nominations/Consultation, and Space Needs Programming/ Space Planning. www.accoac.com

The Cook Family started farming in 1938 in the Willamette Valley just outside of Albany. They currently grow hazelnuts, grass seed, vegetables for processing, and various specialty seed crops on 1,000 acres north of Albany. It takes great pride in being a multi-generational farm with Gary Cook as the third generation, his son Matthew Cook is fourth with his children moving up to work on the farm.

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Cook Family Farms goal is to run a farm with sustainable practices and provide quality products, with as little impact to the environment as possible. Gary and Matthew Cook appreciate the land and are blessed with the responsibility to steward this land, which has plentiful water and rich soil in the Willamette Valley.

Built on a reputation of trust, Pure Energy Group of Oregon has become the go-to design builder for solar and backup energy installations for residential, commercial and agricultural applications in Oregon. Our founders built the company together after years of working in the energy industry and witnessing opportunities to better serve our Oregon neighbors.

Today, we pride ourselves on the standards we’ve built for our customers. From the very first consultation to years after installation, you can trust we’ll be here for continued

support and services. We are fortunate to serve our clients throughout Oregon from our headquarters in the beautiful Willamette Valley. Our installations around the state vary from residential homeowner turnkey systems to design build systems for universities, businesses, agriculture and industrial projects.

Pure Energy Group is an approved contractor for the Renewable Energy Incentive Programs offered through the Oregon Energy Trust and the Oregon Department of Energy. We are proud to have professionals on staff for all phases of our client's projects. From the first step to energizing the project, we handle all the details in house.

Investing in Renewable Energy Systems such as solar and battery backup power is an important decision, and one that can save substantial money over the long term. It is important to work with a team you can trust to do the job right the first time. www.pureenergy.group.

“I give because I saw what an impact one person can have in our community.”

— BRIAN R ESENDEZ, DONOR SINCE 2021

In 2020, a project was launched that turned empty hotels into homes for the unhoused, including people who’d lost their homes in the recent wildfires. Brian Resendez, a broker bringing hotels into the fold, was so moved by the experience that he became a donor to support organizations providing critical services to the unhoused. Thank you, Brian. Want to find the perfect match for your generosity? Oregon Community Foundation can help. Let’s get started.

OREGONIANS HELPING OREGONIANS ]

Photo by Zak Stone Photography

Let's Build Together

High Impact Technology takes pride in having a group of companies based in the Willamette Valley that support our work in protecting people from weather, bombs, bullets, and fire. Our company has implemented a strategic plan to build its key supply base in expanding circles, starting locally and then expanding to the Pacific Northwest region and, if necessary, across the United States. We depend on local companies often and SEDCOR is a great resource for knowledge of local companies and capabilities to build from. Currently, High Impact Technology's protection products are shipped nationwide and exported to 12 countries.

We have found that many small to medium-sized companies in our own backyard have the materials, expertise, and manufacturing capabilities to help other local companies create value-based products. High Impact Technology's philosophy is to bring as many jobs as possible to the region by using local suppliers. This strategic alliance of local suppliers allows many companies, through their combined efforts, to reach other regions and export markets. By tapping into other local companies' capabilities, High Impact Technology avoids creating the overhead and capital expenses for many of its needs. This allows many of its projects to be cost-competitive, and we can plug and play expertise and manufacturing as needed. We believe that the learning curve of adding new equipment and the time expense can slow down programs, which is why it prefers to rely on local suppliers instead.

A great example of engaging a rapid supply base was when we had to protect a large electrical substation in Ohio. We had a tight timeline of six months to engineer, test, produce, ship, and install 88 truckloads of precast protective pieces. So to accomodate this short timeline, we relied on the local companies. Knife River Corporation was responsible for the cast concrete parts, while Oregon Ballistic Labs conducted all the ballistic and blast testing. Marshall Composites made all the structural composite reinforcements. Due to the short timeline, we had

to rely on the regional supply base and ended up engaging more than 30 local companies to complete the massive task in the compressed timeline.

Overall, High Impact Technology views its local supply base as a force multiplier and a key to its success.

Understanding the Unique Distribution Landscape in the Willamette Valley

By Stephen Bjorlin, Global Logistics

Logistics and distribution in the Willamette Valley present several challenges. The most notable of these challenges is the fact that we are located in the northwestern corner of the US. Although living in Oregon means residing in one of the most beautiful places in the world - with the coast, the mountains, and the Willamette Valley - it also means that our "local" markets are limited. Comparing Portland, OR, to a similar-sized city of Memphis, TN, the logistics considerations are dramatically different. The most obvious difference is the available customer base within 500 miles. A company located in Memphis has access to many more metropolitan areas with thousands of potential business customers and millions more end-use consumers. The point being that shipping within 500 miles of Memphis can put products into the hands of a much larger number of people, for less money, and with quicker transit times.

In the PNW, we see that getting our products to a similar number of customers means shipping over 1,000 miles. Over 64% of the US population lives east of the Mississippi River. In other words, 64% of your potential customers are 2,000 to 3,000 miles away! So what does that mean for logistics in and out of the PNW? Your freight charges are a greater portion of your cost to the customer. Therefore, a logistics strategy needs to have the right balance of service to your customer and freight costs. It also means that any mode and any carrier will have possession of your product for a longer period in transit and packaging may need to be improved to arrive without damage.

These realities mean that people in leadership positions should be asking serious questions about how we organize and supervise distribution and logistics in and out of the Willamette Valley. Therefore, questions to be asked regarding freight and the team should include:

• Are we leveraging our freight spend when negotiating with carriers?

• Are we engaged with the right set of carriers?

• Are our freight costs aligned with the rest of the market? And specifically with our direct competitors?

• Are we auditing our freight bills? If so, what is the process?

• How are we currently making freight routing decisions? Is business awarded to the carrier representative that brings us pizza or Blazer tickets?

• Do we understand the impact that a 5.9% average annual rate increase will have on our specific lanes and customers? "Average" is the keyword here and it's never 5.9% for a particular lane!

• What is your process to deal with Unrecoverable Freight Expenses (UFE)? Charges are created after delivery is

made. Did you request the services that are needed to complete the delivery (lift gate / inside delivery / limited access, etc.) so they are charged to the customer before shipping and not after the fact by the carrier?

In my 30 years of experience, attention to logistics at this level rarely happens. For example, assume that spending on logistics is $25,000 per month. This is for inbound for purchasing and production and outbound to customers. Plus, throw in employee time and expense, and that $25,000 is a conservative dollar amount. But that number means that $300,000 is spent per year on logistics. To look at that number another way – if spending $300,000 on a new piece of machinery or a new location – what level of attention would this get from Senior Management? Would every "C" level officer in your company be involved in the decision? And that would be a one-time expense, versus yearly freight expenses increasing at a faster rate than ever before. Just some things to consider when you are assessing your logistics strategy.

Stephen Bjorlin is a Business Development Manager for Global Logistics, Inc. (GLI), a 4th Party Logistics provider that works with manufacturers and distributors on managing their freight. GLI is family-owned and Veteran-owned certified by the U.S. Small Business Association. GLI is located in Portland, OR, and has been in business since 1996.

Northwest Distribution & Storage Inc. Marks 30 Years of Empowering Oregon's Wine Industry & Beyond

In the year 1994, the Oregon wine industry was just starting to gain momentum with 5,200 acres of planted grapes, 398 vineyards and 77 wineries. Northwest Distribution and Storage, Inc. also opened their doors in 1994 as the warehousing and logistics partner to the still fledging industry. As we celebrate our 30th anniversary, the industry has grown to over 44,500 acres of planted grapes and 1116 wineries representing 5.7 million cases. We have grown alongside the industry from our original 10K square foot warehouse to our current size of just under a half million square feet.

We can all agree that warehousing and logistics are not the most glamorous aspects of the wine industry, but without these services it would be difficult to get the product to the store shelves, restaurant wine lists, or front porches. The logistics involved can be complicated and the extensive experience and services we provide can be extremely beneficial for smaller wineries trying to grow as well as larger wineries looking to increase margins.

Northwest Distribution and Storage, Inc. has been the foremost storage facility in the Pacific Northwest since our beginning as a secure, licensed, and bonded, temperature-controlled facility that maintains a constant 58 degrees, perfect for the long-term storage of wine. In addition, WineCo is our direct-to-consumer subsidiary offering comprehensive fulfillment services for club and daily shipments. As the competition within the wine market increases, wineries are looking to ensure their end consumers have the best possible experience. We consider ourselves an extension of the winery and with our collaboration and partnership, we all work towards that same goal.

The transportation market has been very volatile recently and we have all felt the effects. We’ve worked very hard to mitigate some of these complexities by expanding our extensive consolidation program designed for distributors across the country. We have the ability to ship FTL (full truckload) or LTL (less-thantruckload) consolidated shipments, temperature-controlled directly to our distributor customers, allowing for reduced costs while still protecting the valuable commodity from extreme heat or cold. We do this by operating our own fleet of company drivers and refrigerated trailers while also utilizing our large network of partner carriers.

We have diversified our portfolio to include products outside the wine industry but still fall within our core services. In addition to storing sake and soy sauce, we have the ability to handle distilled spirits as well. We are the only non-distillery licensed to store bonded spirits in the entire State of Oregon. This allows distilleries to move barrels or totes of product still in bond off site for aging in the non-temperature-controlled portion of our warehouse while freeing up production space in their facility. We have also secured a specialized shipping agreement with UPS permitting for shipments of taxpaid spirits direct-to-consumer, allowing us to assist our

distillery customers in this exciting new opportunity. We have expanded our NWDS Logistics department to a complete 3PL brokerage division offering logistics services to a wide range of shipping partners, from rubber hose to palletizing machines. With over 100 years of combined experience, we can ship any product to any location at any time.

As we move into future vintages and continue to expand our services, we plan to maintain the core values and mission that set us apart. In addition to providing our customers with the highest level of customer service with honesty, integrity and a commitment to corporate citizenship, we also believe it is important to provide a pleasant workplace and fair compensation to our employees in a manner that is respectful to our environment and is a positive influence in our community. We have an outstanding team with decades of experience, more than a couple have been with us for over 20 years. We are looking forward to supporting the wine industry and growing into others for another 30 years and beyond!

Chemeketa's Commercial Truck Driving Program: Empowering Students and Meeting Industry Needs

Chemeketa Community College has been serving the needs of the community since 1970. In 2015, the college expanded its Career and Technical Training certificates to include a new commercial truck driving program. The trucking industry has been experiencing a critical shortage of qualified drivers nationwide, and this has led to a significant need for training and certifying new drivers. In the Mid-Valley region, which encompasses the Salem-Keizer area, there has been a shortage of nearly 400 drivers annually.

Chemeketa’s program is designed to prepare students for the state exam and meet new state and federal requirements for certification. The four-week program consists of 160 hours of classroom and behind-the-wheel training. During the program, students learn the necessary skills and knowledge required to operate a commercial truck safely and efficiently. The training covers topics such as vehicle safety inspection, driving techniques, and federal regulations. Upon completion of the program, graduates can expect to find a rewarding career with great starting salaries, job security, and options for local or interstate jobs. The program has been successful in producing competent and well-trained drivers who can meet the demands of the industry.

One of the program's recent success stories is Briaunta Garcia. Briaunta completed her CDL program at Chemeketa and then went on to get her Hazmat certification. This additional certification opened up new opportunities for her, including the chance to work at Fleet Fuels. Fleet Fuels is a leading fuel supplier in the Mid-Valley region and has been providing reliable fuel delivery services to the community for many years. Briaunta's journey from the classroom to a key role at Fleet Fuels is a testament to the transformative impact of education. Her achievements, despite initially lacking industry experience, demonstrate the high-quality of education at Chemeketa. Moreover, Briaunta is creating opportunities for fellow graduates by facilitating connections with Fleet Fuels. This potential partnership promises valuable job opportunities for students and supports Fleet Fuels in strengthening its skilled workforce.

Chemeketa's commercial truck driving program has been a great success in meeting the needs of the industry and providing students with valuable skills and knowledge. The program's graduates have been able to secure well-paying jobs in a growing industry, and their success stories are a testament to the power of education and training in transforming lives and strengthening communities.

Why Not Newberg?

by Bill Rosacker, Mayor of Newberg

I have lived in the Newberg area for almost sixty years. When I was young, the area was vibrant, beautiful, and there was room -- room for recreation, room for education, and most of all, room for expansion.

During the 1970’s a few folks had a vision to create a world class wine industry in our valley. I watched as filbert orchards, wheat fields, and pastures were sacrificed to allow vineyards to begin to flourish. Very soon, it became apparent that the industry was going to become an economic engine.

In those days, we had a paper mill that employed more than two hundred people with family wage jobs. There were trucking companies, and a vibrant rail line to take the goods produced here in Newberg to markets in major metropolitan areas. Two world-class dental equipment manufacturers were created by entrepreneurs during this decade as well; and they still employ hundreds of local residents. The 1970s saw the creation of centralized, state-wide land use laws intended to preserve rural land for farming and forestry.

By the end of the ‘70s the economy had tanked. The OPEC oil embargoes created fuel shortages, resulting in long lines at the pump. Sky-high gas prices, double digit unemployment, high interest rates, and inflation, making daily living a challenge. Despite these difficulties, our burgeoning new industries continued to provide jobs to our residents and our local economy fared better than the country as a whole.

In the decades since, we lost the paper mill and its two hundred plus jobs; Interest rates steadily decreased, the stock market soared, and land values went through the roof. We became energy independent and the economy roared until 2020. Life in the United States was good.

In Oregon, the urban growth boundaries, intended to control urban sprawl into rural land, became static, creating an artificial shortage of city property and housing that has driven housing prices higher. The dental equipment manufacturers are still flourishing and providing jobs, but Newberg’s

population has more than doubled.

For the first time in my life, Newberg had become known as an unfriendly place in which to do business and too expensive to live and work. We have become a commuter town.

Fourteen months ago, a new city council was elected under the promise of reducing the cost and removing barriers to bringing new business to Newberg. We promised to lower building costs and streamline the process of development. This April 1st will see reduction of System Development Charges (SDCs), the elimination of SDCs for childcare facilities and ADUs, and a 75% reduction of SDCs for small houses. We are also working to remove non-utility charges from our utility bill, and we eliminated the construction excise tax last summer.

With the advice and cooperation of employers, SEDCOR and the Missing Middle Housing Fund, we have an innovative project underway to provide workforce housing. We are also working with SEDCOR and the other Yamhill County mayors to find ways to provide affordable housing. Newberg has earmarked $1M for a “legacy project” to facilitate home ownership for the working poor.

So, Why not Newberg? The former mill site is nearly ready for re-development, it is a 100-acre industrial site with utilities and rail service. These and other parcels which are ready for industrial development are on or near Hwy 219, providing direct access to I-5 between Wilsonville and Salem. We plan to work with the state to move hundreds of acres of future industrial land along Hwy 219 into the UGB and eventually annex it into the city. This property is contiguous to the city with utilities readily available.

If you are considering expanding your high value business to a location with a high quality of life and beautiful scenery away from the problems of the big city, give Abisha Stone at SEDCOR a call and see if she agrees -- “Why Not Newberg? After all, Newberg is a great place to grow.

INNOVATION IS OUR TRADITION

Finding a better way has been our way for a long time. It’s why we’re committed to stewarding healthy forestlands. To treating our employees like family, and giving back to the places we call home. It inspires us to develop the sustainable building materials of the future. So, while a lot is new at Freres, we’re proud to say that the most important things will never change.

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Katie

Moving the Mid-Valley

by Commissioner Lyle Mordhorst, Polk County

Transportation is the piece of infrastructure that Polk County has been especially focused on for the last few years, can you talk about why that’s important?

As a Polk County Commissioner, I have seen the importance of infrastructure in the Willamette Valley firsthand. From connecting and moving freight efficiently and safely to ensuring that our roads are safe for everyone, infrastructure plays a critical role in the economic vitality of our region. Polk is a county that has served as a pathway for many goods and services which means our roads not only have to serve the people who live here but also be safe and efficient for others who are passing through.

What is the importance of the relationship between the ODOT and the county in addressing infrastructure challenges?

Some of the main roads in Polk County are owned by ODOT which means that they’re responsible for the maintenance. ODOT’s Safety Priority Index System (SPIS) reports assess the safety of each road and identify when a road is unsafe and needs work across the whole state. Therefore, it might take a while for maintenance to be done. To address these challenges, it is important to have a strong relationship between the ODOT and the county. This is where we, as county commissioners, can make a difference. By working closely with ODOT, we can help knock down the walls that ODOT may run into and find solutions that work for everyone.

What’s a recent infrastructure project that you are working on?

One of the biggest infrastructure challenges we have faced in recent years was the impasse between ODOT and Polk County about a dangerous intersection. This intersection is one of the most deadly in the Willamette Valley and it seemed that there was no solution that all parties could agree on. And because of this, all of Polk’s development projects with ODOT were put on hold. The addition of a roundabout can play a crucial role

in slowing down the traffic to avoid any fatal accidents. It can also ensure that the vehicles are moving efficiently. By making sure that cars can run efficiently and reducing idle cars that emit carbon emissions, we can significantly reduce our impact on the environment.

At the time, I was fairly new in my commissioner role but I understood that I wanted to save lives and I approached it that way. We also wanted to ensure that the roundabout was built with the community in mind, especially accommodating the farm equipment and vehicles that are being used in the area. We worked to expand the lanes to fit these vehicles, ensuring that they were at least 12 ft wide.

The community has been very engaged and passionate, which has helped us find solutions that work for everyone. We also sought public input, getting insights and opinions from the community, and had ODOT sit at the table and hear this feedback from the community first-hand. It took time to find the right solution, but by remembering who we were serving and why we were doing this, we were able to drive the conversation and decision-making process.

At SEDCOR, we find it’s important to show up, listen and understand the people behind the initiatives and organizations. It seems that you have a similar approach to that with your work as commissioner.

Like SEDCOR, I find that mindset vital to getting work done and supporting the community. The infrastructure projects here in Polk have striven to work with the community and get their input. We’ve found that by working together and finding solutions that work for everyone, we can ensure that our roads are safe, efficient, and connected. I like to say, I haven’t done anything, but we’ve done a lot.

40 YEARS OF PASSON

AND PROMISE

DCI is a multigenerational family-run company based in Newberg, Oregon. We believe in managing every aspect of the business around one simple goal: making our customer’s life easier This focus has made DCI Edge the fastest growing dental equipment brand in North America. Our passion is designing and building the best dental equipment in the industry. Our promise is to manufacture with an unwavering focus on reliability and optimal value.

Commissioner Danielle Bethell Elected President of the Association of Oregon Counties

On Thursday, November 16, Marion County Commissioner Danielle Bethell was elected president of the Association of Oregon Counties (AOC) during the organization’s annual conference.

Commissioner Bethell recently served as second vice chair, first vice chair and now will serve a one-year term as president, leading the AOC’s board of directors and representing the interests of county governments across the state.

“I am honored to be elected president of the Association of Oregon Counties,” said Commissioner Bethell. “I am committed to working with and learning from my fellow commissioners across Oregon to improve our counties and the communities we serve.”

The AOC is a non-profit organization that represents the interests of Oregon’s 36 counties. The AOC provides a variety of services to its members, including advocacy, training, and technical assistance, in addition to policy level education and advocacy to the Oregon State Legislature.

Commissioner Bethell’s term as AOC president began November 17, 2023. Areas of priority are centered around expanding collaboration, resources, and outcomes for behavioral health, housing, and public safety initiatives. Throughout 2024, she will work alongside other county commissioners to draft policies to take to the 2025 Oregon legislative session in hopes of creating a more service oriented system of care that is uniquely designed to meet the needs of each county across Oregon and the residents they support.

For questions or comments, email the Board at commissioners@co.marion.or.us.