Enterprise Winter 2023

Economic Development in Oregon’s Mid-Willamette Valley

Winter 2023

Flavors of the Region

Don Froylan's Francisco Ochoa

Cultivating Food Innovation in the Willamette Valley

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Winter 2023

In this Issue

Allied Rock..........................................................................15 Aldrich Advisors.................................................................. 6 Bank of the Pacific............................................................26

2

SEDCOR Board and Staff

Cascade Collections.........................................................26

3

President’s Message by Erik Andersson

Chemeketa Community College...................Back Cover

4

Around the Valley/Member News Oregon IT Expo • Workforce Housing in Newberg New Federal Reporting Law • Mark Zook receives award VanNatta PR Earns Two Top Awards • Marion Ag Services Growth Plan Brad Compton Named President of Pioneer Trust Bank N.A. GK Machine Plans New Facility • MEDP Awards • Monmouth’s New City Hall OBI’s Coolest Thing Made in Oregon • Agility Robotics Barbara Roberts CTE Center Update • Dreamies Creamery Western Interlock Expands Operations • League of Oregon Cities Award

11 SEDCOR Events

Cherriots............................................................................... 8 Citizens Bank ��������������������������������������������������������������������27 City of Salem ���������������������������������������������������������������������27 Coldwell Banker Commercial.........................................22 Covanta Marion................................................................25 Datavision............................................................................. 8 Dalke Construction Co. ��������������������������������������������������23 DCI.......................................................................................23 Deacon................................................................................21

Locally Grown Supply Chain • Food & Beverage: A Roundtable Discussion

Freres Engineered Wood................................................24 Green Acres Landscape ���������������������������������������������������� 5

12 Q + A With Nick Harville

Hagan Hamilton.................................................................. 3

16 New Member Spotlight Aberdeen Capital • Oregon Corrections Enterprises • Global Logisitics Inc. Salem Security Professionals • Willamette Heritage Center

18 Insights from Oregon Entrepreneurs Network Oregon's Thriving Food and Beverage Entrepreneurship Scene

20 La Familia Cider: The American Dream in a Can 22 County News YAMHILL - City of Lafayette Update POLK - Hub of Food Innovation, Community, and Tourism MARION - Food: A Culinary Catalyst for Economic Growth

28 Hazelnuts for the Holidays

Huggins Insurance.............................................................. 9 Keizer Computer................................................................. 6 MAPS Credit Union............................................................ 4 Multi/Tech Engineering Services.................................... 1 People's Bank.....................................................................19 Petra Technologies...........................................................21 Power Fleet Commercial Sales......................................23 Rich Duncan Construction ��������������������������������������������27 Salem Convention Center..................Inside Front Cover Salem Health........................................................................ 7 Santiam Hospital.................................. Inside Back Cover Select Impressions �����������������������������������������������������������25 Sherman Sherman Johnnie & Hoyt, LLP ��������������������25 SVN Commercial Advisors..............................................21

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To advertise in the next issue, contact Jerry Stevens: 541-944-2820 SEDCOR@mtangelpub.com Enterprise Winter 2023 1

SEDCOR Staff Erik Andersson

Executive Council Chair Kate Schwarzler

Owner, Indy Commons

Michael Fowler CEO, CabDoor

Tony Schacher

Vice-Chair Ryan Allbritton

General Manager, Salem Electric

SVP, Chief Banking Officer, Willamette Valley Bank

General Manager, The Grand Hotel in Salem

Treasurer Timothy Murphy

Keith Stahley

VP of Business Operations, DCI

Past Chair Mike Keane

President 503-837-1800 eandersson@sedcor.com

Scott Snyder

City Manager, City of Salem

Colm Willis

County Commissioner, Marion County

Jenni Kistler

Shareholder and Managing Officer, Garrett Hemann Robertson

Director of Operations

Board of Directors

jkistler@sedcor.com

503-588-6225

Marin Arreola

President/Owner, Kaufman Companies

President/Business Consultant, Advanced Economic Solutions

Jennifer Larsen Morrow

Curt Arthur

President, Creative Company, Inc.

Managing Director, SVN Commercial Advisors

Ricardo Baez

President, Don Pancho Authentic Mexican Foods, Inc.

Roxanne Beltz

Ryan Mosgrove AVP, Business Banking Relationship Manager, Key Bank

Kim Parker-Llerenas

Nick Harville Business Retention & Expansion Manager – Marion County

City Councilor, City of Monmouth

Executive Director,

Becky Berger

Willamette Workforce Partnership

503-837-1804

James Parr

nharville@sedcor.com

Alan Blood

Chief Financial Officer,

Owner and CEO, Berger International General Manager, Garmin AT, Inc.

David Briggs

Trial Lawyer, Partner, Saalfeld Griggs PC

Tom Christensen

Salem Health, Hospitals & Clinics

Craig Pope County Commissioner, Polk County

CFO, Oregon Fruit Products

Ryan Rasmussen

Cathy Clark

Vice President of Administration, Modern Building

Mayor, City of Keizer

Jacqueline Crosby

Operations Manager, Crosby Hop Farm

Richard Day

Systems

Rural Innovation Catalyst 503-837-1803

VP, Commercial Banking Officer, Umpqua Bank

David Rheinholdt

Brent DeHart

Board President, Latino Business Alliance

President, Salem Aviation

Samantha Ridderbusch

Tony Eaquinto

Director, Government & Regulatory Affairs,

Steve Elzinga

Comcast

Scott Salazar

Partner, Sherman Sherman Johnnie & Hoyt, LLP

Regional Business Manager,

Juli Foscoli

Pacific Power

Nathan Good

Program Coordinator, Oregon Aglink

Co-owner – PR & Marketing Manager, South Town Glass Architect, Nathan Good Architects PC

Steve Horning

VP, Business Relationship Manager, People's Bank

Jessica Howard

President/CEO, Chemeketa Community College

Chris Hoy

Economic Development Manager – Polk County

Mark Raum

Owner/Manager, Advantage Holdings LLC

Southern Regional Manager, Portland General Electric

Alex Paraskevas

Liz Schaecher

alexp@sedcor.com

Abisha Stone Economic Development Manager – Yamhill County 503-507-4175 astone@sedcor.com

Zachary Sielicky Government Affairs, NW Natural

Renata Wakeley Special Projects Director, City of Woodburn

Mayor, City of Salem

Cyrus Ward

Kent Kaufman

Audit Manager - CPA, Aldrich CPAs + Advisors

Naureen Khan Communications and Marketing Manager 503-837-1802 naureen@sedcor.com

626 High Street NE, Suite 200 • Salem, OR 97301 503-588-6225 • info@sedcor.com • www.sedcor.com

2 Enterprise Winter 2023

Flavors of the Region

Food for Thought It’s been a busy fall for us at SEDCOR. In addition to our own events, we participated as panelists and speakers at many statewide gatherings including the Oregon Infrastructure Summit, the Oregon Economic Development Association Annual Conference, the Oregon Main Street Conference, and the Oregon IT Expo.

These events gave us a statewide platform from which to share our enthusiasm for what we’re doing here in the Mid-Willamette Valley. But they also provide opportunities to reflect on why we do this work.

In this issue, you will find a glimpse of SEDCOR’s work supporting food products manufacturers in the region. Our business retention and expansion work brings us into contact with our major food products manufacturers on a regular basis. But in recent months, SEDCOR has worked with partners like the Oregon Entrepreneurs Network (OEN), Oregon State University, Food Northwest, and the Oregon Processed Vegetable Commission on a variety of activities with food producers of all sizes.

Erik Andersson OEN’s Business Start-Up Weekend helped food entrepreneurs fine-tune both their business plans and their SEDCOR President pitches to retailers. The training was led by Venture Catalyst Mike White, a food entrepreneur himself and an effective cheerleader for these businesses. In September, SEDCOR presented OEN’s Angel Food Marketplace, where over 50 food entrepreneurs connected with customers and practiced their sales pitches, hoping to land shelf space with sponsors like New Seasons and Market of Choice.

In November, SEDCOR brought the region’s food manufacturers together to meet local farmers interested in developing supplier relationships at our inaugural Locally Grown Supply Chain event. And at our Business Forum, we hosted a panel centered around food entrepreneurs at different stages of their businesses. Franciso Ochoa shared his experience growing Don Froylan Creamery into its new Salem production facility and into markets well beyond the Willamette Valley. Jose Gonzalez told the story of La Familia Cider, and the successful marriage of a traditional Oregon product with the authentic flavors from his grandmother’s kitchen in Mexico. And Kristin Howard shared her journey as a passionate, early-stage entrepreneur working hard to get her quality product, Joie Energy drinks, onto store shelves and into new markets.

These opportunities to talk about what we’re up to at SEDCOR provide clarity as to our role in this work. No single state agency takes ownership of the economic opportunity of Oregon’s food and beverage industries. This has created a lane for SEDCOR to follow, promoting what we grow, process and distribute – whether it’s fruit and vegetables, beer and wine or grass seed and timber. Economic development authentic to our region. Our AgTech Regional Innovation Cluster work with the US Small Business Administration and AgLaunch provides a focus on the innovation opportunities in these traditional industries. We are thankful to work with a variety of exciting companies, and the high quality of what we grow and produce in the Willamette Valley has built a regional brand that all industries can share.

In closing, I want to give a heartfelt thank you to our own Nick Harville, who is retiring after over 17 years at SEDCOR. Nick contributed industry expertise to the SEDCOR team, and his work connecting the skills needed by employers with our region’s schools provided a blueprint for best practices that is promoted statewide today. But we also know Nick for his big heart, his genuine desire to help those in need, from business owners seeking guidance to residents rebuilding their lives after their communities were devastated by wildfires. The SEDCOR team wishes Nick the very best as he steps into a well-earned retirement. I expect he’ll be busier than ever!

Erik Andersson, President

Introducing Katie Adams

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www.sedcor.com

Katie was raised on a farm in the heart of the Willamette Valley where she learned the value of hard work and became passionate about the ag industry. After earning an agribusiness degree from West Texas A&M University she worked on cattle ranches across the Texas Panhandle, deepening her understanding of the agribusiness industry.

Receiving her insurance license in 2011 and focusing on agribusiness insurance in Hereford Texas in 2019, she is not new to the insurance business. Now with Hagan Hamilton, she brings her experience and understanding of ag to better serve the Pacific Northwest. She is perfectly situated in our Salem office to provide excellent service to all the surrounding farms and ag related businesses.

Call Katie at 503-565-3323 katie.adams@haganhamilton.com haganhamilton.com

Enterprise Winter 2023 3

AROUND THE VALLEY / MEMBER NEWS Oregon IT Expo The inaugural Oregon IT Expo was held on Nov. 9th in McMinnville, OR. This was an-all day conference that brought together professionals from across the technology industry to share knowledge, network, and explore the latest trends here. Attendees had the opportunity to participate in presentations, workshops, and discussions on a range of topics related to IT, including cybersecurity, digital transformation, A.I., cloud computing, and more.

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Top left to right: Paul Shelton - George Fox Newberg, Steve Chrisman - City of Pendleton, Abisha Stone - SEDCOR, Shawn Irvine - City of Independence, Peggy Fisher - DCI Newberg

Bottom left to right: Patty Herzog - McMinnville Economic Development Partnership, Jordana Barclay - Business Oregon, SEDCOR’s Abisha Stone Bruce Coleman - City of Sherwood moderated the final panel of the day, “Building Oregon's Innovative Future: Connecting State Vision to Local Impact”. The conversation discussed the comprehensive journey of building Oregon's innovative future, from state-level vision to tangible local impact. The panelists provided a cohesive overview of key initiatives and strategies aimed at fostering innovation across diverse sectors and regions in the state.

Learn more about the Oregon IT Expo and the topics discussed at oregonitexpo.com.

MMHF Update: Advancing Workforce Housing in Newberg

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Advanced Business Money Market Accounts are insured up to an additional $3 million through Maps’ relationship with Excess Share Insurance Corporation.

4 Enterprise Winter 2023

A prefabricated building prototype from Quantum Assembly

SEDCOR’s work with the Newberg Workforce Housing Consortium (NWHC) and the Missing Middle Housing Fund (MMHF) continues to advance with some exciting updates. We have launched a revolving investment fund with the $3M dollars secured by Representative Anna Scharf from the State of Oregon to finance predevelopment costs for workforce housing that will serve Newberg-based employers.

SEDCOR recently transferred these funds to the MMHF to manage, and efforts are underway to build out the committees to guide these investments. Abisha Stone, SEDCOR’s Yamhill County Business and Retention Manager, will join has joined the MMHF Board as part of this initiative.

The majority of these dollars will now be used to as seed funding for projects that were selected through a competitive process in June, including the development of middle-income apartment rental units overlooking the Willamette River and innovative prefabricated buildings from Quantum Assembly.

Quantum recently dismantled their three-story prototype in under 8 hours to move it to their new factory location. Investments in these two projects are planned to be made in Q1, 2024.

New Federal Reporting Law for Business Leaders/Owners Big Brother is watching you . . . starting in 2024.

Any individual who owns a minimum 25% interest in or who exercises “substantial control” over a small- or medium-sized business will soon be required to file reports with the federal government that include a photo image of a qualifying ID, along with other personal and business information. The law takes effect in January 2024. Failure

Flavors of the Region

AROUND THE VALLEY / MEMBER NEWS to timely file an initial or updated report (on the website that does not yet exist) may result in civil or criminal penalties.

The new federal law is called the “Corporate Transparency Act,” but it applies most types of LLCs, partnerships, corporations, PCs, etc.

There are exceptions for nonprofits, large businesses, and certain business categories— mostly businesses that are already highly regulated, like many financial institutions and publicly traded companies.

Reports must be filed with the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) by anyone with at least 25% ownership/control, or various business leaders/officers. Reports are due within 30 days of business formation or ownership/control changes, although FinCEN is considering extending time to 90 days. Businesses that existed before 2024 will have until January 1, 2025 to file an initial report.

There are numerous nuances and exceptions. FinCEN is finalizing administrative rules that could modify some of these requirements. If you think you might be impacted, please consult with your attorney.

Anderson Beals and Steve Elzinga are attorneys at Sherman, Sherman, Johnnie & Hoyt LLP www.shermlaw.com

Mark Zook receives WOU’s 2023 Outstanding Alumni “Service to Community” Award Western Oregon University announced the recipients of the Outstanding Alumni Awards for 2023. The awards include the Alumni Award for Service to Community, the Alumni Award for Professional Achievement, and the Service to Western Oregon University Award. This year, additional honorees were added to recognize the many accomplishments of Western graduates.

Mark Zook, CEO of Maps Credit Union

SEDCOR member Mark Zook received the Service to Community Award. Zook, 1989 WOU alumnus, is the CEO of Maps Credit Union and has been with the credit union for 31 years. He is also an innovative leader and a co-founder of several new companies in the credit union world. Additionally, Zook is actively involved in community service and has served on several committees and boards.

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VanNatta PR Earns Two Top Awards from Oregon Public Relations Society Longtime SEDCOR member company VanNatta Public Relations (VPR) was honored by the Public Relations Society of America Oregon Chapter for their work. They received two top Spotlight Awards for their work with the Oregon Department of Veterans Affairs and the Vietnam War Memorial Fund.

VPR received one award for its Addison Allemann, Mary Louise VanNatta and Harvey Gail event planning and promotion work for the Oregon Department of Veterans Affairs Women Veterans Conference.

Continued next page

www.sedcor.com

Enterprise Winter 2023 5

AROUND THE VALLEY / MEMBER NEWS Continued from page 5 Over 500 women of diverse backgrounds attended a multi-day conference. The conference is the state’s largest gathering of women veterans. The event connected veterans from every military branch to virtually celebrate the contributions of women who have served throughout history.

The second award was for VPR’s successful campaign to reach out to diverse communities for input on the Oregon Vietnam War Memorial Fund interpretive panels. This group of Oregonians is committed to establishing a permanent memorial on our state capitol’s grounds to honor the military and families who participated in the Vietnam War. They want to help bring peace to the suffering endured by those who were rejected when they returned home. A tumultuous period, the Vietnam War was a historical era of controversy in American history and the longest war in recorded history.

Mary Louise VanNatta, APR, Fellow PRSA, said, “Being recognized by our profession is the highest honor. My colleagues know what it takes to develop a successful event and implement a meaningful strategic communications campaign. Working with veterans is extraordinary. I have the utmost respect for those who chose to protect our nation through military service.”

Strategy and People at the Center of Marion Ag Services Growth Plan Marion Ag Service’s vision to be the most trusted solutions partner, empowering customers to succeed at feeding and

beautifying the world guides them as they plan and execute growth. The company believes that people and trust are common elements that have generated growth since the company’s inception in 1974.

Servicing a highly diverse agricultural marketplace, the company reflects its customers.

Staying connected to customers’ needs created a natural path as cropping changed in the Willamette Valley through the years. With Oregon agricultural commodities being topped by nursery production and grass seed, Marion Ag has looked toward its people and relationships to build trusted solutions and services that include these key cropping systems.

To support their growth plan, the company welcomes the following new team members and strategic staff appointments.

• John Wayland. John is a stalwart in the Pacific Northwest nursery and greenhouse markets. He has served growers for decades leading advancement in the use of controlled release fertilizer and crop protection inputs. John’s role as Horticulture Business Development Lead will initially focus on fitting customer needs with Marion Ag’s Entrust Nutrition suite of controlled release fertilizer solutions.

Additionally, Susan Bradley and Ashlee Spickler are joining to our support team. They will support the expanded horticulture team with customer relationships, order logistics

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6 Enterprise Winter 2023

Flavors of the Region

AROUND THE VALLEY / MEMBER NEWS and managing inventory.

• Justin Horlacher as Wholesale Sales Representative. Justin’s role will initially focus on working with aligned distributors to position the value of PurKote fertilizer technology.

Justin brings 20+ years of experience networking with distributors across the west positioning value added products.

• Doug Grott as Director of Sales. Doug has a vast network of relationships from his 20+ years in ag retail, business development and his presence in Oregon’s Willamette Valley.

• Our Director of Sales & Marketing Jeff Freeman will transition into a new role as Chief Strategy & Marketing Officer. Jeff will lead our growth and business development strategies and oversee marketing mixes that create value for our customers.

• To lead Marion Ag’s financial direction, we have hired Erin Galyean as Chief Financial Officer. Erin is a CPA with 20+ years as an accounting professional. She has worked the past 15 years for A-dec/Austin Industries.

Brad Compton Named President and Chief Operating Officer of Pioneer Trust Bank N.A. Brad Compton, Pioneer Trust Bank’s current Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, has been named both President

and Chief Operating Officer, effective November 1, 2023.

Compton succeeds John Willburn, who served as President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Banking Services.

Willburn will remain the Bank’s CEO. “I’m very pleased to make this announcement. Brad is an Brad Compton, President and COO of exceptionally talented Pioneer Trust Bank individual and we’re very pleased to see him take on this new leadership role in the Bank,” Willburn said.

Brad has been a member of the senior management and lending team at Pioneer Trust Bank for many years. He is also an active supporter of the greater Salem community, currently serving as the Committee Chair for Young Life in West Salem. “Pioneer Trust Bank’s legacy of exceptional care to our colleagues, clients and community will remain our guiding light, treating people the way they want to be treated, with dignity and respect,” Compton said.

Pioneer Trust Bank is Salem’s only locally owned National Bank and is a member of the Federal Reserve System.

Continued next page

LIFE IS THE PEOPLE YOU SHARE IT WITH

Learn more at salemhealth.org/respect

www.sedcor.com

Enterprise Winter 2023 7

AROUND THE VALLEY / MEMBER NEWS Continued from page 7 congestion, and safety concerns around the interchange. The design is called a Diverging Diamond, which realigns some of the county roads and private property accesses. Phase I is now complete, and future phases will continue in 2024.

Harvest Garden Homestead Neighborhood is Underway. The Urban Growth Boundary expansion allows for the development of 62 acres for homes, 10.5 acres of open green space, two acres for commercial use, and 80 multi-family units for a total of 297 housing units. Phase One of 29 homes and Phase Two of 20 homes are underway. Other amenities include a playground, walking trails, and a community garden area New location of GK Machine's facility

Excitement Builds in Donald, Oregon GK Machine Plans New Facility. Customer loyalty and increased demand for high-tech Ag equipment have fueled growth, making the dream of a new facility a reality. The location is a couple hundred feet south of the current manufacturing facility. The main goal of a new facility is to create an efficient flow of manufacturing processes to become more efficient and allow customer projects to move quickly and accurately for customers.

Improvements of I-5 Donald/Aurora Interchange. The Mid-Willamette Valley Transportation Commission made this reconstruction a high priority because of the traffic volume, proximity of roads and access points, visibility issues causing

MEDP Awards McMinnville Economic Development Partnership (MEDP) released its ‘22-’23 Annual Report at the MEDP Annual Awards Event - "Celebrating McMinnovation." Since its inception in 2006, MEDP has been dedicated to acknowledging exceptional companies and individuals contributing to the local economy's growth through four strategic priorities: business retention and expansion, business attraction, workforce development, and innovation and entrepreneurship. The awards event was held on October 5th in McMinnville, Oregon, to recognize the outstanding achievements of these recipients: • The McMinnville Maker of the Year: Applied Physics Technologies (APT), Marcus Straw, President and CEO • Kelly McDonald Business Leader: Pat Crowley, Chapul Farms, Founder and CEO

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Cherriots.org | 503-588-2877 Flavors of the Region

AROUND THE VALLEY / MEMBER NEWS Administrator • Economic Vitality Distinguished Service: Dave Haugeberg Learn more about the awards and the MEDP updates at www. mcminnvillebusiness.com/news

Monmouth’s New City Hall

SEDCOR member, Chapul Farms receives MEDP's Kelly McDonald Business Leader award.

• Board of Directors Partner Outstanding Partner Award: Arthur Chaput of Business Oregon • Startup of the Year: Cutting Edge Metals, Lori Robertson, Founder and CEO • McMinnville Innovator: Solid Carbon , John Mead, Founder and CEO • Workforce Partnership: McMinnville Water & Light and McMinnville High School. John Dietz, MW&L General Manager and Lauren Berg, MSD Secondary Programs

On November 1st, Monmouth celebrated their dedication of the new city hall. While it’s still a couple of weeks away from move-in ready, the building welcomed folks to see and experience the new city hall with food and music from Tuesday String Band. The 93-year-old city hall and the separate volunteer hall and council chambers were leveled last year to make room for the new city hall. The city of Monmouth plans on having a full open house for the city hall in late 2023/early 2024.

OBI’s Coolest Thing Made in Oregon Oregon Business & Industry (OBI) and Here is Oregon teamed up to host the inaugural The Coolest Thing Made in Oregon competition to celebrate Manufacturing Month and highlight the important play manufacturing has in Oregon's economy.

The competition showcased a wide variety of products produced throughout the state. Hundreds of products were nominated, and a committee of business, media and education professionals pared the nominations down to the top sixteen.

SEDCOR was elated to see that the finalists are both from the Willamette Valley and SEDCOR Continued next page

Shining bright

Insuring the Pacific Northwest for over 100 years.

Photo by Zak Stone Photography

To learn more or get a quote, visit huggins.com or call 503-585-2211.

www.sedcor.com

Enterprise Winter 2023 9

AROUND THE VALLEY / MEMBER NEWS Continued from page 9 members, A-dec and Freres Engineered Wood. In the end, Freres Engineered Wood’s Mass Ply Panels won. Freres Engineered Wood were recognized for their ability to produce an outstanding product, provide careers to fellow Oregonians and garner enough votes to top the Coolest Thing competition.

Soon, their award-winning MPP’s will be seen by many Brothers Kyle and Tyler Freres with their Oregonians. Portland’s OBI's Coolest Thing Made in Oregon International Airport’s Award. remodel will feature a latticework of MPP’s throughout its nine-acre mass timber roof.

which was dedicated in former Governor Barbara Roberts’ name, offers pathways in agribusiness, diesel tech, fire science, and manufacturing, with a law enforcement pathway being considered in the future. The center aims to provide quality and effective programs for students throughout Yamhill County, and district officials are hoping to secure $14 million in state funds to complete the funding package necessary to move forward with the project. The CTE Center is expected to be an opportunity for students to tap into their interests and pursue exciting career paths.

Agility Robotics On September 18th, Agility Robotics announced that they are wrapping up construction of RoboFab™ in Salem. The 70,000square-foot facility will have the capability to produce more than 10,000 robots per year.

SEDCOR is excited to welcome Agility Robotics Agility Robotics' bi-pedal robot "Digit" is to Salem. We believe designed to function as a “robotic co-worker” that their cuttingthat can maneuver around warehouses and edge technology and factories, traversing steps or crouching into innovation will bring small spaces. tremendous economic benefits to the region. At full capacity, RoboFab™ will employ more than 500 workers in Salem. We look forward to continuing our conversations with them in how to best support Salem's continued development and growth.

Interior of Dreamies Creamery's new brick-and-mortar shop at 141 SW Court St, Dallas, OR.

Dreamies Creamery Dreamies Creamery, a family-owned ice cream business in Dallas, Oregon, has opened its first brick-and-mortar location, a year after debuting its mobile trailer. The shop, which offers 16 flavors, allows Dreamies Creamery to rotate in and out flavors and offer traditional ice cream parlor items like banana splits and ice cream sundaes. The milk comes from Fia Fia Farms in Dallas and is pasteurized at Crystal Creek Dairy. Dreamies Creamery is open Tuesdays to Saturdays.

Barbara Roberts CTE Center Update House District 24 Representative Lucetta Elmer and House Speaker Dan Rayfield recently visited the Barbara Roberts Career Technical Education Center in Sheridan, Oregon, to get a better understanding of the center’s CTE program. The facility, Rendering of the new Barbara Roberts CTE Center

Western Interlock Expands Operations, Creating Dozens of jobs Western Interlock's parent company, Pegg Industries, purchased 27.2 acres in the industrial area in the north part of the city for $2.9 million in 2021. Western Interlock plans to start preparing the site in 2024 and start operation in 2026. The plans for the new facility include an 89,000-square-foot building, a hopper for aggregate, parking for employees, covered storage, and extensive paved areas for exterior storage. Western Interlock said it will

10 Enterprise Winter 2023

Flavors of the Region

AROUND THE VALLEY / MEMBER NEWS continue to use its existing Rickreall facility to sell its products.

The new facility is expected to create nearly three dozen jobs. Western Interlock plans to hire an additional 30 to 35 workers for the new production site.

League of Oregon Cities Award to Monmouth & Independence The League of Oregon Cities presented its 2023 Award for Excellence to the cities of Monmouth and Independence for their “M-I Trolley” program. This free service has provided transportation for residents, visitors, and those with mobility challenges, enabling them to shop, play, and attend concerts, among other activities. The trolley has exceeded expectations, with more than 52,000 riders in its first six months of operation, averaging 14 riders per hour. The award recognizes progressive and innovative city operations and services, Monmouth-Independence were co-recipients of the award

this year with the city of Albany also winning for its biosolids composting project.

SEDCOR EVENTS Locally Grown Supply Chain Inaugural event matching farmers with food processors At the Chemeketa Ag Complex on Nov. 9th, SEDCOR held its first-time event where producers could meet face-to-face with representatives from food processing companies and potentially contract their acres for the upcoming growing season. It was also a space for food processors to connect with one another and casually network with farmers that dropped by.

The idea for this event sprouted from a successful partnership in 2020 between farmers Bruce and Helle Ruddenklau and Yamasa Inc. After that connection, we wanted to provide a space to facilitate more opportunities for contracting and collaboration. Thank you to all of those who attended and keep your eyes peeled for the next one!

Food & Beverage: A Roundtable Discussion November’s Economic Educational Forum SEDCOR’s Monthly Economic Educational Forum in November was an engaging conversation focused on the challenges and opportunities for food and beverage entrepreneurs in the region and provided practical advice and inspiration for those looking to grow their businesses.

One key theme that emerged was the need for resources and support for food entrepreneurs in the region. The panelists discussed challenges of sourcing ingredients, building distribution networks, and the importance of community support. They also emphasized the role of organizations like SEDCOR, OEN and OSU in providing funding opportunities, mentorship, and connections to help entrepreneurs succeed.

Much appreciation to everyone who attended and thank you to the forum's sponsor, Oregon State Credit Union.

www.sedcor.com

Enterprise Winter 2023 11

Q + A

Nick Harville

Q + A with Nick Harville After 17.5 years at SEDCOR, Nick Harville will retire on Dec. 22nd. As he gets ready to retire, we wanted to take the opportunity to delve into his lifelong dedication to cultivating community engagement and driving economic development.

What inspired you to pursue this line of work, and what do you think has been your biggest accomplishment in your career?

I have always enjoyed working with people and helping them find solutions to problems or issues they’re experiencing.

My 30 plus year career in this industry has involved an enormous variety of companies and industries. Creating Lincoln County’s economic development organization, developing and establishing the Oregon Brewers Guild were both major accomplishments. Creating the Industrial Maintenance Operator/Mechanic (IMOM) program at SEDCOR was another. There are more than a few I am proud of. Almost all of them helped leverage human and financial resources to accomplish a greater goal.

What are some of the most significant changes you've seen in the economic development industry during your career, and how have you adapted to them?

The principles of practical economic development never change much. Technology has changed how to track, disseminate, and use information. The industry has adapted to it, but perhaps sometimes suffers from information overload. The original starting point is… people.

One-on-One conversations through relationships allow you to discuss core issues or business concerns. That is a practical practice that will never change.

What will you miss most about working at SEDCOR and in economic development?

I will miss the people. No two days have ever been the

12 Enterprise Winter 2023

Flavors of the Region

Q + A

Nick Harville

same. I’ve grown to sincerely care about the members, communities, and the relationships I’ve been lucky to have. These are my friends; my partners and we trust each other.

What are some of your most memorable experiences or projects from your time here, and why were they so meaningful to you?

I’ve taught alliance development in places around the world.

Teaching companies/people to work together to accomplish what they can’t do alone.

The SEDCOR Construction Alliance (SCA) is a source of great pride.

The SCA then did projects; Mount Angel Fest Halle, OFRI Pavilion, Project 807 at Oregon School for the Deaf, the Abbey Brewery and helping the Santiam Canyon Recovery after the 2020 fires.

Companies like Rich Duncan, K&E, Owen, Cherry City Electric, Freres Woods, Siegmund, Canby Excavation, Marion Ag, GK Machine, Withers Lumber, Safety Electric, ABC, Southtown Glass, AGC and so many others. Working together to help their neighbors and community. Hundreds of companies I know I can count on, because they know they can count on me.

How has SEDCOR changed since you first started working here, and what do you think the future holds for the organization?

Change is inevitable. Major employers once part of our economic engine in this region, have disappeared. Technology has created and creates new market opportunities that didn’t exist even yesterday. Regulatory changes create new market space.

Helping companies adapt and capture that new market space is what organizations like SEDCOR are here to do.

Employable skills have been a focus for the Construction Alliance for over 15 years. The IMOM program documented the skills needed by local companies. The ability to provide an employee pool with the right skills is a huge challenge that SEDCOR can’t take on alone for the valley’s future prosperity.

What impact do you think you've had on SEDCOR and the region during your time here?

IMOM created industry-driven skill development. I’ve worked to build honest relationships and partnerships with companies, counties, and communities so industry-driven solutions can

www.sedcor.com

Enterprise Winter 2023 13

Q + A

Nick Harville be deployed. Like the SEDCOR Construction Alliance and the Santiam Rebuild Coalition. Hopefully, I’m retiring from this position leaving the region a little better than when I got here.

What will you do to keep busy and stay connected after you retire, and do you have any plans for travel or other adventures?

I’ll find something to keep me busy.

Barbeque and smoking meats might be involved. We have our two Labradors who will hopefully like having me around more.

Is there anything you'd like to say to SEDCOR members or partners as you prepare to leave, or any parting words of wisdom you'd like to share?

Thank you. Thank you for letting me be involved in your business decisions, to be part of your business family and sometimes family.

Thank you for your friendship and support.

This valley is filled with boundless people, great communities, and innovative companies. We are a hard-working and adaptable region.

Thank you for letting me be a small part of it and hopefully, what we’ve accomplished has an influence on a positive future.

Anything else you’d like to add?

Pancreatic Cancer took my daughter at 42, two years ago. I want to close my retirement remarks with a quote from Steve Jobs: “… I hope you realize, when you have mates, buddies and old friends, brothers and sisters, who you chat with, laugh with, talk with, have sing songs with, talk about north-south-east-west or heaven and earth, that is true happiness!”

My time with SEDCOR members, the counties, communities, and partners have brought me… true happiness. Thank you all very much.

14 Enterprise Winter 2023

Flavors of the Region

NEW MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

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Enterprise Winter 2023 15

NEW MEMBER SPOTLIGHT Aberdeen Capital is a real estate investment company focused on creating and preserving affordable housing. Our mission is to build long-term sustainable results that positively impact the families and local communities we invest in. Our belief is superior returns and impact investing can be mutually inclusive. Our commitment is to deliver superior results for our residents, the communities we invest in and our capital partners. In a recent collaboration with the Salem Housing Authority, Aberdeen Capital received notable recognition in the Salem Reporter for our efforts in preserving the Orchard Park Apartments, the largest affordable housing property in Oregon outside of the greater Portland metropolitan area.

Oregon Corrections Enterprises is committed to providing every adult in custody (AIC) with meaningful work experiences through on-the-job training and mentorship. We achieve this by equipping AICs with work and training opportunities through manufacturing saleable products and services within a self-sustaining organization. We believe in the transformative power of second chances, working tirelessly to help individuals realize their potential for future success.

Through OCE programs, individuals develop a strong work ethic and gain valuable job skills, enhancing their employment prospects upon reentry into society.

Global Logisitics Inc. builds custom freight programs for manufacturers, distributors and direct to consumer companies to save them 10 - 30% in freight costs & expenses. GLI combines experience and cuttingedge technology to build customized transportation solutions and services. No matter your current scale GLI's team of logistics experts can evaluate and create or optimize your existing freight services. Some of our services include: • Rate negotiations for parcel, LTL, FTL and international shipments

16 Enterprise Winter 2023

• Daily tactical freight support • Claims Management • Purchasing support • Invoice auditing • Packaging advise / analysis GLI is happy to offer SEDCOR members a no-cost Freight Analysis to see if our services could benefit their company and offer them a better customer experience and streamlined Accounts Payable processes.

At Salem Security Professionals, we invest heavily in our vehicles, our equipment, and our training. We also embody the values of integrity, commitment, and vigilance, which defines us as a company and as security guards. We are backed by extensive training and experience, and our primary focus is to provide the best security guard service. This is pivotal to our goal of keeping our clients and their properties safe.

A visit to the Willamette Heritage Center is a step back in time. Our five-acre property is home to fourteen historic structures that vividly weave together the story of the Mid-Willamette Valley and the development of today’s diverse communities.

Explore the history and culture of the Kalapuya people, who have called this place home since time immemorial. Follow the immigration of 19th-century missionaries and Oregon Trail travelers. Discover Salem’s industrial past through wool, waterpower, and rails.

• Visit the oldest frame houses still standing in the Pacific Northwest • Experience the Industrial Revolution in the Thomas Kay Woolen Mill • Research local history in the Research Library • Hold an event in one of our venue rental spaces www.williametteheritage.org

Flavors of the Region

Photo by Zak Stone Photography

From concept to completion Ash Creek Station – Monmouth

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www.whiteoakconstruction.net Enterprise Winter 2023 17

INSIGHTS FROM THE OREGON ENTREPRENEURS NETWORK

Oregon's Thriving Food and Beverage Entrepreneurship Scene One of the most surprising things about running the Oregon Entrepreneurs Network (OEN) has been learning the history of the state’s entrepreneurs. The tech industry - the business sector most frequently associated with entrepreneurship and innovation - birthed TekTronix and Electro Scientific Industries (ESI). There are the well known athletic and outdoor brands of Nike, Columbia and Keen. And then there is the Oregon food and beverage scene.

There are iconic brands produced throughout the state that have regional, national and international presence. From the Tillamook Co-op on the Oregon coast to Reser’s Fine Foods headquartered in Beaverton over to 10 Barrel Brewing in Bend to Kettle Chips in Salem, food and beverage companies represent the second largest business sector in the state. All of these companies started with one innovative and passionate founder (or founding team).

Given that food and beverage is such a prominent industry throughout Oregon, it made sense for OEN to begin supporting the entrepreneurs in this space. From concept stage to raising venture capital, OEN offers education, connections and encouragement as startups learn the business of entrepreneurship. Developing growth plans to get from a single product to the grocery store shelves statewide takes time, dedication and grit…and a lot of expertise from the community.

That expertise comes from dedicated partners and volunteers around the state who join OEN in a four- to eight-week

educational program for food and beverage entrepreneurs.

This program is called Oregon Angel food (or OregonAF for fun). Each cohort learns how to scale for distribution, build a sales pipeline, marketing and ecommerce strategies, what investors want to see to invest AND how to create that perfect pitch. As the founders learn the basics of starting and growing a food and beverage business, OEN does outreach into the community looking for angel investors interested in making equity investments in a startup (or two!). Many of these angels choose to invest collectively through a special purpose vehicle (SPV) which is the fund that OEN raises. When the entrepreneur cohort is finished, OEN hosts a marketplace where the up and coming food and beverage companies pitch for the OEN angel investment. Companies have received investment ranging from $90,000 to $350,000…and it is VERY exciting to see the winners receive their BIG check figuratively and literally.

OEN is committed to this work because we want to be a part of the unique food and beverage culture in Oregon to ensure it continues to thrive as it brings you your next favorite, delicious brand. Additionally, by focusing on food and beverage, OEN gets to partner with SEDCOR, who’s resources for food and beverage startups in Marion, Polk and Yamhill County are fantastic. From farm to co-packing facility to supply chain logistics and transportation, every step a food or beverage entrepreneur will take can be covered in the Willamette Valley. There are multiple technical assistance

18 Enterprise Winter 2023

Flavors of the Region

providers including the Small Business Development Center at Chemeketa College, multiple economic development organizations beyond SEDCOR including the McMinnville Economic Development Partnership and a plethora of business service providers from bankers and accountants to lawyers and consultants. Plus, there is an angel investing group that is growing in this part of the state. AND the access to locally sourced ingredients is incomparable to anywhere else in the country in my opinion.

My enthusiasm for local food and beverage entrepreneurs continues to grow because of how thoughtfully their products are crafted with a mindset towards customer health and environmental sustainability. The region is a travel destination

for food and wine and rapidly being recognized as a producer of some of the most delectable snacks and drinks in the country. Chemeketa College became the travel destination for this year’s OregonAF Marketplace, hosted in partnership with SEDCOR. This annual event will be back in Salem next year to introduce you to the newest and brightest brands being produced throughout the state.

If you don’t want to wait a year for the OEN/SEDCOR Marketplace, then I suggest you head to your nearest grocery store which is guaranteed to have local products highlighted.

Pick up some cheese manufactured by Don Froylan, a La Familia Cider and a bag of Kettle Chips to see how truly delicious local entrepreneurship can taste.

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Enterprise Winter 2023 19

La Familia Cider: The American Dream in a Can The Willamette Valley will always be our home. It all started in the 70’s when our grandparents arrived here as Farmworkers.

They picked everything that grows in our beautiful region. While they had a hard time adjusting, they knew this was the place to raise their family. It was 100% the belief in Family and the American Dream that gave them the energy to persist.

La Familia Cider is the American Dream in a can, my father says we are as “American as Apple Pie”. At first it seemed like a joke but after looking up the meaning of that phrase, we learned the true meaning. (Actually, you might want to check it out too, it’s a good quick read).

Our Ciders are made in Oregon, with only juice from NW Apples. We then blend natural fruits and flavors in the Spirit of Traditional Mexican Aguas Frescas (Fresh Juices). They are available in various can sizes and kegs.

When we founded La Familia, we envisioned our Ciders being on every store shelf and served in every restaurant, as common as Corona and Modelo beer. That is still the vision, it is not a fast process but to us this is a long-term forever business. We are lucky that today we have distribution throughout Oregon and parts of Washington and there is interest coming from other areas.

The challenges though might be a longer list. We consider our Ciders, just great tasting Ciders, but sometimes the people who are in the position to buy for their store/restaurant/etc will not see it that way. They might place us in the Hispanic section of their store or not at all because they don’t have one or their

menu does not have Mexican food. This is changing but that is slowly changing.

Of course, we all know that the pandemic caused many businesses to shut down. Luckily we remained but the data is now showing how buying trends have changed for the foreseeable future. In the past 60% of our sales were kegs, and while we’re hoping to see that figure go back to that it might not.

Also, before the pandemic our Ciders were in bottles, but with the pandemic shortages our bottling supplier ran out of inventory.

We had to quickly transition to cans, which was part of our longterm plan, but because of how sudden that was our distribution went down to almost zero. We are still trying to catch up!

Today we remain optimistic but cautious. We roll out new flavors less than we would like, but having limited can options helps keep our inventory load low. We are working on expanding our distribution footprint, but our focus will always be our local market. We are blessed to have our own taproom in Downtown Salem, the La Familia Cider House, so we get to interact and share our Cider with our community directly.

If we had three wishes from a genie, we would ask for the following. 1) Every beverage buyer would prioritize locally made beverages because it helps their own community keep the money here and reduces the carbon footprint. 2) Everyone embraces our Ciders as their own, we all have different backgrounds, but we are here together in the same place. 3) All levels of the government do more to support their Food and Beverage companies by ensuring there is solid ecosystem to rely on. From idea to shelf.

Thank you for your time, our family invites you to enjoy our Ciders, pick them up whenever you can, order them for your business and visit our taproom. Every sale matters!

Jay Jay, Jazzelle and the rest of the Gonzalez Family

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Flavors of the Region

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Enterprise Winter 2023 21

COUNTY NEWS

City of Lafayette Update

by Hilary Malcomson, Mayor, City of Lafayette Lafayette, founded in 1846, was the go-to place for stocking up on supplies for travelers heading to the gold rush.

While times have changed including using cars over ferry boats, one thing remains: Lafayette is still a worthy place to stop. For those who look a bit deeper they will realize it is still possible to strike gold… cuisine gold.

Tucked between other small towns, Lafayette sits on the main highway through Yamhill County.. It will not matter if your visit to Lafayette is part of quick start to the day at either of our coffee shops, a bite to eat between wine tastings at one of the multiple eateries, or a beverage to relax at the end of the day, those who realize the riches of Lafayette will leave with more than nourishment for their bellies, they will be fed with interactions from hands on business owns vested in what they serve their customers.

These small restaurants are the heartbeat of downtown Lafayette. Their love and passion of providing food and beverage has produced something more precious than gold... community. Residents new and old have begun to realize that just as the heart of their homes is the kitchen, Lafayette's kitchen stretches down 3rd street and the dedication and love to Lafayette these business owners have is infectious.

With room for growth and inclusion of more businesses and restaurants in the downtown area, business owner Alex Sanchez, when not found at his store and eatery, Carniceria Abastos, is often found pouring more hours into the development of the downtown core, investing time and energy on the board of the newly formed LDA (Lafayette Downtown Association.) He and others part of LDA are ready to help welcome you as a customer or new business owner, and Alex will most likely do so with special flair, some amazing taquitos he has been known to show up with to help support community events and groups. Abastos is flanked by other Mexican food choices, and you will find yourself finding

reasons to pass through Lafayette more, just to get your hands on it all.

As for me, when I am not busy running through Retail Espresso after dropping my children off at the school with hope of catching up with owner Robin Mullin, who knows all her customers; I can be found at the other coffee shop, Cafeyette. Thanks to a very small city hall it has become my "office," using it to meet with members of LCAT (Lafayette Community and Activities Team,) or other from our town. It is the perk of the job I suppose that provides me the joys of savoring every sip of my latte artistically crafted by Daisy, daughter of owners Maria Hernandez and Eric Quillian. Eric is no stranger to serving his community. When not at teaching at one of the local public schools, he has now found himself serving as the newest member of the city council. To those who know him it is no surprise his investment into his family business ended up becoming an investment into his town as well.

With food industry business owners such as these and others in Lafayette, they know they are the driving force at bringing people into a town. All towns big or small however have one thing in common, everyone needs to eat. If you feed them, they will come, and Lafayette has begun to now realize an important question is what else can we offer those people after they arrive that can be beneficial to the town, our residents, and visitors. I for one am optimistic that we will look back and see Lafayette is feeding more than the bellies but the soul of all who spend any amount of time in this town too.

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CELEBRATING

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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.

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www.dalkeconstruction.com Enterprise Winter 2023 23

COUNTY NEWS

Polk County, a Hub of Food Innovation, Community, and Tourism

by Jeremy Gordon, Polk County Commissioner Industrial agriculture and forest products define Polk County’s export economies, but locally produced food and community connectedness retain generations of families,attract millions of dollars in tourism revenue every year, and sustain all community members.

I often tell constituents that I have a license to boast (objectively, of course) about my adopted home because I did not grow up in the Willamette Valley. While my home state of Wisconsin may be the “Dairy State” and is an ag powerhouse, the Valley truly integrates growers, producers, culture, and food experiences in ways that rival the provincial culinary regions of Western Europe. For my family and so many others, food is a central consideration when planning travel, vacations, and social bonding.

In Polk County, The Great Oaks Food Trail was developed in partnership with Travel Salem to offer visitors a self-guided tour that covers the farms, markets, eateries, breweries, vintners, and producers of Polk County. Visitors can map routes that might take them to Xicha (chee-chah) Brewing in West Salem, the only Latinx-owned brewery in the Pacific Northwest offering a multitude of Hispanic, Cubano, and Latin cultural cuisine; or, at the opposite end of the County, to the Bread Board in Falls City, home to the largest brick oven in the state offering Napoletana-style pizzas with locally sourced ingredients, homemade mozzarella, and a range of desserts, pastries, and cool fermented wild sourdough breads.

Underlying these culinary experiences are a range of supportive community spaces and resources for food entrepreneurs, job creators, and learners. Kate Schwarzer of Indy Commons launched Polk County’s first commissary commercial kitchen and micro market last year. This “pay as you cook” model invites innovation, collaboration, and lowers barriers for entrepreneurs to bring their culinary visions to market.

The Polk County Commissioners also support food workforce initiatives and job creation. We recently awarded the Central

School District’s Plant Science & Greenhouse program an “above ask” economic development grant to finish a greenhouse construction project. The program combines a non-traditional classroom model with work-based learning to provide students with knowledge of the growing agribusiness industry, plant and soil science, and greenhouse management and production.

As much as food contributes to the local Polk County economy through tourism, jobs, industry, education, and entrepreneurial support, perhaps least visible are the intentional ways in which food is distributed to our most vulnerable constituents.

The Marion/Polk Food Share received over 330,000 pounds of fresh produce from local farmers last year. These locally produced resources find their way to Polk County families in many inspiring ways. Mountain Gospel Fellowship in Falls City was my first introduction to what it truly means to serve one’s community. Their produce giveaway is more than an opportunity to ensure enough food is in the refrigerator and cupboards for the week. The weekly Friday afternoon event is a community event, where neighbors visit, children play in the parking lot, and smiles light up the faces of residents driving by after a long week of work.

Ella Curran Food Bank, the largest in Polk County, integrates food distribution with an ethic of shattering stigma by integrating community events, resources, and the food bank experience for people they serve. The founder of the foodbank, Ella Curran herself, is now memorialized in a permanent exhibit at the Independence Heritage Museum.

These intersections of food and agriculture permeate the experience and culture of life in Polk County, of truly living in community. This is why so many of us consider Polk County our forever home and what inspires us to welcome its many visitors.

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. frereswood.com

24 Enterprise Winter 2023

Flavors of the Region

Welcome to a Sustainable Future

Solving Problems Expanding Opportunities Managing Risks

Owned and operated by Covanta, the Marion Facility converts 550 tons of trash per day into 13.1 megawatts of clean, renewable electricity that can power approximately 7,545 homes.

Covanta works with companies and communities to find sustainable solutions to their waste management challenges. With a global network of Energy-from-Waste and material processing facilities, Covanta is preserving valuable natural resources and generating clean energy for our client communities and the world we live in.

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Enterprise Winter 2023 25

COUNTY NEWS

Food: A Culinary Catalyst for Economic Growth

by Kevin Cameron, Marion County Commissioner As a former Restaurateur, I have had many a friends ask me about going into the restaurant business. “Of course,” I say. “You know how to make a small fortune in the restaurant business?.... Start with a large one.” All kidding aside, I have a deep appreciation for those who enter the restaurant business at any place in the supply chain, including our farmers, fishers and ranchers who produce many of the products that are used by our restaurants here in the Willamette Valley.

Marion County is a culinary haven, boasting a rich agricultural heritage and a thriving food and beverage scene. Think of your favorite local place where you go and have a bite or a sip and enjoy time with family and friends? What is it that makes you want to go there?

Food can bring people together, and it’s also a powerful tool for economic development. By fostering a vibrant food and beverage industry, we can stimulate economic growth, create jobs, and revitalize neighborhoods.

Our rich agricultural heritage is a driving force in today’s entrepreneurial climate. Marion County is the largest agricultural producing county in the state of Oregon, with over 254 varieties of crops. Just think of the products that are made from our locally grown hazelnuts, for us older folks, formally referred to as “Filberts.” Think of our vast blueberry farms and all the benefits this product brings into our daily lives. Our hop farms? Well, we all know how this product relates to our economy. And of course, we cannot forget the grapes that are growing all around us that produce some of the finest wines in the world! These are just a few examples of what many refer to as commodities, that are processed into added value to

create products that our food and beverage industry thrives on.

Food tourism plays a pivotal role in our economic landscape.

Visitors are drawn to our region's unique culinary offerings, from farm-to-table restaurants to award-winning wineries and craft breweries. This tourism generates significant revenue, creates jobs, and enhances our community's identity. We at the county recognize this and have invested resources into organizations like Travel Salem to raise awareness about our unique offerings to draw additional tourism to the area. In this work, we must embrace a collaborative approach. Local governments, tourism organizations, and businesses can work together to create a comprehensive food tourism strategy that highlights our region's culinary gems and our agricultural heritage.

In a place as diverse and culturally rich as Marion County, food entrepreneurs also play a vital role in preserving and promoting our county's cultural heritage through cuisine.

They often draw inspiration from traditional recipes and local ingredients, creating unique culinary experiences that reflect our region's distinct character, further enriching our reputation as a tourism destination to visit and experience the unique tastes we have to offer.

By embracing food as a catalyst for development, Marion County can foster a thriving food and beverage industry that nourishes our communities, celebrates our heritage, and drives our economy forward. As we shape the future of our region, Marion County will continue to nurture the culinary spirit that makes our community a true culinary destination. And for all those who invest in the food and beverage industry…… I’ll toast to you having good fortune in life!

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26 Enterprise Winter 2023

Flavors of the Region

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www.RichDuncanConstruction.com Enterprise Winter 2023 27

Hazelnuts for the Holidays At Ash Creek Oregon we understand the importance of giving a meaningful gift. What started as gifts to friends and family, has now turned into a popular gift item for customers across the United States.

That is why we crafted our reusable burlap pouch with the intention of them being used as gifts. We work with gift basket companies that feature our hazelnuts, while attending local markets during the holiday season. This is all with the purpose of sharing the hazelnuts grown on our family farm here in the Willamette Valley. It is important to us that our hazelnuts are more than just a snack but rather an experience. For some people, it brings them back to the days when they would crack fresh hazelnuts by a warm fire with their families.

For others they have never had a real hazelnut, they have only had hazelnut creamer or Nutella.

Now they get to experience what makes hazelnuts so special. What is that you may ask? It is the buttery texture, the bitterness from the skin provides a truly unique flavor profile and the crunch, that is not always replicated in hazelnut flavored products. You must try the real thing to truly appreciate Oregon’s State nut. Of course, you will hear from the Oregon residents who have lived here for years that they were eating hazelnuts back when they were called

filberts. Which is something the locals here in the Valley and across the state take pride in.

When speaking with our customers it is always amazing to hear the different stories behind why they love giving hazelnuts as gifts. For example, we have heard about family members moving away from Oregon. So now, their loved ones send them a bag of hazelnuts as a little something to remember their home state. We also have local businesses buy our hazelnuts and give them out to their employees as holiday gifts. It is a gift that keeps on giving because once you have one, you will start thinking about who else would like these (or maybe take more for yourself). This wouldn’t be possible without other local Willamette Valley businesses, which include our chocolatier and our co-packers. We like to keep all of our operations within Oregon because of how connected hazelnuts are to the valley region.

It all starts here in the Willamette Valley. As Ash Creek Oregon grows, hopefully so does recognition of the Valley as one of the only locations in the world where hazelnuts are grown.

If you want to give something unique and delicious or start a new tradition for stocking stuffers, consider giving hazelnuts.

Or, if you want to make it extra special, you can get milk and dark chocolate covered hazelnuts as well. No matter what your preference is, you will know that you are sharing a very special food from the Willamette Valley. We look forward to hearing more stories about how our hazelnuts are used as a delicious gift. It warms our hearts to have our hazelnuts be a part of so many people’s holiday traditions year after year.

28 Enterprise Winter 2023

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