Enterprise Spring/Summer 2026

Building To m o r r o w  s Ta l e n t

Economic Development in Oregon’s Mid-Willamette Valley

Spring/Summer 2026

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ADVERTISER INDEX Thank you for your support

Spring/Summer 2026

In this Issue SEDCOR Board and Staff

3

President’s Message by Erik Andersson

4

Recap of SEDCOR Events

Chemeketa Trucking........................................................19 Cherriots.............................................................................21

SEDCOR Spring Industry Tour – Hampton Lumber • SEDCOR Winter Industry Tour– GK Machine + Canopii • SEDCOR Mid-Valley Economic Summit

9

Chiron Security Solutions..................Inside Front Cover Citizens Bank....................................................................... 1 City of Salem ����������������������������������������������������������������������� 5

Around the Valley/Member News HIVE is Moving Forward! • Canopii Advances to Startup World Cup Finals Two Awards for Freres!

9

ARG Industrial...................................................................20 Chemeketa Community College...................Back Cover

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6

AC+CO Architecture........................................................20

Coldwell Banker Commercial........................................... 5 Compass Visual.................................................................23

New Member Spotlight

Dalke Construction Co. ��������������������������������������������������13

AgWest Farm Credit • Cascade Creatives • The Independence Hotel • Kashmir Storage • Lucy Escobar Coaching and Consulting • Max's Booch • McMinnville Properties • Salt Creek Cider House • Selectemp Employment Services Torus • WaFd Bank

Energy Trust.......................................................................17 Green Acres Landscape ��������������������������������������������������18 Hagan Hamilton................................................................16 Huggins Insurance............................................................24

SEDF Update

10 Mid-Valley Economic Indicators - Salem MSA and Yamhill County

Kaufman Commercial......................................................19 MAPS Credit Union..........................................................23 Mustang Truss...................................... Inside Back Cover

12 Insights More Than Machines: How Touch-a-Truck Makes an Impact

Oregon Commnuity Foundation..................................... 7

14 From the Ground Up: The Barbara Roberts CTEC Lights the Path for Rural Career Education

Petra Technologies............................................................. 8

16 Building More Than Sidewalks: A Community Investment in the Next Generation of Construction Workers

Pure Energy Group...........................................................21

18 5th Annual Chuck Lee Memorial Scholarship for Hope Ceremony

Rich Duncan Construction ��������������������������������������������17

22 County News

Salem Contractors Exchange.........................................22

POLK - Polk County Workforce

Power Fleet Commercial Sales......................................15

Re:Source............................................................................15

Salem Electric....................................................................19 Sherman Sherman Johnnie & Hoyt..............................13 White Oak Construction.................................................21

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To advertise in the next issue, contact Jerry Stevens: 541-944-2820 SEDCOR@mtangelpub.com Enterprise Spring/Summer 2026

1

SEDCOR Staff Erik Andersson

Executive Committee Chair Tony Schacher

General Manager, Salem Electric

Vice-Chair Scott Snyder

General Manager, The Grand Hotel in Sale

Treasurer Timothy Murphy

Erik Frisk

President

General Manager, Garmin AT, Inc.

503-837-1800

Liz Schaecher

eandersson@sedcor.com

Program & Engagement Director, Oregon Aglink

Cyrus Ward

Audit Manager - CPA, Aldrich CPAs + Advisors

Senior Vice President, DCI

Jenni Kistler

Immediate Past Chair Ryan Allbritton

Director of Operations

SVP, Chief Banking Officer, Willamette Valley Bank

541-918-1588 jkistler@sedcor.com

Board of Directors Marin Arreola

President/Business Consultant, Advanced Economic Solutions

Curt Arthur

Principal, Capacity Commercial Group

Ricardo Baez

President, Don Pancho Authentic Mexican Foods, Inc.

Theresa Beach

Business Development Manager, Portland General Electric

Cathy Clark

Mayor, City of Keizer

Jacqueline Crosby

Operations Manager, Crosby Hops Farm

Shawn Daley

Vice President of Strategic Initiatives, George Fox University

Rich Duncan President, Rich Duncan Construction, Inc.

Margaret Gander-V

Ryan Mosgrove

AVP, Business Banking Relationship Manager, Key Bank

Kim Parker-Llerenas

Executive Director, Willamette Workforce Partnership

Scott Salazar

Regional Business Manager, Pacific Power

Kate Schwarzler Owner, Indy Commons

Naureen Khan Marketing & Engagement Manager 503-837-1802 naureen@sedcor.com

Victoria Shinn Business Relationship Officer, People's Bank

Zachary Sielicky

Government Affairs, NW Natural

Matt Sturzen

Attorney, Sherman Sherman Johnnie & Hoyt, LLP

Renata Wakeley

Special Projects Director, City of Woodburn

Colm Willis

County Commissioner, Marion County

Real Estate and Land Use Attorney, Saalfeld Griggs PC

Abisha Romano Economic Development Manager – Yamhill County 503-837-2131 astone@sedcor.com

Nathan Good Architect, Nathan Good Architects

Jessica Howard

President/CEO, Chemeketa Community College

Julie Hoy

Mayor, City of Salem

Kent Kaufman President/Owner, Kaufman Companies

Lyle Mordhorst

Alex Paraskevas Economic Development Manager – Polk County Rural Innovation Catalyst 503-931-3148 alexp@sedcor.com

County Commissioner, Polk County

Kip Morris Economic Development Manager -– Marion County 503-837-1804

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

2

Enterprise Spring/Summer 2026

kip@sedcor.com

Building Tomorrow's Talent

Kids Do Want to Work A few years ago, SEDCOR hosted a workforce panel with a deliberately cheeky title: “Kids Don’t Want to Work These Days.” While we certainly knew the opposite was the case, we did receive some backlash from a couple folks. (Which led me to suggest we do a follow up panel on the use of irony, but I digress...)

The point, of course, was to challenge that assumption head-on. We brought together a group of people who could provide a 360-degree view of the issue — Willamette Workforce Partnership, Chemeketa Community College, the Higher Education Coordinating Commission, the principal of CTEC Salem-Keizer, and two CTEC students currently working in the trades. What emerged was a candid, ground-level conversation about workforce challenges as seen from every angle: the systems trying to build pipelines, the institutions training the next generation, and the young people already making their way into careers.

Erik Andersson SEDCOR President

One of those students, a young woman named Danika, was enrolled in CTEC’s construction program and already working at GK Machine. She talked about being one of the few women in her program and what it meant for recruitment — that when other girls could see her in the field, actually doing the work, the path felt real in a way it hadn’t before. It was a small moment in a larger conversation, but it illustrated something important: workforce development works best when it’s visible, personal, and connected to real employers.

That panel made clear that the workforce challenge facing our region is not a simple one, and it doesn’t have a single solution. It spans systems — from high school CTE programs to community colleges to workforce investment boards to state policy — and it requires all of those systems working in alignment. What’s encouraging is that in the Mid-Valley, that alignment is genuinely happening.

The region is home to a remarkable concentration of industries: food and beverage manufacturing, precision machining, warehouse and distribution, agriculture, healthcare, and a growing technology sector anchored by companies like Garmin AT and Agility Robotics. These industries are expanding. They are innovating. They are hiring. And they are telling us consistently that the talent pipeline isn’t keeping pace. The jobs exist. The wages are competitive. What’s missing, too often, is the connection between a young person and the opportunity waiting for them.

Career Technical Education is one of the most direct ways to make that connection. When students have access to hands-on, careerconnected learning early — in a welding lab, a healthcare simulation center, a construction program, or a culinary kitchen — they stop seeing careers as abstract and distant. They start seeing them as something immediate and achievable. That shift in perspective is powerful, and it happens because of the work CTE programs do every day in partnership with local employers.

The panel also pushed employers to look honestly at their own role. Attracting today’s workforce isn’t just a pipeline problem — it’s also a culture and strategy problem. Young workers want meaningful work, a clear path to growth, and employers who take them seriously. The title “Kids Don’t Want to Work These Days” was a provocation, not a conclusion. Every panelist — and every student in the room — pushed back on it. Kids absolutely want to work. When companies like GK Machine invest in students early and give them a real foothold in a career, the results are exactly what our regional economy needs.

This past February, during SEDCOR’s Winter Industry Tour, our group visited GK Machine. Walking the floor, I had the chance to catch up with Danika — the same student from our panel — still there, still working, fully part of the team. It was a quiet but powerful reminder of what the pipeline looks like when it actually works: a student finds a program, the program connects her to an employer, the employer invests in her, and a few years later she’s part of the regional workforce. That’s the whole story, playing out on a shop floor in Donald.

Economic development is ultimately about people. It’s about ensuring every resident of the Mid-Willamette Valley has a genuine shot at a good career and a good life. CTE and workforce development are not peripheral to that mission — they are central to it. When schools, employers, workforce boards, community colleges, and organizations like SEDCOR align around shared goals, we multiply our impact. Every student placed, every employer engaged, every partnership built adds another layer to what we like to call the snowball effect of economic development. The momentum is real, and it’s worth every bit of effort it takes to keep it going.

Erik Andersson, President

www.sedcor.com

Enterprise Spring/Summer 2026

3

AROUND THE VALLEY / MEMBER NEWS

Recap of SEDCOR Events

SEDCOR Winter Industry Tour – GK Machine + Canopii

SEDCOR Spring Industry Tour – Hampton Lumber

On May 20th, SEDCOR members got an exclusive behind-thescenes look at Hampton Lumber's facility in Willamina, where 25 attendees spent two hours exploring the modern milling technology, sustainable forestry practices, and operational processes behind one of Oregon's most enduring forest products companies. As a multi-generational, family-owned business and SEDCOR's 2020 Outstanding Public/Private Partnership Award Winner, Hampton Lumber is a testament to how traditional industries can evolve while remaining deeply rooted in rural Oregon's economy and workforce. Thank you to all who attended and to our Industry Tour sponsor, Pacific Crest Real Estate Advisors for making it possible — sign ups are already open for our Summer Industry Tour at HGO! Check out sedcor.com/events to learn more.

For SEDCOR’s Winter Industry Tour, we had a unique double stop at GK Machine Inc. and Canopii — a family-owned precision manufacturer and an ag-tech startup operating side by side in the Mid-Willamette Valley. Attendees got a firsthand look at how legacy manufacturing expertise and emerging controlled-environment agriculture can work together to strengthen workforce development and drive regional economic growth.

SEDCOR Mid-Valley Economic Summit Thank you to everyone who joined SEDCOR for the return of Mid-Valley Economic Summit (formerly Oregon Economic Forum) on April 23 at the Salem Convention Center. The packed breakfast program featured sharp insights from Tim Knopp on Oregon's prosperity agenda, economist Tim Duy on the national outlook, Damon Runberg on regional conditions, Preston Mann on Oregon's business climate, and Cara Turano on the future of entrepreneurship and innovation in the Mid-Valley. We're grateful to our speakers, attendees, and sponsors — including title sponsor RWE and presenting sponsor Portland General Electric — for making this one of our most impactful events yet.

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Enterprise Spring/Summer 2026

Building Tomorrow's Talent

AROUND THE VALLEY / MEMBER NEWS

Member News

HIVE is Moving Forward!

HIVE (Housing Innovation Village Experience) is looking to connect with local partners ahead of a major October project expected to draw thousands of visitors. Opportunities include business sponsorships (financial or in-kind), employer-supported housing solutions for project managers during late summer and fall, and potential employer-backed home purchases for employees. They’re also gauging interest in hosting site tours for local employers and community members.

To know more, go to www.letsbuildhive.org/learn

Canopii Advances to Startup World Cup Finals Canopii continues to build momentum on the startup stage, recently winning the inaugural Startup World Cup Portland Regional and securing a spot in the global finals in San Francisco. The Mid-Valley agtech company will join startups from around the world to compete for a $1 million investment

Robert Bierma

Laura Kuster

Scott Ryan

David Shelley Gary George Weston Schacher

Check out our team & Listings!

CBCRE..COM

Melissa ROdriguez

Jeff Miller

prize. The recognition highlights Canopii’s continued growth and the increasing attention its autonomous greenhouse technology is receiving within the innovation and agriculture sectors.

Two Awards for Freres!

Freres Engineered Wood is earning national and regional recognition for demonstrating how sustainable forestry and innovative design go hand in hand. The century-old wood products manufacturer is celebrating two major awards — one for its long-standing environmental partnership with the World Forestry Center and another for a fire-resilient mass-timber home that replaces a cabin lost in the Santiam Canyon Fire.

Together, the projects show how innovative products like Freres Mass Ply Panels (MPP), paired with collaborative design, can help build a more sustainable future for Oregon’s forests and communities.

Pam Rushing

Alex Rhoten

Kelsi Sands

Shadya JOnes

CHris Jones

Reuben Worster

Mindy Scott Kaur Cantonwine

503 588 3508

Salem Public Works is ready for a busy 2026!

Look for our crews making a difference in these areas: Silverton Road NE • Commercial Street SE • Doaks Ferry NW • Union Street NE Orchard Heights Road NW (Snowbird Street NW to Westhaven Avenue NW) State Street South Side Sidewalk Improvements

Thank you for your support! www.sedcor.com

Enterprise Spring/Summer 2026

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NEW MEMBER SPOTLIGHT AgWest Farm Credit is an agricultural lending cooperative with more than a century of experience serving farmers, ranchers, timber harvesters, and aquatic producers throughout the West. www.agwestfc.com AHIVOY, led by successful Latinx wine professionals, provides education and development opportunities for vineyard stewards in Oregon’s wine industry. In partnership with Chemeketa Community College and Linfield University, we’ve developed a bilingual English-Spanish immersion program to expand opportunities and knowledge in the wine industry, potentially leading to credit programs at various institutions serving this industry statewide (Chemeketa, Linfield, Umpqua, Oregon State).

Cascade Creatives is a Salem-based, creative-first design and marketing agency dedicated to helping local businesses, nonprofits, and community-driven organizations grow through impactful visual communication. Founded in 2024, Cascade Creatives blends strategy, storytelling, and high-quality design to create brands, websites, and campaigns that elevate organizations across the Willamette Valley. With a multidisciplinary team specializing in branding, web design & development, SEO, paid advertising, photography, videography, and print media, the agency partners closely with clients to deliver work that is both results-driven and community-focused. Cascade Creatives is proud to represent Latino-owned small businesses in Oregon and is committed to supporting mission-oriented organizations, healthcare providers, and local service businesses.

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bike-friendly trails, and world-class vineyards, this hotel is the perfect retreat for adventurers and leisure travelers alike.

Discover a unique blend of comfort, style, and scenic splendor at The Independence Hotel.

Kashmir Storage is a family-owned and operated self-storage facility located in Salem. We provide a wide range of secure and convenient storage solutions designed to meet the needs of both residential and business customers. Our facility offers multiple unit sizes, including climate-controlled and standard storage units, as well as covered and uncovered parking for RVs, boats, and other vehicles. With features such as gated access, 24/7 video surveillance, and convenient online bill pay, we prioritize both security and ease of use for our tenants. At Kashmir Storage, we are committed to providing a clean, well-maintained facility and friendly customer service while supporting and staying involved in the local community.

Learn more at www.cascade-creatives.com.

Lucy Escobar Coaching and Consulting partners with organizations to strengthen leadership, align teams, and drive sustainable performance. With 20+ years of experience in leadership, business, and organizational development, including a foundation in banking and finance, Lucy brings disciplined strategy and practical execution. She is a Certified DISC Consultant, John Maxwell Certified Executive Leadership Coach, GrowthWheel Certified Business Advisor, and Emotional Intelligence Practitioner. Her work integrates DISC and emotional intelligence assessments, 360-degree leadership evaluations, and GrowthWheel business audits to improve decision-making, communication, talent retention, and profitability. Through a bilingual and bicultural lens, Lucy delivers focused coaching, executive workshops, and retreats designed for measurable impact. www.LucyEscobar.com

The Independence Hotel in Independence, Oregon is a boutique destination nestled in the heart of the Willamette Valley. Known for its modern design and warm hospitality, the hotel offers guests an unforgettable experience surrounded by the region’s natural beauty and vibrant wine country. One of its most captivating features is the stunning rooftop terrace, where panoramic views of the Willamette River create a serene backdrop for relaxation or social gatherings. Whether you’re sipping a local Pinot Noir at sunset or starting your day with a peaceful river view, the riverfront location is a highlight that sets The Independence Hotel apart. With easy access to charming downtown shops,

Max's Booch is a local, handcrafted kombucha company based in Salem, Oregon, founded in 2023 by former engineer Max Ransom. Located in the heart of the Willamette Valley, I consider myself very lucky to be surrounded by all that the area has to offer. The tea used for Max’s Booch is sourced and certified organically grown locally to Salem, OR by the great folks of Minto Island Tea. Their premium quality tea provides an incredibly clean & crisp kombucha taste that is never over powered by sourness - and the SCOBY loves it too! It is my joy to share with you my journey, joy, and most of all my Booch! www. maxsbooch.com Continued on page 8

Enterprise Spring/Summer 2026

Building Tomorrow's Talent

What if you imagine a better Oregon?

What if you have an idea that would help Oregonians thrive? What if you dream of protecting Oregon’s wild places? What if you have a concept that would make housing affordable? Maybe you start a scholarship. Or support a nonprofit — or become a volunteer. We’re your statewide community foundation, and together we turn ‘What ifs’ into powerful ‘Why nots.’ What if you joined us?

O R E G O N C F.O R G /W H AT I F

NEW MEMBER SPOTLIGHT McMinnville Properties McMinnville Properties, a division of The Stoller Group, develops real estate projects that strengthen Yamhill County's profile as the hub for Oregon wine country. Guided by the 200-year vision of Dayton native and Oregon wine pioneer Bill Stoller, the company focuses on creating distinctive spaces that foster community, celebrate the region's natural beauty, and support long-term economic vitality. Its flagship project is the Marriott AC Retreat at Evergreen, a landmark hotel designed to elevate hospitality in the heart of wine country. Rooted in innovation and stewardship, McMinnville Properties invests in destinations that enrich both residents and visitors for generations to come.

Salt Creek Cider House is family owned and operated orchard and destination cidery located in the rolling hills of the Willamette Valley just outside of Dallas, Oregon. At Salt Creek Cider House we are rooted in American tradition. We are dedicated to reviving America’s original beverage of choice: hard cider made right on the farm. Just the like the early settlers, we do everything onsite: from growing our own apples and pears to crafting small batch hard ciders made with local ingredients.

Founded in Eugene in 1987, Selectemp Employment Services has partnered with Oregon businesses to provide expert staffing solutions for the light industrial, manufacturing, production, skilled trades, and professional sectors. The company’s mission is built on the "Five-Rs": providing the right people, at the right time, with the right skills, in the right place, and at the right cost. Selectemp operates with a “people-first” philosophy, ensuring every placement is a strategic match for both the client’s goals and the candidate's aspirations.

In 2015, Selectemp joined the TalentLaunch Network, a nationwide group of staffing firms. This partnership allows Selectemp to maintain local relationships and decision-making while leveraging national-level technology. With branch locations supporting Portland, Salem, Albany, Eugene, Roseburg, Medford, Bend and surrounding areas, Selectemp acts as a strategic partner to keep your operations running smoothly.

Torus designs, engineers, and manufactures full-stack hybrid energy storage built to keep commercial and industrial facilities running with resilient, affordable power. That means lower energy bills, better power quality, and backup power that keeps operations running even when the grid drops. With flexible financing options, including no upfront capital through utility partnership programs, businesses get the energy infrastructure they need without the major upfront investment. Every system is manufactured in the United States, part of Torus's commitment to building a more secure and resilient energy future for America.

WaFd Bank is proud to serve small towns and big cities in nine western states.

For more than 100 years we’ve focused on common-sense solutions and

comprehensive digital tools to make banking easy. From express

loans and lines of credit to time saving services that grow with your business from start to legacy, WaFd Bank is here to provide the best in personal, business, and commercial banking and is an SBA Preferred Lender. WaFd Bank. Built for business! Member FDIC.

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503.822.6806

Enterprise Spring/Summer 2026

Serving the greater Salem/Keizer area since 1980 Visit our website to see what others are saying

WWW.PETRATECHIT.COM

Building Tomorrow's Talent

AROUND THE VALLEY / MEMBER NEWS

SEDF Update technology developed by startup companies identified in the participant’s agreement with AgLaunch.

What we intend to prove with this cost-share program is one of SEDCOR’s main theses: that innovation is not just white lab-coats in clean rooms. Instead, every industry and every business can be a testbed of innovation if given the right tools and support mechanisms.

The Strategic Economic Development Foundation, Inc. has

been organized to provide educational programming related to business operations for underserved populations beginning in the mid-Willamette Valley area of Oregon. By conducting this activity, we will help minority business owners in underserved areas to build businesses that can sustain themselves and thus economically develop the area.

We envision a well-connected regional business ecosystem anchored in sustainable systems and strong local partnerships that support innovation, industry transformation and entrepreneur empowerment.

Our mission is to deliver accessible, relevant, responsive programs while fostering value-add partnerships.

Ford Family Foundation SEDF was granted $75,000 from the Ford Family Foundation in 2025 to support field trials through the AgLaunch program. This proposal serves as a pilot for a cost-share program in Oregon like the one developed with the Tennessee Department of Agriculture.

The cost share specifically entails reimbursement for approved, documented costs associated with conducting an on-farm, commercial scale trial of the authorized new agricultural

In the first year the grant paid for four field trials including the deployment of a ground-based drone for cultivating and weeding.

Pacific Power SEDF also received $3,500 from the Pacific Power Foundation.

While the original application was for the building of marketing collateral to advertise the Enterprise Zone to prospective buyers, realtors, and for cities to use, new laws from the Oregon legislature saw the project pivot to getting the Enterprise Zone in compliance specifically around a newly-mandated School Support Fee. The Enterprise Zone program is a property tax abatement incentive for traded-sector companies that allows a business to abate taxes on new investment if it is accompanied by job creation. There are 73 Enterprise Zones in Oregon: 55 are rural, 18 are urban. The zones themselves have geographic boundaries that are defined by zone sponsors, and the sponsors can appoint a Zone Manager, which in the case of the DallasIndependence-Monmouth Enterprise Zone (heretofore referred to as “Polk County”), is now SEDCOR. One of the complicating factors of the Polk County Enterprise Zone is that there are in fact four sponsors: the cities of Dallas, Independence, and Monmouth individually, and the county itself.

Also important as background information is understanding that there are two versions of the Enterprise Zone abatement: a standard three-year abatement, and an extended five-year abatement that includes additional eligibility criteria which include a Zone Sponsor (city council or Board of Commissioners) blessing the application through a resolution, and the requirement that the wages of the newly created jobs be 150% of the county average.

The new law passed in 2023 requires that a business taking advantage of an extended 5-year abatement compensate the impacted school district with a direct “School Support Fee” in the 4th and 5th year of program at a rate between 15 and 30 percent of the abatement, a rate which the district must set at the School Board level.

This means that for an Enterprise Zone to be able to offer an extended abatement, the school district must set a rate, which must be “blessed” by the Zone Sponsor. In the case of Polk County with two impacted school districts and four zone sponsors, this meant quite a lot of education, for each one of those taxing districts, and time spent at school board and public meetings.

Both the Central and Dallas School districts have established a rate for extended abatement at 15% and now SEDCOR is working with the Zone Sponsors to approve the fee.

www.sedcor.com

Enterprise Spring/Summer 2026

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Mid-Valley Economic Indicators Salem MSA, February Data The Salem MSA’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 5.0% in February, essentially unchanged from January’s revised unemployment rate of 5.1%. The Salem MSA’s unemployment rate has increased from 4.4% to 5.0% over the past year.

Oregon’s statewide seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in February was 5.2%.

Employment in the county increased by 2,200 jobs (+1.2%) over the year. Employment increased in industries such as private education and health services (+1,700 jobs); trade, transportation, and utilities (+1,700 jobs); and in government (+1100 jobs).

Salem MSA saw declines in the professional and business services industry (-2,000 job) and in construction (-400 jobs).

Health Care and Social Assistance in Salem MSA— Health care and social assistance is a growing industry in the Salem MSA with generally increasing employment over the period. The industry grew by 12,200 jobs (+55.0%) from 2015 to 2025, rising from 22,200 to 34,400. Employment rose steadily through 2019, reaching 27,900 (+25.7% from 2015), before a decline in 2020 to 26,700 (-4.3% from 2019). From 2020 to 2025, employment increased from 26,700 to 34,400, a gain of 7,700 jobs (+28.8%). Growth resumed in 2021 and continued each year, with particularly strong gains after 2022. Since 2022, employment has increased from 27,700 to 34,400, a gain of 6,700 jobs (+24.2%).

Unemployment Rate Over-the-Year Comparison

Changes in Jobs per Industry Salem MSA, February 2025 to February 2026

12% Total nonfarm employment (1.2%)

10%

2,200

Private education and health services (4.5%)

1,700

Trade, transportation, and utilities (5.8%)

8%

1,700

4.4% 5.2% 5.1% 4.9%

Government (2.4%)

6%

1,100

Manufacturing (2.7%)

300

Other services (1.8%)

4%

Mining and logging (0.0%)

2%

Leisure and hospitality (-0.6%)

0%

Construction (-3.2%)

100

Financial activities (0.0%) -100

Information (-11.1%)

Feb-19 Feb-20 Feb-21 Feb-22 Feb-23 Feb-24 Feb-25 Feb-26 U.S.

Oregon

Marion

Professional and business services (-10.8%)

Polk

-200 -400

-2,000

Source: Oregon Employment Department (OED), Unadjusted Current Employment Statistics

Source: Oregon Employment Department (OED), Local Area Unemployment Statistics (LAUS)

Annual Avg. Employment in Health Care and Social Assistance Health Care and Social Assistance

40,000 34,400

35,000 30,000 25,000

In 2025, the average annual wage was $64,643

27,900 22,200

20,000

Salem MSA had 2,102 health care and social assistance establishments in 2025

15,000 10,000

5,000 0 2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

2024

2025

Source: Oregon Employment Department, Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW)

Source: Oregon Employment Department, Current Employment Statistics (CES)

For more information and/or to be added to the monthly e-mail distribution list, contact: Sofia Al-Bawani, Workforce Analyst, Oregon Employment Dept.

Sofia.k.al-bawani@employ.oregon.gov | Tel.: (541) 223-4954

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Enterprise Spring/Summer 2026

Join the conversation and stay informed.

Qualityinfo.org/mid-valley

Contact us for online presentations and speaking engagements.

Building Tomorrow's Talent

Mid-Valley Economic Indicators Yamhill County, May Data Yamhill County’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 4.4% in May, up from its April rate of 4.3%. Oregon’s statewide unemployment rate in May was 4.8%, up from its April rate of 4.7%. From the previous year, total nonfarm employment declined by 180 jobs.

Industries adding the most jobs over the previous year were private education and health services (+4.2%, 390 jobs). Job losses were concentrated in trade, transportation, and utilities (-2.2%, 110 fewer jobs), government (-2.1%, 100 fewer jobs), and leisure and hospitality (-2.6%, 100 fewer jobs). Employment is 1,280 jobs (+3.6%) above the pre-pandemic level in February 2020.

SHARE OF WORKFORCE BY AGE — Yamhill County’s workforce is aging. The number of Yamhill workers ages 55 and over more than tripled in the 30 years from 1993 to 2023, increasing from 2,200 to over 8,800. The share of workers ages 55 and over more than doubled in the same period from 12% to 27%. The aging workforce trend is driven by the Baby Boomer generation, now all 55 and older, remaining in the labor force longer than previous generations. As many plan to retire in the next decade, fewer Gen Z workers will be available to replace them, requiring employers and workforce planners to strategize for increased turnover and future labor needs. Read more about Oregon’s Aging Workforce here.

Unemployment Rate Over-the-Year Comparison

Changes in Jobs per Industry Yamhill County, May 2024 to May 2025

Source: Oregon Employment Department (OED), Local Area Unemployment Statistics (LAUS)

Source: Oregon Employment Department (OED), Unadjusted Current Employment Statistics

Mid-Valley’s Most Difficult Vacancies to Fill in 2024

Share of Workforce By Age in Yamhill County (1992—2023)

Source: Oregon Employment Department, 2024 Annual Job Vacancy Survey.

Source: Oregon Employment Department (OED), U.S. Census Bureau Quarterly Workforce Indicators.

For more information and/or to be added to the monthly e-mail distribution list, contact:

Join the conversation and stay informed.

Madeline Judokusumo, Workforce Analyst, Oregon Employment Dept.

Madeline.Judokusumo@employ.oregon.gov | Tel.: (541) 223-4954

Contact us for online presentations and speaking engagements.

www.sedcor.com

Qualityinfo.org/mid-valley

Enterprise Spring/Summer 2026

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INSIGHTS

More Than Machines: How Touch-a-Truck Makes an Impact

By Emmanuel Goicochea, City of Independence, Oregon For the past several years, under the banner of May sunshine, Touch-a-Truck has rolled into downtown Independence, Oregon, drawing thousands of families to Riverview Park. Attendees get an up-close look at the vehicles, machines and people that keep our region running smoothly. More than that, young people are given a rare opportunity to climb aboard, ask questions and explore industries they may not otherwise encounter. This community event is doing more than creating memories. It is helping spark curiosity and planting seeds in our region’s future workforce.

In collaboration with SEDCOR, the city of Independence hosts Touch-a-Truck every year on the Saturday before Mother’s Day. This year’s event featured 30 participating businesses and agencies, bringing everything from construction vehicles to law enforcement rigs. The Oregon State Police brought their bomb squad robot, and Polk County Fire District No. 1 allowed kids to spray a hose at a makeshift house fire. The event culminates in spectacular fashion as McMinnville’s Jerry Trimble Helicopter lands in the Riverview Park amphitheater. Kids and their parents can sit in the pilot’s seat and picture themselves flying high above the valley. Attendance this year is estimated to have approached 5,000 people.

Freres Engineered Wood called Touch-a-Truck "one of our absolute favorite events that we participate in."

"The event is always so well laid out, and Freres is grateful for the opportunity to take part in this amazing event," the company said.

"Keep up the amazing work and we will see you next year."

Touch-a-Truck benefits the Ella Curran Food Bank, a nonprofit food assistance organization that has served Polk County for nearly 50 years. Every week, Ella Curran serves more than 1,000 residents throughout Polk County and the surrounding area with the help of more than 70 volunteers. Touch-a-Truck is a free event, but attendees are encouraged to bring donations to a collection tent near the entrance to the park.

The impact of that support was evident this year. Ella Curran Food Bank said the event not only helped collect food donations but

also created meaningful opportunities to connect with families and share information about available resources.

"What a great turnout," the organization said. " We were able to provide families with food bank information, sign up for new Green Bag donors, and receive hundreds of pounds of donated food."

Supporting nonprofits is nothing new for businesses in our region. It is part of who we are. Across Oregon, nonprofits reported $2.4 billion in charitable contributions, reflecting the powerful partnership between donors, businesses and community organizations working to meet local needs. Events like Touch-aTruck make that partnership visible, giving residents a chance to tangibly connect with the businesses and organizations that help keep our region running.

Connecting with the community in a comfortable setting does not get much better than Touch-a-Truck. Kids may not remember the specific logo or the exact model of vehicle they sat in, but they will remember what it felt like to experience those machines up close for the first time. And while Touch-a-Truck has not been around long enough for a true return-on-investment story to emerge, it is undoubtedly creating a space where that spark of inspiration can occur. It may only be a matter of time before we hear how the next generation’s business leader first discovered their love of industry at Touch-a-Truck.

Touch-a-Truck is a city-sponsored event, but it truly would not be possible without the outstanding coordination and management of SEDCOR staff. Their expertise and connections have been integral to the event’s success over the last two years, and we hope to continue this partnership for the foreseeable future.

If you are a business or agency in the Willamette Valley looking to connect with your community, look no further than Toucha-Truck. With opportunities for sponsorship, participation, and additional activities, we are certain there is a place for you.

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From the Ground Up: The Barbara Roberts CTEC Lights the Path for Rural Career Education Fire Science training will be available this fall to rural students in Yamhill and Polk counties and will serve as the first program to launch under the Barbara Roberts Career Technical Education Center (CTEC) center.

The Barbara Roberts CTEC serves as a regional, cooperative center with classes open to Juniors and Seniors from Amity, Dayton, Perrydale, Sheridan and Willamina High Schools. Each of these districts serves a rural population, with limited access to CTEC opportunities.

The Center is named in honor of former Oregon Governor Barbara Roberts, who graduated from Sheridan High School in 1955 and was a lifelong advocate for education and opportunity for students across the state of Oregon. ”Career Training Education Centers are expensive to set up, and small districts do not operate with the economies of scale that allow larger districts to make these types of investments,” stated Dorie Vickery, Superintendent of Sheridan School District. “We have to work together in order to provide opportunities for our students that connect them to high-wage, high-demand careers in the local community.”

The vision for the Barbara Roberts CTEC was first launched in 2021 when Oregon Representative Gomberg assisted the Sheridan School District in securing $1.9 million from State Lottery Funds for the purchase of a vacant manufacturing building and land near Sheridan High School.

SEDCOR representative Abisha Romano helped guide a team of professionals with backgrounds in public education and grant writing, connecting them to community partners and industry leaders who assisted with the selection of four initial pathway programs that would have a positive, critical impact on local workforce development: Fire Science/EMR, Manufacturing, Diesel Tech/Truck Driving and Agribusiness.

Although the long-term vision is for the construction of a single, permanent building, changes in funding priorities at the state level, increased construction costs and other regulations have extended the timeline for a dedicated location to house the pathway classrooms and resources.

When Fire Science/EMR training opens this fall it will be housed in existing classroom space at Sheridan High School and the leadership team is exploring ways to open other pathways using equipment, curriculum and resources that have been purchased through grants and donations in existing classrooms and educational spaces throughout participating districts. This regional model will allow rural Polk County and Yamhill County students to begin exploring hands-on career learning without waiting for the construction of a permanent facility.

The decentralized model maintains momentum for the project, allows visible progress to continue, and ensures that all procurement decisions have direct value to students, rather than sitting unused. Access to classes and equipment will strengthen recruitment efforts and build interest in rural career pathway programs for students, industry leaders, and potential funders, by allowing them to engage with each other.

Once construction of a permanent BRCTEC building is complete, all purchased equipment and curriculum will move into the center and become part of the permanent program, resulting in no duplication of costs.

The Barbara Roberts CTEC represents a visionary solution that addresses a serious challenge faced by rural communities: the lack of access to high-quality career and technical education pathways that go beyond individual classes and projects, and lead to high-wage, high-demand careers. Students will earn college credits, high school diplomas, and professional certifications that have been shown to increase graduation rates and create a direct pipeline to fulfilling careers that align with workforce needs.

The project will give rural students a sense of purpose in their academic and professional pursuits and ultimately strengthen rural communities across Polk and Yamhill Counties.

Those interested in offering financial support, or serving as an industry partner, with the Barbara Roberts CTEC can visit BarbaraRobertsCTEC.org for more information.

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Building More Than Sidewalks: A Community Investment in the Next Generation of Construction Workers

By Willamette Workforce Partnership and SEDCOR What does workforce development look like at street level? In the City of Carlton, it looks like a freshly poured concrete sidewalk – 822 feet of it – built by young people learning the construction trade for the first time.

The Sidewalk Program is a community partnership that does exactly what it sounds like: replaces aging or missing sidewalks in Oregon cities while simultaneously giving youth hands-on experience in the construction industry. It's one of those rare ideas that solves two problems at once - improving public infrastructure for residents who can't afford to repair it while opening a career door for young people who might never have considered the trades.

Roots in the Great Recession The program traces its origins to 2008, when federal stimulus dollars flowed to Workforce Boards across the country in response to the economic downturn. Locally, that funding intersected with a construction industry hungry for qualified workers and a willing partner in the City of Independence, Oregon. The result was the Ash Creek Trail Project - turning a muddy footpath into nearly a mile of concrete walkway, built by youth who were learning construction basics as they worked. At least two of those first participants went on to careers in the industry. One is now reportedly an assistant superintendent for a large Portland-area construction company.

"This program has always been about two things at once, improving neighborhoods and opening doors for young people who might never have pictured themselves in the trades. Seeing someone go from pouring their first section of concrete to becoming an assistant superintendent, that's the whole point." — Dean Craig, Business Services Director, Willamette Workforce Partnership

A New Chapter with SEDCOR The program was revived and reimagined when Willamette Workforce Partnership (WWP) set out to replace deteriorating sidewalks in front of homes owned by residents who couldn't foot the bill. But scaling the program regionally wasn't easy. Over several years, conversations with multiple cities stalled - for lack of contractor availability, municipal buy-in, or both. What kept the idea alive was a persistent partnership between WWP and SEDCOR, particularly the tireless advocacy of SEDCOR's Abisha Romano, who worked her network across the region to find the right community match.

That community turned out to be Carlton.

of Carlton didn't just agree to the project - they threw themselves into it. The city waived permit fees, expedited inspections, committed $24,000 from the city council, and helped secure an additional $50,000 in private donations. SEDCOR served as project manager, secured the contractor of record in Kostenborder Contracting, and handled marketing and materials logistics. WWP provided program development, WIOA funding support, and served as a fiscal agent.

The Yamhill County youth provider YOOP stepped in as the employer of record for five young participants, handling transportation, PPE, tools, career counseling, and job placement support.

From design to completion - March through November 2025 - the team tore out, widened, and poured 822 feet of residential sidewalk along Main Street, bringing it up to current code and adding ADA-compliant curb ramps. Eight residential parcels were impacted.

Five youth worked on the project. And in 2026, Phase 2 is already underway, this time with two standout participants from last year returning in a leadership role teaching the next group of beginners.

What Comes Next The partners aren't stopping at sidewalks. Work is underway to formalize the program through replicable templates developed in partnership with Willamette University students, covering timelines, cost models, partner agreements, and outreach materials.

Conversations are also progressing around industry certifications - through OCAPA, the SEDCOR Construction Alliance, and other partners - to add formal credentials to the hands-on training youth receive on site.

The goal is a model that any community can pick up and run with a committed municipal partner, a willing licensed contractor, solid funding and donations, and the right team around the table.

In Carlton, they called it the "secret sauce." In practice, it's what happens when workforce development, economic development, and community investment decide to pour concrete together.

"Workforce development, economic development, and business development are inextricably connected. The Sidewalk Program is a perfect example when the right partners come together around a shared community need, the results go well beyond the project itself."

— Erik Andersson, President, SEDCOR

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Six CTEC Student Finalists Celebrated at 5th Annual Chuck Lee Memorial Scholarship for Hope Ceremony plants decor patio gifts workshops clothing

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The Career and Technical Education Center (CTEC) celebrated the fifth annual Chuck Lee Memorial Scholarship for Hope Ceremony on May 19, 2026. The event honored six outstanding student finalists whose courage, professional dedication, and unique personal stories embody the community-focused vision of the scholarship’s namesake, Chuck Lee. The scholarship was established to honor the life and legacy of Chuck Lee, a dedicated school board director. Lee championed the unique public-private partnership upon which CTEC was founded, driven by a deep conviction to give kids hope by connecting local industry with career technical education.

"Our six scholarship finalists embody everything Mr. Lee worked so hard to accomplish in our community. These young professionals had the courage to share their personal stories of how CTEC has infused hope and a sense of belonging into their lives, and we are deeply privileged to support their dreams." ­—Rhonda Rhode, CTEC Principal

2026 Scholarship Recipients Samantha Tayag — $5,000 Primary Scholarship Recipient West Salem High School • CTEC Biotechnology and Medical Science Named the primary recipient of the 2026 Chuck Lee Memorial Scholarship for Hope, Samantha overcame complex challenges related to cultural identity and belonging by finding a supportive family environment within CTEC. Now recognized for her leadership and professionalism, Samantha will use the scholarship to return to her roots in the Philippines to earn a Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Sciences, before returning to the United States to give back to her community.

Allaine Pruett — $2,500 Scholarship Recipient Sprague High School • CTEC Aviation Allaine successfully intersected her childhood dream of aviation with an interest in urban planning. Inspired by a CTEC industry field trip to the Salem Regional Airport, she discovered the field of Airport Engineering—a branch of civil engineering

Continued on page 20

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that allows her to plan complex municipal facilities while remaining embedded in the aviation world. Her scholarship will fund her path toward launching this specialized engineering career.

Helanesa Lejjena — $2,500 Scholarship Recipient North Salem High School • CTEC Cosmetology Helanesa triumphed over severe middle school bullying and self-doubt by discovering a safe haven in CTEC's Cosmetology program. Her training ignited a passion for esthetics and facial care centered on confidence and inner healing. She plans to use her scholarship funds to complete advanced industry training and acquire professional equipment, ensuring every future client leaves her chair feeling beautiful and empowered.

Angel Maldonado — $1,000 Scholarship Recipient Sprague High School • CTEC Cosmetology Angel uniquely formatted her scholarship application as a moving poem, reflecting on a childhood marked by family disruption, foster care, and severe adversity.

Finding absolute clarity and a professional home in CTEC's Cosmetology and Esthetics program, Angel is dedicated to utilizing her technical talents to restore outward beauty and inward self-esteem for individuals navigating their own hardships.

Elliot Antonino Salazar — $1,000 Scholarship Recipient West Salem High School • CTEC Culinary Arts and Management Elliot's passion for cooking was ignited at age eight by his late stepfather in Mexico, but his aspirations were heavily suppressed due to family tragedy and a subsequent lack of support. Upon entering CTEC, Elliot found a secure environment to restore his culinary dreams. He will utilize his scholarship funds to purchase professional equipment and cover tuition as he continues his culinary training at Linn-Benton Community College this fall.

Kylie Wells — $1,000 Scholarship Recipient Sprague High School • CTEC Cosmetology Kylie combined her technical passion for hair design with a profound advocacy for individuals with special abilities, inspired by growing up alongside a family member with special needs. Graduating high school as a fully licensed hair designer, Kylie intends to use her scholarship to build an inclusive salon specializing in low-sensory accommodations—including dimmable lighting, sound pads, and low-noise tools.

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COUNTY NEWS

Polk County Workforce

by Commissioner Lyle Mordhorst, Polk County Polk County and the Willamette Valley has a very diverse economy, driven with a unique blend of public and private jobs. This diversification brings stability and softens us from the major swings in our local economy that other areas like Portland and Eugene experience. Sure, we see and feel the ups and downs but not to the extent of the rest of the state. Because of this dynamic a wide range of employment opportunities are offered here in Polk County and our region, from industrial, agriculture, state departments, legal and political, health care and social assistance, construction and manufacturing, the wine industry along with leisure and hospitality. We have partnered with the Willamette Valley Workforce as they strive in developing relationships and partnering with our employers, listening to their needs and challenges of finding qualified employees to meet their needs. With that information, one of the many programs they implement is to pull in our local community colleges and high schools coordinating their efforts in career training through classes at Chemeketa and the local high school CTE programs. These programs provide valuable hands-on

training to our youth so they enter the workforce a step ahead, the first question we all get asked is “do you have any experience?”. The answer for these young men and women when asked that question is “yes!”. Training includes a wide array of fields, such as framing, automotive, autobody, drones, woodcraft, beauticians, diesel Lyle Mordhorst mechanics, EMTs, computer skills, healthcare, and food preparation. They also focus on the students' soft skills such as writing resumes, how to address a potential employer and handle an interview. Once training is completed, and sometimes while training is happening, they will coordinate an on-the-job training with an employer if the fit is right.

This effort in providing opportunities for our high school youth is paying off in big dividends as our service-oriented businesses try to keep up with the demand of growth.

Polk County's Direct Role in Fostering CTE Success Polk County does more than just recognize the value of CTE programs; the County actively invests and participates to ensure their success. The Board of Commissioners (BOC) has taken tangible steps to directly support these critical educational pathways. For instance, the Commissioners demonstrated a clear commitment to local programs by drafting a letter of support on BOC letterhead for the Central

Today’s youth is tomorrow’s future.

We need to provide them with as many opportunities as possible while they are young so they understand effort brings success School District's Ag Program of Study. This agricultural program is comprehensive, preparing students with essential skills in welding, advanced construction, plant science, greenhouse management, and veterinary science.

This level of direct engagement ensures that curriculum aligns with current industry needs and standards.

Furthermore, Polk County has been instrumental in securing resources for program development. A prime example is the County's involvement in the Central School District’s Greenhouse Renovation Project. This project, which directly benefits CTE students, was brought to the County's attention,

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COUNTY NEWS Continued from page 22 and encouraged the submission of a Business Development Grant Application. The county staff, including Nicole Pineda, worked directly with the school district to process the grant, review necessary permits, and schedule a presentation before the BOC, showcasing the county’s dedication to facilitating educational infrastructure investment. Prior to that Perrydale School District created an Ag Program that the BOC provided necessary funding to help ensure its creation.

Beyond individual projects, the County engages with larger initiatives that support the entire CTE pipeline. The community is actively informed about critical measures such as the Chemeketa Community College CTE Bond (Measure 24-513), a $140 million proposal designed to enhance career and technical education programs and upgrade facilities throughout the region. By highlighting these opportunities, the County promotes a culture of investment in technical education. Moreover the Commissioners maintain a strong link to CTE programs by being involved with the Business, Industry & Education (BIE) partnership meetings. These meetings serve as a vital forum for Commissioners to receive direct feedback and updates from CTE educators teaching programs like culinary arts, digital arts, and technical theater at high schools like Dallas and Central. This continuous, two-way dialogue between county leadership and educators is essential for keeping

programs relevant and responsive to the needs of the diverse Willamette Valley workforce.

Our colleges have raised the cost of a four-year college degree so high that today’s graduates often cannot make enough money to make their payments on their student loans in many professions while trying to carve out a living. These CTE programs allow these youth to enter the workforce at a higher income in a job market open with opportunities while carrying a reasonable amount of student loan debt. As I asked several employers in the region, there is definitely a shortage of experienced laborers in our area since the pandemic. Wages have been raised in several service professions to attract and retain employees.

One of the most positive aspects of the CTE programs is the local industries partnering with the schools. They are there to help create the programs that will provide the students with the correct curriculum and the most up-to-date equipment the industries have to offer.

The feeling is there are some top quality applicants applying today. You have to search them out and hire them on the spot because they do not come back. Today’s youth is tomorrow’s future. We need to provide them with as many opportunities as possible while they are young so they understand effort brings success. With a little knowledge, a great attitude, respect for others, and good work ethic, they will have a bright future.

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