Highlights from SEDCOR’s 2025 Annual Awards & Membership Meeting
On Friday, September 12, business and community leaders from across the Mid-Willamette Valley gathered at the Salem Convention Center for SEDCOR’s Annual Awards & Membership Meeting. The afternoon was a celebration of progress, collaboration, and innovation—spotlighting both the transformative projects of the past year and the remarkable businesses and individuals shaping our region’s future.
A Year of Impact
SEDCOR President Erik Andersson shared that the organization’s work this past fiscal year generated over $179 million in new investment, 350 new jobs, and $3.4 million in projected annual property tax revenue.
Key highlights from 2024–25 included:
Expansions & Retention: George Packing & Northwest Hazelnut’s acquisition of the Hazelnut Growers of Oregon facility; Valley Fab’s new building and equipment in Brooks; GK Machine’s investment in Donald; Jackman Industries’ expanded production line in Salem; and Don Pancho Authentic Mexican Foods’ move into a new 300,000-square-foot facility in Salem.
Innovation & Entrepreneurship: Support for Revino’s reusable wine bottle project and Solid Carbon’s NSF grant; Crystal Creek Dairy Service’s new facility and Dreamies Creamery’s second ice cream shop; the Latino Microenterprise Development Program serving 200+ participants; the Regional Innovation Hub building momentum with Coffee Clubs, Pitch Willamette, and Oregon Angel Food Marketplace; and the NW Ag Innovation Hub paying farmers to host ag-tech field trials.
Infrastructure & Housing: A land readiness study in Sheridan; Build Mid-Valley summit on workforce housing; and a new cottage cluster of nine homes set to break ground in Newberg.
Workforce Development: Touch-A-Truck in Independence; employer engagement at the Barbara Roberts CTE Center in Sheridan; and the revived Sidewalk Project in Carlton, where youth are installing 800 feet of new sidewalk while gaining hands-on trade skills.
“These projects reflect the resilience and innovation that make the Mid-Willamette Valley a place where businesses thrive and people prosper,” Andersson said.
Honoring Regional Excellence
The Annual Awards ceremony recognized businesses and leaders across ten categories:
Agri-Business of the Year: West Coast Companies – A family-run Salem firm that has grown from seed cleaners into a leading provider of agricultural processing equipment while helping strengthen the region’s ag economy.
Business Partner of the Year: Oregon Entrepreneurs Network – A statewide leader in entrepreneurial support that has brought resources, networks, and capital to Mid-Valley entrepreneurs.
Community Leadership Award: Shawn Daley, George Fox University – Recognized for championing innovation and hosting the Oregon Startup Conference.
Innovative Product/Process of the Year: Agility Robotics – Globally recognized for its Salem-based robotics facility and contributions to automation and supply chain growth.
Dynamic Development Award: The Merchant Block, Dayton – Combining historic preservation with forward-looking design, the project has revitalized the heart of Dayton, creating a welcoming destination for locals and visitors alike. The effort, carried out by a partnership including architect Paul Falsetto, the City of Dayton, Twin Towers, and The Stoller Group, reflects both vision and commitment to rural economic development and became a legacy project with the recent passing of Bill Stoller.
Entrepreneur of the Year: Max’s Booch – Founded by Max Ransom at Indy Commons, this handcrafted kombucha has grown from farmers markets to local shelves, fueled by community spirit and resilience.
Outstanding Public/Private Partnership: AHIVOY – Empowering Latinx vineyard stewards with training and career pathways that are reshaping the wine industry.
Small Business of the Year: Salt Creek Cider House – A family-owned cidery that has become both a gathering place and a regional destination, with products reaching local retailers and beyond.
Economic Development Champion: Russ Monk, High Impact Technology – Honored for his leadership in international trade and advanced manufacturing innovations.
Manufacturer of the Year: Don Pancho Authentic Mexican Foods – Recognized for reinvesting in Salem, transforming a former NORPAC plant into a state-of-the-art facility, and choosing to grow locally despite out-of-state offers.
“These honorees exemplify what makes our region strong—hard work, innovation, and a deep commitment to community,” said SEDCOR Board Chair Tony Schacher.
Looking Ahead
The meeting closed with a reminder that the region’s success comes from collaboration—businesses, educators, government, and community members working together. With momentum building, SEDCOR looks forward to another year of advancing economic opportunity and celebrating the spirit that defines the Mid-Willamette Valley.
Media inquiries? Please reach out to Naureen Khan at naureen@sedcor.com.