Meet the Partners

In 2001, the City of McMinnville and the McMinnville Area Chamber of Commerce (MACC) administered two independent surveys. The results identified a need for a one-stop business development office to address the critical needs of existing businesses. The MACC created a quick response team and recommended the development of the partnership. The McMinnville Economic Development Partnership was created in 2006 as a public/private c6 non-profit funded by the City of McMinnville, McMinnville Water & Light, McMinnville Industrial Promotions Corporations, McMinnville Area Chamber of Commerce and area businesses.

Meet the Director

As Director for The McMinnville Economic Development Partnership, Jody Christensen provides professional leadership developing programs and resources that promote a sustainable economic vitality for the McMinnville Community. Christensen has received extensive executive training in economic development. In addition, she is a Business Retention and Expansion International Project Coordinator.

Christensen is the professional contact for the innovative retention and expansion program McMinnville Business Pulse.  McMinnville Area businesses receive confidential consultation to help identify opportunities and solve challenges by linking to local, regional and state resources.

Christensen comes to MEDP with a background in high-level sales execution, strategic marketing, hospitality and a passion for McMinnville. She has served as the Sales Operations Manager at Cuneo Cellars (dba Cana's Feast Winery), starting in 2002 as Tasting Room Manager. She was successful in growing the retail sales program at the winery over 60% in 2005. Christensen's prior experience includes freelance marketing and sales and local network television promotion and production.

The McMinnville Economic Development Partnership is currently represented on the Oregon Economic Development Association Board, Enterprise for Employment and Education Board of Directors, the McMinnville Downtown Association Economic Improvement Committee, Yamhill County Employer Council and Yamhill County Economic Roundtable.