For immediate release

For more information contact:
Celia Wheeler, McMinnville Chamber of Commerce: 503-472-6196
Carol Granger, McMinnville Industrial Promotions: 503-434-5751

Regional Partnership Board Approves Development Grants – McMinnville Economic Development Partnership Receives $49,500

McMinnville, Oregon – The Mid-Willamette Valley Community Development Partnership Board formally approved $327,122 in grants for economic development projects in 12 rural communities at their meeting on May 4th. All of the projects are in Marion, Polk and Yamhill Counties and are designed to address strategic economic development needs.

The McMinnville Economic Development Partnership secured $49,500 of the funds to help fund programs and projects identified by the partnership Executive Board. These funds will be used to support programs to assist in the establishment, retention and expansion of McMinnville area businesses. Projects include launching of a comprehensive BEAR (business expansion and retention) program and marketing projects identified through the strategic plan.

These grant funds represent a portion of this region’s share of the Oregon lottery proceeds that are distributed each biennium through regional development boards. Grants from the Rural Investment Fund are intended to create new jobs and leverage new private investment over a five-year period.

The McMinnville Economic Development Partnership (MEDP) serves as the primary economic development entity for the City of McMinnville. The activities of MEDP are focused on encouraging business development in McMinnville. This is accomplished by assisting in the establishment, retention and expansion of McMinnville area businesses while remaining sensitive to community values for business growth.

MEDP is funded through a public private partnership between McMinnville Area Chamber of Commerce, McMinnville Industrial Promotions, City of McMinnville, McMinnville Water & Light, Yamhill County and McMinnville area businesses.

The MEDP Committee responsible for securing the grant includes Celia Wheeler, McMinnville Chamber of Commerce CEO; Kelly McDonald, Western States Insurance and Chamber Board Director; Carol Granger, President of McMinnville Industrial Promotions; David Wiegan, Mid-Valley Rehabilitation and McMinnville Industrial Promotions Past President; Doug Montgomery, City of McMinnville; and Cassie Sollars, News Register.