Robots, tortillas, kombucha: economic development awards recognize Salem businesses

Salem businesses making tortillas, leading the future of robotics and helping agricultural companies process their products earned top honors at an economic development awards ceremony last week.

The annual awards given by the Strategic Economic Development Corporation, better known as SEDCOR, recognized manufacturing, agriculture and entrepreneurship across Marion, Polk and Yamhill counties.

The awards are part of SEDCOR’s work to make the mid-Willamette Valley “a region known as a great place to start or grow a business, an equitable and inclusive business community and a region with unique strengths in agriculture, food production, manufacturing and technology,” said Erik Andersson, SEDCOR’s president, at the Sept. 12 event.

Here are the local winners.

West Coast Companies – Agri-Business of the Year

The veteran- and family-owned northeast Salem company has spent nearly three decades selling and consulting with farmers on agricultural processing systems, packaging, storage and more, according to their website.

“Their team delivers cutting-edge solutions from seed and grain to nuts, flowers and more, while holding back to the values of performance and service. They’ve also been tireless partners in advancing our region’s ag economy, volunteering with SEDCOR to share expertise in automation and workforce,” said Tony Schacher, general manager of Salem Electric, when presenting the award.

“It’s not hard to run a successful company when you surround yourself with people full of integrity,” West Coast Companies co-owner Merrissa Burleigh said while accepting the award. She said the company’s team has worked there an average of 7 to 10 years, and customers rely on their expertise to tell them how to fix a system that isn’t working.

“Customers know that when they pick up the phone they’re going to get a person they’ve talked to for years on end,” she said. “We are who we are because of them.”

Agility Robotics – Innovative Product/Process of the Year

One of the newest additions to southeast Salem’s Mill Creek Corporate Center is gaining international attention for its factory manufacturing Digit, a humanoid robot intended to do jobs that are repetitive or dangerous for humans.

By selecting Salem to build its factory, the company put the region on the map for a leadership role in the sector, said accountant Cyrus Ward, who presented the award.

The company’s aim is “supporting people to be more human by having a product and technology that can actually help the labor force meet those demands,” said Lee De La Torre, Agility’s senior director of manufacturing, who accepted the award.

“We’re very, very keen on making the world a better place. Our success has been rooted in the strong support of the community,” De La Torre said.

Max’s Booch – Entrepreneur of the Year 

A growing Salem kombucha manufacturer, Max’s Booch has become a mainstay at the Salem Saturday Market and on local shelves at Lifesource Natural Markets. Owner Max Ransom makes the product at Indy Commons, a co-working space in Independence, from tea grown in Salem at Minto Island Growers.

“I’ve had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the dedication, creativity, humor and persistence behind this business as it’s grown,” said Kate Schwarzler, mayor of Independence and Indy Commons owner.

Don Pancho – Manufacturer of the Year

After nearly 50 years making tortillas in Salem, Don Pancho recently expanded to a new 300,000 square foot facility in the industrial area near the Salem airport. It’s a large step up from their original 1,500 foot square factory.

“This company has chosen to grow right here in Salem despite interest from other states, demonstrating their confidence in the region and commitment to supporting local jobs and the local economy,” said Schacher, who presented the award. “Their latest expansion transformed a former NORPAC facility into the state of the art production space, combining innovation, efficiency and sustainable reuse of existing infrastructure.”

The company is now part of Reeser’s Fine Foods and employs 420 people in Salem.

“Over the years, Salem and the Salem businesses have been supportive of us. When we started our business under the leadership of George Puentes, we didn’t really know anyone in town. So the fact that we’ve had, over the years, so many people that have supported us is very humbling to us. We’re looking forward to the next 40 years and we hope to continue to grow and provide jobs to our community,” said Don Pancho President Ricardo Baez.

Russ Monk – Economic Development Champion

Russ Monk leads Salem firm High Impact Technology, which engineers anti-ballictic, fire resistant and other protective equipment used in military, security and infrastructure. He accepted the award virtually from London, where he was traveling as part of his frequent international work.

Monk is “always willing to share his expertise, especially when it comes to the complexities of import and export, helping local companies expand into global markets,” said Rich Duncan, president of Rich Duncan Construction, who presented the award. “Beyond his generosity and collaborative spirit, this individual leads his team that develops cutting-edge products locally, including advanced engineering solutions in precision ballistics.”

Other honorees

Business Partner of the Year – Oregon Entrepreneurs Network (statewide)

The Portland-based organization began working with SEDCOR several years ago to host local events including the Oregon Angel Food Marketplace, which supports food manufacturers. Since that partnership began, the network now supports entrepreneurs in every Oregon county and continues to host regular events in Salem.

Community Leadership Award – Shawn Daley, George Fox University (Newberg)

Daley was recognized for his work supporting Launch Mid-Valley, a SEDCOR initiative for local entrepreneurs. “His commitment to fostering opportunity, growth, and economic vitality in the region has made a lasting impact,” SEDCOR said.

Dynamic Development – The Merchant Block (Dayton)

A new SEDCOR award this year honors a project that “exemplifies innovation in rural economic development, turning an underused downtown space into a vibrant destination,” the award said. Work completed this year renovated three historic downtown buildings in Dayton.

Outstanding Public/Private Partnership – AHIVOY (Dundee)

“This organization empowers Latino, Latina vineyard stewards in the Willamette Valley to move beyond entry-level vineyard work and build sustainable careers,” said presenter Michael Fowler, CEO of CabDoor. Their work includes mentorship and training programs.

Small Business of the Year – Salt Creek Cider House (Dallas)

The family-owned cidery was recognized for its commitment to ethical business practices and driving economic growth. “Their cidery is both a gathering place and a destination, welcoming visitors, supporting local farmers and attracting tourism that helps diversify and grow the local economy,” the award said.

Contact reporter Rachel Alexander: [email protected] or 503-575-1241.

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