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Salem business leaders gather for annual SEDCOR session

Darrel Knox, outgoing SEDCOR president, and Michael Fowler, the new president. (Mary Louise VanNatta/Special to Salem Reporter)

The Strategic Economic Development Corporation held its annual membership meeting on Aug 11, just days before the governor put her indoor mask requirement in place. 

The Salem Convention Center hosted the SEDCOR event. The center remodeled its catering kitchen during the pandemic and went out of its way to give attendees an amazing lunch. Convention center team members Soraida Cross, Chrissie Bertsch, and Mike Herron attended.

A large number of elected officials were present, including state Rep. Raquel Moore-Green and Keizer Mayor Cathy Clark.

New Board President Michael Fowler, CEO of Cabinet Door Service, recognized outgoing president Daryl Knox, a partner in The Aldrich Group.  In his remarks, Knox expressed appreciation to SEDCOR members for surviving the difficult year. He also shared concerns about how taxes and regulations will affect the nonprofit’s ability to attract business to the region.

SEDCOR President Erik Andersson highlighted the importance of local companies like Chang Tuh (part of the fruit and vegetable preserving and specialty food manufacturing industry), Freres Lumber, DCI International (dental supply company), PNW/Vegco/NORPAC, and TreeNada (affordable builder).

Nick Harville, Alex Paraskevas, and Abisha Stone gave updates on their particular regions.  Harville reported on the progress of the Santiam Rebuild Coalition, which is constructing a community building in Detroit. He said volunteer contractors donated 98% of the work.

As a gift for his service, Knox received three bottles of Willamette Valley Vineyards wine, specially labeled for SEDCOR. The video Behind the Bottle showed how a bottle of wine goes from grapes to your glass.

About SEDCOR:  Strategic Economic Development Corporation (known as SEDCOR) is the lead economic development entity for Oregon’s Mid-Willamette Valley. The 450-plus member nonprofit organization leverages strong public and private partnerships to successfully retain, grow and attract high-value traded sector jobs and capital investment to Marion, Polk, and Yamhill counties.

Ed David and Rep. Raquel Moore-Green attended SEDCOR’s annual meeting (Mary Louise VanNatta/Special to Salem Reporter)

Salem Convention Center provided treats (Mary Louise VanNatta/Special to Salem Reporter)

Nick Harville, Alex Paraskevas, and Abisha Stone gave updates on their particular regions (Mary Louise VanNatta/Special to Salem Reporter)

Michael Fowler speaks at SEDCOR’s annual meeting (Mary Louise VanNatta/Special to Salem Reporter)

JD Shinn, Lyle Mordhorst, and Erik Andersson attended SEDCOR’s annual meeting (Mary Louise VanNatta/Special to Salem Reporter)

Cathy Clark, Rich Duncan, and Jackie Franke attended SEDCOR’s annual meeting (Mary Louise VanNatta/Special to Salem Reporter)

Soraida Cross, Chrissie Bertsch, and Mike Herron attended SEDCOR’s annual meeting (Mary Louise VanNatta/Special to Salem Reporter)

Mary Louise VanNatta is a Salem public relations professional, writing regularly for Salem Reporter.  

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