Family-owned businesses are often the backbone of Oregon’s local economy, balancing tradition with innovation while staying closely tied to the communities they serve. For Craig and Carolyn Davidson, second-generation owners of Minuteman Press in Tigard and Salem, 2025 has been a year of recognition and new ventures that highlight the role of small business in shaping civic life.
Service That Earns Recognition
In April, the Tigard Chamber of Commerce honored Craig Davidson as Volunteer of the Year. The recognition, typically reserved for high-profile civic leaders, underscores the visibility that comes with consistent community service. Davidson said he never sought accolades.
“I just made myself available whenever I could,” he explained. “Whether it’s helping set up tables and chairs at a networking event or stuffing food boxes for a local charity, I was just trying to be as involved as I could be.”
The award puts Davidson alongside past winners that include mayors and business executives. “Winning this award makes me feel like I have some big shoes to fill,” he said. “The recognition makes me want to step it up where I can and contribute even more than before.”
A New Kind of Home Field Advantage
That same summer, Minuteman Press in Salem became the official printing partner for the Marion Berries, a new West Coast League baseball team. The sponsorship involved everything from banners and programs to pocket schedules and branded displays. For the Davidsons, it has meant more than advertising.
“The visibility has been huge,” Davidson said. “As a result, we are now doing business with several large Salem-area businesses that we hadn’t before. Every time fans look at the scoreboard, they see our banner.”
The partnership also created lighter moments. The Browns’ daughter threw out a ceremonial first pitch in July, followed by Davidson later that month. Season tickets near home plate gave the family and clients a front-row seat to both the games and the brand exposure.
Carrying a Family Business Forward
The Davidson family has operated Minuteman Press in Tigard since 1987, with some clients staying loyal across decades. Craig recalls summers working at the shop as a child, memories that now inform his approach to running two locations.
“It’s a real honor to carry it forward,” he said. “It’s about honoring the past and having a new vision for the future. A unique blend of old and new, of tradition and new technology.”
When the family acquired the Salem location in 2024, Carolyn Davidson emphasized the importance of integration. “We’ve made huge strides connecting to the Salem community and leveraging our experience in Tigard,” she said. “Making connections through the Salem Chamber has been great, and having Lisa join full-time in Salem has been a huge help as well.”
Craig focuses on networking and outreach, while Christopher and Lisa Brown oversee operations at both shops. Carolyn continues to provide strategic support behind the scenes.
Why It Matters
- Local leadership: Volunteer recognition highlights the visibility small businesses gain by investing in civic life.
- Business growth through sports: Sponsorship with the Marion Berries shows how local marketing partnerships can open doors to new clients.
- Family enterprise: The Davidson legacy reflects the resilience of second-generation businesses in Oregon.
What’s Next
The Davidsons say their focus is on deepening ties in Salem and Tigard while continuing to modernize operations. With a foothold in local sports and recognition for service, Minuteman Press is positioned to expand its role as both a business and community leader in the Willamette Valley.
