Carlin Croff
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The Forge: Reigniting Salem’s community spirit downtown
You’ve probably noticed construction on the old Liberty Plaza building by now. A group of local investors seek to pull it from the grave, transforming the building into a hub of business and community.
A Canadian company previously owned the Liberty Plaza, but without their personal investment in the Salem community, it fell into disrepair. Anthem Strat…
Willamette MBA students drive real community impact
When universities advertise “experiential learning,” they often refer to simulations, case studies and hypothetical scenarios. Students tinker around with numbers and dollar signs, knowing that if things go south, the only stock that tanks is their grade.
Willamette University’s MBA program offers experiential learning in the truest sense of the ter…
Award-winning artisan, Kyle Layton, brings craft coffee to Salem
Years of commitment to his craft as a coffee maker opened the door for Kyle Layton to take on part ownership of Salem’s newest cafe, Prismatic Coffee Roasters. “I’ve had this dream for a long time of owning and operating a cafe and roastery, and it seemed like time to try to step into that,” Layton said.
Local coffee connoisseurs Evan Delgado and …
Beyond Borders: From middle school teacher to fence builder
What do middle school teachers, life coaches and fence builders have in common? If you had asked me last month, I would have said, pretty much nothing. Brian Remsburg proved me wrong.
Remsburg started Beyond Borders Fences & Decks in 2023 with the intent to build something far larger than just great fences. “We’re more than a fence company,” Rem…
Empower ATA Martial Arts opens opportunities on Lancaster
ATA Martial Arts Keizer launched their second location on October 7th, bringing opportunities to build discipline, character and confidence to the neighborhoods surrounding Lancaster Drive. With the new location comes a rebrand to Empower ATA Martial Arts, highlighting the instructors’ focus on equipping students to live into their full potential.
Carso…
Rock band Birth of Happiness celebrates transformation
Manny Martinez’s band, Birth of Happiness, released its debut album on February 2nd, marking the beginning of a musical journey that delivers a message of radical hope and transformation. The Salem-based band kicked off their live performances in Seattle on August 2nd, with a number of performances to follow in the Salem area.
Growing up in Baltimore, M…
Partnership with Avelo continues to send Salem soaring
The Salem-Willamette Valley Airport’s thriving partnership with Avelo Airlines continues to fly business into Salem. “We see this as one of the strongest initiatives to increase economic development in the Mid Valley over the next 10 years,” said Brent DeHart, CEO of Salem Aviation Fueling. The presence of commercial flight in Salem accounts for a n
Latino Business Alliance’s program equips Latino leaders
The Latino Business Alliance is gearing up for its fifth cohort of the Latino Microenterprise Development Program (LMDP), empowering Latino individuals in the Willamette Valley to launch and grow their businesses.
The Latino Business Alliance developed the LMDP in partnership with Chemeketa Community College, Mid-Willamette Valley Council of Governments, …
SEDCOR awards ceremony celebrates the industries that sustain us
The Strategic Economic Development Corporation (SEDCOR) hosted their annual Awards and Membership Meeting at the Salem Convention Center last week, celebrating the achievements of the organization and its members over the past year.
SEDCOR acts as a support network for industry and economic vitality in the Willamette Valley, serving Marion, Polk and Yamhi…
Shark Tank event empowers local groundbreaking innovators
Have you ever wanted to pitch your next big idea on Shark Tank? SEDCOR’s Launch Mid-Valley initiative brought the thrill of innovation and investment to Salem on August 21st with their Pitch Willamette event.
Seven ambitious startups pitched their business to a panel of eight hungry investors. Two of those startups, Revino and Stiira, walked away with a…