July 2026
A message from Mike Vanier, OMEP President, as we celebrate 30 years of partnership with Oregon manufacturers.
This year marks a special milestone for all of us at OMEP. We are celebrating our 30th anniversary and reflecting on what has truly been an incredible journey. When I think about these past 30 years, the word that comes to mind over and over again is gratitude. This has never simply been OMEP’s story. It has always been a shared journey with thousands of Oregon manufacturers and an incredible network of people and organizations who believe in the importance of manufacturing and the impact it has on our state.
One of the greatest privileges OMEP has had over the past three decades has been the opportunity to partner with literally thousands of manufacturers across every corner of Oregon. We have had the honor of walking alongside companies as they solved challenges, embraced new technologies, expanded into new markets, developed their workforce, improved operations, strengthened their businesses, and prepared for the future. Every manufacturer has had its own unique story, yet they all share a common commitment to making great products, creating family wage jobs, and strengthening Oregon’s economy. Together, our collective efforts have contributed to more than $10 billion in documented economic impact and helped retain or create more than 10,000 jobs across our state. While those numbers are certainly worth celebrating, they are really the result of something much more meaningful. They represent thousands of relationships built on trust, collaboration, and a shared commitment to helping Oregon manufacturers succeed.
This remarkable journey would not have been possible without the people and organizations that have been part of it every step of the way. To our manufacturing clients, thank you for allowing OMEP to be part of your story. To our dedicated staff, both past and present, our Board of Directors, our federal and state funding partners, workforce development boards, economic development organizations, educational institutions, industry associations, community partners, and the many banks, law firms, accounting firms, investment firms, insurance agencies, technology providers, and countless other organizations that have supported Oregon manufacturers over the years, thank you. Every partnership has mattered. Every conversation has mattered. Every project has mattered. Every success has been shared. We are incredibly humbled by the confidence you have placed in OMEP over the past 30 years, and we simply could not have made this journey without each and every one of you.
Manufacturing continues to be one of the cornerstones of Oregon’s economy. Today, the industry generates nearly $40 billion in annual economic output, employs nearly 200,000 Oregonians, and represents approximately 13 percent of Oregon’s Gross Domestic Product. Behind those numbers are innovative companies, family wage careers, resilient communities, and products that improve lives around the world. As advanced manufacturing technologies, artificial intelligence, automation, workforce innovation, and new opportunities continue to reshape our industry, we believe Oregon manufacturers are well positioned to lead. The future of manufacturing will be built the same way the past 30 years have been built, through collaboration, innovation, trusted partnerships, and a shared commitment to helping manufacturers succeed. We truly are stronger together, and we believe the next chapter of this journey may be the most exciting yet.
To celebrate this milestone, OMEP will be hosting a special 30th Anniversary Roadshow across Oregon during the month of October. These regional lunch events, reaching nearly every corner of Oregon, are an opportunity for us to personally thank the manufacturers, partners, and supporters who have been part of this incredible journey. We’re excited to gather and recognize the accomplishments of Oregon manufacturers, reflect on where manufacturing has been, explore where it is going, and discuss the trends and technologies that are shaping the future of our industry. We will also share our vision for the next chapter of OMEP and the manufacturing community we proudly serve.
We will be announcing the locations and dates and additional details in the coming weeks, and we sincerely hope you will join us as we celebrate this remarkable journey, express our gratitude to everyone who has been part of it, and begin the next chapter together.
After all, this is not simply a celebration of OMEP. It is a celebration of a 30-year journey that all of us have shared together. Thank you for being part of our story, for believing in Oregon manufacturing, and for helping build an even stronger future for manufacturers throughout our great state.
Mike Vanier
OMEP President
Roadshow details, including locations and dates, will be announced in the coming weeks.