Governor Kotek Focuses on Economic Strengths and Opportunities in Tillamook County
Salem, OR – Yesterday, Governor Tina Kotek joined local elected officials, business leaders, and economic development representatives in Tillamook to discuss opportunities to strengthen the North Coast economy and identify how the state can partner with local communities to build long-term prosperity. The visit is part of the Governor’s statewide effort to engage directly with communities, understand each region's economic strengths, and remove barriers that stand in the way of growth.
“I was energized by today’s conversations with Tillamook business and community leaders,” Governor Kotek said. “One of the central ideas behind Oregon's Prosperity Roadmap is that every region has unique strengths to build on. Here on the North Coast, that means supporting world-class aerospace innovation, growing our agricultural economy, and making sure families have access to childcare and the workforce opportunities they need to succeed. My administration is focused on cutting barriers to growth and partnering with communities to create lasting prosperity in every part of Oregon.”
During the visit, Governor Kotek met with representatives from the Port of Tillamook Bay and Aerostar, one of Oregon's leading aerospace and unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) businesses, to learn about Aerostar's Tillamook operations and identify opportunities to support the company's continued growth as well as Oregon's broader aerospace and UAS sector. The conversation reflected the Governor's Prosperity Roadmap focus on growing industries where Oregon has a competitive advantage while ensuring businesses have the infrastructure and workforce they need to expand.
The Governor also visited the Tillamook County Creamery Association to view its production facility and hear directly from company leadership about current operations workforce needs and opportunities for continued investment in Oregon. The discussion focused on how state government can help Oregon's signature industries remain competitive while supporting good-paying jobs in rural communities.
A prevailing issue around long-term prosperity is access to affordable childcare, which is why the Governor convened experts to chart a path to universal preschool for Oregon earlier this year. The local YMCA in Tillamook is a key provider of local childcare. The Governor toured the facility yesterday to assess its potential to expand services for Tillamook County families and discussed facility, staffing, and funding challenges that limit childcare capacity. The visit underscored her belief that expanding access to childcare is essential to growing Oregon's workforce and regional economy.
"The Tillamook YMCA is a community hub for health and well-being, focused on youth development, strengthening families, and aging together," said Steve Claus, Executive Director & CEO of the Tillamook County Family YMCA. "Access to reliable, high-quality childcare is essential to a strong economy. When families have stable care options, parents can fully participate in the workforce, businesses can attract and retain talent, and communities become stronger and more resilient. Investing in childcare is one of the smartest investments we can make in Oregon's future."
The day in Tillamook concluded at the Tillamook County Fair, where Governor Kotek toured the fair’s 4-H and FFA exhibits, met with young Oregonians participating in agricultural programs, and heard from local producers about the future of farming in the county.
“Agriculture has always been the foundation of Tillamook County and a critical part of Oregon’s heritage and economy,” Tillamook County Commissioner Erin Skaar said. “Ensuring Oregon’s agricultural producers have opportunity here is essential as we continue to build a more diverse and robust North Coast economy. I want to thank Governor Kotek for joining us here in Tillamook and for her continued support for communities large and small across our state.”
For photos from the day, click here.
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