First Federal, Hagan Hamilton, Lewis Audio & Video Named 100 Best Companies to Work For in Oregon
MCMINNVILLE, Ore. — Three companies with a Newberg presence are listed on the Oregon Business Journal‘s annual 100 Best Companies to Work For in Oregon report.
McMinnvile-based Hagan Hamilton Insurance Solutions, with 56 employees, ranked number five on the medium-sized business list.
“This insurance agency gives out holiday and springtime bonuses to employees every year, and provides annual scholarships to local high schools,” the report states of Hagan Hamilton. “One employee describes it as ‘a family-owned company that really wants their employees and their families to succeed and thrive in their community.’”
First Federal Savings & Loan, also headquartered in McMinnville with 77 employees in Oregon, is number 26 on the list of medium-sized businesses.
“An excellent 401(k) match, eight hours of paid volunteer time per year, service tenure awards, and 100% employer-p[aid health plans are some benefits First Federal offers,” the report states of First Federal. “Employees appreciate its support of local nonprofits. ‘It’s an inspiring place to work seeing how entrenched in the community this bank is,’ one employee writes.”
According to Chief Marketing Officer Lindsay Dobie, First Federal contributed over 3,000 volunteer hours across Yamhill County.
“What makes this recognition meaningful is that it’s driven by employee feedback,” said First Federal President and CEO Jim Schlotfeldt in a statement. “Our team shows up every day for each other and for our community, and we’re proud to support a workplace where people feel valued, heard, and empowered to grow.”
Newberg-based Lewis Audio & Video, with 27 Oregon employees, ranked 13 on the list of small-sized businesses.
“Employees praise the positive culture at this smart home automation and commercial audio video design and installation company,” the report states of Lewis Audio & Video. “‘We have a ton of team-building events. There is no micromanaging and plenty of opportunity to make a great living,’ one employee writes.”
The 100 Best Companies to Work For in Oregon list is published by Oregon Business Journal annually.
Referendum Filed to Challenge Removal of Yamhelas-Westsider Trail from County Plan
YAMHILL COUNTY, Ore. — A local advocacy group has filed a prospective referendum petition seeking to overturn a recent decision by the Yamhill County Board of Commissioners to remove the Yamhelas-Westsider Trail from the county’s Transportation System Plan.
TRAILS PAC Chair Matt Dolphin submitted the petition March 20 to the Yamhill County Clerk, asking that the decision be referred to county voters.
The referendum aims to give voters final authority over the future of the Yamhelas-Westsider Trail corridor.
The effort builds on two additional initiative petitions filed by TRAILS PAC that seek to preserve public access to the corridor regardless of future county action or ownership changes. Supporters are currently gathering signatures with the goal of placing the measures on the November ballot.
“We strongly disagree with the Commissioners’ decision to remove the Yamhelas-Westsider Trail from the County Transportation Plan,” Dolphin said in a statement. “This is a publicly owned corridor with long-term value for our communities. Its future should be decided by the people of Yamhill County.”
TRAILS PAC is a community-based advocacy group focused on infrastructure, recreation, and land use issues in Yamhill County. Learn more at the organization’s website.
City of Newberg Launches Survey to Improve Community Communication
NEWBERG, Ore. — The City of Newberg is asking residents to complete a short survey aimed at improving how the city shares news and information with the community.
The anonymous survey is part of the city’s Community Engagement Strategic Plan update and asks residents about where they get city news, which platforms they use, how often they want updates, and what barriers may prevent them from staying informed.
City officials said the feedback will help guide future communication efforts, including which tools the city uses and how information is delivered.
The survey takes about five minutes to complete and is available in English and Spanish through the end of April.
Responses will remain anonymous, though participants are asked to provide their nearest cross street to help the city understand which areas are represented.
Art Elements Gallery Opens ‘Life’s Delights’ Exhibit in Newberg
NEWBERG, Ore. — Art Elements Gallery will open a new exhibit, “Life’s Delights,” on March 24, featuring work from four Oregon artists and running through May 30.
The show highlights whimsical, lighthearted interpretations of everyday surroundings, with featured artists Tim Timmerman, Jane Aukshunas, Shari Lord, and Marta Farris. The exhibit includes a range of mediums, including watercolor, mixed media, pastel, acrylic, and reclaimed metal.
An artist reception and talk is scheduled for 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 18, at the gallery, 604 E. First St. The artist talk will begin at 2:45 p.m. and include Timmerman, Aukshunas, and Farris, followed by a question-and-answer session.
Light refreshments will be provided during the reception.
Low-Cost Feline Spay/Neuter Cinic Set for April 26 in Sherwood
SHERWOOD, Ore. — The CRUX Spay Neuter Clinic will host a low-cost feline spay/neuter day April 26 at Guardian Veterinary Care, offering subsidized services to cat owners facing financial barriers.
The event is open to households in Yamhill County, Sherwood, and Tigard, with a limit of two owned cats per household. Organizers said priority will be given based on need and location.
A $25 nonrefundable registration fee is required upon approval to secure an appointment. Cats receiving surgery may also receive flea treatment and vaccinations at no additional cost while supplies last.
Appointments are limited and available through an online SignUpGenius registration form.
The nonprofit, operated by Keystone Rescue Services, is also seeking veterinary partners and volunteers for future clinics. Veterinarians and technicians interested in participating can contact organizers via email.
Keystone Rescue Services provides low-cost spay and neuter services aimed at improving animal welfare and supporting local families.
