Hollamon, Revino land SEDCOR awards for accomplishments

Elise Yarnell Hollamon has added to her growing list of accomplishments following the recent receipt of a prestigious award from a statewide organization.

The Newberg City Council member received the Partner of the Year Award from SEDCOR (Strategic Economic Development Corp.) during its annual Economic Development Awards ceremony Sept. 18. The agency, founded in 1982, is a consortium of business and community leaders committed to the economic vitality of Yamhill, Marion and Polk counties.

In receiving the award, Hollamon was lauded for “her exceptional collaboration and unwavering commitment to fostering economic growth in Newberg and the surrounding region,” a release from SEDCOR said.

Specifically, SEDCOR highlighted Hollamon’s efforts to continue Newberg’s partnership with the organization, a contrast from a decision earlier this year by the Yamhill County Board of Commissioners to discontinue its contract with SEDCOR.

In accepting the award, Hollamon pointed to the importance of SEDCOR’s mission to support local businesses and foster economic initiatives.

“While Yamhill County chose not to continue their contract with SEDCOR, I firmly believe that Newberg’s ongoing collaboration with them is vital for our city’s economic future,” Hollamon said. “SEDCOR’s expertise and resources have been crucial to the success of many local businesses and we’re committed to keeping that partnership strong to ensure sustainable growth and prosperity.”

Hollamon’s professional and governmental experience extends well beyond that of her council spot. She is a founding member of the Community Wellness Collective, a nonprofit low-barrier housing shelter in Newberg that has provided beds and meals to the homeless over the past 42 months. The health care administrator at Providence Health and Services also operates her own business, Rallied Force, which specializes in staffing Oregon businesses, particularly in school districts and care facilities, and has been responsible for gaining employment for more than 150 individuals. Rallied Force also provides free job training for certified nursing assistants.

Newberg sustainable wine industry founder also nets award

Refillable wine bottle merchant Revino’s co-founder, Keenan O’Hern, was recognized as SEDCOR’s Entrepreneur of the Year award winner for his “entrepreneurial spirit and contributions to the local economy,” the release said.

The award is “presented to an emerging small business that has been active with SEDCOR and has developed a new idea, product and/or services into a viable, competitive business,” the release continued.

Revino’s refillable wine bottles hit the market last summer, are designed to be reused up to 50 times and are designed to “encourage consumers to participate in the recycling process.” The company’s goal is to reduce CO2 emission by nearly two million pounds and divert 320 tons of material from landfills.

“Since launching, Revino has partnered with 16 Oregon wineries and filled an impressive 60,000 cases of wine, making a significant environmental impact,” the release from SEDCOR said.