Boardman Foods is thrilled to share the exciting news that the Families First Childcare Center, an initiative we proudly established and support, has been honored with the 2023 Oregon Visionary Award. This prestigious recognition was formally presented at the Vision Oregon Event at the Portland Art Museum on October 25.
The Oregon Visionary Award, conferred by Oregon Business & Industry (OBI), is a testament to extraordinary contributions toward strengthening Oregon’s economy and fostering shared prosperity. The award acknowledges those who have innovatively solved significant problems within our community.
The Families First Childcare Center stands as a beacon of Boardman Foods’ long-standing commitment to supporting working families. This initiative, which began nearly two decades ago under the leadership of our Chief Operating Officer, Debbie Radie, has evolved significantly to address the crucial need for accessible child care.
Our journey began in 2004 with the creation of a licensed after-school program within our facility, primarily serving the children of our employees. This program provided crucial homework assistance and educational support, greatly benefiting working parents. During the challenging times of the COVID pandemic, we expanded our services, petitioning for a full-day program to accommodate school-age children. This expansion allowed us to extend our services beyond our employees, embracing the wider community.
In January 2021, this vision took a substantial leap forward with the formation of Families First Childcare Center LLC by our owners, Brian Maag and Thomas Flaherty. By April 2022, the center transitioned into the nonprofit Families First Childcare, receiving significant support not only from Boardman Foods but also from other area employers such as Threemile Canyon Farms, Tillamook County Creamery Association, Lamb Weston, and Amazon.
Today, the center operates from the Neal Early Learning Center at the Port of Morrow, providing year-round childcare services from 6:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. weekdays. It serves as a model of corporate responsibility and community engagement, embodying our dedication to the well-being of our employees and their families.
We are honored to join the ranks of past Visionary Award winners, including Looptworks founder Scott Hamlin, Dutch Bros Coffee, Alando Simpson with COR Disposal and Recycling, Rogue Food Unites, and Bill and Karla Chambers of Stahlbush Island Farms. These esteemed awardees reflect the innovation and collaborative spirit that are vital to Oregon’s progress.
This award not only recognizes Boardman Foods but also celebrates our collective efforts to create a supportive environment for our employees and their families. Together, we are building a brighter future for our community.
– Boardman Foods, Inc.