The Yakima County Development Association (YCDA) welcomed investors, business leaders, and community partners to its 2026 Annual Meeting, The Future Grows Here, on Tuesday, October 20, at State Fair Park in Yakima. Held following the first day of FIRA USA 2026, the event celebrated economic development efforts across Yakima County and highlighted new investments, business expansion, infrastructure improvements, and partnerships shaping the region’s future.
$63 Million Investment Brings 150 Jobs to Sunnyside
One of the evening’s major announcements came from Andy Kay, CEO of Manzana Products Co., who shared that the company has invested $63 million in its Sunnyside facility, and creating 150 new jobs over time.
With operations expected to begin in the coming weeks, the investment represents a significant milestone for Sunnyside and reinforces Yakima County’s position as a competitive location for business investment and expansion.
Kay also expressed appreciation for the warm welcome Manzana has received and the support provided by YCDA and local partners throughout the company’s development process.
The project demonstrates the importance of collaboration, business recruitment, and coordinated support in helping companies establish operations and create employment opportunities in Yakima County.
Reservoir Announces Plans to Expand into the Yakima Valley
Christy Birdsong, Head of External Affairs at Reservoir, joined the program on behalf of CEO Danny Bernstein. Birdsong leads Reservoir’s expansion and public-private partnerships work and shared the organization’s approach to connecting agricultural technology companies with growers.
Reservoir operates on-farm technical communities, known as Reservoir Farms, in Salinas and Sonoma, California, and Yuma, Arizona, where more than 30 startups are testing agricultural robotics and automation technologies in real farming environments.
During the annual meeting, Birdsong shared Reservoir’s plans to expand into the Yakima Valley, opening opportunities for local growers, agricultural technology companies, and regional partners to collaborate on emerging solutions.
The expansion represents an opportunity to build on the Yakima Valley’s agricultural strengths while supporting technologies that help growers address workforce challenges, rising operating costs, and long-term industry resilience.
Infrastructure Supporting Future Growth
Christopher Hopkins, Airport Director at Yakima Air Terminal, highlighted infrastructure improvements and ongoing efforts to position the airport to support future economic growth.
His presentation emphasized the importance of transportation infrastructure, regional connectivity, and long-term planning in attracting investment and supporting businesses throughout Yakima County.
As the region continues to grow, strategic infrastructure improvements remain an essential part of creating an environment where businesses can invest and expand.
Recognizing Leadership: Ines Hanrahan
A special moment of the evening was the recognition of Ines Hanrahan, Executive Director of the Washington Tree Fruit Research Commission, for her leadership, vision, and dedication to advancing agricultural innovation in Washington.
YCDA Executive Director Jon Smith presented Hanrahan with a formal recognition on behalf of YCDA’s Board of Directors, acknowledging her persistence, partnership, and instrumental role in bringing FIRA USA to Washington.
Her efforts, alongside regional partners, helped position the Yakima Valley as a destination for agricultural technology leaders, growers, and innovators from around the world.
The recognition celebrated not only her contributions to bringing FIRA USA to the region, but also the importance of collaboration and leadership in creating opportunities that benefit the broader agricultural community.
Bringing Global Agricultural Technology to Yakima
YCDA’s Annual Meeting was held in conjunction with FIRA USA 2026, taking place October 20-22 at State Fair Park.
The international agricultural robotics event brings together growers, technology developers, researchers, and industry leaders to explore technologies that can support the future of farming.
Bringing FIRA USA to Yakima provides an opportunity to showcase the region’s agricultural expertise, connect local businesses with emerging technologies, and position the Yakima Valley as a destination for agricultural technology testing, investment, and business development.
The announcements from Manzana and Reservoir further demonstrate the momentum building across the region and the opportunities created when businesses, public agencies, and community partners work together.
Thank You to Our 2026 Annual Meeting Sponsors
YCDA extends its sincere appreciation to the investors and sponsors whose generous support made the 2026 Annual Meeting possible.
Presenting Sponsor | Angel Investor
- HUB International
Venture Capital Sponsor
- Yakima County
Crowd Funder Sponsors
- HLA Engineering & Land Surveying, Inc.
- Pacific Power
- Valley Mall / CenterCal
- Cascade Natural Gas
- Port of Sunnyside
- Seattle Credit Union
A special thank you to Austin Beebe of HUB International, who served as master of ceremonies and helped guide the evening’s program.
The commitment of YCDA’s investors and sponsors plays an important role in advancing economic development initiatives, supporting business retention and expansion, and creating new opportunities throughout Yakima County.
The Future Grows Here
The 2026 Annual Meeting served as a reminder that economic development is about more than individual projects or investments. It is about building relationships, connecting businesses with resources, strengthening regional partnerships, and creating the conditions for long-term economic success.
From Manzana’s $63 million investment and 150 new jobs in Sunnyside to Reservoir’s planned expansion into the Yakima Valley, the evening highlighted the tangible opportunities emerging across the region.
YCDA remains committed to working alongside businesses, investors, public agencies, and community partners to support a strong and competitive regional economy.
The Future Grows Here, and together, we’re helping it grow.
