Valley Bloom Agritech Founder Named Small Business Person of the Year

The announcement is the latest sign of momentum for Yakima's business community, which has drawn growing attention from investors across the Pacific Northwest.

"This is something our community has been asking for, and we're glad to finally see it come together," said Michael Ortega, chief executive in Yakima.

The company now employs roughly 60 people across its Washington operations, with plans to keep hiring if growth holds through next year. Leadership says Yakima's talent pipeline was a deciding factor in choosing to expand locally rather than out of state.

"We're proud of what this means for Yakima and the people who live here." — Michael Ortega

Company leadership says an update on hiring and expansion plans is expected before the end of the year.