Location: USA, Oregon, Marion County and Polk County
Metro Population:(2004, MSA) 369,406
City Population:(2005) 147,215

Salem, the capital city of Oregon and its second largest city, lies in the center of the lush Willamette River valley, 47 miles from Portland. Salem is a city of over 47 square miles, located an hour from the Cascade mountains to the east and an hour from the ocean beaches to the west. Salem’s current population is 147,215 (July 2005) with a sustainable growth rate of approximately 1.5 percent per year.

Thriving businesses abound in Salem and benefit from economic diversity. The Strategic Economic Development Corporation (SEDCOR) in Salem is the lead economic development agency for Marion and Polk Counties. This private, non-profit membership organization’s mission is to enhance and diversity the Mid-Willamette Valley area’s economy. Salem has plentiful natural resources including land available for development, such as 515 acres of developable land at Mill Creek Industrial Park. For in-depth information, including quality of life statistics, employment and income data, visit www.sedcor.org.

Salem has an excellent K-12 school system and five institutions of higher education. Over 13 public or private universities and colleges are located within a 70-mile radius of Salem. Salem’s educational institutions provide undergraduate and graduate programs and workforce training, as well as contributing a rich tapestry of cultural events and art that enrich the community.

Salem offers a wide array of restaurants, hotels and tourist attractions, ranging from historic sites and museums to events that appeal to a wide variety of interests - from sports tournaments to Arts Fairs, theater and music. From our vibrant downtown, several parks and our historic district are within walking distance. 1,869 acres of park land invite residents and visitors alike to enjoy the outdoors.

Surrounded by green pastures, fields of flowers, gardens, vegetables, orchards and vineyards, Salem’s year-around and summer farmer’s markets overflow with locally raised produce and hand-crafted products. Salem is the perfect base for a tour of Oregon’s wine country or a visit to any or all of the many extraordinary gardens in the city and the surrounding area.

Salem is a great place to live, work and visit - come and join us!