SALEM, Ore. – For just $375, Oregon became the first state to install in its Statehouse a mobility device-charging station. The mobility device-charging station was invented by Pendleton-based entrepreneur Darrin Umbarger, who created the charging station after experiencing first-hand the challenges of powering his own mobility device. A ribbon-cutting ceremony for the charging station installation took place Monday, June 5, on the Second Floor in the Senate.

Democratic Senate President Peter Courtney, of Salem, and state Sen. Bill Hansell, R-Pendleton, together led the charge to install the charging station at the Statehouse after learning Darrin’s story. Hansell first heard of Umbarger’s story 15years ago when Hansell was a county commissioner.

“Hats off to Darrin for inventing a powerful device to help better the quality of life for people across the nation experiencing the significant challenge of powering mobility devices.”