Reading this newsletter is a good thing, having  your news included is even better. Just send us your economic development news, including activities, events and anything else of interest in the five county area by the third week of each month. Send it directly to Layne at: layne@mcced.org

THANK YOU!!

 USDA is accepting applications for $45.8 million in loans and grants to support rural communities and spur economic development through the Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant program. 

The Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant program provides no-interest loans to Rural Development utility program borrowers, which in turn re-lend the money to local entities to promote economic development and job creation.
 
Applications must be received by March 31 for 3rd quarter funding and June 30 for 4th quarter funding.  For further details about eligibility rules and application procedures, see the December 29, 2008, Federal Register, page 79438.           

Further information on rural programs is available at a local USDA Rural Development office or by visiting USDA's web site at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov.

The Resource Assistance for Rural Environments (RARE) Program application deadline is April 15, 2009. Are you working to build capacity in your community or do you have community building, natural resource, or planning projects that you do not have enough time to work on? The RARE Program might be your answer to getting those projects completed.

For more information about RARE and application timeline, including the benefits and the costs of the program, please visit the RARE web site at: http://rare.uoregon.edu/.

If you have any questions, please email: rare@uoregon.edu or call 541.346.2879.

The Oregon Microenterprise Network (OMEN) is currently seeking sites that would like to host an AmeriCorps*VISTA member during the August 2009-2010 AmeriCorps*VISTA service term.  The Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA) program provides full-time volunteers to support the efforts of nonprofit organizations and public agencies working to fight poverty in low-income communities. 

Applications are now available from OMEN's website. Contact Valerie Plummer, OMEN Executive Director (503) 546-9913, Valerie@Oregon-microbiz.org if you have any questions.

Applications are currently being accepted for companies interested in competing for funding at the  2009 Gorge Angel Conference. Hood River County Economic Development and the Oregon Entrepreneurs Network are urging angel-ready companies to apply. GAIN II, LLC will invest an estimated $100,000 grand prize in the company they judge to be the best overall angel investment opportunity. Applications must be submitted by March 27, 2009. The Gorge Angel Conference will be held on May 19, 2009.

Download an application or learn more at GorgeAngelConference.com. You can also email info@gorgeangelconference.com.

MapGuide to Tell Region's Authentic Story -
National Geographic Society's Center for Sustainable Destinations has joined organizations in Washington and Oregon to publicize the world-class natural and cultural attractions of the Central Cascades. The pilot project seeks to contribute to the economic health of communities by promoting geotourism: tourism that sustains and enhances the geographical character of a place - its environment, culture, aesthetics, heritage and the well-being of its residents.

Visit www.thecentralcascades.com to find out more about this project, current nominations, community forum schedule, and geotourism. There will be a community forum in Hood River on March 13.  Nomination deadlines is March 29, 2009.

Source: Oregon and Washington Employment Depts
Click here to see more statistics available on the MCEDD website.

February 2009 Events

• February 10 - CDBG training, Salem, Oregon
  
• February 18 - Oregon Investment Board Meeting, 10:00 am, Port of Hood River.
• February 21 - Small Farms Conference, Corvallis, Oregon
  
• February 22 - Value Based Food Supply Chain Workshop, Corvallis, Oregon
• February 24 - CDBG training, La Grande, Oregon
  
• February 24 - Gorge Technology Alliance meeting. 6:30 p.m. Kathleen May with NW Alliance Group and Brice Barrett of the Pacific Northwest Defense Coalition will keynote the February meeting of the Gorge Technology Alliance. NW Alliance Group specializes in getting government, mostly military, contracts and grants for Pacific Northwest companies.
  

March 2009 Events

• March 10 - Hood River PubTalk, 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm, details TBA. 
  
• March 19 - Wasco County Economic Development Commission meeting, 10:00 a.m. Dufur City Hall. Contact Layne at 541-296-2266 for more information.
  
• March 20 & 21 - Regards to Rural VI Conference, Salem, Oregon