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!!

For more information on MCEDD's loan programs, visit the MCEDD website or contact Eric Nerdin, MCEDD Loan Fund Manager at 541-296-2266.

MCEDD is seeking a full-time Project and Mobility Manager. Salary DOQ, approximately $40K-$50K. Closes 7/17/09. This individual will provide mobility management, professional economic development, grants management, and project management services to members and regional organizations.  A complete job description and application can be found at www.mcedd.org.

MCEDD is proud to announce the release of the updated Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) for 2009-2010. A primary focus for the document was an update to the strategic vision and the regionally prioritized list of projects. "I was extremely pleased with the process used to create the CEDS this year.  We first clarified our three top priorities: readiness to proceed, regional impact and economic results. Using that starting point, we were able to thoughtfully develop a list that focuses on projects which support the economic vitality of the entire Mid Columbia region," stated MCEDD Chair Barbara Briggs.
 
This document is available online at www.mcedd.org and has been submitted to the Economic Development Administration.

The US Small Business Administration (SBA) has a new program called the ARC Loan Program which can provide up to $35,000 in short-term relief for viable small businesses facing immediate financial hardship to help ride out the current uncertain economic times and return to profitability.  ARC loans will be offered by some SBA lenders for as long as funding is available or until September 30, 2010, whichever comes first.

Additional information about the ARC loan program and the  SBA is available at www.sba.gov

MCEDD's request for funding for a Mobility Manager for Gorge TransLink has been confirmed by both Oregon and Washington Departments of Transportation. ODOT will fund $22,000 and WSDOT will fund $88,000 for the biennium with matching local funds. The mobility management project is designed to enhance regional travel and increase connectivity for passengers in the rural counties participating in Gorge TransLink: Klickitat, Skamania, Hood Ricer, Wasco and Sherman counties. For more information on Gorge TransLink and transportation in the Mid-Columbia, visit www.gorgetranslink.com.

SDAO's grant, used to enclose and light a work area,  was extremely important to increasing personal safety for MCEDD staff and financial security. Northern Wasco PUD's grant was used to enclose a conference room and multiple work areas and create a new office space.

Located 40 miles south of The Dalles in southern Wasco County, the City of Maupin is the largest city in southern Wasco County. The City has its own K-12 school, a range of available housing, direct access to a major transportation route (US 197) and incredible recreational opportunities.

Like other rural communities, after the loss of the town's timber mill, Maupin has been working to improve and diversify its economic base.  Recently, the City has been looking to bring more family wage, year round businesses to the town by working with local entrepreneurs.  The City is also interested in attracting light industry and professional services for which the area would be particularly well suited.  Ultimately, the vision is to support a diverse range of people and businesses and create a vibrant, rural community.

The City has available land for industrial and residential ventures. Moderate amounts (approx. 30 acres) of undeveloped industrial land and many residential lots.  Commercial land is less available, being concentrated along the main street, Deschutes Avenue, and the east bank of the river. The City also has adequate sewer and water capacities to support new business and light industry.

MCEDD provides a monthly profile to support a regional understanding of the Columbia River Gorge communities. This profile has been provided by the City of Maupin in Wasco County, Oregon.

BPA is accepting comments on the proposed project and scope of the EIS and will hold two open house style scoping meetings for the project. Click on respective link below for meeting details.

Watch a month by month animation on the Oregon state unemployment site showing statewide changes per county over the last 18 months.
 
http://www.qualityinfo.org/olmisj/OlmisZine

July 2009 Events

• July 1: MCEDD Executive Committe, 4:00 p.m., MCEDD offices, The Dalles, Oregon
• July 7: MCEDD Loan Administration Board, 8 a.m., MCEDD offices, The Dalles, Oregon
  
• July 15: OIB Meeting, 10 a.m., Hood River County Administrative Building, Hood River, Oregon
• July 15: Declaration of Cooperation, Columbia Gorge Discovery Center, 2 p.m., The Dalles, Oregon
• July 21: MCEDD Loan Administration Board, 8 a.m., MCEDD offices, The Dalles, Oregon
  
• July 23: Bi-State Meeting. Oregon and Washington Investment Boards, 10:00 a.m. at Skamania Economic Development Council.
  
• July 30: GTA Summer Party, Bambinos Learning Center, 6 p.m., Hood River, Oregon