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!!

Here is a brief summary of recent MCEDD loan activity -

• Expand local locksmithing business to a Hood River store front. Loan amount: $26,850.
  
• Start up of a screen printing and custom apparel business in The Dalles. Loan amount: $17,500.
  
• Purchase a white water rafting business in Maupin. Loan amount $50,000.
  
• Add mobile concessions to existing business in Grass Valley. Loan amount $40,000.
  
• Purchase a retail store in downtown Hood River. Loan amount: $90,000 (Oregon Investment Board funds).
  

Martin Campos-Davis, representing the minority sector, was recently appointed to the MCEDD Board. He is currently the manager of Employment and Training programs for Klickitat and Skamania counties with Worksource Columbia Gorge. He has also served as a Hood River Councilman and been involved in various community organizations and projects in the Gorge. He is a enthusiastic supporter of economic development efforts in the area. Martin has previously served on the MCEDD Board. 

MCEDD is seeking applicants for a new position on its Loan Administration Board. This board reviews loan proposals and makes decisions  related to loan applications, loan portfolio client requests and loan procedures and policies for MCEDD's revolving loan funds.

More information and Loan Administration Board member interest forms are available at http://www.mcedd.org or the MCEDD office located at 515 E. 2nd St, The Dalles, Oregon. Deadline for submission is June 8, 2009.

On May 19 at the Gorge Angel Conference, eProduce Sales Inc. was awarded a $105,000 investment from GAIN II LLC (Gorge Angel Investor Network). eProduce Sales touts itself as the eBay of the fresh food industry. Its website serves as a central sales and marketing site for growers, distributors, brokers and retailers who buy and sell produce in large scale. As part of his pitch to GAIN II at the Conference, eProduce Sales President Randy Morrow said the company's corporate headquarters would be moved to Hood River.

Other finalists who made presentations were Hood River company Outside Baby, LLC and Gorge software company 4Tell, LLC.

For more information, visit:  http://www.gorgeangelconference.com/
The Gorge Angel Conference is an event of the Hood River County Office of Economic Development in cooperation with the Oregon Entrepreneurs Network, the Hood River County Chamber of Commerce, the Small Business Development Center and Mid-Columbia Economic Development District.  For more information about the Conference and PubTalk, call 541-387-6863. 

USDA Rural Development Community Facility (CF) Grants:
Is your community building in need of energy efficiency improvements? Or are you considering installing a renewable energy system - e.g. solar, small wind, biomass boiler, geothermal - for your public building? Grant funds are available to help with such projects. Preapplications must be submitted NO LATER THAN JUNE 1.

Eligible entities are State, County, and Local municipal
jurisdictions, including tribal governments. Also non-profit, community based organizations that meet the qualifications of RD Instructions for Community Facility Borrowers and Grantees may qualify. More information about CF Grants is online at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/or/cf.htm

Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) - Renewable Energy Technical Assistance Grants
In addition to providing grants for rural energy projects themselves, the REAP program also offers grants of up to $100,000 to entities that provide technical assistance to rural businesses interested in undertaking such projects. Assistance is limited to public bodies, colleges & universities, and publicly-owned utilities & electric coops, and funds must be used to conduct energy audits or otherwise provide technical assistance. (Note that nonprofits are not currently eligible for this program.)  In FY2009, approximately $2.4 million will be awarded.  Applications are due June 9, 2009. Don Hollis Business Programs Specialist, Pendleton Area Office, 541-278-8049 x129, don.hollis@or.usda.gov State Renewable Energy Coordinator All Business programs, REAP Energy. For more information visit http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/or/reap.htm

Every month, MCEDD will provide profiles for the communities we serve to offer our region a comprehensive view of the region. This month we feature the City of Stevenson in Skamania County, Washington.

On the banks of the scenic Columbia River, the City of Stevenson is home to unique shops, art galleries, local restaurants, and an award-winning local brewpub. Downtown Stevenson also provides a wealth of recreational opportunities.  Time in Stevenson can be spent kiteboarding, golfing, picnicking, scenic strolls, free Wi-FI, museums, and many other enjoyable activities. 

Even with all that Stevenson currently offers, the urban area, encompassing just over 3,000 acres, is just over half full and ready for quality developments that will add to, and improve the urban fabric. Vacant land in the City of Stevenson includes 14 commercial spaces.

Whether looking to explore Stevenson for business or pleasure, agencies like MCEDD, Skamania County Economic Development Council, and the Skamania County Chamber of Commerce can help you on your journey. 

Tri-County Hazardous Waste & Recycling Program seeks proposals from consultants to study the best solution(s) for handling organics from the solid waste streams of Hood River, Wasco, and Sherman Counties in the Columbia Gorge. Deadline for proposals shall be Friday, June 5th, 2009. To receive a copy of the Request For Proposal (RFP), contact: David Skakel, Project Manager, Tri-County Hazardous Waste & Recycling Program, Email: davids@co.wasco.or.us

June 2009 Events

• June 10: Sherman Experiment Station Field Day, 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Moro, Oregon.
  
• June 11: MCEDD Board Meeting, Details TBA.
  
• June 17: OIB Meeting, 10 a.m., Port of Hood River, Hood River, Oregon.
  
• June 18: Wasco County Economic Development Commission meeting. 10 a.m. Maupin.
  
• June 23: Gorge Technology Alliance Meeting. 6:30 p.m. Details TBA.