FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Amanda Remington, Project Manager

Phone: (541) 296-2266

Email: amanda@mcedd.org

September, 2007

$28,190 in Oregon Investment Board Grant Funds Awarded

The Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area Oregon Investment Board awarded grants totaling $28,190 in September. Funding was provided to North Wasco County School District #21, Gorge Artists, and the Columbia Gorge Center.

North Wasco County School District #21 was awarded a $10,000 grant for “Project Lead the Way,” a program of pre-engineering courses offered at The Dalles Wahtonka High School. Through “Project Lead the Way”, the school district provides students with the knowledge necessary to pursue engineering or engineering technology programs in college, enhancing their ability to enter into the high tech industry. The Oregon Investment Board grant will cover the costs of equipment including computers and Fishertechnics kits and will also cover some travel costs to assist project staff and students in securing partnerships and mentorships with local high tech businesses.

Gorge Artists, Inc received a $10,000 grant to increase marketing efforts for the 2008 Gorge Artists Open Studios Tour. This is the second year of the Gorge Artists Open Studios Tour, which will be held April 12-13, 2008. The tour is a two day event showcasing local artists’ studios, providing artists with an opportunity to sell their work and visitors an opportunity to engage in conversations with the artist. In preparation, artists participating in the tour are invited to engage in workshops designed to help them develop marketing and sales skills and improve their basic business practices. Grant funds will be used to increase marketing of the event. The marketing campaign will include expanded media coverage in Portland and other metro markets, promoting the tour in regional and national publications, increasing television and radio event promotion and coverage, increasing the number of Portland-area ticket outlets, and developing cross-promotional relationships

Columbia Gorge Center (CGC) was awarded an $8,190 grant from the Oregon Investment Board to develop a marketing plan for the products they fabricate and services they offer. Currently, CGC fabricates aprons, bags and fire starters and offers assembly, custodial maintenance, and document shredding services. The marketing plan will be used to determine, and if successful, demonstrate to the CGC board that a focused marketing effort could add value to existing client services. Grant funds will be used to hire a consultant to develop the marketing plan. The marketing plan will be included in a full business plan that CGC staff develops with support from the Columbia Gorge Community College Small Business Development Center.

In 1986, the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area Act established a bi-state, six-county region shared by the states of Oregon and Washington. In conjunction with this Act, Congress earmarked $5 million each for Oregon and Washington for the purpose of making economic development loans and grants. The Oregon Investment Board (OIB) is responsible for the administration of the Oregon Economic Development Plan, within Multnomah, Hood River, and Wasco, the Oregon counties lying in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. Mid-Columbia Economic Development District provides administration for the program. If you have any questions about the Oregon Investment Board call Amanda Remington at (541) 296-2266.

# # #