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!!

The federal Economic Development Administration has approved the 2008-09 Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) for the Mid-Columbia Economic Development District. The CEDS is designed to bring together the public and private sectors in the creation of an economic roadmap to diversify and strengthen regional economies. A copy of the MCEDD CEDS is available on the MCEDD web site or at the MCEDD office, 515 E. Second St., The Dalles, OR.

Juicy Ideas launched October 13th at noon with two participating teams from the Gorge region. They have until October 23rd to complete and upload a video of a product they've created using a throw away item - baling twine.  To see the launch video click here.
 

The Oregon Investment Board (OIB) awarded $8,570 in grant funds to the Columbia Gorge Center to support development of a marketing plan for a number of their existing and new products. CGC is a non-profit organization, providing support to people with disabilities in Hood River & Wasco counties. This grant will allow the Center to hire a marketing consultant to conduct market research and develop a marketing plan. Current and future items include: aprons, bags, fire starters, handmade paper and document destruction.

 

Main Street Moiser was awarded $5,500 in grant funds to  develop and distribute a household survey to residents and property owners. The survey will be distributed as part of an interactive community planning process to help determine community development needs and preferences of Mosier area residents and recommend implementation steps.

MCEDD provides staffing services for the OIB. To learn more visit the OIB web site by clicking here.

The third annual Gorge Artists Open Studios will take place May 2-3 2009. A self guided tour, Open Studios will bring art lovers from all over the region to visit local artists in their natural habitat, learning about their working methods and meeting the people behind the art.

This is an opportunity for local artists to gain exposure with out of town collectors and build their customer base. Total artists will be limited to 50 throughout the Gorge.

For applications, email GAOS@gorge.net. For more information see: gorgeartistsopenstudios.com or call (541) 296-5143.

The Small Business Development Center at Columbia Gorge Community College is presenting a workshop on how Columbia Gorge businesses can utilize solar energy at their place of business.

When: October 18, 2008, 9 am to 1 pm
Where: CGCC, Hood River Indian Creek Campus, 1730 College Way, Hood River, Oregon
Cost: $29.00, includes lunch
What: Topics covered include: how to reduce energy costs; basic solar installations; federal and state tax incentives; financing packages; and product demonstrations by Seraphim Energy and Solar City. Register by calling (541) 506-6011 or (541) 308-8211.

NWSEED will be conducting a series of workshops in eastern Oregon to help demystify wind power opportunities for the layman. This workshop will give rural landowners a chance to understand the complexities of wind power development and make better-informed decisions about whether wind is an option to pursue.  

The workshop in this region will be from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm  in Moro on October 21. For more information and to register click here or call NWSEED at 1-866-759-SEED.

Rising energy costs and generous cash incentives have made solar and energy efficiency attractive options for public entities seeking to manage energy costs. The workshop offers counties an opportunity to learn more about solar technology and energy efficiency. Complete information about the workshop to be held in Salem, Oregon is attached. Participants may register by clicking here.

Round Two of the Oregon Rural Congress will be on December 5th in Coos Bay-North Bend at the Mill Casino. Focus will include transportation and finance issues with follow up on issues addressed at the Congress this past August in Cascade Locks. For more information contact Colleen MacLeod at (541) 963-1001 or e-mail colleen@union-county.org  http://www3.eou.edu/alliance/

Geocashing enthusiasts traveling the Columbia River Gorge or elsewhere nearby in Oregon and Washington may want to consider adding The Dalles to their itinerary and do The Dalles Dash, a 12-cache password hunt organized by The Dalles Area Chamber of Commerce. For more information check out Go Northwest! - location based ongoing commentary about points of interest in the Pacific Northwest.

February 14, 2009 will be Oregon's 150th birthday. If you've ever wanted to volunteer but didn't know where to begin, sign up for Take Care of Oregon Days. The big volunteer event will happen on and around May 16th, 2009.

FREE hands-on Volunteer Action Trainings will be given around the state on how to plan and organize a project. There is a training happening in our region:
Hood River - Tuesday, October 28th, 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at
Hood River County Library (502 State St), Facilitator - Jessica Rodriguez, Rural Development Initiatives. Click here to register or call Abby at 800-333-7658.

October 2008 Events

• October 18 - Solar Energy for the Gorge Business Workshop, 9 am to 1 pm, Hood River, OR.
• October 18 - Hazardous Waste Collection Event, 10 am to 2 pm, Mosier Community School, Mosier, OR. Call 541-506-2636 for more information
  
• October 17-19 - Harvest Fest, Hood River, OR. 
• October 21 - Demystify Wind Power Workshop, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Moro, OR.
• October 28 - Preview of Oregon Experience: The River They Saw, 6 pm at the Gorge Discovery Center.
• October 28- Gorge Technology Alliance and SAO Health Summit, White Salmon, 6:30 p.m. For more information contact jim@crgta.org.
  
• October 29 - Solar Energy Efficiency & Sustainable New Buildings Workshop, 8:30 am to 4:00 pm, Salem, OR.
  

November 2008 Events

• November 1 - Hazardous Waste Collection Event, Wastewater Treatment Plant, 10 am to 2 pm, Cascade Locks, OR. Call 541-506-2636 for more information
• November 1 - Deadline to enter White Salmon Arts Council Poster competition. 
• November 8- Gorge Technology Alliance Event. Contact jim@crgta.org for more information.
  
• November 10 - Broadcast of Oregon Experience: The River They Saw, on OPB at 9 pm.
  
• November 11- Oregon Investment Board meeting, 10:00 a.m., Port of Hood River.
• November 18- Census PSAP training, MCEDD, 9:00 a.m. For more information contact amanda@mcedd.org.