Presidents Message
August 2008
 Dear Oregon Economic Development Association Members and Constituents:
Mark your calendars now for our upcoming
2008 OEDA Back 2 Business Conference
The Challenge of Change
October 5th -7th – at the new Oregon Garden Resort in Silverton, Oregon.
[click here for registration, program and other details]
The Oregon Garden Resortis an outstanding example of successful economic development collaboration. Tours and highlights will be featured.
2008 Awards of Excellence in Economic & Community Development
The purpose of the Awards of Excellence is to recognize exceptional and innovative economic development efforts in the State of Oregon. Not only will this highlight achievements, it provides an opportunity to learn about best practices throughout the state for potential replication to bring success to more Oregon communities.
- Outstanding Collaborative Partnerships
- Rural Community Revitalization – New category
- Business Development Success Story
- Economic Development Marketing
- Economic Development Leader of the Year
[click here for Applications and award criteria].
Deadline for applications is September 5, 2008. That’s only 4.5 weeks away so get started now! For questions contact Allison Larsen at allison@chabinconcepts.com or by phone at 509-972-0833.
OECDD Realignment Project Update
Tim McCabe and Sarah Miller delivered the presentation attached to the OECD Commission in mid-July. The presentation highlights the completion of Phase I Project Planning & Design work, summarizes the findings from feedback sessions, and proposes an approach to Phase 2 Project Planning & Design Work.
Phase I work focused on helping OECDD answer the question, "How should our programs work?" Using Guiding Principles that were developed by stakeholders and staff, we will now enter into Phase II which will specifically answer the question, "What changes need to be made to our programs?"
The Commission supported the proposed Phase II approach which will entail seven workgroups convened to develop program improvement plans & make recommendations in three areas:
- What operational changes can be made now?
- What changes take statute change? and
- Where should these programs live organizationally for the long term?
The seven workgroups include:
- Water/Waste Water/Safe Drinking Water
- Special Public Works Fund/Community Development Block Grant/Main Street
- Industrial Lands/Brownfields
- Ports
- Business, Innovation & Trade
- Small Business Services
- Regional Economic Development Services
Over much of August, OECDD and stakeholders will be working hard to meet an aggressive timetable. The department’s success will be dependent on their ability to engage stakeholders collaboratively to develop the best programs possible. Please don't hesitate to contact Sarah Miller with any questions, comments & concerns. Phone: 503-986-0037 or email sarah.s.miller@state.or.us
USDA features wind power workshops for rural Oregon landowners
Wind power is a key part of Oregon's push for renewable energy development. But the bedrock for the success of this energy strategy is not wind, it is informed landowners - farmers and rural property owners who understand wind energy development sufficiently to evaluate their options and make informed economic decisions about what if any involvement they wish to pursue. Northwest Sustainable Energy for Economic Development (NWSEED) is conducting a series of workshops (cosponsored by USDA Rural Development) in eastern Oregon to help demystify the wind power opportunity for the layman.
If you know of rural landowners wondering how viable and desirable wind power is on their property, please refer them to this workshop. Or if you have an interest – this workshop will give you the chance to understand the complexities of wind power development and make better-informed decisions about whether wind is an option you want to pursue, and if you do, help you understand all the factors that you will need to weigh in deciding how to participate.
Daylong (8:30-4:30) workshops will be held at:
- Hood River - September 16
- Moro - October 21
- Pendleton - October 28
- Baker City - October 29
To register, and for details, go to:
http://www.nwseed.org/communityenergy/resources/workshops
For more information contact Jeff Deiss, USDA Rural Development at jeff.deiss@or.usda.gov or 503-414-3367 orr visit their web site at http://www.ruralOregon.biz or for energy programs visit http://energy.ruralOregon.biz
Job Opportunities:
There are seven job opportunities currently available at OEDA’s web site [click here]
Highlights include:
Community Development Director
City of Silverton, OR
The City of Silverton is seeking to fill the position of Community Development Director in the Community Development Department. This position is responsible for all current and long-range planning efforts for the City of Silverton, and serves as the primary support person for the Silverton Planning Commission. Position open until filled. [more]
Economic Development Manager
Economic Development for Central Oregon
EDCO, a leading economic and business development organization in the Pacific NW, seeks results-driven team player to continue success of a local program in Redmond, OR. Top candidate should be an outstanding communicator, have excellent interpersonal and organizational skills and solid business and/or economic development experience. For a complete job posting, salary range, benefit package, and application instructions, visit www.edcoinfo.com. Closing date: August 15, 2008.
Loan Specialist
USDA Rural Development - Portland
If you have a passion for rural economic development in Oregon and skills in financial analysis and credit underwriting, please note that USDA Rural Development has just advertised a loan specialist job. This person will be a key player, working in the Oregon State Office in Portland, helping to deliver and administer our many business, cooperative, and energy programs for rural Oregon.
The position and application process are described in detail on the following web sites:
http://jobsearch.usajobs.gov/getjob.asp?JobID=73762117
http://jobsearch.usajobs.gov/getjob.asp?JobID=73761890
(Note that although there are two postings - one for current & former federal employees, and one for all others - there is only one position to be filled.)
If you would like more information about the position, please contact Barbara Ingersoll, Human Resources Manager, USDA Rural Development, Portland, Oregon, 503-414-3318 or [email]. Closes August 8, 2008.
Training & Event Opportunities:
See OEDA’s website for numerous opportunities to build your skills [click here].
Featured events include:
- August 17-22, 2008: Northwest Economic Development Course - Ellensburg, WA
- October 5 - 7, 2008: 2008 Back to Business Annual Conference - Oregon Gardens Resort - Silverton, OR
- October 16-17, 2008: Oregon Microenterprise Network - The Gover nor Hotel, Portland Oregon
- October 16 & 17, 2008: Oregon Connections Telecommunications Conference - Newport, OR at the Best Western Inn
- October 19-22, 2008: International Economic Development Council 08 Annual Conference - The Next Billion: Mobility, Flexibility, Agility, Livability - Atlanta, GA
- November 5, 2008: 2008 Oregon Brownfield Workshop & Luncheon - Salem Conference Center - Salem, OR
If you have questions or information you would like to share with our members, please contact me.
Sincerely,
Renate Mengelberg, CeCD
OEDA President
Business and Economic Development Coordinator
Clackamas County Business and Economic Development Services
503-353-4327
Renatem@co.clackamas.or.us
9101 SE Sunnybrook Boulevard
Clackamas, Oregon 97015
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OREGON BUSINESS
COME FOR A WEEK. STAY FOREVER
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