IN MOTION
July 2016
CEDA, NORTH CENTRAL IDAHO RECEIVE USDA , ICDBG GRANT AWARDS
USDA recently announced that CEDA is the recipient of three USDA Rural Business Development Opportunity Grant awards. This grant
source is designed to support technical assistance, training, and other activities leading to the development or expansion of rural, small
and emerging private businesses. Projects funded include:
North Central Idaho Travel Stakeholder Needs Assessment: The $10,000 grant award will allow CEDA to gather input from
lodging, food and beverage, transportation, outdoor recreation, and organizations that manage museums, historical sites,
recreation sites, and events. Information will be used to develop strategies for addressing the needs of the business network.
The results will be used by North Central Idaho Travel Association (NCITA) to better address the needs of the stakeholders.
NCITA has provided $5,000 cash toward the effort.
Kendrick Fiber Feasibility Study: Access Consulting of Missoula will be conducting an evaluation of the costs and feasibility of
providing last mile fiber connectivity inside the city of Kendrick. First Step Internet is providing $5,000 toward the $15,000
project.
North Central Idaho Telepharmacy Feasibility Study: Dr. Kerry Casperson of Idaho State University will be conducting an analysis
of the feasibility of establishing a telepharmacy network in North Central Idaho. Communities that will be involved in the study
include Riggins, Nezperce, Craigmont/Winchester, Kooskia/Stites, Pierce/Weippe, and Troy. A telepharmacy involves a
centralized pharmacy that uses videoconferencing, software, and automated dispensing machines to provide services in remote
locations. The $4,000 project was matched with $1,000 by a pharmacist interested in the business enterprise.
Idaho Department of Commerce awarded five Idaho Community Development Block Grant (ICDBG) to projects developed and
submitted by the CEDA community development project team. In North Central Idaho, grants were received by:
City of Nezperce: $500,000 for a centralized Emergency Services building
Idaho County, on behalf of Rapid River Water and Sewer District: $300,000 for water system upgrades
Idaho County, on behalf of Syringa Hospital and Clinics: $500,000 for renovations and improvements
City of Weippe: $486,500 for wastewater and collection system upgrades.
CEDA also wrote and was awarded a $363,000 ICDBG for the City of Notus. All projects will be administered by CEDA.
CEDA SEEKS ASSISTANCE FOR COMPREHENSIVE PLAN REVISIONS, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT TRAINING
Elected officials in our communities are thrust into a leadership role in economic development. Too often, new elected officials are
not aware of key economic development principles that could, if initiated, have a direct, positive impact on the community. In addition,
many North Central Idaho communities have non-existent or out-of date comprehensive plans
that are completely ineffective in helping with city council decision making.
For these reasons, CEDA is seeking Rural Community Development Initiative (RCDI) grant
funds to assist communities in creating or revising their comprehensive plans AND to provide
training on key principles for economic development to elected officials.
The goal is to build the region’s knowledge of economic development and build the
capacity of a community to implement and regularly update their comprehensive plans on
their own.
Twenty-three (23) North Central Idaho communities are eligible for this help and there are
resources to help nine (9) communities. To be eligible, a community must have a median
household income (MHI) that is less than 80% of the state or national MHI.
CEDA will work with three (3) communities per year over a three (3) year period.
Committed, eligible communities will receive training and technical expertise to either create
or to revise their comprehensive plans while also receiving eight (8) economic development training segments to be provided at city
council meetings in 15 minute increments.
Invitations have been sent to eligible communities. Any community that wants to participate must contact CEDA Community
Development Specialist Kelly Dahlquist at [email protected] or Christine Frei at [email protected].
Communities may also call CEDA at (208)746-0015 extensions 109 (Kelly) or 104 (Christine).
PLANNING/ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT — COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
A REASON TO CELEBRATE: LEWIS-CLARK AVA
FORMALLY DESIGNATED
As the final preparations were being made to celebrate the launch of
the Lewis-Clark Valley American Viticultural Area (AVA) at the April 20th
“Toast to the Emerging Wine Industry” event, the planning committee
held its breath. All reports indicated that the Alcohol & Tobacco Tax and
Trade Bureau (TTB) would not designate the AVA in time. Even with
pressure from Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Mike Crapo (R-ID);
the Ports of Lewiston, Clarkston, and Wilma; and Valley Vision,
Southeast Washington Economic Development Association and CEDA, it
appeared that the almost 400 guests would be recognizing the area wine
makers and wine grape growers instead of celebrating a federal
designation.
But, early in the morning of April 19th, Alan Busacca (author of the
AVA application), was notified by TTB that the petition to approve the
AVA application would be published in the Federal Register April 20th
and, after a 30 day waiting period, the Lewis-Clark Valley AVA would be
formally designated on May 20th.
The launch of the Lewis-Clark Valley Lewis-Clark AVA was a joyous
occasion as CEDA’s partners and stakeholders, the area’s wine makers
and grape growers, and their supporters, friends, and families joined
together to toast the wine industry and the AVA designation. Event
photos may be accessed through CEDA’s website: Clearwater-eda.org
Since the May 20th designation, numerous articles in national and
wine trade magazines have drawn attention to the new AVA. This
month, seven wine and food media journalists joined the Idaho Wine
Commission, Idaho Tourism Department, Idaho Preferred, Visit
Lewis-Clark Valley, and the Lewis-Clark Valley Wine Alliance to explore
the region’s wines, food, and tourist attractions.
This is just the beginning - we are looking forward to the future
growth of the wine industry in the region.
CEDA, SICOG NAMED REGIONAL PUBLIC
TRANSPORTATION OUTREACH COORDINATORS
Clearwater Economic Development Association (CEDA) and Southeast
Idaho Council of Governments (SICOG) were recently named
representatives for regional public transportation and charged with
eliminating barriers to workforce transportation. The two groups will
begin in May as the Idaho Transportation Department’s outreach
coordinators for Idaho's Workforce Transportation Initiative.
CEDA and SICOG will help connect and educate Idaho’s employers
and employees regarding available ridesharing and public transportation
commuting options. The coordinators will spend a year traveling
throughout Idaho speaking with employers and employees about
ridesharing and available public transportation options. Coordinators
may also be asked to develop a commuter schedule for individual
employees based upon home location, place of work, and preferred
transportation option.
Below are the outreach coordinators selected for each region:
Districts 1 and 2 (North and North Central Idaho): Deb Smith and
Christine Frei from CEDA
Districts 4, 5, and 6 (south-central, southeastern and eastern Idaho):
David Doran and Kathleen Lewis from SICOG
District 3 (southwest Idaho): Kim McGourty and Rachel Pallister from
ITD’s Public Transportation office, partnering with the Ada County
Highway District.
CEDA has contracted with Panhandle Area Council to assist with
implementation of the initiative in the five counties of northern Idaho.
Contact CEDA if you are interested in learning more about current
commute options for employees in the region.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BRIEFS:
Rural Community Development Initiative: Together with USDA,
Idaho Housing and Finance Association, and the Housing Company,
CEDA hosted forums in four communities on technical and financial
resources available to communities interested in addressing their
housing needs.
Attendees from 11 communities participated in forums held in
Potlatch, Riggins, Kooskia, and Pierce.
Forums focused on how communities begin to evaluate housing
stock and how housing that reflects the needs and incomes of real
people living and working in rural communities translates into
community and economic success. Presenters shared information
on loan and grant programs available for improving and expanding
housing stock.
Presenters at the forums included Douglas Peterson of The
Housing Company; Erik Kingston of Idaho Housing and Finance
Association; Christine Fisher and Joseph Cool of USDA; and Kelly
Dahlquist and Christine Frei of CEDA.
The forums were funded by USDA Rural Community
Development Initiative as well as Rural Housing Service, and CEDA.
Other Projects:
-Grangeville Kids Klub: Project development, grant writing
-Kamiah Community Partners Coalition: Evaluation services
-Cottonwood School District: project prioritization and grant
research. Obtained $10,000 in grant funding from the Nez Perce
Tribe Local Education Program Fund for the Cottonwood School
District Track Renovation Project.
-Lewiston-Community Park: Outreach, education
-Lewiston-Wheatland Fire Protection District: Outreach, education.
-Sacheen Lake, WA: Certified payroll
-Income Surveys:
Completed surveys: Deary, Cascade
Active surveys: Troy Recreation District, Elk River
CEDA ELECTS LEADERSHIP
At its May 26th meeting, the CEDA Board of Directors re-elected
City of Cottonwood representative Denis Duman to serve his third
term as Chair of the Board and elected U.S. Bank representative
Steven Greenfield as Vice-Chair.
Denis Duman, Chair
Until 2013, Denis Duman owned and managed City
Electric in Cottonwood. Since the sale of the
business, Denis continues to work for the company.
Denis has long-served the City of Cottonwood as an
elected official. Although no longer on the council,
Denis continues to serve as the City’s
representative to CEDA.
Steve Greenfield, Vice-Chair
As a U.S. Bank Branch Manager and
Vice-President, Steve works out of the
Orchards branch in Lewiston. Steve has
served on CEDA’s Board of Directors since
the company became a member of CEDA.
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT — SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
CALL FOR PROJECTS!
SMALL BUSINESS LENDING
CEDA is in the process of conducting an annual update
to the district’s Comprehensive Economic Development
Strategy (CEDS). This planning document is designed to
bring together public and private sectors in the creation of
an economic roadmap to diversify and strengthen the
regional economy of North Central Idaho.
The CEDS contains a list of community projects, both in
implementation and on a ‘wish list.’ To ensure that the
CEDS contains up-to-date information, CEDA will soon be
putting out a Call for Projects. It is important that
community projects are listed in comprehensive strategic
plans such as the CEDS. Funders are looking to support
projects that are well planned and collaborative. Many
federal and state funded grants require that projects be
included in local, regional, or state plans for funding
eligibility.
CEDA will soon be asking city, county, and economic
development partners to provide details of current and
future projects. Project types include community
development and infrastructure improvements such as fire
districts, community centers, sewer projects; economic
enhancement opportunities like industrial parks and
transportation initiatives; and projects that benefit the
public and enhance quality of life.
Relevant information will include:
 Project description
 Project beneficiaries
 Amount of grant funds projected to be used for this
project
 Anticipated private investment (city funds, developers’
investment, donated land or building, etc.)
 Job creation as a result of this project
Recent projects in which CEDA has participated in the financing provide
diverse examples of how CEDA’s small business lending programs can be used
by small businesses.
Most recently, Fliger Construction, LLC was started with its headquarters
located near Juliaetta, ID. After several years of working for others in the
industry, the owner, JC Fliger, used funds from his saving to purchase
equipment and leveraged that investment with financing through CEDA’s Rural
Micro-entrepreneur Assistance Program (RMAP) to provide working capital
and to purchase the additional equipment needed to go out on his own.
Dickson Ready Mix in Kamiah, ID used CEDA financing to help with their
purchase and renovation of a building on the edge of town to be used as an
equipment shop for their business. In this case, CEDA’s financing was used in
partnership with financing from Cottonwood Credit Union. CEDA’s
participation in the financing of the purchase enables the business to use their
cash, (that would otherwise be required as a down payment), for other costs
related to their expansion.
In another instance, CEDA financing enabled the purchase of a small
logging operation from its retiring owner. This project allowed the new owner,
Jeremy Pauley of Lewiston, ID, to transition from employment as a crew boss
working out of state to being an owner/operator who has local work that
allows him to spend much more time with his young family. Had CEDA
financing not been available, the business would have been dissolved.
These recent projects are great examples of how CEDA’s financing can be
used, according to John Lane, director of the lending programs at CEDA . The
four business lending programs operated by CEDA are intended to finance
those viable deals that would not otherwise move forward. The EDA Revolving
Loan Fund and USDA-Intermediary Relending Program are designed to
leverage conventional financing by financing the gap between the amount
available under bank guidelines and the amount available from the business
owner. Flexibility in the rules for those programs does allow for creativity that
with adequate owner investment allows for CEDA financing from these
programs even when the amount available from the bank is zero. The RMAP is
designed for micro-loans of under $50,000. The fourth program is funded by
USDA-Business Services and is designed to finance manufacturing operations
located in the more rural parts of North Central Idaho.
The current CEDS can be viewed at clearwater-eda.org .
CEDA anticipates the annual update to be completed by
September.
Dream It. Do It. . .HERE : 2016 YOUTH CONFERENCE
Population under 15 years Old
Eleventh-grade students from as many as 22 area high schools will descend
North Central Idaho/Southeast Washington
onto the Lewis-Clark State College campus in Lewiston on October 26th to
help develop a youth-focused marketing strategy to attract students to future, regional
career opportunities in manufacturing, technology, transportation, and healthcare. The
CEDA Workforce Development Council and the Dream It. Do It. partners will be hosting
the 2016 Dream It. Do It . . .HERE Conference.
Businesses must have skilled workers at every level (high school, certificate, associate,
bachelor, and higher). Times have changed, and fewer unskilled laborers are needed.
Today, ninety-percent of workers need training and education beyond high school.
Finding skilled workers is a significant barrier to industry success. Our region’s
demographics are compounding the education and industry challenge. We have a
significantly older population than the rest of the State of Idaho. The number of
individuals entering into the workforce is significantly fewer today than 30 years ago.
Dream It. Do It. sponsors want to expose the area youth to the region’s job opportunities, provide them with information on the career
pathway to these jobs and to connect them to the education system to reach their career goal.
Since early 2015, the Northwest Intermountain Dream It. Do It .Chapter has used resources from the national Dream It. Do It. program
and the region’s logo to promote manufacturing and other valued industries to youth. Dream It. Do It. is a youth recruitment strategy
developed by the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) through its educational arm, The Manufacturing Network. This program has
been highly effective in helping the region to link the youth recruitment efforts of partners. CEDA Staff is coordinating this event.
NORTH CENTRAL IDAHO GAINS A VOICE AT THE NATIONAL AND STATE LEVEL
CEDA Executive Director, Christine Frei, elected to the
National Association of Development Organizations (NADO) Board of Directors
On April 13, Christine Frei was elected to a two-year term to represent the Western Region on the Board of
Directors for the National Association of Development Organizations (NADO). Founded in 1967, NADO provides advocacy, education,
research, and training for the nation’s 540 regional development organizations.
“We are honored to have Christine serve on NADO’s Board of Directors. Christine brings a wealth of expertise, knowledge, and leadership
on regional community and economic development issues to the national level,” stated Joe McKinney, NADO Executive Director.
In early June, Christine traveled to Coeur d’Alene to attend her first NADO Board of Directors meeting.“It was exciting to interact with
economic development professionals that come from across the United States and who are passionate about improving the economic health
of the communities they serve," says Christine Frei. “I look forward to sharing our experiences and implementing or adapting what CEDA
learns from the NADO experience.”
CEDA is a paid member of the NADO organization. CEDA staff has participated in NADO training conferences and policy conferences held
over the past several years. Recently, CEDA used the NADO network to connect to some of the best career technical education programs that
are currently being offered across the nation.
Christine Frei elected as President of the Economic Development Districts of Idaho (EDDI)
Following the NADO Board of Directors meeting in Coeur d’Alene, the Economic Development Districts of Idaho (EDDI) alliance elected
Christine Frei as President of the alliance. EDDI is currently comprised of five planning organizations of Idaho’s economic
development districts, including: Panhandle Area Council (Region I), CEDA (Region II), Region IV Development, Southeast
Idaho Council of Governments (Region V), and The Development Company (Region VI).
At their June 7th meeting, EDDI voted to formalize their alliance and establish a tax exempt 501(c)(6) organization. For
more than 10 years, EDDI executive directors and staff have met for economic development collaboration. The primary
focus is to work towards implementation of the State of Idaho’s economic development strategy that was developed
through the facilitation of the University of Idaho. EDDI hopes to strengthen its relationship with the Idaho Department
of Commerce and work collaboratively with the state and with local economic development organizations to strengthen
the state’s economy.
On June 6, the districts collaborated to provide a one-hour presentation at the National Association of
Development Organization’s Board of Director meeting on the economy of Idaho: our industries, our challenges, and our
economic development activities.
CEDA MEMBERS
County Members:
City Members:
· Clearwater County
· Idaho County
· Latah County
· Lewis County
· Nez Perce County
· Cottonwood, City of
· Craigmont, City of
· Culdesac, City of
· Deary, City of
· Elk River, City of
· Ferdinand, City of
· Grangeville, City of
· Kamiah, City of
· Kendrick, City of
· Kooskia, City of
· Lapwai, City of
· Lewiston, City of
· Moscow, City of
· Nezperce, City of
· Orofino, City of
· Peck, City of
· Pierce, City of
· Potlatch, City of
· Riggins, City of
· Stites, City of
· Troy, City of
· Weippe, City of
· White Bird, City of
· Winchester, City of
Tribal Members:
· Nez Perce Tribe
Utilities:
· Avista Corporation
· Clearwater Power
Education:
· Lewis-Clark State College
· University of Idaho
Taxing Districts:
· Kendrick-Juliaetta
Recreation
· Port of Lewiston
Non-Profit/
Agency Partners:
Private Industry:
· Banner Bank
· Bott Architects &
Associates
· AFL– CIO
· Castellaw Kom Architects
· Clearwater County
· Columbia Bank
Economic Development
· First Step Internet
Council
· Integrated Personnel,
· Clearwater Resource
Inc.
Conservation &
· Keller & Associates
Development
· Keltic Engineering, Inc.
· Ida-Lew Economic
· Mountain Waterworks
Development Council
· Northwest Management
· Idaho Food Bank
· Potlatch #1 FCU
· Idaho Department of
· RGU Architecture and
Environmental Quality
Planning
· Idaho Department of Labor
· Riedesel Engineering
· Lewis– Clark Valley
· Rim Rock Consulting, Inc.
Chamber of Commerce
· S.H. Vachon, LLC
· North Central Idaho
· Strata Engineering, Inc.
Travel Association
· TD&H Engineering
· Northwest Intermountain
· Umpqua Bank
Manufacturers’
· US Bank
Association
· SMART Transportation
· Valley Vision
· Washington Trust Bank
· Zions Bank
Clearwater Economic Development Association is a member driven, non-profit organization,
incorporated in 1968 within the State of Idaho. It is structured to promote and assist economic and
community development and to foster a stable and diverse economy within the five North Central
counties of Idaho: Clearwater, Idaho, Latah, Lewis, and Nez Perce.
Please support
CEDA member
businesses!
CONTACT CEDA
(208)746-0015
1626 6TH Ave N .
Lewiston, ID 83501
Rachel Stocking
Office Administrator
[email protected]
Christine Frei, PCED
Executive Director
[email protected]
John Lane
Small Business Financing and Loan
[email protected]
Connie Barkhuff
Business and Loan Admin. Assistant
[email protected]
Deb Smith, PCED
Economic Development Specialist
[email protected]
Kelly Dahlquist
Community Development Specialist
[email protected]
Angela Edwards
Community & Economic Development
[email protected]