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!!

For more information on MCEDD's loan programs, contact Eric Nerdin, MCEDD Loan Fund Manager, at 541-296-2266.

Economic Development Administration Assistant Secretary John Fernandez outlined Economic Development priorities in a speech delivered in January. He described the impact of the EDA and noted that "Region by region, we're helping to speed the transition to a more entrepreneurial, innovation-driven society. In practical terms, that means three things: Fostering regional innovation that builds on an area's competitive advantages.
To view the full speech, click here.

Register now!

Register now for the Gorge Angel Conference. The conference will be held April 27, 2010 at the Best Western Hood River Inn from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. with a networking reception to follow. To register visit: www.gorgeangelconference.com

This event matches the Columbia Gorge's brightest emerging companies with qualified investors. Watch companies compete for an investment prize of at least $100,000, courtesy of the Gorge Angel Investor Network (GAIN3, LLC). The conference includes a keynote presentation: "Building a Better Dog House", by Shelly Gunton, Co-founder and "Top Dog" of Castor & Pollux Pet Works. It is presented by Hood River County, in partnership with the Oregon Entrepreneurs Network.

• How to start a business in Oregon
• Writing your business plan
• Understanding your business financial statements
• Accounting for small business
• Small Business Management I
  

Click here to read a full description or to print the registration form. You can also register by calling 541-506-6011 or 541-308-8211.

On Saturday and Sunday, May 15 and 16, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., artists of the Columbia Gorge will open their studios to the public.  This will be the region's fourth juried Open Studios Tour. The tour will feature original works by artists living and working in the region.

Enhance your knowledge of art and culture in the Columbia Gorge, and view and purchase artwork not available in galleries. Tour guides are $25.00 for two people for both days entrance and are available here.

Small Business Administration: Federal and State Technology (FAST) Partnership Program Grants
Application deadline: May 10, 2010
This program provides support to strengthen the technological competitiveness of small business concerns in every state. Click here for more information.
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REAP Grants for energy efficiency improvements
REAP (Rural Energy for America Program) offers grants and/or loan guarantees for the purchase and installation of energy efficiency improvements. Assistance is limited to small businesses and farmers and ranchers. REAP grants and guarantees may be used individually or in combination.
Oregon: http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/or/reapee.htm
Washington: http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/wa/BUSREAP.htm
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Wetland Program Development Grants
Application deadline: May 5, 2010
This program provides support to state, tribal, and local governments for wetland protection and enhancement. Financial assistance for wetland protection and enhancement to state, tribal and local governments. Grants may be used to develop or enhance programs for protecting, managing, or restoring wetlands. Click here  for more information.
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Grants Enhance Company Communities
The mission of The Wachovia Wells Fargo Foundation is to build strong and vibrant communities, improve the quality of life, and make a positive difference in locations served by the bank throughout the United States. Grants are provided to nonprofit organizations in bank communities as well as selected national organizations. The Foundation's areas of interest include education, community development, health and human services, arts and culture, the environment, and civic affairs. Requests may be submitted throughout the year. Visit the Foundation's website  to take the required eligibility quiz and submit an online application.
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CFED Innovation Applications
CFED has announced the opening of their 2010 Online Application window for the following concepts which demonstrate a potential to make a difference in the lives of low-income Americans: Innovators-in-Residence, Innovative Ideas, Next Generation Innovators, and Innovative Entrepreneurs. To apply, visit http://innovation.cfed.org/submitideas.
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HUD Sustainable Communities Initiative
Last month, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) published the Sustainable Communities Planning Grant Program Advance Notice and Request for Comment. HUD is now also requesting that potential applicants notify the agency no later than May 14, 2010 of their intent to submit an application for the Sustainable Communities Planning Grant Program once the NOFA is released. Notification of intent to apply is not a requirement for application, but will allow HUD to assess the workload needed to review potential applications. If interested in applying, please notify HUD through its NOFA Information Center at 800.HUD.8929. To review the notice, which also provides information on the registration process, click here.

April 2010

• April 27 - Gorge Angel Conference, 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Best Western Inn, Hood River, OR
• April 27 - Gorge Technology Alliance Meeting, 6:30 p.m., CenterPointe Bank, 2500 Cascade Ave, Hood River, OR
  

May 2010

• May 4 - MCEDD Loan Administration Board Meeting, 8 a.m., MCEDD office, The Dalles, OR
• May 5- MCEDD Executive Committee Meeting, 4 p.m., MCEDD Office, The Dalles, OR
• May 7- Columbia Gorge Bi-State Renewable Energy Zone, 10 a.m., Port of Hood River.
  
• May 12- MCEDD Budget Committee Meeting, Noon, MCEDD Office, The Dalles, OR
  
• May 13- MCEDD Full Board Meeting, 4:00 p.m., The Dalles.
  
• May 18- MCEDD Loan Administration Board Meeting, 8 a.m., MCEDD office, The Dalles, OR
  
• May 19 - Oregon Investment Board Meeting, 10 a.m., Port of Hood River, Hood River, OR
• May 20 - Wasco County Economic Development Commission, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
  
• May  25 - Gorge Technology Alliance monthly meeting, 6:30 p.m.
• May 22 to 27 - AWEA Conference, Dallas, TX