As mentioned in prior columns, the Columbia-Pacific Economic Development District (Col-Pac) provides regional economic development services supporting the work of Clatsop, Columbia and Tillamook counties local business development efforts.

One of the benefits of having a federally-designated economic development district such as Col-Pac is being able to attract infrastructure funding to NW Oregon for business development projects from agencies such as the Economic Development Administration (EDA) and USDARural Development. But successful applications for funding require a context for the request: Demonstration of need, how the funding will add value/benefit the local economy, that the project or activity has a definitive scope of work including budget, schedule and milestone reporting, and that there is local support for the project.

To provide just that context, Col-Pac works with the business community and public agencies to create an economic roadmap or Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) for NW Oregon. NW Oregons CEDS is updated every three to five years, to include new opportunities and to respond to unexpected changes to the local economy, both good and bad. So this is where the Seeking Local Ideas comes inAs Col-Pac starts the updating process for the 20132016 CEDS, we want to get specific ideas and strategies for diversifying and strengthening NW Oregons economy.

Col-Pacs current CEDS can be found at the NWOregon.org website. Specific strategies for implementing the following goals are outlined in the CEDS.

1. Sustain and Retain NW Oregons Current BusinessesSupport the regions existing businesses face significant economic, natural disaster and changing industry/technology.

2. Develop Public Services Infrastructure to Support Business Development

3. Diversify and Expand NW Oregons Regional Economy

4. Support the Regions Efforts to Have Sufficient Resources, Facilities and Programs to Provide Trained Workers for Existing and Future Needs of Business

5. Support the Regions Transportation System

6. Maintain High Level of Economic Development Cooperation, Coordination and Communication among NW Oregon Organizations and Leaders

Hard to argue that these arent laudable goals, but are they still current? And what is the best way to go about achieving NW Oregons business development goals? What specific activities should the region, both Col-Pac and our local economic development partners, be undertaking, and prioritizing for funding and time/energy? We would like to hear from you.

We are looking to have a first draft of NW Oregons CEDS strategies by March 2013, so the deadline to get your ideas in is January 31, 2013. We will post all ideas on our website as they come in. There will also be a second opportunity to comment on the draft CEDS during April and May 2013. We encourage you to help us identify those business opportunities that create jobs for NW Oregon residents, and enhance our community quality of life.

Columbia-Pacific Economic Development District (Col-Pac) contact: Mary McArthur at 503.397.3099 or MBMcArthur@NWOregon.org