In August of 2019, USDA Rural Development announced that CEDA and Panhandle Area Council- which serves the five counties of North Idaho- had been awarded a $150,000 grant to provide training and workshops to participating communities on issues of critical importance to the region: housing, broadband, and community revitalization. These funds will be matched by membership dollars from both CEDA and PAC members. The collaborative training will be offered to cities and community representatives in the ten northern counties of Idaho who meet USDA’s qualifying guidelines. In the coming weeks CEDA and PAC will be reaching out to communities who indicated an interest in the training program. If you have questions, resource suggestions, or want to ensure that the curriculum and subject matter experts who are brought in are targeted to your communities highest needs, please contact Angie Edwards-Kuskie at aedwards@clearwater-eda.org.

IN MOTION

CEDA TAKES ACTION TO CHANGE TAX EXEMPTION STATUS

CEDA was incorporated in 1967 and received its 501(c)(4) tax exempt status in 1968. In recent years, our ability to fund worthwhile initiatives has been limited by our tax exemption. We are not eligible for many private foundation dollars or financial institution’s Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) funding. We are often in a role of asking for sponsorships for worthwhile projects and we cannot offer the same tax benefit as other non-profits. CEDA is working with an attorney to request permission from the Internal Revenue Service to convert its 501(c)(4) tax exemption to a 501(c)(3). Under this new designation, CEDA will continue to provide the same services and be eligible for a broader range of resources. Activities that could benefit include workforce development, business technical assistance and workshops, and community programs. A special meeting of members will be held September 30, 2019 from 6-7 p.m. at Lewis-Clark State College to consider an application to change CEDA’s tax exemption designation from a 501(c)(4) to a 501(c)(3) and to consider the adoption of revisions to the CEDA Articles of Incorporation, CEDA Bylaws, and CEDA Conflict of Interest Policy. If approved by the membership, a request to change tax exemption will be sent to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). A hard copy of all documents has been mailed to CEDA members. If you have any questions, please contact Christine Frei at cfrei@clearwater-eda.org or (208)746-0015.

USDA AWARDS $150,000 FOR TRAINING ON BROADBAND, HOUSING, AND DOWNTOWN REVITALIZATION

REGIONAL MEETINGS HONE IN ON KEY ISSUES FOR FUTURE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Clearwater Economic Development Association is responsible to develop and regularly update the regional economic development strategy; known as the Regional CEDS. The CEDS contributes to effective economic development in the region and its communities through a locally based and regionally driven economic development planning process. It is a key component in establishing and maintaining a robust economic ecosystem by helping to build regional capacity (through hard and soft infrastructure) that contributes to individual, business, and community success. Planning meetings were held in Grangeville, Orofino, Moscow, and Lewiston throughout July and August. Individuals, organizations, local governments, institutes of learning, and private industry were invited to engage in a meaningful conversation and debate about what capacity building efforts would best serve economic development in the region. The completed 2019-2024 CEDS, which will be informed by the results of these meetings, will be submitted to the Economic Development Administration by the end of October 2019.

Nez Perce County stakeholders meet to identify opportunities and challenges.

C l e a r w a t e r E c o n o m i c D e v e l o p m e n t A s s o c i a t i o n | A u g u s t 2 0 1 9

In June of 2019 CEDA staff and participating communities wrapped up the final session of training on comprehensive planning for rural communities. The program focused on equipping city staff with knowledge of the mandated components of a comprehensive plan as well as tips and tricks, case studies, and suggestions for using the comprehensive planning process as part of a larger community visioning and planning movement. Participating communities in this cohort included: the City of White Bird, City of Riggins, City of Kooskia, and City of Stites. Communities from the last cohort included the Cities of Winchester, Nezperce, Grangeville, Cottonwood, and Lewis County. Comprehensive Plan updates are in progress across the region and CEDA is proud to assist the communities of Potlatch, Grangeville, Winchester, Nezperce, Craigmont, Kooskia, and Stites in developing planning documents that reflect the existing conditions and future goals of these communities.

USDA RURAL COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE: COMPREHENSIVE PLAN TRAINING WRAPS UP

NCITA AWARDED FUNDS TO MARKET NORTH CENTRAL IDAHO

A panel of healthcare experts shared their thoughts about the changing healthcare environment at CEDA Annual Meeting on April 18th. Over 140 people were present at the Clearwater River Casino and Event Center to hear Carol Moehrle with the Idaho North Central Health District, Abner King of Syringa General Hospital, Teresa Shackelford of the Idaho Department of Health & Welfare, Connie Osborn of Gritman Medical Center, Christine Packer of St. Mary’s Hospital & Clinics/Clearwater Valley Hospital & Clinics, and Zeke Uhlrey with Area Agency on Aging speak to the issues. Jim Rehder with Region II Behavioral Health Board moderated the panel discus-sion.Jackson Davis of Presnell Gage was honored for his 27 years of service on the CEDA Loan Review Committee. Deb Smith was recognized for her 10 years as a CEDA employee. John Smith of Clearwater County and Dave McGraw of Latah County wereacknowledged for their volunteer support on the CEDA Board of Directors.

Pictured: Deb Smith accepts a nameplate from Board Chair Steve Greenfield in recognition of her 10 years of service to CEDA

North Central Idaho Travel Association (NCITA) recently was awarded $94,068 by the Idaho Travel Council through the 2019 Idaho Regional Travel & Convention Grant program. Award dollars will be used to market travel opportunities in north-central Idaho for print advertising, digital advertising, visual and audio advertising, social media, and management of the NCITA website. Resources will also be used for a new website with technicalupgrades that make the site more user friendly. Funding also allows three NCITA representatives to attend the Idaho Travel Council training in Sun Valley this fall. Lodging tax dollars collected are the source of the grant funds. Increased efforts to optimize advertising on the NCITA website and through social media is resulting in a notable increase in activity. Efforts will be made this fall to assemble the 2020 North Central Idaho Adventure Guide and get it distributed to travel-related businesses for their dissemination to customers by January 2020. This is the primary print marketing tool for the region. CEDA provided coordination, grant writing, and grant management support to NCITA.

Lewis-Clark Valley partners are seeking financial support from the US Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration for an economic impact and needs assessment of the region’s cruise boat industry. The report will quantify the current economic impacts of the cruise boat and passenger vessel industry, assess growth trends, and help identify current and future capacity needs and economic development opportunities. It will guide stakeholders in the prioritization of investments in services, infrastructure, partnerships, and other strategies. Cruise boats and passenger vessels have been traveling to the Lewis-Clark Valley (the terminus on the river system) for over 30 years, with Lindblad Expeditions being a consistent visitor. What started as a small recreation/tourism attraction has grown to six cruise lines that brought 21,000 visitors (passengers and crew) in 2017, 24,000 visitors in 2018, and is anticipated to exceed 28,000 in 2019. Most cruise boat passengers fly into or out of Lewiston, ID or Spokane, WA. All cruise lines presently are one-way. It is estimated that 2018 spending by passengers and crew was about $2.4 million and 2019 spending could reach as high as $3.2 million. Stakeholders include the City of Lewiston, Visit Lewis Clark Valley, Lewis Clark Valley Chamber of Commerce, Beautiful Downtown Lewiston, Lewis Clark Valley MPO, Port of Clarkston, Port of Lewiston, Valley Vision, and CEDA. CEDA is writing the grant application.

CRUISE BOAT INDUSTRY SEEKS EDA FUNDING FOR NEEDS ASSESSMENT

ANNUAL MEETING HIGHLIGHTS HEALTHCARE, CELEBRATES STAFF AND PARTNER COMMITMENT

3

ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT NEWS IN BRIEF. . ..

CEDA lending activity has been brisk for the second year in a row. Historically, CEDA loans have been smaller in amount with the average loan ranging from approximately $25,000 during the 1990’s with steady growth to about $45,000 by 2010. On average just over $500,000 would go out the door each year to fund new loans. Over the most recent decade principal repayment by existing borrowers has been high enough to fund those loans. Prior to that the loans were funded via a combination of principal repaid to CEDA and capital expansion that averaged $100,000 per year from 1998 through 2010. Things have changed. The amount of activity during the fiscal year that ended September 30, 2018 and the current fiscal year brings into question what the new norms may be going forward. The previous fiscal year (FY-18) has the record for most money disbursed in a single year and this fiscal year has the record for the most principal repaid in a single year. John Lane, program director, stated that there have been signals of such change in that there have been two twelve-month periods that overlapped fiscal years when new loan volume was at or near $1 million. Those twelve-month periods where volume was high were however shouldered by periods of relatively low new loan volume. The amount of principal repaid to CEDA by existing borrowers has also had periods where repayments spiked but those too were shouldered by periods with activity at or below normal. All of this combined suggests a new norm might include volatility as well as significantly higher loan volume averages overall. Lane points out that underlying causes for these changes reflects CEDA’s response to changes in the broader market. CEDA lending has always included loans for the unproven but more recently seems to include more financing of unique projects and/or unique circumstances. The amount of the average loan application over the most recent 24-months is 300% of the previous average. One reason for the increase in repayments to CEDA is that loans for projects considered unproven when they come to CEDA are being refinanced by banks and credit unions more quickly than in the past. Lending activity during the most recent two fiscal years includes the purchase of CNC milling machines by a start-up homedécor producer and for an expanding metal manufacturer; equipment for an expanding cedar mill and for an expanding log home manufacturer; service trucks for two start-up equipment repair businesses, one focusing on repair of new-generation logging equipment and the other on repair of agricultural equipment; excavation equipment for an expanding business; a plasma cutter for a start-up manufacturer in Grangeville; equipment for an expanding wildland fire fighting company; as well as the start-up of a butcher shop, a juice bar and the manager’s purchase of a coffee-stand from its retiring owner. CEDA also provided financing to a young and rapidly expanding internet provider that helped to fund their buildout of infrastructure in Idaho and Lewis Counties that will serve multiple underserved employers and residents in those two counties. With over one month left in FY-19 and over $300,000 of unfunded loan commitments on the books, FY-19 has the potential for setting the record of the most money repaid to CEDA and for the most money lent in a single fiscal year. The record for the latter currently resides with the last fiscal year.

IN SEARCH OF THE NEW NORM. . .

- NEZ PERCE TRIBE BUSINESS PARK: CEDA is providing the Nez Perce Tribe project development services for a new light industrial park at Spalding. The Tribe acquired the former Potlatch mill site in 2012, and completed feasibility and preliminary engineering to move to the next stages. We are currently working on funding packages and helping Tribal Enterprises evaluate various programs to create a success-ful venture.

- LEWIS-CLARK VALLEY WINE ALLIANCE TOASTS SUCCESSFUL WINE FESTIVAL: The inaugural Lewis-Clark Valley Wine Festival celebrated the heritage variety, Cabernet Sauvignon. The 3-day celebration was held April 5-7, 2019 and treated a crowd of visitors to winery events, Riedel glassware presentation, wine and history seminar, and the winemaker’s signature dinner event. Local historian Steven Branting, LCSC’s Dr. Keegan Schmidt, and a panel of vineyard owners participated in an educational seminar and luncheon on the history and geology of the Lewis-Clark Valley AVA and the featured grape, Cabernet Sauvignon.

- COMMUNITY PROJECTS AROUND THE REGION IMPROVE PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE: It’s a busy summer for construction around North Central Idaho- and we’re not just talking about road construction! Work has started on the City of Stites Wastewater system and New Meadows water system improvemnts. Construction continues on Weippe wastewater, Donnelly water, Rapid River Water District, and Kamiah Pool. The Potlatch Splash Pad, Clearwater Water District, and White Bird wastewater projects are wrapping up.

SUPPORT CEDA MEMBER BUSINESSES!

As 2018 comes to a close Happy Holidays from all of us at CEDA.To our outgoing elected officials: THANK YOU for your service to North Central Idaho.To our newly elected incoming officials we look forward to working with you and helping you to make your communi-ties and our region the best they can be.

The City of Riggins is making great progress on their City Park Stage, an RCDI project.

County Members: · Clearwater County· Idaho County · Latah County · Lewis County · Nez Perce County

Taxing Districts: · Kendrick-Juliaetta Recreation District - White Bird Area Recreation District· Port of Lewiston

Tribal Members: · Nez Perce Tribe

Utilities: · Avista Corporation · Clearwater Power

City Members: · Cottonwood, City of · Craigmont, City of · Culdesac, City of · Deary, City of · Elk River, City of ·Genesee, City of· Grangeville, City of · Juliaetta, 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

· Ida-Lew Economic Development Council · Idaho Department of Environmental Quality · Idaho Department of Labor· Lewis– Clark Valley Chamber of Commerce· North Central Idaho Travel Association · Northwest Intermountain Manufacturers’ Association · Valley Vision

Private Industry: · Banner Bank · Bott Architects & Associates · Castellaw Kom Architects

· Columbia Bank· First Step Internet· Great West Engineering, Inc.· J-U-B Engineers, Inc.· Keller & Associates · Keltic Engineering, Inc.· Mountain Waterworks, Inc.· Northwest Management · Potlatch #1 FCU· RGU Architecture and Planning· TD&H Engineering · Umpqua Bank · US Bank · SMART Transportation· Washington Trust Bank · Wells Fargo · Zions Bank

· Riggins, City of · Stites, City of · Troy, City of · Weippe, City of · White Bird, City of· Winchester, City of

Education: · Lewis-Clark State College · University of Idaho

Partners:· Clearwater County Economic Development Council· Clearwater Resource Conservation & Development

CURRENT CEDA MEMBERS:

CONTACT CEDA: - 1626 6th Ave N Lewiston, ID 83501 - 208.746.0015Angela Edwards-Kuskie, Community Development Specialist:aedwards@clearwater-eda.org

Dodd Snodgrass, Development Manager: dsnodgrass@clearwater-eda.org

Amber Dahmen, Officer Administrator/Business and Loan Assistant:adahmen@clearwater-eda.org

Christine Frei, Executive Director: cfrei@clearwater-eda.org

John Lane, Business Finance Director: jlane@clearwater-eda.org

Deb Smith, Economic Development Specialist: dsmith@clearwater-eda.org

Remembering Kelly Dahlquist On July 17th, CEDA lost our co-worker and friend, Kelly Dahlquist. Kelly’s memorial was held on July 27th at the Orchards Community Church in Lewiston. Kelly worked for CEDA from October 2010 until August 2018. Although Kelly began with a part-time position as a Mobility Program Coordinator, she quickly moved into community development work. In Kelly’s eight years at CEDA, there was hardly a town in north-central Idaho that did not experience her positive impact. She was a gifted planner, strategist, and communicator. Kelly worked hard to find just the right expertise and contacts when needed. She was instrumental in pushing CEDA to offer community workshops and bringing in expertise that was needed by many communities. Above all, she was pragmatic. She was known to state the choices and let communities make their decisions based on clear options. Another talent so appreciated by CEDA was her design eye. All of our tables at every regional celebration were graced with her beautiful and interesting centerpieces that were always tied to the theme of the event. Kelly had her hand in at least 28 major projects and many more small ones. We cherish all the physical reminders of Kelly as we visit our north-central Idaho communities and remember her handiwork in fire stations, community centers, youth centers, hospital expansions, and parks and pavilions. For anyone who would like to make a donation in memory of Kelly, feel free to send donations to the Kids Klub, 506 A Street, Grangeville, Idaho 83530 or to the City of Potlatch, P.O. Box 525, Potlatch, ID 83855. The City of Potlatch is naming their new splash pad “Kelly’s Splash Pad”. Donations will be used toward a new sign that will include a memorial.

Thirty-one 12th grade students from Asotin, Clarkston, Grangeville, Lewiston, Moscow, Nezperce, and Orofino completed their fifth course in the Northwest Intermountain Metal Manufacturing (NIMM) program. Two additional courses are required before the NIMM students graduate from high school this spring. Twenty-two students are earning an industry-recognized certificate in Electronics & Machining and nine students are working toward a Mechanical Computer-Aided-Design and Drafting (CADD) certificate. Sponsored by Lewis-Clark State College, NIMM is a three-year pilot training program funded through the National Science Foundation. The purpose is to test an educational model for career-technical education where students in rural areas can get industry training before leaving high school. The training is a combination of online courses and hands-on training. CEDA and the University of Idaho are key partners. The Idaho Department of Labor has played a key role in preparing students for job interviews and for student job placement.

Summer Academy and Student Showcase: Students in the Electro-Mechanical track completed their final three-week hands-on training course on the LCSC campus. On July 24, students participated in a two-hour

manufacturing tour of Idaho Forest Group in Lewiston. Later that day, LCSC hosted a dinner and Student Showcase where students demonstrated their learning and machining and electronic projects to manufacturers, educators, family, and friends.

Remaining Course Work: Starting with the fall semester, students will be either enrolled in an Advanced 3-D Modeling Course or Applied STEM (science,

technology, engineering, and math). The final course, Employability Skills, will be held this spring.

CEDA’s Role: CEDA continues to support the program by setting up manufacturing tours, coordinating and recording planning team minutes and content for newsletters, and coordinating student job placement. This includes working with Northwest Intermountain Manufacturers Association (NIMA) and the Idaho Department of Labor on an apprenticeship program. During the Spring of 2019, CEDA and the Idaho Department of Labor hosted three evening training sessions where NIMM students were given the basics of resume development and job interviewing. Fifteen students went through the training, seven students were interviewed for summer manufacturing employment. One student was hired by Hillco Technologies in Nezperce and another completed an internship with Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories in Pullman. Neither student was hired under the NIMA apprenticeship program.

Program Sustainability: Planning efforts are being made by LCSC, UI, and CEDA to determine what aspects of the pilot initiative that could be sustained after the NIMM program is complete.

NIMM STUDENTS ENTER THEIR FINAL YEAR

CEDA AND IDAHO DEPARTMENT OF LABOR ASSIST WITH NIMA FEDERAL APPRENTICESHIPS On February 15, 2019, Northwest Intermountain Manufacturing Association finalized their agreement with the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Apprenticeship for a Fabricator/Welder Federal Apprenticeship Program and for a Machinist Federal Apprenticeship Program. NIMA used the occupational analysis and job analysis research completed in 2014 by Dr. Raymond Dixon for the region’s metal fabrication and machine shop companies. Dr. Dixon is currently the Department Chair for Curriculum and Instruction, College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences at the University of Idaho. This research formed the basis of the standards for each apprenticeship. These apprenticeships are set up to be time and competency-based with a minimum of 2,000 hours of training. NIMA also established a School to Registered Apprenticeship Program (STRAP) allowing manufacturers who want to hire underage students ages 16-18. The regional apprenticeships are available to any manufacturer that would like to use them. CEDA and the Idaho Department of Labor organized and coordinated a series of meetings with regional manufacturers as the apprenticeships were being developed. Three manufacturers initially committed to using the programs. CEDA and IDOL initiated the discussion on apprenticeships in efforts to place NIMM students between 16 and 18 years of age in summer or after school jobs with a regional manufacturer.

NIMM students tour Idaho Forest Group

NIMM Summer Academy, July 8-26

Dr. Raymond Dixon and a NIMM student at the July 24

Student Showcase

The Cottonwood School District recently was notified of a $10,000 grant award from Lewis-Clark Healthcare Foundation and another $6,000 grant award from the Nez Perce Tribe Education Fund. These funds were needed to offset the costs of skills class training and clinical instruction for the last year of the Academy’s Certified Nurses Aid (CNA) Program. CEDA provided grant writing services to the Cottonwood School District. Founded in 1999, the Academy provides Idaho students in rural school districts that do not have healthcare career-technical education instructors with an opportunity to receive entry level healthcare training. The CNA training program consists of online course instruction, distance learning, and on-the-job training at local healthcare facilities. This year, the Academy plans to provide training to 40 students. In 2020, Lewis-Clark State College plans to assume responsibility for this training. CNA positions are the entry-level positions of the healthcare industry and are critical to meeting the rural healthcare needs of our region. Thank you Lewis-Clark Valley Healthcare Foundation and the Nez Perce Tribe Local Education Fund!

On November 8th, Walla Walla Community College will be hosting a professional development workshop for K-12 educators. “Creating a School Makerspace: Fast, Cheap, & Easy” will be held from 10 am to 5pm. Led by Asotin High School Business Instructor James Finkbeiner, as many as 30 teachers from across north central Idaho and southeast Washington will get a chance to learn how to make effective use of 3-D printers and software to spur student creativity, innovation, and learning. The workshop will be a combination of lecture, panel discussion, sharing, and hands on training. Educators will receive $150 stipends for transportation and for teacher substitutes. Partners include WWCC, Lewis-Clark State College, Southeast Washington Economic Development Association (SEWEDA), and CEDA. CEDA organized the group and is coordinating the event. If anyone is interested in donating to the event, sponsorships are appreciated! SEWEDA, a valued partner, is covering the cost of food and refreshments. Northwest Intermountain Manufacturers Association has donated $1,000. The event is estimated to cost $6,000.

CEDA is coordinating a workshop on September 26 from 1 - 6 p.m. on Additive Manufacturing (or more commonly, 3D printing).The event is hosted by the Northwest Intermountain Manufacturers Association and sponsored by NIMA, CEDA, and USDA Rural Development. This will be a unique event, bringing in experts and businesses in the Additive Manufacturing field from across the Pacific Northwest. Area businesses, educators and students are encouraged to attend and experience the latest on how additive manufacturing is impacting business and the workforce. The event will be held at the Clearwater River Casino Events Center. Admission is $25 . Students with identification are free.To register, contact CEDA by September 20 at 746-0015 or adahmen@clearwater-eda.org . For questions or additional event information, contact Dodd Snodgrass at dsnodgrass@clearwater-eda.org.

THE PLUSES OF ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING: SEPTEMBER 26, 2019

CEDA COORDINATING MAKERSPACE WORKSHOP

LCSC AWARDED A $750,000 INDUSTRY SECTOR GRANT

REGION 2 PROFESSIONAL TECHNICAL ACADEMY RECEIVES FUNDS FOR CNA PROGRAM

The Idaho State Workforce Development Council hasawarded $750,000 in Industry Sector grant funding for the purchase of non-fixed, capital equipment for Lewis-Clark State College’s Schweitzer Career & Technical Education (CTE) Center. Scheduled to be open for classes in August 2020, the Schweitzer CTE Center will house seven programs that directly support the region’s manufacturing, construction, and auto and trucking industries, as well as the skilled trades and industries’ needs for information technology. This funding will be used in conjunction with another $1.5 million awarded to LCSC by the U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration (EDA). CEDA provided project development and grant writing support for both grant proposals.

LCSC’s Schweitzer CTE Center