Executive Summary This is the 2013 - 2017 Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) for the Tri- County Economic Development District representing Stevens, Ferry and Pend Oreille Counties. This strategy was formed utilizing the prior year’s CEDS as a basis and then gathering additional input through extensive Stronger Economies Together (SET) planning sessions and communications with both private and public sector representatives throughout the region. Everyone that participated in this process addressed the following critical questions: Have the critical economic development issues facing the region changed and if so how; What are the top five economic development objectives for the region; What specific projects support these objectives; and What are the key short term (1 year) and long term (5 year) projects for the region? As identified during the SET sessions and the CEDS planning sessions, TEDD’s “Recipe for Success” remains the same. These elements set the stage for the expectations of the organization. They are critical, not only to the success of TEDD and member organizations, but also to the economic success of the region: Building community economic development capacity by communicating and educating the public on what economic development is, how to do it and what TEDD’s role is, working collaboratively with other public and private organizations; Collaborating with local jurisdictions for planning and developing infrastructure; Securing funds through grant identification and writing, and retaining those funds through good investment decisions; Maintaining a vision that includes all communities in the district in order to provide business assistance, information and knowledge of business needs; Supporting business retention, expansion and recruitment; and Developing and coordinating partnerships with local jurisdictions, public agencies and organizations, through involvement and leadership. The vision for the region, shown below, represents a picture of the future for the Tri-County region. It is passionate and it creates a powerful graphic representation of what our long-term future looks like. The Tri-County Economic Development District, representing Ferry, Stevens and Pend Oreille Counties, utilizes proactive infrastructure development and strategic management to meet the needs of our rapidly changing society. This focus will create an environment where family wage employment opportunities exist for everyone. As a result, the economic environment of the Tri-County area will be sustainable, attractive and diverse.
Project Proposals and Prioritization Short Term (1-Year) Priorities for Economic Development Priority Proposal by: Applicability Priority* Value added production of locally raised fruits, berries, vegetables and meats, through processing facilities and organized marketing and distribution, including: a.) Ag. Processing Feasibility and Marketing Research, and; b.) Berry Production Support Stevens Tri County 44.4% Completion of the broadband upgrade. Tri County Tri County 27.8% Entrepreneur Training Program development, covering curriculum development, marketing, etc. Stevens Tri County 27.8% Conduct business retention, including strong Chamber involvement for business retention. Ferry Tri County 27.8% Broadband Engineering Study to determine small business infrastructure needs and improvements. Stevens Tri County 22.2% Development of 3 Small Business Resource Centers to provide support to small business owners and new business startups. Stevens Tri County 22.2% Creation of jobs in any category/sector. Stevens Tri County 16.7% Tourism sector development in a coordinated, cooperative, well planned fashion that identifies assets and supports and markets businesses in the tourism sector (water trails, outdoor recreation, shopping destination, signature events, etc.). The HUB Zone status and in-coming fiber can add to tourism assets. Pend Oreille Tri County 16.7% Work with USFS to open up additional USFS lands for timber. Pend Oreille Tri County 16.7% Implementation of the Microenterprise Program. Tri County Tri County 11.1% Business incentives, through commercial banks and publically assisted business development funds. Stevens Tri County 11.1% Expanded multiple use of Colville National Forest, applying state of the art forest management practices for recreation, ATV use, wildlife protection and public access. Pend Oreille Tri County 11.1% Work with Department of Ecology for less interference, to allow our farmers to farm, loggers to log and miners to mine. Pend Oreille Tri County 11.1% Better understanding of employers training or skills gaps for better productivity and expanded services. Tri County Tri County 5.6% Support for the downtown cores towns and cities.. Stevens Tri County 5.6% Comprehensive and consistent assistance for small businesses. Stevens Tri County 0.0% A new regional airport as soon as possible, that encourage outside investors to locate into region. Stevens Tri County 0.0% Tri-county detailed tourist brochure/book. Pend Oreille Tri County 0.0% * Percent of survey respondents selecting project