1. EDA Tools for Your Region Mid-Columbia Economic Development District

2. Developed with EDA Funding Measuring Distress Tool: Provides unemployment and per capita income data to determine if a project meets thresholds for EDA grant funding Project Evaluation Tool: Offers qualitative and quantitative analysis of a project to estimate success Identifying Regional Strengths: Multiple tools and studies, particularly focused on innovation and cluster strategies

3. Achieving Our Vision MCEDD Goal 4- Increase region’s access to resources for economic development initiatives Provide a regional clearinghouse for regional statistics and grant resources

4. Measuring Distress Tool Web tool drawing from existing databases. Performs calculations automatically for 24 month unemployment and per capita income Resolves issues regarding difficult to obtain data and consistent calculations across regions

5. Measuring Distress Tool Accessible to anyone online: http://statsamerica.org/distress

6. EDA Project Evaluation Tool Quantitative Analysis Measuring: Regional and national forecast for the industry affected Quality of jobs Fit with region’s industrial structure Innovation and Research focus Unemployment and Employment rates for the County Limitations Analysis can only be completed as it affects one industry Analysis (and forecast) can only be accessed for one County at a time, not a region Provides an average score, but does not index that score

7. EDA Project Evaluation Tool Qualitative Analysis- Incorporates Investment Policy Guidelines from EDA Strong organizational leadership Evidence of market-based strategy Advancing productivity, innovation and entrepreneurship Anticipates economic changes, diversifies regional economy High Degree of commitment with matching funds, unified support by elected officials, and strong cooperation with business

8. EDA Project Evaluation Tool Potential Applications of the Tool MCEDD: Evaluate projects and assist in establishing regional priorities for our Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy Economic Development Practitioners: Utilize in deciding among competing projects Project Proponents: Determine likelihood of success. Analyze if EDA grant should be pursued. Tool can be downloaded at: http://www.eda.gov/Research/ToolsOfTrade.xml http://www.eda.gov/Research/ToolsOfTrade.xml

9. Innovation in American Regions Available at: http://statsamerica.org/innovation http://statsamerica.org/innovation Incorporates the following resources: Innovation Index Occupational and Industry Clusters Unlocking Regional Competitiveness Reports

10. Thank you! Informational Sheet Available. Contact us at 541-296-2266.