1. Mid-Columbia Economic Development
District (MCEDD) Overview
EDD formed in 1969
Population Served:
81,279 (About 11
people per square
mile)
5 counties, 4 tribes, 3
climate zones, 2
states, 1 national
scenic area
…. In support of thriving regional economies

2. Broadening Economic Development
Unique Industry Focus Areas:
High Tech, including unmanned vehicles
Fermentation Cluster and Value Added Food Processing
New Forms of Support
Agora Investment Platform

3. High Tech/Unmanned Vehicles
Unmanned Vehicles
Wide range of applications:
Fishing, scientific research,
exploration, search and
rescue, ag
Base in the region, along
with the supply chain
Starting out: “two men in a
garage”

4. MCEDD Support: Gorge Tech Alliance
Nonprofit staffed by MCEDD
Over 100 member businesses who use,
deliver or support tech
Represents about 2,500 employees
Activities:
Geek Lunch
member spotlights
featured events

5. Robotics: gorgerobotics.org
FLL Robotics
Tournaments
Trainings for
teachers and
youth
Google Support

6. Fermentation Cluster
Fermentation Cluster Components
Winegrowers Association: Designated AVA.
Climate gives us a“World of Wine in 40 miles”
Cider Chamber
Breweries and Distilleries

7. MCEDD support
Revolving Loan Funds
EDA investments: Infrastructure, Clusters
Enterprise Zone (state/local incentive), Urban
Renewal
Staffing for nonprofit industry associations
Business Roundtables. Community
College/Higher Education connections
Example: Abide Distillery

8. Agora Investment Platform
The Platform…
Establishes a
framework to organize
investments.
Creates a bridge
between funders and
communities
Promotes collaboration
between capital
sources
Linking Communities and Capital Providers on a
collaborative transaction platform

9. Platform Snapshot

10. Contact Information
Amanda Hoey
amanda@mcedd.org
541-296-2266
www.mcedd.org