Press Release
U.S. EDA Partners with University of Oregon to Create Jobs, Strengthen Regional Economy
September 7, 2010
Contact: John Atwood, (202) 482-4085
WASHINGTON - The U.S. Commerce Department's Economic Development Administration (EDA) today announced a $97,847 grant to the University of Oregon, Eugene, Ore., to support the operation of the University Center economic development technical assistance program.
The University Center program provides local government, tribes, nonprofit organizations, and the private sector with resources to better analyze the economic needs of local communities.
"The Economic Development Administration strongly supports the innovative research and development that takes place at our nation's colleges and universities," said U.S. Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development John R. Fernandez. "This EDA grant will work to advance regional competitiveness by spurring innovation and entrepreneurship, creating higher-skill, higher-wage jobs, and promoting industry clusters."
"The work the University of Oregon did in preparing a Local Food Market Study led to Lane County providing funding assistance to an on-farm milling facility to process locally grown wheat and other grains," said Mike McKenzie-Bahr, Lane County Community & Economic Development Coordinator. "This is just one way the County and its citizens have directly benefited from the University Center/CPW. We believe the University of Oregon has encouraged investment, growth and employment in the local agriculture and food products industry."
The University Center will link University of Oregon resources to communities for the purpose of enhancing regional sustainable economic development. The primary emphasis of the program will be to provide technical assistance to distressed communities throughout the state and to create sustainable local economies through capacity building, applied research and partnerships.
About the U.S. Economic Development Administration (www.eda.gov ): This year, the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) marks 45 years of public service, with a mission of leading the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing American regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. EDA is an agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce that partners with distressed communities throughout the United States to foster job creation, collaboration and innovation.