4^thQuarter - 2006

In this issue:

>NREDA Updates

>Sharing Success

>Rural Resources

>Grants & Funding

>Conferences & Training

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Share Your News
The Rural Developer should serve as a pipeline of information among members. If you have tips, success stories or recent news you'd like to share with fellow rural developers, please e-mail this info to Molly Lopez, director@nreda.org.

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Catch up on Conference Highlights
If you missed the 2006 NREDA Conference in San Antonio, you can still catch up on the conference highlights. For the next three issues, the Rural Developer will carry brief articles covering key conference topics. From revitalizing Main Street to understanding the Rural Economic Loan and Grant (REDL&G) program, conference speakers shared both fun and targeted information that applies to rural developers today.

• Rural Development and the Beatles? Embracing competition, knowing your strengths and knowing when to go against the flow are traits that propelled the Beatles to the top of the billboard charts and kept them there. Find out how to apply their secrets to your own programs… more
• Make Your Downtown Vital! Apply the lessons learned by successful communities such as Flagstaff, AZ. Get serious about changing downtown attitudes and taking risks... more
• REDL&G 101. There's a lot to know about the Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant program and your NREDA members offer a great resource. Learn the basics (and then some) about REDL&G via fellow three members who have used the program to bring jobs, industry and good feelings to their area... more

  New Officers for 2007
  NREDA members approved the slate of officers for 2007: Sherry Rose, president; Bruce Hensley, first vice president; Pat Merritt, second vice president; and Henry Fischer, secretary-treasurer. Re-elected NREDA directors include Mark Gaddy and Rick Nelsen. Tom Lambrecht was a newly elected director.
  
  Leaders Honored for Rural Development Success
  NREDA members recognized two individuals for outstanding leadership in rural development. Rural Economic Development Leadership Awards were presented to Joe Max Higgins, chief executive officer of the Columbus-Lowness Development Link in Columbus, Mississippi. Higgins work on 120 major community and economic projects has resulted in the creation of over 12,000 new jobs... More

  Eric Phillips, executive director for Union County/Marysville Economic Development Partnership, was honored for his leadership in establishing the partnership, increasing the funding for economic development efforts and garnering over $800 million in new capital investments... More

  President's Award Goes to Loren Medley

  Few individuals support the goals and visions of NREDA with the commitment of Loren Medley. Medley, business development coordinator for Kansas Electric Power Cooperative in Topeka, KS, was the recipient of the 2006 NREDA President's Award, presented by President Stan Rice. A long-time member of the organization, Medley is past president of NREDA and currently serves on the board of directors. Congratulations, Loren, your work is appreciated.
  
  Talk to Us: NREDA Needs Your Input
  What topics would you like to see covered at the 2007 NREDA Conference? How can this conference become more useful to you? 2007 NREDA Conference Chairman Bruce Hensley wants to know. Contact Hensley by telephone, 660-265-1719, or e-mail, brehensley@aol.com.
  
  The Conference Committee traditionally meets via conference call once a month throughout the year and active participation is encouraged. If you'd like to participate on the committee, please contact Molly Lopez at director@nreda.org.
  
  NREDA Conference Snapshots
  

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  SHARING SUCCESS

  Building Local Leaders

  How can your community nurture homegrown leaders? From Georgia, NREDA member Pat Merritt shares this story of three unique training programs that prove leadership begins with the talent and resources found at home.

  More

  An Open House for Contractors
  NREDA board member Loren Medley held an open house for contractors in the Topeka, KS area to introduce them to cutting edge energy efficient home design. The open house invited contractors to inspect a 1,500 square foot super efficient home with estimated annual energy costs of only $200 per year. If the energy savings weren't convincing enough, Medley 'put his money where his mouth is.' The open house is Medley's personal abode. To visit with him about the event or his new home, call 785-271-4846 or e-mail, lmedley@kepco.org.
  

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  RURAL RESOURCESS

  NET 2007 Focus on Key Accounts

  This year's New & Emerging Technologies (NET) 2007 Conference on February 7-8 in Orlando offers two pre-conference workshops designed exclusively for key account managers. Experienced instructors will cover a range of topics that have been on your mind. Key Accounts pre-conferences include:
  • Basic Site Selection: Principles and Practices
    If you're new to the world of site selection and economic development, here's your chance to learn how the site-selection process works from a leading practitioner.
  • Key Accounts Summit
    Sharpen your management skills, spark your creativity, and educate yourself on hot topics including: the energy outlook for 2007 and beyond; how to design and market innovative rates; winning strategies to manage C&I load; how federal policy may shape your C&I relationships; and how to foster business opportunities with builders and developers.
  Visit https://touchstoneenergy.cooperative.com/public
  /programs/NewTech/index.htm for details, or contact Kathryn Momot at 703-907-5707.

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  GRANTS & FUNDING

  From the NRECA Community Catalyst
  REDL&G Applications due in December

  Second quarter REDL&G deadlines are approaching. Some states set deadlines earlier in the month. For most, the second quarter deadline is December 31. Check with your state Rural Development office for application deadlines, for state-specific application requirements and for assistance in making your application as competitive as possible.
  
  Remember, the REDL&G program awards up to 40 percent of the total funds available in the first quarter, 30 percent in the second quarter, 20 percent in the third quarter and 10 percent in the fourth quarter. The earlier you submit your application, the more funds remain. If not funded initially, your application will move to the next round.
  
  HHS Offers $61 Million for Rural Health Care
  The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will award $61 million to increase the number of comprehensive health care centers, especially in sparsely settled areas. Public entities, private non-profits and community, faith-based and tribal organizations may apply. Each applicant must establish a new center, or access point, that offers comprehensive primary care, preventive health care and social services (including mental health) to target groups that currently have limited access or no access to services at all. HHS will give priority to proposed projects in areas with seven or fewer people per square mile.
  
  Visit the HHS New Access Points program site for more information and www.grants.gov for application instructions and forms. Applications must be submitted electronically by December 6th.
  
  Grants for Community Nonprofits
  Tell your community partners the Public Welfare Foundation supports "helping people help themselves" in communities large and small. In 2006, the foundation awarded over $15 million to community groups involved with economic development, youth, the environment, civic participation and other community activities. Within these areas, the foundation funds organizations that provide service to the community, advocacy for people with limited income and opportunities for greater civic influence.
  
  Your community partners may submit letters of inquiry at any time during the year to learn if their project is eligible for funding. Visit the Public Welfare Foundation Web site for full disclosure.

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The Rural Developer E-Bulletin is published
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