DATE: March 17, 2005
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Jeni Forman, Executive Director TEDD, (509) 684-4571
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2004 PARTNERSHIP AWARDS ANNOUNCED BY TEDD The Board of Directors for the Tri-County Economic Development District (TEDD) recently announced the recipients of their 2004 Partnership Awards. These awards are presented to people who demonstrate, through a substantial commitment of time and effort, their desire to improving the economic conditions of the region. “This year’s recipients are a very special group of people who care about our communities and are willing to go the extra mile to have a positive impact upon our economy,” said Jeni Forman, Executive Director TEDD. In Stevens County, Jean Conger, Human Resources Manager for Hearth & Home Technologies, and Paul Wade, Operations Manager for Hewescraft, were named co-recipients. “Jean and Paul have shown great commitment to developing a training program to support manufacturing careers for the people of Stevens County,” according to Ms. Forman. “The input of these two managers, who represent manufacturers that employ over 400 people combined, is essential to the successful launch of a manufacturing skills training program.” In addition to their commitment to long-term training for the region, both Jean and Paul have demonstrated a willingness to support the expansion of their respective companies in the Colville area. Currently, Paul is working with TEDD on an expansion project for Hewescraft that could provide up to an additional 50 jobs. In addition to supporting economic development efforts in Stevens County, Jean and Paul are also involved in other community related organizations. Jean is an active member of Rotary and Colville AAUW. As the manager of the local dollars for the HON charitable foundation, Jean is very involved in providing support for many local group ranging from sports and academic related activities to 4-H and arts and culture events. Paul is active in school, church and business related activities including supporting foreign exchange student programs, senior grad night programs, and support of Future Farmer of America programs. He is also very interested in developing and implementing lean manufacturing practices. Pend Oreille County’s recipient is Joe Onley, Engineering Manager of the Pend Oreille PUD. Joe has worked tirelessly during the last year to bring fiber optics and wireless communications to all of the residents of Pend Oreille County. From the beginning, Joe worked with the consulting engineers to understand the fundamentals of telecommunications and how to implement fiber optic solutions. He was instrumental in bringing fiber optics to area libraries, hospitals, schools and large businesses. During 2004, he worked with TEDD to secure a half million dollar grant/loan package from the Washington State Community Economic Revitalization Board (CERB) for a cell tower in Metaline Falls, for a variety of pilot projects and to bring fiber across the river to the Kalispel Tribe. He is now managing pilot projects to roll out high-speed data connections for others in the county. In addition to his commitment and effort to telecommunications, Joe is also the Chairman of the Pend Oreille County Economic Development Council (EDC) and he is involved in all aspects of economic development throughout the County.
Ron O’Halloran, Ferry County Public Hospital Administrator, is the recipient of the Ferry County Partnership Award. Ron has been instrumental in seeking out opportunities for Ferry County and leading efforts to improve the overall quality of life in the region. “Ron is not only committed to rural healthcare, but he is committed to helping keep local dollars local”, said Jeni Forman. “Ron’s enthusiasm and passion toward supporting local businesses and the rural quality of life is a huge asset to Ferry County.” Ron participates in numerous economic development related activities throughout the region including being a member of the Ferry County Telecom Committee, the Republic Public Development Authority, the Republic Chamber of Commerce and the Healthcare Workforce Development Board. In addition, Ron participated actively in the development of the CDBG grant for telecommunications in Ferry County, he led the RUS Distance Learning and Telemedicine grant team, and he is actively participating in the Rural E-Work program being done by the WSU Center to Bridge the Digital Divide. TEDD’s Associate Partner of the Year award recipient is Tom O’Brien, Director of the Eastern Washington Partnership Workforce Development Council. “Tom is constantly looking for ways to improve and develop worker training programs throughout Eastern Washington,” according to Forman. “He has been a TEDD Director for many years and his active participation in economic development issues contributes to the overall success of TEDD.” In 2004, Tom was very involved in the development of the 2005 Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS). This document was recently published by TEDD and outlines the major goals, objectives and action steps related to economic development in the Tri-County region.
Sue Poe, Manager of AG Edwards Investments, was named as the recipient of the Rural Opportunities Loan Fund Partner of the Year. Sue has served as the chairman of the ROLF loan committee for the past year and is chairing this committee again in 2005. In addition to the ROLF, Sue is an active member of Rotary, Colville 2000, the Colville Planning Commission and is a great asset to small businesses and entrepreneurs in the region and throughout Eastern Washington. Tri-County Economic Development District (TEDD) is the economic development agency for Ferry, Stevens and Pend Oreille Counties. TEDD seeks to improve the economic conditions of the region through regional cooperation, coordinated funding assistance and planning, and business retention, expansion and recruitment efforts.