Movers & Shakers April 2, 2010
State seeks rural economic development proposals; Department of Labor plans skilled trades career fairs
State seeks rural economic development proposals
The Idaho Department of Commerce is soliciting a new round of proposals to continue the 9-year-old state/local partnership that puts economic development professionals to work in rural Idaho.
Commerce issued a request for rural communities to submit proposals for the subsidy the state offers to support professional staff for the local organizations fostering economic development.
"These rural economic development professionals are at the center of Idaho's campaign to bring economic expansion to every part of our state," Idaho Commerce Director Don Dietrich said. "The financial resources provided by this initiative help ensure that every Idaho resident benefits from our economic strength."
The program, part of the Rural Idaho Initiative, provides up to $40,000 to communities, counties or groups of communities or counties to hire a professional to manage their economic development campaigns. The applying organizations must commit at least $12,000 in local funds to the effort. The new round of financial support runs from July 2010 through June 2013 and is subject to renewal by Commerce and funding by the Idaho Legislature each year.
Since the program was established in 2001, it has support economic development professionals working these counties: Adams, Bear Lake, Benewah, Bingham, Boise, Boundary, Butte, Canyon, Caribou, Clark, Clearwater, Custer, Franklin, Fremont, Gem, Gooding, Idaho, Lemhi, Lewis, Lincoln, Oneida, Owyhee, Power, Shoshone and Valley counties.
Applications must be postmarked no later than May 14, 2010, or delivered to Commerce no later than that date.
Send to: Randy Shroll, Department of Commerce, 700 W. State St., P.O. Box 83720, Boise, ID 83720-0093. Applications can also be faxed to (208) 334-2631 or e-mailed to randy.shroll@business.idaho.gov.
Additional information and an application for the 'Rural ED Pro RFP" is at www.commerce.idaho.gov/business/rural-ed-professional-program.aspx.
Department of Labor plans skilled trades career fairs
The Idaho Department of Labor is joining forces with other organizations throughout the state to stage eight fairs this spring and summer focusing on careers in the skilled trades and especially in highway and other heavy construction.
"As baby boomers move into retirement, our state will be facing a shortage of skilled workers," Labor Director Roger B. Madsen said. "If not addressed, this shortage will intensify, affecting the quality, safety and competitive strength of industry throughout Idaho."
The initiative builds on the success of the "Hardhats, Hammers & Hot Dogs" career fair the Coeur d'Alene office has sponsored for the past two years in conjunction with its work force development partners in the Panhandle. Similar fairs were held last year in Orofino, Twin Falls and Salmon.
This year, the Idaho Department of Labor worked with the Idaho Transportation Department to secure a $38,000 grant from Federal Highway Administration and will collaborate with other public and private organizations to expand the career fairs to other areas of the state. A primary focus will be on highway construction trades in conjunction with the current federal and state government emphasis on road projects.
"Hardhats, Hammers & Hot Dogs," which showcases construction and manufacturing trades, kicks off the 2010 series on April 7 at the Kootenai County Fairgrounds in Coeur d'Alene.
Thousands of high school students are expected to attend the events, where skilled craftsmen demonstrate their trades and give the students an opportunity to drive heavy machinery, lay bricks and take a stab at many of the other skilled jobs that are critical to Idaho's continued economic well-being.
"We hope these events will demonstrate to students the value and satisfaction these trades offer and inspire them to set education and career goals that will help our state remain vibrant and prosperous in the future," Madsen said.
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