While life seems to be returning to pre-pandemic activities, the economy is still struggling to recover from that worldwide event. In an effort to aid that recovery, the US Economic Development Administration solicited ideas from citizens on how best to facilitate that recovery. Those selected form the new Economic Recovery Corps. And there are three Oregon folks selected as fellows who are doing the work to help with that recovery.
From accomplished entrepreneurs and nonprofit professionals to veterans, seasoned scholars, Returned Peace Corps Volunteers, and passionate community leaders championing social justice and local causes — this dynamic group of 65 ERC Fellows is poised to catalyze innovation and drive positive change in communities large and small across the United States.
Selected fellows with Oregon ties include:
- Ayisat Abilogun – Building and Implementing a Strategic Plan for Economic Resilience and a Global Business Hub: The Philippine American Chamber of Commerce of Oregon (PACCO) leads an initiative to foster economic resilience through strategic planning. It aims to establish a prominent business resource hub, promote global trade, bridge cultural divides, and strengthen connections with community economic organizations. PACCO’s project also emphasizes community development and entrepreneurship for economic resilience. The fellow will also collaborate with economic districts to integrate diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility (DEIA) into development practices, ensuring equitable outcomes and contributing to the community’s overall economic well-being. Additionally, the fellow will identify opportunities for small businesses in global trade and provide targeted support for immigrant, women, and BIPOC-owned businesses. The goal is to cultivate a sustainable, diverse, and inclusive economic ecosystem. Through these efforts, the project aims to strengthen economic resilience, promote global trade, and create an inclusive economic environment benefiting all community stakeholders.
- Jim Cupples – Broadband Equity: Access and Adoption & Clean Energy Locomotive Conversions and Job Creation: The Tri County Economic Development District (TEDD) project addresses a critical need for enhanced broadband access in Stevens, Pend Oreille, and Ferry counties in Washington state. This initiative is pivotal as many residents in these regions, including Spokane, Colville, and Kalispel Reservations, are either underserved or entirely without broadband services. TEDD has secured over $12 million in grants from the Washington State Broadband Office, with additional funding projected. The project’s significance lies in its alignment with the region’s Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy and its potential to elevate economic prosperity through improved connectivity. The ERC Fellow will play an instrumental role, engaging with key regional stakeholders, managing broadband projects, and supporting grant writing efforts. In addition, the fellow will support Port of Pend Oreille’s efforts in expanding their operations and specialized services in locomotive clean energy conversions to help railroad operators update their fleet meet clean energy requirements; to ensure the local workforce could benefit high wages and technology skills that this niche opportunity offers, creating apprenticeships and training programs is critical.
- Taylor Sarman – Building Stewardship Economies Across the West: In collaboration with Rural Voices for Conservation Coalition, Wallowa Resources initiated the project focusing on catalyzing a new economic vision for Wallowa County in Northeast Oregon. Embodying rural and geographically isolated landscapes, the project extends its impact to rural communities across the Western United States, addressing economic challenges and offering hope. The ERC Fellow, as an ambassador, will foster peer-to-peer learning and create a shared narrative for the Stewardship Economy (SE). The economic development outcome aims to empower these communities with transformative opportunities, envisioning economic sustainability and the preservation of the cultural and environmental fabric of the Western United States. The impact of this project will extend to hundreds of communities and envisions a resilient and interconnected future while serving as a promising model to scale across rural America.
For more information on the program and selected fellows, visit the Economic Recovery Corps.