WealthWorks Northwest has launched in Oregon

WealthWorks Northwest has launched in Oregon header image

WealthWorks Northwest Launches 2014 Program with 6 Funded Regions, Oregon State University Extension Service is an engaged partner

6 Regions are Selected

Seventeen proposals from across the state were submitted and the six regions listed below will receive funding and technical assistance to explore a wealth-building value chain opportunity in their region. The WealthWorks Northwest team is working to find other sources of technical assistance and funding for the remaining 11 proposals.

  • Baker County – Exploring malt barley production and processing for microbreweries
  • Crook, Deschutes, Jefferson Counties – Building a regional food system
  • Lake County – Agricultural/livestock production/processing opportunities
  • North Coast (Clatsop, Lincoln, Tillamook Counties) – Agricultural marketing and waste management opportunities
  • South Coast (Coos, Curry, Douglas Counties) – Regional food system and specialty food exports
  • Wheeler County – Juniper utilization and marketing

How is OSU Extension Involved?

Baker and Lincoln County Extension agents are serving on the coordinating teams for the projects in their respective regions. A number of proposals have highlighted the importance of Extension knowledge, expertise, and resources in their proposals. Some of these regional projects already have working relationships with Extension and others are proposing to start or strengthen relationships.

As the six projects become more defined, I will be encouraging regions to consider the OSU Extension Service as a resource. Thank you to everyone in the Extension Service for your support and good efforts!

Oregon State University Extension Service and OSU Campus Engagement (as of September 12, 2014)

  • Sam Angima, Lincoln County
  • Michelle Carrillo, Coos County/Open Campus
  • Clive Kaiser, Umatilla County
  • Lauren Gwin, OSU Small Farms Institute
  • Pat Hayes, Dept. of Crop and Soil Science
  • Dana Martin, Region 5 Administrator
  • Bob Parker, Baker County
  • Mallory Rahe, OSU Rural Studies
  • Peter Schreder, Lake County
  • Bruce Sorte, OSU Rural Studies Program
  • Darrin L. Walenta, Extension Agronomist
  • Bruce Weber, OSU Rural Studies

 What is WealthWorks Northwest?

WealthWorks Northwest is a community driven effort to align assets around a shared set of values and goals. The process seeks new business opportunities in response to changing markets, intentionally building local wealth and reducing poverty through inclusion. www.wealthworksnw.org

For more information or questions about this project, please contact the OSU Rural Studies Program, Mallory Rahe Mallory.rahe@oregonstate.edu or Bruce Weber bruce.weber@oregonstate.edu.

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