Idaho National Laboratory Donates $10,000 To Clearwater Economic Development Association

5/12/2011
The Idaho National Laboratory presented the Clearwater Economic Development Association (CEDA) with a donation of $10,000 to help develop a new, regional program being organized under a separate not-for-profit organization to stimulate economic growth in rural communities by helping manufacturers overcome the obstacles to government and Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) bidding and contracting.

Marilyn Whitney with the INL Communications & Government Affairs office presented the funds to CEDA at the April 13th Lewis Clark Valley Chamber of Commerce Luncheon hosted at the Quality Inn,
Clarkston.

The new organization, the American Manufacturer Network, will help manufacturers to create business
relationships with procurement officers, connect with bidding opportunities, decipher product specifications, seek technical assistance with reverse engineering needs, and improve manufacturer operations.

When necessary, the AMN will act as a general contractor, provide quality assurance controls, and manage packaging and labeling requirements. The AMN development is supported by Northwest Intermountain Manufacturers Association, Washington State University Center for Entrepreneurial Studies, the University of Idaho, Valley Vision, Port of Clarkston, and the Southeast Washington Economic Development Association.

Idaho National Laboratory’s technology based economic development (TBED) efforts focus on application of technology in traditional industries to foster a more robust business climate and development of innovative approaches for expanding existing and new enterprises. “Forming effective partnerships with organizations across the state and region is key to INL’s technology based economic development efforts,” according to Nancy Bergmann, INL’s Economic Development Manager. “The American Manufacturer Network initiative was a perfect opportunity for INL to support manufacturing efforts and help stimulate rural economic growth in Idaho and Washington.”

Contact: Christine Frei 1626 6th Ave N., Lewiston, ID 83501 cfrei@clearwater-eda.org Tel: (208)746-0015

News tag(s): Idaho_National_Lab Clearwater_Economic_Development_Association