Stronger Economies Together (SET) Strategies for Building New Economic Opportunities Webinar for Potential Phase III Applicants January 6, 2012

WELCOME Today’s Agenda Introduction of the National SET Coordinators The value of the SET Program  Judy Canales, Administrator, USDA RD Rural Business and Cooperative Programs Brief overview of SET The SET Phase III application process If you get selected... what’s ahead? Questions from you

Lead Agencies & Partners SET Lead Agencies:  USDA Rural Development  Four Regional Rural Development Centers Key partners:  Extension and research faculty from land-grant universities in the U.S.  National Institute of Food and Agriculture, USDA  Economic Development Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce

The National SET Coordinating Team Southern Rural Development Center  Bo Beaulieu Director  Rachel Welborn Program Manager USDA RD  David Sears Director Regional Innovation Team  Suzette Agans Specialist, Community & Economic Development

The Value of the SET Program Judy Canales Administrator Rural Business and Cooperative Programs USDA Rural Development Washington, DC

Overview of SET Purpose: Help rural communities/counties to work together as a regional team in developing and implementing an economic development blueprint that builds on the current and emerging economic strengths of their region.

Phases I and II SET States 19 States – 39 Regions

What SET Provides Regional Teams Training and Guidance Tailored Data Planning Tools Technical Assistance Peer-to- Peer Connections

The Nine SET Training Modules The Basics Snapshot of SET Regional Development 101 Gearing Up Building a Strong Regional Team Developing Your Vision and Goals Examining Resources Examining Assets and Barriers Focusing on Current Demographic Features Exploring Opportunities for a Stronger Regional Economy Moving Into Action Planning for Success Measuring for Success

The Phase III Application Process Eligibility State Partner Team (SPT) and State Training Team (STT) Roles and Responsibilities Important attributes of the SPT and STT

The Phase III Application Process Clear commitments by both: USDA RD State Director and Extension Director and/or Administrator Development of a solid recruitment plan NOTE: Regions should not be decided at this point. It’s important to a allow communities or counties to self-define themselves as a region.

Scoring of Proposals Guidelines on page 12 of the application Review team composed of RD and Extension staff Anticipated decision announcements by mid-February

If You Get Selected... What Is Ahead? To get strong applications from regions in your state, the SPT will work with the National team on the request for proposals for use in your state. STT will attend national SET training (June 2012)  Typically 3 persons: 1 RD and 2 Extension  RD pays own travel; We pay for the 2 Extension reps.  Funds may be available to include 1 non-RD/non- Extension member (a 4 th person at the training).  Other STT members may be able to attend if you have resources for them to attend and if space is available.

If You Get Selected... What Is Ahead? Funds provided to support SET:  Partial salary/fringe support for ONE Extension educator  In-state travel for Extension educator delivering training  Meeting-related expenses  Long-distance telephone calls RD staff will use their own travel funds to support their SET activities.

Frequently Asked Questions Is SET a duplication of EDA’s Economic Development District work or CEDS? Will regions be provided a USDA RD grant at the end of the SET planning process? What is the anticipated time commitment? Where can I find additional information on SET?

Brief Timeline of Activities MonthActivities JanuarySET Webinar; State SET applications completed/submitted FebruarySET states selected; SPT develops request for proposals and finalizes implementation/communications plan MarchSPT reaches out to counties/communities across the state giving special attention to rural disadvantaged areas AprilSET applications from regions submitted; SPT recommends 1-2 regions to USDA RD; STT members to be part of the national training finalized. MayUSDA RD finalizes selection of SET regions JuneNational SET training workshop SummerInitial meeting with selected regions to finalize SET; STT members finalize SET training responsibilities; SPT/STTs take part in monthly national SET Phase III conference calls Sept/OctoberLaunch SET in each targeted region; continue to take part in monthly national SET conference calls.

Your Turn

Contact Information Bo Beaulieu – Rachel Welborn – David Sears – Suzette Agans