1. Orcas Research Group http://orcasresearch.org/

2. What does the ORG do? Analysis of local economy –Where does the money go? –Impact of demographics on our economy Undertake economy-related projects –Agriculture –Housing –Broadband –Entrepreneurs Business Consulting

3. Money quickly flows off-island Our Multiplier is less than.67 to.82!

4. Our workforce is aging Resident population aged 25 - 44 has declined from 30% to 20% since 1990.

5. Vanishing middle class We are well behind state and national averages for middle class income 408 509 1256 287 1219 831 781 174 424579 Number of households in each bracket shown above each bar

6. Projects Agriculture –Improve production and distribution of local produce Housing –Affordable, quality housing for working families Targeted for households in $30K-$50K income bracket Must be done with private financing Broadband –Focus on OPALCO fiber network (1Qtr05) Needs and Skills Exchange Entrepreneurs –Survey of the needs of 12 local companies

7. What is needed? Affordable business or office space High speed Internet access Local pool of professional talent Business training or consulting Reliable local labor force Affordable employee housing Financing including venture capital

8. Looking for volunteers Business Brunch Handbook for doing business on Orcas Inventory of business & human resources Education--An Open University? Finance--pool of local investors