HomeMy WebLinkAboutGrant Request - Calif LutheranEconomic Development Fund
Discretionary Grant Program
Organization: California Lutheran University Center for Economic Research and
Forecasting (CERF)
Organization Description: CERF uses advanced statistical and modeling procedures to
forecast economic activity. Currently, forecasts are developed for the United States,
California, Oregon, Central Oregon and Ventura County. CERF also offers economic
consulting services to private and public organizations.
Project Name: Central Oregon Economic Forecast Project
Project Description: This grant funds will be used to purchase local data, hire speakers,
and rent a venue for the annual Central Oregon Forecast Presentation in January 2010.
CERF will provide Deschutes County with 12 tickets to the presentation, invitations to
the speaker dinner before the event and quarterly updates to the Central Oregon Forecast.
Project Period: December 1, 2009 to December 1, 2010
Amount of Request: $3,000 (Estimated total cost = $30,000)
Previous Grants: None
Last year a grant for $1,000 ($1,000 Baney) was given to the UC -Santa Barbara
Economic Forecast Project. Bill Watkins, the executive director of the California
Lutheran University CERF, recently left UC -Santa Barbara where he headed up the
Economic Forecast Project.
FROM :
s rSn,
Asstas
o -i
FAX NO. :918054933719 Sep. 28 2009 05:32PM P2
Deschutes County Board of Commissioners
1300 NW Wall St, Bend, OR 97701-1960
(541) 388-6570 - Fax (541) 385-3202 - www.desohutes.org
DESCHUTES COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FUND
DISCRETIONARY GRANT PROGRAM APPLICATION
Direct Application to:
Commissioner Tammy Baney
Commissioner Dennis R. Luke
r
Date: L11 12- f (" 1 Project Name:
Project Beginning Date:
Amount of Request:
Commissioner Alan Unger
All Three Commissioners
Lx
C.erY\rA SUN
CG00 -00n-. t
t-LJreOvji
IZ h /09
$ 3, 0QO, Ota
Project End Date:
z') / t.
Date Funds Needed: (t 1 / I / o
Applicant/Organization: L L t U
�95 2.416, 6 ot-/
Tax ID #:
Address: I Go Liepl 0 Se.1 £OAc> 4"Ss0 City &Zip: I j 1.ousA-na OAks ,11
Telephone:) nos) ' n _ Sw-t6
ContactName(s): (sijj k‘'/IS
Fax:
(8os) 493--31(91
Alternate Phone:
(8o 70$-sst
Email'
.v ni itis CG+I I v'�i^era�,
On a separate sheet, please briefly answer the following questions:
1. Describe the applicant organization, including its purpose, leadership structure, and activities.
2. Describe the proposed project or activity.
3. Provide a timeline for completing the proposed project or activity.
4. Explain how the proposed project or activity will impact the community's economic health.
5. Identify the specific communities or groups that will benefit.
6. Itemize anticipated expenditures*. Describe how grant funds will he used and include the
source and amounts of matching funds or in-kind contributions, if any. If the grant will
support art ongoing activity, explain how it will be funded in the future.
Attach:
Proof of the applicant organization's non-profit status.
*Applicant may be contacted during the review process and asked to provide o complete line item budget.
$ nature: __,_...-..._........__......_..._
Tummy nuney: Amount: 1 .
Signature:
Dentis Luke: Amount: Signature:
Alan Unger: Amount Signature:
rxl
CENTRAL OREGON ECONOMIC FORECAST PROJECT
History of Project
Center for Economic Research and Forecasting Project's (CERF) primary research activities are
the collection, verification, and analysis of statistical data and providing insights about the changing
business and economic environment. From the assessment of this data, the CERF builds state-of-the-
art economic models of the economy and provides forecasts of future economic activity in the local
area. This information is presented as an annual event the last week of January.
Introduction
Welcome to the Central Oregon Economic Forecast. The primary researchers have years of experience
providing accurate, impartial, and unbiased economic forecasting and research. Last year we expanded
to Oregon and we presented hundred's of time -series and cross-sectional data on the United States,
California, Oregon, and Central Oregon in a hypermedia CD.
Our next annual Central Oregon Economic Forecast will be the last week of January 2010.
You may ask why we include California data in a Central Oregon publication. California and its economy
have dramatic impacts on Central Oregon and its economy. Recently, those impacts have been mostly
negative. We try to include data and analysis on any economy that significantly impacts a subject
economy. It is part of what we do.
CERF does some other things differently. We assume that you can read charts and tables. Therefore,
we don't waste your time reading them to you. We don't go endlessly on saying things like "this chart
shows that x has declined." We don't feel a need to comment on every chart and table we present.
Instead, we present a series of essays on the major trends. We might refer to a chart or a trend in
presenting our analysis, but you won't find pages of chart reading in our publications.
Services and Products Available
Annual United States and Oregon Economic Outlook Seminars with Digital Publication
The CERF staff interprets the latest economic data available to provide timely, meaningful
trends to the professional community. At annual seminars, CERF offers relevant and
approachable economic forecast, giving businesses and the community a clear view of what will
affect them.
Center for Economic Research and Forecasting
The school of Business at California Lutheran University develops innovative and competitive
programs at the graduate level by being selective, targeted and focused in its initiatives.
CERF is a center of excellence in:
• Economics modeling
• Analysis
• Forecasting
• Academic programs
Forecasting and Consulting Services
• Economic Forecasting: City, County, Regional, State, and National
• Custom Economics Models Built for Special Applications
• Economic, Financial, Statistical Analysis
• Economic Impact Studies
• Custom Database Design and Implementation
MEET OUR CERF TEAM:
BILL WATKINS, PHD
Bill Watkins is CERF's Executive Director and Associate Professor of economics at CLU. Watkins
formerly served at the Executive Directors of the University of California, Santa Barbara, Economic
Forecast Project. In his nine-year tenure, he expanded the project's publications and geographic scope
and enhanced the organization's reputation. He also has served as an economist with the Board of
Governors of the Federal Reserve Systems in Washington, DC, and a commercial banker.
DAN HAMILTON, PHD
Dan Hamilton, Director of Economics at CERF, began working with economic forecast models in 1997
while at Wharton Econometric Forecasting Associates (now know as Global Insight). He served as
Director of Economics at the University of California, Santa Barbara, Economic Forecast project, where
he built a variety of forecast models in Eviews, including models for the United States, California and
Oregon.
KIRK M. LESH, MBA
Kirk M. Lesh is CERF's Senior Economist. In addition to his work at CERF, Lesh is completing his doctorate at the
University of California, Santa Barbara. Prior to CLU, Lesh was the Real Estate Economist at the University of
California Santa Barbara, Economic Forecast Project, where he prepared and presented annual real estate
forecasts for several communities. Before entering the PhD program, Lesh worked as a manager of finance for
several companies in Orange County.
Deschutes County Economic Development Fund
1) Describe the applicant organization, including its purpose, leadership structure, and
activities.
The Center for Economic Research and Forecasting (CERF) is a self funded research
center located at California Lutheran University. CERF uses advanced statistical and
modeling procedures to forecast economic activity. Currently, CERF forecasts the
following economies:
a) United States
b) California
c) Oregon
d) Central Oregon
e) Ventura County
Plans are in the works to expand CERF's Oregon forecast to other areas of the state. In
particular, CERF is in the process of adding forecasts for the Portland and Eugene
markets.
CERF also provides economic consulting services to private and public organizations. As
an example, CERF is under contract with Santa Barbara County to prepare economic
impact studies for projects funded by the stimulus package.
CERF employs three economists: Bill Watkins, Dan Hamilton, and Kirk Lesh. Bill Watkins
serves as the Executive Director.
2) Describe the proposed project or activity.
CERF presents an annual Central Oregon Forecast. The forecast consists of
presentations from CERF members or other highly regarded speakers. The
presentations provide invaluable information regarding the economies of Oregon,
California, Central Oregon, and the United States. The data and presentations are
provided to all guests for future reference.
3) Provide a timeline for completing the proposed project or activity.
CERF will present its annual Central Oregon Forecast during the last week of January
2010.
4) Explain how the proposed project or activity will impact the community's economic
health.
CERF's forecast provides relevant, timely, and accurate data. As an example, CERF's
forecast of Central Oregon's unemployment rate was dismal but extremely accurate.
Businesses use the data to shape their short run strategic plans. The data provides
guidance as to emerging opportunities and area of weakness. Policy makers use the
data to shape future economic policy. Economic policies regarding taxes and land use
can be evaluated using CERF data.
5) Identify the specific communities or groups that will benefit.
CERF's Central Oregon Forecast includes Deschutes, Crook, and Jefferson Counties.
Public and private organizations operating in these counties benefit from the forecast
and accompanying data. The City of Bend and the City of Redmond used CERF data
during their budgeting process for the current fiscal year.
6) Itemize anticipated expenditures. Describe how grant funds will be used and include
the source and amounts of matching funds or in-kind contributions, if any. If the grant
will support ongoing activity, explain how it will be funded in the future.
Grant funds will be used for a variety of purposes including, but not limited to,
purchasing local data, hiring speakers, or renting the venue. CERF has estimated that it
will cost $30,000 to prepare and present its 2010 Central Oregon Forecast.
As the Central Oregon Forecast is an ongoing activity, CERF solicits financial sponsorship
from local businesses and governments. The level of sponsorship varies from year to
year but generally remains very strong. Most of the sponsors for the Central Oregon
Forecast have remained loyal to CERF despite difficult economic times. Due to the
efforts of an advisory board that remains essentially intact, CERF has added five new
sponsors to the 2010 Central Oregon Forecast.
Sponsorship can be monetary or in-kind. Typically, in-kind sponsorship comes from local
media. CERF recognizes them as sponsors in return for free advertising. Monetary
sponsors are usually local businesses and governments that benefit from the forecast
and data provided by CERF.
At the sponsorship level requested in this grant, Deschutes County will receive quarterly
updates to CERF's Central Oregon Forecast.
:,111 t()i'I U.1 L Lit 11C i c1i 1
,
October 5, 2009
Tammy Baney
Dennis Luke
Alan Unger
Deschutes County Board of Commissioners
1300 NW Wall Street
Bend, Oregon 97701
Dear County Commissioners,
Enclosed, please find a request for $3,000 grant to assist the Central Oregon Economic Forecast
Project.
Much has happened since our initial event last January. The community and business leaders have
recognized the need for academic economic information on Central Oregon. Several of the local
cities have used the information in forecasting and budgeting. Many of the conditions Dr. Watkins
commented on in January, proved to be very accurate.
There is an annual event, which is held the same week each year and has become the premier
business event of the year.
By the end of November the Central Oregon Forecast Project will launch an Oregon specific web -site.
It is under construction now and will be updated frequently.
The 2010 Program will include:
• Dr. Bill Watkins: Economist CERF, United States, Oregon and Central Oregon Forecast for
2010.
• Gary Findley: "Publisher of the Findley Report" A financial institution analyst.
• JH Speaks: Economist USC "Mr. Speaks was with Country Wide Home Loans. He will
address the state of the US financial system.
In addition to the approximately 200 pages of economic information distributed on a CD to each
conference attendee; a quarterly private update will be given to sponsors of $1,500 or more.
It appears that most of our sponsors are returning this year and so far we have commitments from 5
new sponsors; including a lead sponsor as $5,000. As a $3,000 sponsor you will receive 12 tickets to
the event valued at $95 each, as well as an invitation to the always popular "Speaker Dinner" the
evening before the event.
I do know that several County staff attended last year's events with favorable comments. The
information provided by the Forecast is a useful, reliable tool, helpful to both the public and private
sectors.
We desperately need economic development and living wage jobs in the community; and I do know
there will be ideas presented along these lines.
I strongly encourage you to approve our request for $3,000 and invite you to participate with Dr.
Watkins and his staff in any manner that would assist the County. I do know that Dr. Watkins has
been helpful in assisting several Cities and Counties in getting Federal stimulus money for various
projects; and that may be a possibility for Deschutes County as well.
I invite your questions and Thank you for your support.
Sincerely,
<GLt. (- 4 <-.0 -4_-)
Lawnae Hunter
Co -Chair
Central Oregon Economic Forecast Project
Ihunter(a�hunterproperties.info
541-389-7910
Dave Williams
Gardner Williams
Sharon Wojda
Dave Ulrickson
Co Chair
Lawnae Hunter
Co Chair
Bill Watkins, PHD
CCRF Director
Eric Strobel
Amy Tykeson
Steve Ries
Keith Rivera
Mike Taus
Cindy Schaffer
Kirk Schueler
Paul Stednitz
Angela Jacobson
Dave Lewis
Matt McCoy
John McGrath
Shelle Pack
Paul Heatherman
Darrell De2low
\
n
Pamela Andrews
Sonia Andrews
Tom Bahrman
\
2
m
Hickman Williams Engineers
Com .ass Commercial
City of Bend
KBNZ
Hunter Properties, LLC
Center for Economic Forecast
Research & Forecasting
EDCO
Bend Broad Band
Combined Communications
Rivera Wealth Mgt.
Code Benders
Amerititle
Brooks Resources
LibertyBank
Pacific Power
Bank of Oregon_
COCC
Consultant
Premier West Bank
Paull Attorney
Cascade Commercial Appraisal
City of Bend
Cascade Business News
City of Bend
Foreterra
COMPANY
1201 NW Wall St. Bend, OR. 97701
600 SW Columbia St. 6100 Bend, OR 97702
710 NW Wall St. Bend, OR. 97701
354 SW Upper Terrace Dr. Bend, OR. 97702
105 NW Greeley Ave. Bend, OR. 97701
60 W. Olson Rd. Thousand Oaks, CA. 91306
109 NW Greenwood Ave, Ste. 102 Bend, OR. 97701
63090 Sherman Rd. Bend, OR. 97701
PO Box 5037 Bend ,OR. 97708
600 SW Columbia Ste. 6200 Bend, OR. 97702
4135 NW Lower Village Bend, OR. 97701
15 NW Oregon St. Bend, OR 97701
409 NW Franklin Ave. Bend, OR. 97701
805 NW Bond St. Bend, OR. 97701
63820 Clausen Dr. Bend, OR. 97701
803 SW Industrial Way Ste. 204 Bend, OR. 97702
2600 NW College Way Bend, OR. 97702
N/A
2155 NE Hwy. 20 Bend, OR 97701
250 NW Franklin Ste. 402 Bend, OR. 97701
61174 Hubble St. Bend OR. 97702 1
19486 Pine Dr. Bend, OR 97702
404 NE Norton Bend, OR 97701
710 NW Wall St. Bend, OR. 97701
PO Box 293 Bend, OR. 97708
ADDRESS
ui
541-388-3236
541-382-5551
541-382-5263
541-617-7020
541-647-3115
541-389-7711
541-382-1662
541-389-9800
888-221-7070
541-749-1070
541383-7700
541-312-5127
541-633-2786
541-389-1010
541-388-5665
541-388-5505
541-617-9612
\
&
1-
-1
.1-383-0568
.1-388-3104
\
\
\
\
1
00 NO
ONE
§
2
k2\ƒ
$
2
73±/
davew • i wa-inc.org
gwilliams • compasscommer
swojda • ci.bend.or.us
dulrickson@kbnztv.com
lhunter@a hunterproperties. mi
bwatkins@callutheran.edu
eric@edcoinfo.com
atykeson@bendbroadband.com
steveries@combinedcommunication.com
keith.rivera@ubs.com _
mtaus@aquo.com
cindys(a eri-title.com
kschueler@brooksresources.com
pstednitz@elibertybank.com
angela.jacobsonj+acifico .com
david.lewis • bankoforegon.net
mmccoy • cocc.edu
jmflyfshr • aol.com
shelle.. ack* remierwestbank.com
heatherman@aoLcom
Aa.
Pamela@cascadebusinessnews.com
sandrews@ci.bend.or.us
tom@foreterra.com
/ ƒ
-.1=1.
±/
/ f
rill,
/¥v.
k§
g
r
B.