This investment would support the hiring of a soredi employee to respond to business needs in jackson county in south central-oregon

The Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration awarded a $150,000 project grant to Southern Oregon Regional Economic Development, Inc. to support hiring a business disaster recovery and resiliency liaison. This liaison will provide outreach, needs assessments, and coordination services to businesses impacted by disasters in Jackson County, Oregon. Services will include business visits, communication with impacted jurisdictions, and coordination with response partners. The liaison will also lead town halls to inform citizens and coordinate joint agency events and referrals to connect businesses to resources.

This award was provided under the Economic Adjustment Assistance (EAA) program (CFDA 11.307). The EAA program aims to support regions facing adverse economic changes, such as those resulting from sudden or gradual economic impacts, through technical assistance and infrastructure projects. The funded position will directly support disaster-affected businesses through coordination and referral services to facilitate recovery in Jackson County.

The business disaster recovery and resiliency liaison's job responsibilities would include, but not be limited to business outreach visits, needs assessment within the business community, communication with impacted jurisdictions, and coordination with multiple other partners and agencies responding to the disaster. Also anticipated, would be the need to participate and lead town halls to keep citizens informed; coordinate joint agency events with businesses to bring resources; and make referrals and introductions to resource providers, such as business assistance in navigating permit processes within respective jurisdictions.