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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
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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 SETCoordinating 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
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 4th 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? http://srdc.msstate.edu/set/
Contact Information • Bo Beaulieu – 662-312-3207 ljb@srdc.msstate.edu • Rachel Welborn – 662-325-3207 rachelw@srdc.msstate.edu • David Sears – 202-690-4749 david.sears@wdc.usda.gov • Suzette Agans -- 202-401-1922 suzette.agans@wdc.usda.gov