Illinois Valley Community Development Organization

Programs: Oregon caves concession:the ivcrt and the u. S. Park service agreed that the ivcrt would provide the essential services needed by the public at the national monument, and use it as an opportunity to provide job training and experience opportunities for local residents. In addition, it provides the ivcrt with opportunities to educate both visitors and residents about the history, culture, environment, heritage and aesthetics of the illinois valley area. This agreement, made at the behest of the national park service (nps), provided an excellent way to avoid a disastrous situation for both the monument and for the local businesses in the valley, and instead turn it into an opportunity for both the government and the community. An evaluation by the nps awarded the ivcrt the highest possible rating. In addition to hiring all staff locally, this integration was accomplished by changing the souvenir shop to a gift gallery featuring local arts, crafts, books, and music and by featuring local products on the menu. One of the crt's goals in taking on the concession was to better integrate the caves, a key tourism destination attraction for the entire region, into the broader community. In an effort to promote area tourism, the crt assumed management of the illinois valley visitor center on behalf of the nps in june of 2006.

the revolving loan fund:the revolving loan fund continues to be an important asset to new and existing businesses. Since its inception in 2000, 113 loans have been made in the amount of $1,212,982. Currently there are 25 outstanding loans with a balance of $331,785.

fire fuel reduction program:the ivcdo has successfully managed 5 national fire plan grants, 2 title ii grants and 1 title iii grant to provide defensible space for private homeowners throughout josephine county. Over 2000 acres of land have had fire fuel reduction work completed through this 1. 5 million dollar program. There is one national fire plan grant still active in josephine county, where we are promoting the firewise communities program. The ivcdo continues to be an active partner in the josephine county integrated fire plans fuel reduction committee.

business entrepreneurial center program:in conjunction with rogue community college (rcc), the ivcdo is managing a business educational and mentoring center in kerby, or. The business entrepreneurial center (bec) brings the resources of the rccs small business development center together with the economic and community development capacity of the ivcdo to provide a wide range of business services. Delivered mostly one-on-one, the services focus on improving existing businesses and mentoring business startups located in the illinois valley and other rural areas of josephine county. As part of these resources, the ivcdo received a usda-ams grant for 2012-2013 to assist development of a local farmers market and provide business services to small farmers, as well as a usda-rbeg grant to assist with loan applications and client management for small business clients. Additionally, the ivcdo also manages an individual development account (ida) matched savings program for small business asset purchases for clients of the bec. The kerby water district, a legal entity that was created through a grant from the ivcrt, received funding through several grants for the construction of a water system. A contract was entered into with the city of cave junction to supply water to the new system. Construction of the three million dollar project started in 2009 and was completed in 2010.