Press Release

U.S. Commerce Department Announces More Than $1 Million to Advance Viticulture Industry in Southern Oregon

September 1, 2011
Contact: John Atwood, (202) 482-4085

WASHINGTON - Acting U.S. Commerce Secretary Rebecca Blank today announced a $1.25 million U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant to Umpqua Community College of Roseburg, Ore., to build a small business incubator to support the viticulture sector, an industry critical to the regional economy. The project is expected to create as many as 500 jobs per year in southern Oregon, according to grantee estimates.

"The Obama Administration is committed to creating jobs, encouraging innovation and improving our nation's economic competitiveness," Blank said. "This EDA-funded project will help bring high-quality jobs and economic growth to the region by fueling the growth of the Roseburg viticulture industry."

Oregon's southern region has experienced a high rate of unemployment, but the local wine-making industry has the potential to boost economic growth and jobs. With this EDA investment, Umpqua Community College can establish a business development services program and acquire the necessary equipment to expand the industry by supporting new businesses and entrepreneurs across the rural Roseburg community.

About the U.S. Economic Development Administration:

The mission of the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing the nation's regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. An agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce, EDA makes investments in economically distressed communities in order to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth.