The newsletter can also be read on the World Wide Web (different
typos, however. :-) The URL is:
http://www.fsr.com/palouse/organizations/moscowedc/news/news.html
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EDC Economic Update
May, 1995
CAPITALIZING ON THE INTERNET
May 4th was the final telecast in this series. Don Pierce of First
Step Research spent about 45 minutes demonstrating various Web sites and
answering attendees' questions. The contributions of First Step Research,
our local Internet service provider and Web page builder, added a great
deal of value to this teleconference series.
The teleconference speakers mentioned three reasons to develop an
Internet presence for your business: 1) To develop your Internet skills,
2) To establish your territory (there is a lot of competition for domain
names), and 3) To enhance your corporate image (the cache' of being on the
Internet speaks well for a company). It was explained that the Internet
is a place to market yourself, but establishing a presence will take time
and patience.
Types and speeds of modems and connections were discussed. It
was explained that companies that expect to do high levels of data
transfer need high speed service and dedicated lines. However, small
businesses can utilize dial-up connections for a relatively small fee.
Attendees were advised to look for several things in an Internet
service provider: reliability, availability, network security, technical
support response and network management. They also mentioned what to look
for in a Web page designer. It was noted that there are generalists
(usually a single individual with many skills and talents) who can
put together a good beginning presence. However, teams of specialists
may be needed (marketing, graphic design, page layout, legal, etc.) for
a high-powered presence.
It was explained that an FTP site is very simple to set up and is
almost maintenance free. The information provided this way should be
organized in a helpful fashion and kept up-to-date. The speakers noted
that e-mail is still the power application since it can go out to others
rather than waiting for them to come to the site. This is a good way to
set up product information, technical support and newsletters. Good
etiquette is to ask people if they want to be on a mailing list. Gopher
servers are similar to FTP servers, but gopher sites point to other gopher
sites, so you are part of an on-line community. However, gopher is
yesterday's technology, so the speakers advised sticking to the World
Wide Web (WWW). WWW servers can run on PC's Mac's or Unix machines. The
speakers suggested that business owners obtain an understanding of html
(hypertext markup language). It was advised that businesses take a public
service role, since there is an opportunity to provide much more than just
basic company information and product news. It was noted that a company
needs to give people a reason to visit their site and also a reason to
return. The speakers mentioned that Web pages do not need to have massive
graphics, since people with slow modems will experience such a delay in
downloading, they may never return. It was advised to keep the content of
a Web page current, lively and interesting. It was also suggested that
Web page content have a high turnover rate of information. They noted
that a critical issue is to have someone available in your company, or a
consultant, who understands modem connections, server site hardware needs
and security issues.
During the telecast a number of Web sites were demonstrated. It
was pointed out how these particular companies were able to communicate
their core competencies through their WWW presence.
Some tips for getting people to visit your page: a) The first
time - get your URL's out on the Net, pointing to your page and put your
Web page URL in your advertising and product literature; b) To get them
to return - create the expectation that they'll find something new.
Design is important, and you must provide valuable information. Change
the content, but keep your style consistent, put your logo on every page.
_________________________________________________________________________
PALOUSE RAIL ISSUES: MOSCOW TO ARROW JUNCTION
Recently, the EDC, Port of Lewiston and Port of Whitman County
invited interested shippers to discuss the fate of the Moscow to Arrow
Junction branch rail line. Idaho and Washington State DOT represen-
tatives were also present. This line segment, although abandoned, has
been identified as the key segment of rail that provides the link
between grain and wood products shipments. Combining the traffic from
the two commodities would provide the greatest opportunity for a short
line railroad to operate profitably in the Palouse. Because of the
pending merger between the BN and the Santa Fe railroads, concern has
arisen that BN would pull the tracks. There are two regional railroads
operating in the area that have expressed a desire to operate over the
line, and the shippers on the line have a keen interest in seeing the
line reopened. Many other folks are also interested in seeing the line
reopened since it would increase overall rail traffic in the area.
Those present at the meeting appointed a committee to work with
Dave Doeringsfeld, Manager of the Port of Lewiston to come up with a plan
to present to BN. Committee members include Dave Doeringsfeld, George
Brocke, Dave Strong, Ron McMurray, Cindy Agidius and Carole Helm.
We are very grateful to the Idaho and Washington Congressional
delegations for assisting us with getting BN's attention on this matter.
Senator Kempthorne's office (Wendy Guisto and Cindy Agidius) has been most
helpful, as well as Senators Gorton and Murray's offices on the Washington
side.
Ancillary issues involve rail consolidation and trail development.
An identification of key segments of rail and a plan to preserve them
would be of benefit to all concerned.
_________________________________________________________________________
EDC GENERAL MEMBERSHIP LUNCHEON
RESCHEDULED!! Please join us for this very informative and interesting
meeting!!!
Featured Speaker: Dave Doeringsfeld, Manager, Port of Lewiston
Dave will describe current shipping activities at the port (types of
products and volumes), provide an update on the salmon issue, and
describe special projects such as the development of a Foreign Trade
Zone. He'll also discuss how the Port of Lewiston benefits economic
activities in Latah County.
Noon, Thursday, July 13, 1995
Moscow Hotel
$7.50 per person
Please call the EDC at 885-3801 by noon, Monday, June 10th to make
your reservation(s).
________________________________________________________________________
EDC ADOPTS FY 1996 PROGRAM OF WORK
The Moscow-Latah County EDC's FY 1996 Program of Work (July 1,
1995 through June 30, 1996) was adopted at the April meeting of the
EDC's Board of Directors. The strategies, action items and priorities
contained in the new Program of Work were developed during a Board
retreat held in February. The retreat was facilitated by Len Jessup
and David Van Over of the University of Idaho College of Business and
Economics. Prior to the retreat, Board members submitted their vision
of Moscow/Latah County's future, and these vision statements were shared
with the other Board members in advance of the retreat. During the
retreat process, Board members performed a SWOT analysis (Strengths,
Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) and then brainstormed key
strategic initiatives. Some of the top priority projects identified by
the EDC Board in the areas of business and community development include:
Utilize private sector resources, government grants and City of
Moscow sponsorship to develop a Business Park for relocating incubator
graduates, expanding businesses in the area, and new recruits.
Work with city and county officials to identify and develop industrial
sites throughout Latah County. Offer planning and support for developing
industrial park(s).
Develop and maintain up-to-date economic and demographic information
useful to local and relocating businesses.
Continue the loan/equity program for early-stage Latah County businesses
established through the formation of Enterprise Development, Inc.
Increase the capitalization of EDI through a U-7 filing and subsequent
offering.
Provide advice, expertise and information to local governments about
economic development-related issues when requested to do so by the
Council. Critical development issues mentioned include growth issues,
the Pullman-Moscow corridor, Highway 95 improvements, airport expansion,
alternative forms of transportation, Moscow and Latah County Comprehensive
Plan and zoning ordinance updating activities, and current long-range
planning processes.
Update the City of Moscow's GEM Community five-year plan and continue
to work with the smaller communities on their economic development
issues.
______________________________________________________________________
Carole Helm, Executive Director chelm@moscow.com
Moscow-Latah County Economic Develpment Council (208)885-3801
Manager, North Central Idaho Business Technology Incubator