The Clearwater Economic Development Association (CEDA) is a member-driven private non-profit corporation that operates in the public interest to improve economic opportunities, increase employment skills and sustain preferred lifestyles for residents, communities and business in north central Idaho. CEDA works with residents, communities and businesses to create a region that provides:

• A healthy and diversified economy for all communities
• Strong local community capacity
• Clean and prosperous industries providing livable wages for employees
• A solid tax base throughout the region
• A well-trained workforce
• Outstanding educational opportunities with active community involvement and support
• Opportunities for recreation which invite a desirable level of tourism
• An infrastructure that meets the present and future needs of our communities

The goal of CEDA participation in MIRA was to strengthen the organizations technological capacity and to increase the capacity of local organizations to use information technology. CEDA used MIRA funds to strengthen its accounting department, providing a new computer and upgrades to software. This led to an increased capacity to administer grants and contracts for customers. CEDA also acquired three new computers, a digital camera and a focus projector for the organization in general and provided considerable computer training for the staff. The equipment vastly improved CEDA's funding proposals and presentations to funding agencies and member organizations. With the new equipment CEDA was able to increase project development and grant writing skills and promote the organization. Income for grants administration projects has already increased over 50 percent from the 1998-99 fiscal year to the 1999-2000 fiscal year. These numbers are just income for CEDA, the actual value of the projects themselves would be considerably greater.

In order to provide information about CEDA and create links to relevant sites, CEDA developed its own website that is continually upgraded. Also to enhance the visibility of CEDA information at Expos and other marketing opportunities, CEDA acquired a display board. Displays were then developed for each of CEDA's departments.

Finally, to enhance the strength of CEDA to serve its members, a new board handbook was created and new board and staff training was provided. Prompted by the MIRA workshop "Reframing Organizations: An Adventure in Self-Discovery," CEDA hired a consultant to do board and staff training on their structural frame.

In addition to those accomplishments, CEDA co-sponsored the joint CSO conference that provided information to local organizations and individuals accessing and using technology.