United Community Partners

 

Chronology of Accomplishments

 

In the year 2001:

 

January 1

 

*      The Halfway City Council unanimously approves a community development team, chaired by Gordon Kaesemeyer.

 

January 23

 

*      Nine members are appointed to this new team.

 

January 25

 

*      A community meeting at the Halfway Lions Club develops a list of possible projects, desired and needed in the region.

 

January 30

 

*      The community development team meets for the first time. There is a wide-ranging discussion of local needs, emphasizing all citizens of Pine Valley in the process.

*      While the City of Halfway may be the “sparkplug” for this effort, this should not necessarily control the process, at the exclusion of those residing outside of the city. It is believed that, without support from all of Pine Valley, the long-term endeavor will fail.

*      Firm, ongoing support from the Halfway City Council is a must.

 

February 5

 

*      The team meets with Baker County Commission Chair Brian Cole, who pledges his support and assistance. The community is given a “big leg up,” due to the $20,000 start-up capital from Half.com, to seed and staff the effort. Success requires part-time staffing.

 

February 12

 

*      The team agrees on a long-term plan to guide the project. Solid support from the Halfway City Council is required.

 

April 2

 

*      The Halfway City Council approves the foundation of a non-profit, economic development corporation.

 

April 9

 

*      Incorporation papers files the name of the economic development board as United Community Partners (UCP). A list of strategies and goals are adopted.

 

April 16

 

*      By-laws for UCP are adopted.

 

July 2

 

*      UCP receives its first grant, from the City of Halfway, in the amount of $2,000.

 

July 9

 

*      UCP files 501(c)(3) status application with the Internal Revenue Service.

 

September 13

 

*      UCP receives a second grant from the City of Halfway in the amount of $18,000.

 

October 18

 

*      UCP votes to send a program manager to grant-writing training.

 

November 12

 

*      The program manager obtains training from Jan Welle, professional administrator of grant writing.

 

November 13

 

*      The IRS approves of UCP’s 501(c)(3) status.

 

In the year 2002:

 

February 4

 

*      UCP contracts with the City of Halfway to write a grant proposal for land application of reclaimed water with respect to the sewer system.

 

March 11

 

*      Goals for UCP are revised, and fine-tuned. This includes developing infrastructure needs of small business, the creation of a business incubator, and the possibility of “buying jobs.”

*      There are plans for:  a mentoring program, expansion of school curriculum, long-term health care, aging in place, library expansion, and parks and recreation.

 

April 8

 

*      UCP signs a contract with The Pine Eagle Economic Development Corporation (PEED Corp.) to provide grant writing toward Granite Peaks Assisted Living Facility.

*      Mike Higgins has submitted written information and data concerning the National Fire Plan, the City Sewer Project, and Granite Peaks.

*      Gordon Kaesemeyer, Tony Sowers, and Sharon Nickerson pay a visit with representatives with Wallowa Resources, an economic development team situated in Wallowa County.

 

May 6

 

*      200 letters are mailed to the public seeking interested participants for mentoring in the public schools. 

*      Patti Walker is selected to handle local press and community relations for UCP. She is also writing grant proposals for PEED Corp.

*      Harriet Dennison, from the Ralph L. Smith Foundation, reports that UCP may receive a grant for $5,000 for their first year.

*      The Valley Wide Garage Sale, and the Senior Pro Rodeo, are both slated for June 15-16.

*      Dale Beatty is planning a benefit on June 1st, to fund the Fourth of July fireworks display. He is soliciting help from local businesses. 

 

July 8

 

*      Patti Walker is writing a grant proposal for a planned City Bicycle Project.

 

July 11

 

*      Grant for reclaimed water land application for Halfway’s sewer system received from Oregon Economic Community Development Department.

 

September 9

 

*      Bruce Honeyman is chosen as coordinator for National Fire Plan, based upon his experience and availability for the endeavor.

 

September 12

 

*      UCP has obtained office space in the Pine Valley Presbyterian Church Annex.

 

In the year 2003:

 

January 16

 

*      Arthur Sappington shares information and knowledge of water and mining issues. Sappington is working with the Eagle Valley Soil and Water Conservation District. He also has two videotapes, involving home protection from wildfires, available to interested viewers.

*      Steve Broccato voices an interest in helping the community. He has experience in financial consulting.

 

February 17

 

*      Bruce Honeyman has finished mapping for the National Fire Plan, and has developed a mailing list. A public education meeting is scheduled in Halfway and Richland for February 27-28. Honeyman is granted board permission for a global positioning system, and digital camera. 

*      Mark Halley, from Wilderness Outfitters, has purchased the Cornucopia Pack Station. 

 

April 17

 

*      Patti Walker and Linda Collier are heavily involved with an Outreach Program. The two writers are asking local businesses and individuals their opinions about UCP, and where the non-profit organization should concentrate its efforts. 

*      Thirty landowners express an interest in the National Fire Plan.

 

May 5

 

*      Bruce Honeyman has sent out letters to owners of property adjacent to the Wallowa Whitman National Forest. Honeyman solicits information, responses, and opinions of this work. 

*      Youth Minister Zach Raupp discusses plans for creating a youth center at the Halfway Bowling Alley. Raupp believes this may create two jobs. He hopes to operate the business as a non-profit. Tony Sowers expresses a willingness of transferring his 501(c)(3) status for Half-baked Enterprises to Raupp.

*      Patti Walker and Linda Collier complete their report for the Outreach Program. This report emphasizes cottage industries, public relations, and a “Buy Local” campaign.

 

July 14

 

*      UCP receives a grant of $8,000 from Ralph L. Smith. A second grant is awarded in the amount of $3,000 from the US Bank.

 

August 4

 

*      UCP meets with Bob Shepherd from Baker County Unlimited. 

*      Terry Schmoe from La Rue Sanitation seeks letters of support and grant funding for various items, including an excavator. 

*      Gordon Kaesemeyer states his desire to rejuvenate the Hells Canyon Chamber of Commerce.

 

September 15

 

*      Jim Corrigan, Zella Sly, and Linda Miller seek a letter of support and a $3,000 grant from Leo Adler Foundation for the Hells Canyon Junior Rodeo. They have scheduled a fundraiser for September 19th.

*      Teresa Stelting, John Binford, and Yvonne Riggs want a new rest area at Bishop Springs on Highway 86. They estimate the cost of this project at $25,000.

 

September 29

 

*      Construction begins on reclaimed water land application for Halfway’s sewer system.

 

October 6

 

*      UCP has contracted to handle marketing and fund raising for Granite Peaks. Linda Collier, Patti Walker, and Donna Carter have updated a colorful, informative fund raising brochure for PEED Corp.

 

December 8

 

*      John Binford has made an offer to the Northeast Oregon Economic Development District, to purchase the Halfway Bowling Alley. Binford maintains that the community should rent, lease, or own the property. This endeavor may place an emphasis on young adults and teens.

*      Patti Walker and Linda Collier have scheduled a business luncheon for the evening of February 18th at the Lions Club. This event is budgeted at $700.

*      UCP has donated $3,000 to PEED. This money will pay for marketing and fund raising for Granite Peaks Assisted Living Facility.

 

In the year 2004:

 

January 5

 

*      Patti Walker and Linda Collier submitted a list of plans and priorities for the business luncheon. 

1.      1.       Measure intentions of Panhandle businesses.

2.      2.       Boost the local economy.

3.      3.       Support cottage industries.

4.      4.       The establishment of a vital and active chamber of commerce.

 

February 9

 

*      Judy Wing, United States Forest Service, has agreed to facilitate the business luncheon.

 

June 6

 

*      UCP meets with Stan Foster of Public Affairs Research Consultants. PARC has strong contacts and connections with many northwest foundations. Mr. Foster expresses a strong interest in assisting with the Halfway Bowling Alley and Granite Peaks.

 

July 12

 

*      UCP meets with Kathy Nantz of Training and Employment Consortium. This organization helps prospective workers with training, résumé writing, and career placement. It is thought that TEC and UCP can forge a strong working relationship. 

 

August 9

 

*      UCP receives a grant for $6,000 from the Meyer Memorial Trust. This grant was facilitated through the efforts of the Public Affairs Research Consultant (PARC). The Ford Institute For Community Buildings matched this $6,000 grant with $1,500 of their own funding. 

 

October 10

 

*      UCP becomes a supporting member of the rejuvenated Hells Canyon Chamber of Commerce. Gordon Kaesemeyer announces that the new chamber is thriving under its current leadership.

*      Bruce Honeyman announces that work for the National Fire Plan is sixty-three percent completed. A good deal of work has been accomplished, while interest in the Plan is growing. 

*      A feasibility study is in the works for a local community center.