Wood Education and Resource Center Partners Grant Opportunity

Date: March 22, 2005

The Wood Education and Resource Center (WERC) is accepting applications for cost-share demonstration projects that assist the WERC in meeting its mission of facilitating interaction and information exchange with the forest products industry that will enhance opportunities for sustained forest products production in the eastern hardwood forest region.  The funding available this fiscal year is approximately $2 million.  Completed applications are due to the WERC on or before May 13, 2005.  Priority will be given to projects that accomplish one or more of the following items:

• Maintain the economic competitiveness of the primary and secondary hardwood industries.
• Bring information and technology to existing and emerging businesses involved in the development and manufacturing of wood products.
• Bring information and technology about marketing and business-related skills to existing and emerging businesses.
• Encourage the adoption of new technology to improve competitiveness and profitability.
• Provide support and key information to entrepreneurs and start-up businesses.
• Address global issues such as: 1.) phytosanitation of wood packaging materials, 2.) assisting communities and industries facing threats from invasive species such as the Emerald Ash Borer.

The fiscal year 2005 application form and instructions can be viewed and downloaded from the Wood Education and Resource Center.  This application form is provided to assist grant applicants with the development of a complete application, and to provide proposal evaluators with the information they need to fairly select projects that will make the best use of available grant funds.  Please contact Steve Milauskas, WERC Director, or Ed Cesa, WERC Deputy Director, at (304) 487-1510, if you have questions about the program.

Sincerely,

Kathryn P. Maloney

Area Director