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<H1>News Release<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns =
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<P class=MsoNormal>For Immediate
Release
Contact: Margaret Howlett<o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal>April 1,
2009
208-885-3883<o:p></o:p></P>
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<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><B>University of
Idaho terminates LEDC services for Business Incubator<o:p></o:p></B></P>
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align=center><B><o:p> </o:p></B></P>
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<P class=MsoNormal style="LINE-HEIGHT: 200%">The Latah Economic Development
Council has been informed that the University of Idaho will terminate its
agreement with the LEDC to operate the Business Technology Incubator (BTI) and
will no longer contribute financially to the organization, effective September
23, 2009. According to the March 23rd letter from University of
Idaho Vice President for Research, John K. McIvor, all current occupants of the
Incubator will remain in the facility consistent with their current
leases. The University plans to move the University’s Center for
Disabilities and Human Development into the vacant space in the Incubator.
“The University itself is transforming as it looks to the future by reducing its
scope and focusing on its areas of strength. And we are seeking to ensure
that our strategic redeployment of resources will continue to provide support to
economic development efforts in the Palouse for years to come.” McIver stated.
<o:p></o:p></P>
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<P class=MsoNormal style="LINE-HEIGHT: 200%">“While the LEDC Board of Directors
is disappointed by the University’s change in direction and support for the
organization, we will continue to pursue our mission of creating living wage
jobs in Latah County. We believe that mission is sound and we are committed to
serving our members and our communities,” notes Bruce Livingston, LEDC
President. In addition to managing the BTI, the LEDC has led several
recent initiatives including the formation of the Palouse Knowledge Corridor,
the creation of the Center for Ecological Health and Sustainability, the Shop
Moscow for the Holiday campaign and the Business Assistance Center, currently
under development. <o:p></o:p></P>
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<P class=MsoNormal style="LINE-HEIGHT: 200%">LEDC Executive Director Margaret
Howlett stressed “Our members recognize the value and focus of our mission to
create economic development opportunities in Latah County. As we move
forward, we will be exploring strategies that provide that value to our
communities.” <o:p></o:p></P></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Kai Eiselein<BR>Editor, Latah
Eagle</FONT></DIV></BODY></HTML>