The EPEDC is a non profit organization of cities, towns, counties, economic development organizations, and private citizens brought together for the purpose of forming and maintaining an Economic Development District (EDD). EPEDC was established in 2006 as a public benefit, regional non-profit corporation. The five (5) counties of Carter, Dawson, Fallon, Prairie, and Wibaux, along with the communities of Baker, Ekalaka, Glendive, Plevna, Richey, Terry, and Wibaux, joined forces to create a means to stimulate and promote economic development in southeastern Montana. As an organization of towns, cities, counties, local economic development groups, and civic leaders, EPEDC sought to bring these organization together for the purpose of forming and maintaining an Economic Development District (EDD). The region was also recently approved as a Certified Regional Development Corporation (CRDC) by the State of Montana. EPEDC is continually striving to build new relationships with community members and welcomes opportunities to build bridges between the public and private sectors in our communities. Historically, eastern Montana has gone untouched by formal economic development efforts, which is why the EPEDC continues to work at attaining economic growth and diversity in the five county region through job retention and new job creation. This creates an economic environment conducive to investment, capital formation, and increased capital access. The EPEDC focuses on providing support for a better economy of natural resources, housing, tourism and infrastructures. The EPEDC markets effective tools such as the Small Business Development Center (SBDC), and the Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) that add value to available resources and products through the formation of partnerships that minimize duplication of time, effort, and/or money to improve business development, efficiency, and expansion. These services are free and confidential. EPEDC's advocates to assist in the evaluation, creation, and implementation of responsible natural resource development as well as promoting cooperation and development that results in adding value to crops and livestock by providing technical assistance and financing options to qualifying projects and businesses that plan to add value to energy or natural resource products/services. A need has been identified for elderly and assisted living facilities in the region, as well as affordable and availability of housing opportunities. twhich is why EPEDC helps with viable development in assessing local communities housing needs and in providing them with access to programs for assistance. Viable development includes: the destruction and cleanup of unsuitable housing, the rehabilitation of stable and/or historic structures, and the generation of sustainable financing models. The EPEDC constantly working to strengthen, promote, and encourage unification among communities in the region to enhance the area's tourism potential. Recognition to the importance of Montana's historic, scenic, and wildlife resources fosters eastern Montana's economic growth. This is why EPEDC works to build partnerships between federal, state, and governments and agencies in developing recreational opportunities and highlighting essential elements of our "small town" friendly atmosphere for which eastern Montana is known. To support potential economic growth, maintain and improve quality of life throughout the region, EPEDC spends a great deal of time identifying financing options for the development of both private and public sector infrastructure projects. Obtaining funds to install, maintain, and upgrade basic health and safety items is a foremost priority in all five counties. Other constant needs are rural county road improvements and overall development, and improving accessibility to both geographical areas and existing structures. Addressing the demand for increased communication capabilities, evaluating the potential for expansion, tending to beautification projects, and keeping pace with the ever-changing landscape of healthcare and facility requirements are also focuses for the economical development of the communities.
