October 27, 2006

PDC Will Partner With Food Innovation Center To Assist In Local Business Development

Food processors will be able to use the Center’s technical, consulting and educational services with financial assistance from PDC

The Portland Development Commission (PDC) and the Portland-based Food Innovation Center (FIC) have signed an agreement to provide assistance to Portland-based food processors. The agreement is one of several initiatives supported by PDC to assist the food industry in the Portland metropolitan area.

“We welcome this new partnership with the Food Innovation Center, which furthers our support of the local food processing industry as a source of economic growth and job creation,” said Bruce Warner, PDC executive director.

“We are very pleased to work with PDC in providing our services to local businesses,” added Jerry Gardner, program manager for the FIC. The Center offers one stop access to technical, consulting and educational services for food producers, processors, marketers, and entrepreneurs. It operates through a partnership with Oregon State University and the Oregon Department of Agriculture to advance the Northwest food industry.

PDC and the Food Innovation Center will work together to identify clients, with evaluation criteria being positive impact on job creation or retention; potential for product improvement or development; increased productivity; and availability of funds in the project location. 

Available services include market projections, package performance testing, shelf life and environmental testing, and technical support for product development, packaging design, product identity and market access development.   Funding for the services will be available to eligible companies citywide as well as those located in one of six urban renewal areas: Lents, Airport Way, Oregon Convention Center, Interstate, River District and Gateway.

To apply or for more information, contact Randy Evans, PDC program manager, 503-823-0119; or Jerry Gardner, FIC program manager, 503-872-6600.

PDC was created by Portland voters in 1958 to serve as the city’s urban renewal agency as laid out in Chapter 15 of the City’s Charter. PDC provides comprehensive housing, development and economic development programs within the Portland region.

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