SANDPOINT - The five northern counties making up the state's Panhandle region were recently awarded a $250,000 Regional Innovation Grant from the U.S. Department of Labor meant to help develop a vision for the area's economic future.

The grant, which will be administered by the Idaho Department of Labor, will work to align education, business, workforce development, community leadership and local resources for the region as it moves into a new, uncertain economic future.

In order to develop a plan for how best to spend the money, Department of Labor officials will seek out local representatives from each county to form a larger, regional group, said project manager Vicki Isakson.

There are no specific qualifications for who can contribute to the plan,

but Isakson is looking for broad representation from leaders in the fields of economic development, workforce development, education, business and industry. Business leaders, more than any other group, will be sought to contribute, Isakson said.

"(Business and industry leaders) are really going to be our drivers because they create the demand in the region for what we need, in regards to building a sustainable workforce," Isakson said.

Once formed, the group will use grant funds to hire consulting firms, map the region's assets, perform gap analysis on various industries to see if a large enough labor force is available and develop a strategic plan for the economy. The grant is designated to serve the planning stages of projects and cannot be used for implementation of any ideas that come out of the group.

The Department of Labor is hosting a regional planning workshop Oct. 8 at the Sandpoint Community Hall from 8-10 p.m. to give Bonner County residents a chance to hear more about the grant and give input on identifying elements of the local economy that should be pursued in the general work plan.

To attend the workshop RSVP Isakson via e-mail at [email protected] by Oct. 6.