info@ruraleconomicalliance.com
Who We Are
Be part of something bigger.
At REAL, our mission is to build a thriving business economy throughout our rural communities.
REAL was created by rural cities in Linn and Benton counties to create a competitive advantage in attracting, growing and retaining business and investment in the region. Starting with the “Rural Linn County Economic Development Proposal” created by leaders from rural cities in Linn County in 2015, the effort expanded into Benton County with a total of eight cities, originally nick-named “the Great Eight” in 2017. The collaborative effort was awarded a Rural Opportunities Initiative grant from Business Oregon in 2017 and contracted Oregon RAIN to bring a Venture Catalyst to the region to build an entrepreneurial ecosystem. Coming out of the pandemic in 2022, the group has rebranded itself as Rural Economic Alliance, REAL, and continues the intra-city effort to create efficient and effective structures for furthering the economic objectives of the region.
The Strategic Action Plan is the framework for the cities to work together to accomplish common economic goals and respond to common economic opportunities.
Our core values drive us toward success.
Working Together
REAL cities work together to accomplish common economic goals and respond to common economic opportunities. REAL’s strategic plan includes the following priorities:
01
Establish a rural-focused primary point of contact collaborating with all existing services and organizations to align, focus and leverage resources and connect entrepreneurs to resources.
02
Connect entrepreneurs and new businesses with learning opportunities and startup support.
03
Link existing and potential employers with a skilled and trained workforce.
04
Advocate for the communities and the goals of this partnership for improved market conditions and improved legislative, regulatory or government laws, policies and programs, particularly those directed at workforce readiness and development.
Participating Cities
The initial eight-city collaborative that formed REAL consists of the following participating cities. Other cities within Linn and Benton counties are welcome to join REAL and work with us to support our region’s economy. Connect with us here to find out more.
