NARC Receives Department of Commerce Investment
National Association of Regional Councils
Receives US Department of Commerce Investment
The US Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) approved an investment application by the National Association of Regional Councils (NARC) and the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) that will fund programs dedicated to economic development practitioners across the United States.
These programs specifically address the need for timely dissemination of innovative ideas and practices in economic development. Recognizing the important role regional councils play in economic development, Assistant Secretary of Commerce Sandy Baruah stated that this EDA investment in NARC and IEDC “will serve as a foundation for future economic successes that will benefit both families and businesses, working towards its mission to prepare American regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy.” He further stated that “President Bush is committed to ensure that no community or demographic group is excluded from the opportunity to achieve the American dream.”
NARC and IEDC will organize a series of Regional Economic Development Roundtable Meetings in six different locations, to surface key strategies, review policies and share best practices in 21st century economic development. They will produce satellite telecasts, electronic newsletters and a quarterly magazine that will cover a variety of topics promoting innovation and competitiveness in the economic development arena.
“I am pleased that NARC and its network of regional councils coupled with IEDC’s member roster of business organizations, practitioners, universities and researchers, and the combined expertise of both organizations in economic development, are tapped to maximize opportunities to grow the economies of American communities. NARC and IEDC look forward to another year of productive partnership with the EDA,” said Cameron Moore, NARC Executive Director.
Over the past three years, the two organizations have gained the confidence of EDA in completing projects with impact in distressed urban and rural areas, as well as in developing regional communities. The most recent telecast in the Economic Development Today series featured two emerging mega-regions in Florida. EDA Update, the monthly newsletter and Economic Development America, the quarterly magazine both feature articles contributed by recognized experts in the field. These efforts have been proven valuable and effective in supporting the agency’s goal of disseminating relevant and timely information.
The National Association of Regional Councils is a non-profit membership organization and public interest group whose mission is to improve the quality of life for American communities by promoting regional approaches and cooperation in addressing community challenges such as economic development. The International Economic Development Council serves economic development professionals and those in allied fields, who are committed to building local and regional economies worldwide.