Event Types: Public

As pandemic recovery continues throughout the United States, there is a tremendous opportunity right now to better coordinate economic development planning efforts at the state and regional levels to drive prosperity and resilience. The NADO Research Foundation and Center for Regional Economic Competitiveness (CREC) hosted a webinar highlighting how state economic development offices and regionally-based Economic Development Districts (EDDs) can better align their efforts, in particular by coordinating statewide economic development plans and regional Comprehensive Economic Development Strategies (CEDS).

During the webinar, participants learned more about the CEDS process from U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) staff and how it can support efforts to meet regional and statewide economic development goals. They also heard how the Eastern Maine Development Corporation, located in Bangor and serving four counties, forged a strong partnership with the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development – an example of an EDD-state government collaboration that is leading to powerful outcomes for local residents and businesses.

Speakers:
Bob Isaacson, Senior Vice President, Center for Regional Economic Competitiveness, Arlington, VA
David Ives, Deputy Director, Performance, Research and National Technical Assistance Division, U.S. Economic Development Administration, Washington, DC
Heather Johnson, Commissioner, Maine Department of Economic & Community Development, Augusta, ME
Lee Umphrey, CEO, Eastern Maine Development Corporation, Bangor, ME
Brett Schwartz, Associate Director, NADO Research Foundation, Washington, DC (moderator)

This was a joint SEDE/EDA webinar so attendees included an EDA audience. The Recording and slides used in the presentations are available online.

The materials included on these State-Local Alignment webpages were prepared by the Center for Regional Economic Competitiveness using Federal funds under award ED21HDQ3070060 from the Economic Development Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce. The statements, findings, conclusions, and recommendations are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Economic Development Administration or the U.S. Department of Commerce.

The recent supply chain challenges have spotlighted the central role that international trade plays in our state and local economies and the importance of developing a comprehensive international trade strategy. International trade is 12 percent of our nation’s gross domestic product and supports millions of good paying jobs.

The State International Development Organizations (SIDO), the Center for Regional Economic Competitiveness (CREC) and the State Economic Development Executive (SEDE) Network presented a webinar on how state international trade development offices and Economic Development Districts (EDDs) can coordinate on the development of a comprehensive international trade strategy, including promoting exports, attracting FDI, and mitigating supply chain disruptions.

Speakers:
• Andy Karellas, Executive Director, State International Development Organizations (SIDO)
• Bob Isaacson, Senior Vice President, Center for Regional and Economic Competitiveness (CREC)
• Heather Johnson, Commissioner of Maine Department of Economic and Community Development
• Barrett Haga, Senior Engagement Administrator, Economic Development Administration (EDA)
• Wade Merritt, President and State Director of International Trade, Maine International Trade Center
• Gabrielle Gerbaud, Executive Director, Trade Office and Chief Protocol Officer for the State of Minnesota
• Nicole Griensewic, Region Nine Development Commission, Mankato, MN

This was a joint SEDE/EDA webinar so attendees included an EDA audience. The Recording and slides used in the presentations are available online.

The materials included on these State-Local Alignment webpages were prepared by the Center for Regional Economic Competitiveness using Federal funds under award ED21HDQ3070060 from the Economic Development Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce. The statements, findings, conclusions, and recommendations are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Economic Development Administration or the U.S. Department of Commerce.

The COVID-19 public health crisis and resulting economic crisis have put state, local, and Tribal governments under unprecedented strain. Through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), the Treasury Department is providing needed $350 billion of relief to state, local, and Tribal governments to enable them to continue to support the public health response and lay the foundation for a strong and equitable economic recovery.

ARPA also provided $3 billion in supplemental funding to the Economic Development Administration for several major new grant programs. The Treasury Relief Programs may shed light on the the priorities of state and local governments and provide some guidance on how any EDA grant awards will be used.

Speakers:
Christy McFarland (Research Director, National League of Cities) will present her research on ARPA spending by local governments
Emily Maher (Senior Policy Specialist, National Conference of State Legislatures) will discuss ARPA spending by states

This is a joint SEDE/EDA webinar so attendees included an EDA audience. The Recording and PPT Presentation  are available online.

The materials included on these State-Local Alignment webpages were prepared by the Center for Regional Economic Competitiveness using Federal funds under award ED21HDQ3070060 from the Economic Development Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce. The statements, findings, conclusions, and recommendations are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Economic Development Administration or the U.S. Department of Commerce.