Press Release
U.S. EDA Collaborates to Strengthen Economy in the Five State Southwest Region
August 29, 2011
Contact: John Atwood, (202) 482-4085
WASHINGTON - The U.S. Commerce Department's Economic Development Administration (EDA) today announced a $300,000 grant to the Southwest Region Executive Director's Association (SREDA) of Tulsa, OK, for technical assistance to identify best economic development practices for economic development organizations in the five-state Southwest Region.
"This is an important investment that will economic development technical assistance to economic development organizations in the states of Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas to advance regional competitiveness," said U.S. Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development John R. Fernandez. "EDA is pleased to support this effort to spur innovation and entrepreneurship, create higher-skill, higher-wage jobs, and promote industry clusters in the Southwest Region."
"This strategy will provide a forum for the stronger planning organizations in the region to share and mentor the less aggressive organization. SREDA is an Oklahoma non-profit organization that serves the five-state Southwest Region" said Heather Urena, Chairman of the organization.
In an effort to stay competitive in the global economy, the program will foster and promote public-private partnerships. This investment will support the economic climate in the five-state Southwest Region by providing the technical assistance needed to encourage the formation and enhancement of economic development strategies that will ultimately sustain and promote economic development activities in the region.
About the U.S. Economic Development Administration:
The mission of the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing the nation's regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. An agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce, EDA makes investments in economically distressed communities in order to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth.