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Brief: CEDS Committee Meets to Start on 5-Year Plan

Sept. 29, 2007 — Gov. John P. deJongh Jr. convened the first CEDS committee meeting of his administration this week and briefly outlined how he intends to formulate an action plan to guide the economic growth of the territory.
“The purpose of CEDS is to establish a process that will help create jobs, foster more stable and diversified economies, and improve living conditions,” deJongh said. "It provides a mechanism for coordinating the efforts of individuals, organizations, government, and private industry concerned with economic development. It is a process to enable the territory to formulate an action plan through consensus and management of our resources."
The five-year strategic plan expired in 2006, and deJongh said this committee will commence work on developing an update immediately.
The CEDS Committee is a think tank of both public and private sector individuals who represent major interests of the community, including representatives of local government, business, industry, finance, organized labor, utilities, education and community organizations. It is designed to bring together the public and private sectors in the creation of an economic road map to diversify and strengthen the economy. Members are appointed by the Governor.
“One of my objectives is to also utilize the talents and expertise of the members to address some of the broader economic and social issues confronting our communities,” deJongh said.
A CEDS is required to qualify for the US Economic Development Administration (USEDA) financial and technical assistance under its public works, economic adjustment program.

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