The South East Texas Economic Development District (SETEDD) is currently in the process of updating the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) for the region, according to Transportation and Environmental Resources Division Director Bob Dickinson, of the South East Texas Regional Planning Commission.
The plan is reportedly developed to set the SETEDD’s vision for economic development and maintain the region’s federal designation as an Economic Development District (EDD).
Designation as an EDD allows communities in the region to be eligible for funding opportunities through the Economic Development Administration (EDA), an agency of the United States Department of Commerce.
In order to receive ample input from various interests in the region, four focus group meetings have been set: Tuesday, June 2, at Lamar University, College of Business, Dean’s Conference Room – Room 232; Wednesday, June 3, and Thursday, June 4, at the South East Texas Regional Planning Commission; and Wednesday, June 10, at the Jasper County Courthouse Annex Building.
These focus groups will be facilitated by Craig Escamilla of CAE Solutions, LLC.
The Regional Economic Development Initiative (REDI), the steering committee for the South East Texas Economic Development Foundation (SETEDF), is partnering to provide the services of Craig Escamilla to aid in the facilitation of the focus groups and the gathering of information to assist in and enhance the updating of the CEDS.