In This Issue

• Spotlight: John Fleming, M.D. Sworn in as U.S. Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development
• Success Story: EDA University Center at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi Helps Texas’ Woman-led Ensemble Group Grow and Succeed
• Highlight: DOC’s “Spotlight on Commerce” Series Features EDA Women that are Making a Difference

Spotlight: John Fleming, M.D. Sworn in as U.S. Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development

On Friday, March 15, Dr. John C. Fleming of Minden, Louisiana was sworn in as Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development. The action follows the March 7 U.S. Senate vote to confirm Fleming as the new administrator of the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA). A four term U.S. Congressman serving Louisiana’s 4th Congressional district from January 2009 to January 2017, Fleming is also a physician, businessman and former Webster Parish coroner. As head of EDA, Dr. Fleming will be responsible for fulfilling the agency’s mission of leading the federal economic development agenda.

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Success Story: EDA University Center at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi Helps Texas’ Woman-led Ensemble Group Grow and Succeed

Ensemble Group founder and CEO Gracie Martin has spent the last decade building a thriving consulting business creating custom websites and applications, with the help of the EDA University Center at Texas A&M University, Corpus Christi (TAMU-CC) and its Coastal Bend Business Innovation Center (CBBIC). CBBIC promotes cross-disciplinary academic and entrepreneurial programs across the University, including business incubation services and executive/professional education.

Ensemble Group went through CBBIC’s incubation process and graduated from the program in February 2015. Today, the company resides at the Innovation Center and serves as an anchor tenant, providing mentorship for current clients. They also offer products and/or services consistent with the mission of the Innovation Center, while agreeing to provide resources at preferential rates. Specifically, Ensemble Group specializes in custom-built systems and web solutions designed to meet an individual clients’ business need. It also provides branding, graphic design, IOS and Android apps, WordPress development and management and e-commerce websites.

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Highlight: DOC’s “Spotlight on Commerce” Series Features EDA Women that are Making a Difference

EDA’s female employees play a vital role in leading economic development all over the country. Our team has a diverse variety of backgrounds, and their personal and professional experiences help shape creativity in conducting economic development. In celebration of National Women’s History Month, read about some of the impacts our women are making on American communities. Irette Y. Patterson, Program Analyst for the Trade Adjustment Assistance for Firms Program Emily Miller, Policy Advisor for Strategic Initiatives, Office of Innovation and Entrepreneurship Jessica Falk, Area Director for the Austin Regional Office Click here to read more.

Assistant Secretary Fleming Participates in First Official Event

On March 22, Assistant Secretary John Fleming traveled to Wichita, Kansas, where he joined U.S. Senator Jerry Moran at Wichita State University to announce a $2 million EDA investment to purchase equipment needed to support regional manufacturing growth and training. According to grantee estimates, the project is expected to create 150 jobs.

Reminder: Fiscal Year 2018 Disaster Supplemental Funding Still Available

EDA has available $587 million for disaster recovery grants in communities experiencing economic distress or other economic harm resulting from Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria and wildfires and other federally declared natural disasters occurring in calendar year 2017. Please visit EDA’s Disaster Supplemental Funding page for more.

EDA 2019 Regional Innovation Strategies Program Competition Closes April 4

EDA is currently accepting applications for the 2019 Regional Innovation Strategies (RIS) Program! For information on eligibility and how to apply, interested organizations are encouraged to visit EDA’s RIS webpage. Applications to the 2019 RIS Program competition must be submitted no later than 11:59pm Eastern Time on Thursday, April 4, 2019.

EDA Invests $27 Million to Expand and Improve Airports in the U.S. Virgin Islands

On March 6,  Deputy Assistant Secretary for Regional Affairs Dennis Alvord and Philadelphia Regional Director Linda Cruz-Carnall joined Governor Albert Bryan at a press conference to announce $27 million in EDA grants to the Virgin Islands Port Authority of St. Thomas, U.S.V.I., to expand and improve two major airports in the wake of Hurricanes Irma and Maria.

John C. Fleming named Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development
Associated Press (3/15/19)

$2 million grant for WSU research lab will create jobs, keep Wichita the Air Capital
Wichita Eagle (3/22/19)

Walorski: St. Joseph County awarded grant to improve internet in Indiana Enterprise Center
WSBD 22 (3/15/19)

Bryan To Focus On Assuring Federal Funds USVI Receives Are Spent
VI Consortium (3/7/19)

Space Base: STARGATE celebrates grand opening
Valley Morning Star (3/19/19)