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FROM THE REGIONAL DIRECTOR
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Happy new year from the Philadelphia Regional Office! I hope everyone had a great holiday season. 2023 is in the books and with it the successful launch of our newest initiatives.
In October, EDA announced the Phase 1 winners for the new Regional Technology and Innovation Hubs (Tech Hubs) program, fifteen of whom were here in our region. Then in December, the finalists for the new Distressed Area Recompete Pilot Program were also announced, recognizing seven local applicants. I’d like to congratulate all of our winners and personally thank you for the work you are doing to promote technological innovation and to put more and more communities on the path to success.
In this issue, Assistant Secretary for Economic Development Alejandra Castillo will provide a recap of EDA’s efforts throughout 2023, including $403 million in federal investments. We’ll also see how U.S. Senator Jim Himes and staff members from the Philadelphia Regional Office are providing outreach to the state of Connecticut following recent flooding and drought events in the state.
For more information on EDA and its programs, please visit eda.gov.
Linda Cruz-Carnall
Philadelphia Regional Office DIrector
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PENNSYLVANIA
Biden Travels to Allentown to Highlight Towns 'Making a Comeback'
On January 12, President Joe Biden visited Allentown, Pennsylvania, to highlight U.S. towns historically underserved that are now making a comeback.
In December, EDA named the region as a Phase 1 finalist under the new Distressed Area Recompete Pilot Program. If awarded, the grant will support workforce development in the healthcare and manufacturing sectors, while removing barriers to employment in traditionally underserved communities, by investing in micro-transit and childcare services.
During his visit, the president touted that Allentown has added 32,000 jobs and the unemployment rate has dropped from 6.4 to 3.9 percent since he took office. [Read more]
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EDA 2023: A Year of Impact
By Alejandra Y. Castillo, Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development 2023 was another year of tremendous impact and growth at the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA). Our dedicated team of public servants work tirelessly to improve the competitiveness of American industry through equitable economic growth, a core priority of the Biden-Harris Administration. EDA’s efforts in 2023 resulted in approximately $403 million of federal investment in 584 projects, which are expected to lead to over 27,000 new, quality jobs, and nearly $8.5 billion in private investment, according to grantee estimates. [Read more]
Congressman Jim Himes Participates in EDA 101 Webinar
In December, Katherine Trapani, Economic Development Representative for Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont, was joined by U.S. Congressman Jim Himes (CT-4) for an EDA 101 webinar with the Connecticut Emergency Management Association. Trapani provided an overview of EDA funding opportunities and eligibility guidelines, with an emphasis on Disaster Supplemental funding. In 2023, severe weather impacted the state, with flooding, drought, and wildfire smoke from across the Canadian border.
U.S. Small Business Administration Announces America's Seed Fund Tour
In conjunction with the America’s Seed Fund program, the U.S. Small Business Administration announced a 2024 multi-city tour that will introduce innovators and entrepreneurs to technology funding opportunities with the department’s Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer programs. The America’s Seed Fund program is investing up to $2 million in funding for startups that are developing new technologies. It encourages participation by traditionally underrepresented groups while supporting technological innovation. [Read more]
Impact Newsletter now Available
Check out the latest issue of Impact, a monthly publication that spotlights EDA investments and success stories throughout the United States. [Read more] To receive Impact in your inbox, click here to manage your EDA subscriptions.
Reminder: RLF Week
From January 22-26, EDA will celebrate RLF Week! EDA encourages Revolving Loan Fund operators to consider sharing information and stories about your RLF on social media during this time using the hashtag #RLFWeek. Be sure to also monitor #RLFWeek to see what other RLF operators are doing. See examples of stories shared during past RLF Weeks here.
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IN THE NEWS
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Skowhegan Organization Named a Finalist in a National Economic Growth Program
WABI 5, January 2 (Maine)
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Baltimore Region Hopes to Tap Into its Strengths as Part of Federal Tech Hub Designation
The Daily Record, December 27 (Maryland)
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MassHire Hampden County A Finalist For Distressed Area Recompete Pilot Program
Business West, December 21 (Massachusetts)
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Manchester Designated as one of 31 Tech Hubs Nationally
Manchester Ink Link, January 6 (New Hampshire)
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Bailey Manufacturing Gets Loan for New Warehouse
Post-Journal, December 23 (New York)
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Rep. Wild, Sen. Casey, Mayor Tuerk Highlight How $500,000 Federal Grant Will Expand Economic Opportunity in Allentown
Valley Ledger, December 21 (Pennsylvania)
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Villa Prades Social Impact Project Among 22 Recompete Program Finalists
News is My Business, December 21 (Puerto Rico)
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InnovateNEK Receives $1.5 Million in Funding
VermontBiz, December 23 (Vermont)
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They Took a Job Never Existing in Greater Richmond Before -- Building Medicine Richmond Times-Dispatch, December 28 (Virginia)
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Semiconductors are Important for Economic Development, but Also for National Security
La Politica Online, January 8 (Washington, DC)
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$5 Million EDA Grant Helping to Expand Workforce Development Across West Virginia’s Tourism Industry
WCHS Radio, January 2 (West Virginia)
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- Research has never been easier! The Economic Development Capacity Index enables economic developers to conduct in-depth, data-driven analysis of economic development capacity within their county. Access it here.
- Subscribe to this and other EDA newsletters and updates – click here to register.
- Connect with a local Economic Development Representative (EDR) – click here to find your EDR.
- Find an Economic Development District (EDD) for planning support and technical assistance – click here for the EDD Directory.
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PHILADELPHIA REGIONAL OFFICE
900 Market Street, Room 602
Philadelphia, PA 19107
   
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