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North Carolina <br />Department of Commerce <br /> <br />Michael F. Easley, Governor <br /> <br />June 24, 2002 <br /> <br />James T. Fain, IH, Secretary <br /> <br />Dear Mr. Clifton: <br /> <br />North Carolina's 8th Congressional District has been severely impacted by the recent downturn in <br />the economy,' especially in the manufacturing sector. Currently, counties that comprise the 8th <br />District are working to develop a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) with an <br />economic adjustment planning grant from the Economic Development Administration. A twenty- <br />eight member CEDS "Committee", appointed by the respective county leaders, is compiling <br />recommendations to guide and prepare the counties of Anson, Cabarms, Cumberland, Hoke, <br />Montgomery, Richmond, Robeson, Scotland, Stanly and' Union by addressing the advantages, <br />assets, opportunities and. obstacles to prosperity in the 21st Century. This will allow the counties to <br />pursue federal implementation grants to help address identified infrastructure deficiencies, etc. The <br />ultimate goal is to attract more capital investment for the region to create more jobs and <br />opportunities. <br /> <br />This coordinated effort will require specific strategies for the region and each of the participating <br />counties. The CEDS Committee will oversee the development of the Comprehensive Economic <br />Development Strategy and the elected officials and city/county staff will oversee the <br />implementation of the strategic plans in their respective counties. Private sector businesses, <br />representatives from government, educators and other community organizations and agencies <br />interested in economic development will also be included in this effort. The fiscal agent for the <br />initiative is the North Carolina Partnership for Economic Development. <br /> <br />Funding for the strategy will come from the Economic Development Administration and the fiscal <br />agent for the project will be the North Carolina Partnership for Economic Development (NCPED),-- <br />--- working through the North Carolina Department of Commerce, NCPED and the CEDS <br />Committee will sign a memorandum of understanding to state the specific roles of each entity. <br /> <br />Your county representative is eligible to become an active voting member of the CEDS Committee. <br />If .you would like to exercise this option, your Board of Commissioners must sign the enclosed <br />"resolution to participate". <br /> <br />225 Green Street, Suite 202 Fayetteville, NC 28301 Telephone 910-829-6384 <br /> ~tn Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer <br /> <br />FAX 910-437-2535 <br /> <br /> <br />