CHARLOTTE AMALIE, U.S. Virgin Islands – May 9, 2023 – The Virgin Islands Economic Development Authority (VIEDA) marks the week of May 8 to May 12, 2023, as the next Economic Development Week. During this week, communities across North America will celebrate and recognize the contributions made by professional economic developers to create more economically vibrant and livable communities.
Created in 2016 by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC), the largest international professional trade association for economic developers, Economic Development Week aims to increase awareness of local programs that create jobs, advance career development opportunities, and improve the quality of life in communities everywhere.
“As local and regional economies evolve, the role of economic developers and development organizations are crucial in energizing, preparing, and promoting local economic growth,” says IEDC President & CEO Nathan Ohle. “The 2023 Economic Development Week will recognize, distinguish, and show appreciation for the innovation and leadership of our community leaders building an equitable, sustainable, resilient, and inclusive future. I hope communities everywhere will join us in celebrating the accomplishments and important work economic developers perform in their communities year-round.”
This year, the VIEDA aims to highlight how economic development touches many facets of the community when investment dollars circulating in the economy create or retains jobs, revitalize neighborhoods, grow the small business community, and assist with workforce development. Examples of how VIEDA programs have directly impacted the community, and program and economic development information will be shared on VIEDA social media platforms.
“Economic Development Week continues to be another significant opportunity to spotlight the role of economic developers in our communities. As the economic landscape in the USVI and around the nation continues to evolve, we are learning every day how we can best meet the needs of our residents and business community leaders so they can experience an optimal quality of life and the economic growth they deserve,” said Wayne L. Biggs, Jr., CEO, Virgin Islands Economic Development Authority. “It is also my hope that our USVI community will gain a better understanding of how economic development has a significant impact in their daily lives,” added VIEDA CEO Biggs, Jr.
To learn more about the IEDC's Economic Development Week, visit, https://www.iedconline.org/pages/economic-development-week/. To learn more about business and community development opportunities and economic development programs, visit www.investusvirginislands.com and www.usvieda.org, respectively.
“The Bryan-Roach Administration is investing in the Territory’s people, infrastructure and future through transparency, stabilizing the economy, restoring trust in the government and ensuring that recovery projects are completed as quickly as possible. Visit http://transparency.vi.gov .”