Introduction

SEAGO’s comprehensive economic development strategy (CEDS) brought together the public and private sectors in the creation of an economic roadmap to diversification and sustainability. In order to achieve our goals and strengthen regional economies, we herein demonstrate our dedication to the process of planning, actualization and confirmation.

Our CEDS analyzes the SEAGO regional economy and stands to serve as a guide for establishing attainable regional goals and objectives, develop and implement a regional plan of action, while identifying investment priorities, and listing funding sources.

Our CEDS integrates the SEAGO Region’s human and physical capital planning in the service of economic development.

Integrated economic development planning provides the flexibility to adapt to global economic conditions while complimenting the region’s unique local advantages. Together with our members, partners and stakeholders SEAGO will maximize economic opportunities for the residents in the area by enriching and supporting existing public and private operations and place emphasis on attracting private investment.

Private investment creates jobs, increasing opportunities

Private investment creates jobs, and new jobs mean increased opportunities for our region’s residents. New jobs mean new dollars added to sales tax revenue to our member entities. This cumulative, positive effect is just one of the goals that will be attained through the efforts of the EDD in cooperation with member entities and EDD members.

This SEAGO CEDS is a living document, the result of a continuing economic development planning process. This economic roadmap was developed with broad-based public and private sector participation.

It is a daunting task to set forth goals and objectives necessary to solve the economic development problems of such an enormous and diverse region. However, as the reader will see SEAGO clearly defines the metrics of success.

Finally, our CEDS provides a useful benchmarks by which this regional economy can evaluate opportunities within our region, adjacent to our region or even in other regions in our national economy that. Why reach beyond our SEAGO border? Because true regionalization erases borders.

A city, county or area in need of support that SEAGO is able to furnish generates a long lasting, beneficial effect.

In as much as the Public Works and Economic Development Act (PWEDA) of 1965, as amended, requires a CEDS in order to apply for investment assistance under EDA’s PWEDA Programs, this Turning Point CEDS document fulfills that requirement.