NEWARK, NJ — The City of Newark Economic Development Corporation recently gained accreditation with the International Economic Development Council (IEDC).
Earlier this week, Invest Newark announced that the IEDC – the largest association of members serving economic and community development professionals in the world – has named it among 74 economic development organizations recognized as a development organization economic accredited (AEDO).
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According to Invest Newark:
“The AEDO program is a comprehensive peer review process that measures economic development organizations against commonly adopted standards in the profession. The program consists of two phases: a documentation review and a site visit. Each stage is designed to assess information about the candidate economic development organization’s structure, organization, funding, programs, and personnel.
“We are proud that Invest Newark has achieved this recognition,” said CEO Marcus Randolph.
“Our organization is now the only AEDO-accredited economic development organization in New Jersey,” said Randolph. “Our hard-working team, in partnership with the City of Newark, remains committed to promoting economic development in Newark and ensuring that our Invest Newark strategies include all Newark people.”
“This accreditation, and the unique opportunity to get feedback and guidance from other proficient economic developers from across the nation, tells me we’re on the right track here in Newark,” Randolph added.
CONVENIENT INTERNET
Invest Newark marked another milestone in March when the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced it was among the target funding allocations for the Affordable Connectively Program Outreach Grant.
Competition was stiff, Invest Newark said:
“In total, $66 million in funding has been awarded to partners nationwide to reach historically underserved and underserved communities. There were 350 applicants nationwide for funding and 197 were chosen… Of those 197 there were only four partners from New Jersey.
Invest Newark was awarded a $400,000 target grant to facilitate promotion and participation in the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) among eligible households.
The ACP provides a $30-a-month subsidy to eligible households on their Internet or cell phone bills. To find out more or enroll in the Affordable Connectively Program, Click here. People can also visit any Newark Public Library location or visit Newark City Hall Room 209 or 315 Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 1-3pm and Friday 9am-noon.
“With this award, Invest Newark will partner with community organizations, public libraries, schools, faith-based organizations and other local leaders to increase awareness and adoption of the program,” said Aaron Meyerson, head of innovation economics and director of the broadband connection.
“Increased adoption of the ACP means more students can do their homework, more jobs can be applied from home, and more older adults can reach out to loved ones using the Internet,” Meyerson said.
“The adoption of ACP also means more money in Newarkers’ pockets,” Meyerson said. “We look forward to the months ahead and make sure every eligible Newark family benefits from this program.”
Other partners in New Jersey include:
- Computers For People Inc. Hoboken which received $326,920
- HOPES Community Action Partnership Incorporated in Hoboken which received $300,000
- Thomas Edison State University in Trenton which received $400,000
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