NEWARK, NJ – The City of Newark Economic Development Corporation recently completed accreditation with the International Economic Development Council (IEDC).
Earlier this week, Invest Newark announced that IEDC – the world’s largest membership association for business and community development professionals – has named it one of 74 economic development organizations recognized as an Accredited Economic Development Organization (AEDO).
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According to Invest Newark:
“The AEDO program is a comprehensive peer-reviewed process that measures economic development organizations against common standards in the industry. The program consists of two phases: a documentation review and an on-site visit. At each stage, information about the structure, organization, funding, programs and staff of the economic development organization in question should be evaluated.”
“We are proud that Invest Newark has received this accreditation,” said CEO Marcus Randolph.
“Our organization is now the only AEDO-accredited economic development organization in New Jersey,” Randolph said. “Our hard-working team, in partnership with the City of Newark, remains committed to advancing economic development in Newark and ensuring that our strategies at Invest Newark include all Newarkers.”
“This accreditation, and the unique opportunity to receive feedback and guidance from other qualified business developers from around the country, tells me we’re on the right track here in Newark,” added Randolph.
CHEAP INTERNET
Invest Newark marked another milestone in March when the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced it was one of the target funding allocations for the Affordable Connectively Program Outreach Grant program.
The competition is tough, said Invest Newark:
“In total, $66 million in funding has been allocated to partners across the country to reach historically underserved and unserved communities. There were 350 applicants for funding statewide and 197 were selected… Of those 197, there were only four partners from New Jersey.”
Invest Newark received a $400,000 target grant to help eligible households eligibility and participation in the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP).
The ACP provides eligible households with a monthly subsidy of US$30 for their Internet or cell phone bills. To learn more or to enroll in the Affordable Connectively program, click here. Visitors can also visit any location of the Newark Public Library or room 209 or 315 of Newark City Hall Monday, Tuesday, Thursday from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. and Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
“With this award, Invest Newark will work with community organizations, public libraries, schools, faith-based organizations and other local leaders to increase awareness and adoption of the program,” said Aaron Meyerson, chief innovation economy officer and director of broadband.
“Increasing adoption of ACP means more students can do their homework from home, more jobs can apply from home, and more older adults can contact loved ones via the Internet,” Meyerson said.
“The introduction of ACP also puts more money back in the pockets of Newarkers,” Meyerson said. “We look forward to the months ahead and to ensuring every eligible household in Newark benefits from this program.”
Other partners in New Jersey include:
Computers For People Inc. Hoboken received $326,920. HOPES Community Action Partnership Incorporated of Hoboken received $300,000. Thomas Edison State University in Trenton received $400,000
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