IEDC's Disaster Recovery Initiatives

IEDC's response to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita has been immediate

and focused. The organization recently built upon the call of members to coordinate the Gulf Coast Business Reinvestment Forum. The Forum was co-sponsored with the US Chamber of Commerce, and in partnership with Gulf Coast states. More than 130 economic development, business, and policy leaders helped create strategies to enhance the position of the Gulf Coast on the federal legislative agenda and provide a set of recommendations to serve as an economic recovery and development agenda.

The organization also launched The Economic Recovery Volunteer Program in December through support from the Economic Development Administration. To date, this program has deployed 20 members to Chambers of Commerce, Economic Development Organizations, and Business Assistance Centers located in areas that suffered heavy hurricane damage. Volunteers have served over 100 businesses in the region, and IEDC continues to schedule volunteers and expand the program.

IEDC is a co-sponsor in the upcoming 'Restoration 2006' ICMA conference, May 16-17 in New Orleans, focusing on community and economic recovery after a disaster. Through our Accredited Economic Development Organization program, we are also working with Louisiana Economic Development to evaluate and enhance its capacity. In addition, CEO and President Jeff Finkle has spoken to several Gulf Coast audiences regarding disaster-recovery and economic development lessons and strategies.

For more information contact: Rebecca Moudry (202) 942-9450 Rmoudry@ieclconline.org