NEWARK, NJ — The City of Newark’s economic development corporation recently nailed down accreditation with the International Economic Development Council (IEDC).
Earlier this week, Invest Newark announced that the IEDC – the largest membership association serving economic and community development professionals in the world – named it among 74 economic development organizations recognized as an accredited economic development organization (AEDO).
According to Invest Newark:
“The AEDO program is a comprehensive peer review process that measures economic development organizations against commonly held standards in the profession. The program consists of two phases: a documentation review and an onsite visit. Each phase is designed to evaluate information about the structure, organization, funding, programs, and staff of the candidate economic development organization.”
“We are proud that Invest Newark has achieved this accreditation,” CEO Marcus Randolph said.
“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 are inclusive of all Newarkers.”
“This accreditation and the unique opportunity to get feedback and guidance from other skilled economic developers from across the nation, tells me that we’re on the right path here in Newark,” Randolph added.
AFFORDABLE 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 program.
Competition was tight, Invest Newark said:
“In total, $66 million in funds were allocated to partners nationwide to reach out to historically underserved and unserved communities. There were 350 applicants nationwide for the funding and 197 were chosen … Out of those 197 there were only four partners from New Jersey.”
Invest Newark received a target grant of $400,000 to facilitate the promotion and participation in the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) among eligible households.
The ACP provides a $30 a month subsidy to eligible households for their internet or mobile phone bill. To learn more or sign up for Affordable Connectively Program, click here. People can also visit any Newark Public Library location, or visit Newark City Hall Room 209 or 315 on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday from 1 to 3 p.m., and Friday from 9 a.m. to 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, chief innovation economy officer and director of broadband.
“Increasing adoption of ACP means more students can do their homework from home, more jobs can be applied to from home, and more older adults can contact their loved ones using the internet,” Meyerson said.
“Adoption of ACP also means more money back in the pockets of Newarkers,” Meyerson said. “We’re looking forward to the months ahead and ensuring every eligible Newark household take advantage of this program.”
The 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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